What Are Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) and How Do They Work?

Main PROs in the U.S.

  • ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)
  • BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
  • SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers)

Each PRO operates as a nonprofit or for-profit entity with slightly different rules and membership requirements.


 How PROs Work

  1. Songwriter and publisher register songs with a PRO
  2. PRO monitors and tracks public performances of songs through various sources
  3. PRO collects licensing fees from broadcasters, venues, streaming services, and others
  4. PRO distributes collected royalties back to songwriters and publishers based on usage and shares


 Types of Performances PROs Cover

Performance Type

Examples

Broadcast

FM/AM radio, TV shows, satellite radio

Streaming

Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube (composition side)

Live Performance

Concerts, clubs, festivals, restaurants

Public Venues

Retail stores, gyms, bars, malls



 Pro Tips

  • Join one PRO only in the U.S. (no multiple PRO memberships simultaneously)
  • Register all your songs promptly and update your splits accurately
  • Use PRO online tools and apps to submit setlists and track royalties
  • Keep metadata consistent across PRO, publishing, and distributors
  • Consider SESAC if you want a smaller PRO with potentially more personalized service


Bottom Line:
PROs are the backbone for collecting and paying performance royalties to songwriters and publishers. Registering with a PRO is essential for getting paid whenever your music is publicly played.

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