How Do I Register My Songs to Collect All Types of Royalties?

 Key Registrations You Need

Royalty Type

Where to Register

Notes

Performance Royalties

PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, etc.)

For public performance (radio, TV, streaming)

Mechanical Royalties

The MLC (in the U.S.)

For digital mechanical royalties on streams/downloads

Digital Sound Recording Royalties

SoundExchange

For digital performance royalties on non-interactive platforms

Publishing Admin

Admin publisher or self-administered

Helps collect international mechanical & performance royalties

Copyright Registration

U.S. Copyright Office (or local equivalent)

Legal proof of ownership (optional but recommended)



 Steps to Register

  1. Join a PRO: Register as a songwriter and/or publisher, submit song details and splits.
  2. Register with The MLC: Claim your songs to collect mechanical royalties in the U.S.
  3. Register with SoundExchange: If you perform or own masters, claim your recordings.
  4. Set up Publishing Administration: Use a service like Songtrust for global royalty collection.
  5. Register Your Copyright: Optional but provides legal protection in disputes.
  6. Keep Metadata Accurate: Ensure songwriter splits, titles, ISWC, and ISRC codes are correct everywhere.


 Why Each Registration Matters

Registration

What Happens If You Don’t Register?

PRO

You won’t get performance royalties

The MLC

You won’t receive U.S. mechanical royalties

SoundExchange

You miss out on digital performance royalties

Publishing Admin

You lose mechanical & performance royalties abroad

Copyright Registration

Harder to prove ownership in legal disputes



 Pro Tips

  • Register before your music is released to avoid missed royalties
  • Keep your writer and publisher splits consistent across all platforms
  • Check and update registrations regularly as you release new music
  • Use a professional or admin publisher if you want hassle-free global collection
  • Monitor royalty statements and audit if needed


Bottom Line:
Proper and thorough song registration is your best defense to get paid fully and on time. Missing just one registration can cost you thousands in lost royalties.

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