How Do Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) Work?

What PROs Actually Do

1. License your music to radio stations, streaming services, venues, etc.
2. Track when, where, and how often your music is played publicly
3. Collect royalties from businesses that use music
4. Distribute payments to songwriters and publishers based on usage

 Main PROs in the U.S.

PRO	Type	Key Notes
ASCAP	Nonprofit	Open to all; large catalog
BMI	Nonprofit	Open to all; free to join as writer
SESAC	For-profit	Invite-only; more personalized service
GMR	For-profit	Invite-only; boutique, elite catalog

Internationally, PROs include PRS (UK), SOCAN (Canada), APRA (Australia), and others.

 What PROs Pay You For

Usage Type	Pays Performance Royalties?
Radio airplay	Yes
TV and film broadcast	Yes
Streaming (Spotify, etc.)	Yes (partial)
Live performances	Yes (submit setlists)
Background music in businesses	Yes

 How to Get Paid

• Join a PRO as a songwriter (and publisher, if self-publishing)
• Register your songs with the correct splits and co-writers
• Submit live setlists if you perform your songs at shows
• PROs pay out quarterly (typically)

 Writer’s Share vs. Publisher’s Share

• PROs split performance royalties 50/50:
• Writer’s share goes to the songwriter
• Publisher’s share goes to the publisher (or you, if self-published)

 Pro Tips

• Join a PRO as early as possible—you can’t get paid unless you're registered
• Always register every new song with correct metadata
• If touring, use your PRO’s tools (like ASCAP OnStage or BMI Live) to get paid for performances

Bottom Line:
PROs are essential partners for songwriters. They collect your public performance money, pay you quarterly, and make sure you get compensated every time your music is used in public.