How Can a Songwriter Make Money From Karaoke and Lyric Videos?

Karaoke: How It Pays Songwriters

Karaoke tracks use the original composition (melody and lyrics), even if the recording is re-produced. This generates:

Royalty Type	Description	Paid To
Mechanical Royalties	From downloads, CD sales, or karaoke apps	Songwriters & Publishers
Performance Royalties	From public karaoke plays in bars, restaurants, etc.	Songwriters & Publishers

Licensed karaoke companies must secure mechanical and public performance licenses.

 Lyric Videos: How They Pay

Lyric videos display your lyrics alongside audio, which means:

• Mechanical royalties are earned if streamed or sold
• Performance royalties are paid if the video is viewed on platforms like YouTube
• Sync royalties may apply if a third party makes a custom lyric video for commercial use

Lyric videos on YouTube also generate ad revenue, part of which goes to the songwriter via their publisher, PRO, or admin.

 Where and How These Royalties Are Collected

Income Source	Collection Organization
Karaoke/Streaming Apps	The MLC (mechanicals), PROs (performances)
YouTube Lyric Videos	PROs, The MLC, and/or Publishing Admins
Physical Karaoke Products	Harry Fox Agency (HFA) or direct licenses
International Royalties	Foreign CMOs and global publishing admins

 Pro Tips

• Register your songs with your PRO, The MLC, and a publishing admin for global tracking
• Use proper lyric formatting and metadata when releasing official lyric videos
• Watch YouTube for unauthorized lyric videos—some may generate royalties, others may need takedowns or licensing
• If your song becomes a karaoke favorite, it can produce passive income for years

Bottom Line:
Karaoke and lyric videos generate real money for songwriters. As long as your music and lyrics are properly registered and licensed, you can earn royalties every time your words are sung or displayed.