How Do I Register My Songs to Get Paid?

Step-by-Step: Where and How to Register Your Songs

1. Register with a PRO (e.g., ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)

• Why: To collect performance royalties
• How:
• Sign up as a writer and optionally as a publisher
• Register each song with full metadata: title, writers, splits, IPI numbers
• What You’ll Need:
• Song title
• All co-writers' names and shares
• Your IPI (Interested Party Information) number

2. Register with the MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective)

• Why: To collect mechanical royalties from U.S. digital streaming platforms
• How:
• Sign up as a self-administered songwriter (if no publisher)
• Register each composition with ISWC, ISRC, and ownership info
• themlc.com

3. Register with SoundExchange (if you're also a performer)

• Why: To collect digital performance royalties for artists (not songwriters)
• How: Create an account and add your recordings

4. Use an Admin Publishing Service (optional but recommended)

• Why: To collect international and additional royalties
• How:
• Sign up with Songtrust, TuneCore Publishing, Sentric, etc.
• Upload your catalog and let them register on your behalf
• They handle registration with foreign PROs, mechanicals, and sync platforms

 What Information You Need to Register a Song

Field	Required?
Song title	Yes
Songwriters & splits	Yes
Performing artist	Optional
ISWC (composition code)	Helpful
ISRC (recording code)	Helpful
Genre, release date	Optional

 If You Don’t Register…

• You may miss 100% of your royalties
• Songs may go into “black box” funds, meaning they’re paid out to others or lost

 Pro Tips

• Register songs before or right after release
• Always use accurate splits and legal names
• For collaborations, use split sheets to avoid disputes
• Keep a spreadsheet or database of your full catalog

Bottom Line:
If your song isn’t registered, you don’t get paid. Register every song with your PRO and the MLC, and consider using an admin service to ensure global royalty collection.