What Are Performance Royalties?

What Counts as a “Public Performance”?

Scenario	Triggers Performance Royalties?
A song played on the radio	Yes
A song performed at a live concert	Yes
A song streamed on Spotify or Apple Music	Yes
A TV show using your song	Yes
A bar, gym, or store playing your song	Yes

 Note: Private performances (e.g., at home) do not trigger royalties.

 Who Pays Performance Royalties?

Venues, broadcasters, radio stations, TV networks, and streaming services pay Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) to legally use music. The PROs then pay songwriters and publishers.

 Key U.S. PROs (Performance Rights Organizations)

PRO	Open to	Notes
ASCAP	Anyone	Non-profit, large network
BMI	Anyone	Non-profit, widely used
SESAC	Invite-only	Faster payments, selective
GMR	Invite-only	Boutique, high-profile

 Who Gets Paid?

• Songwriter – always receives the “writer’s share” (50%)
• Publisher – receives the “publisher’s share” (50%)
• If you don’t have a publisher, you may keep 100% of both shares

 Global Royalties

If your song is performed internationally, your PRO works with foreign PROs to collect and pass along those royalties—if your song is properly registered.

 Pro Tips

• Register every new song with your PRO (ASCAP, BMI, etc.)
• Submit setlists for live performances (via ASCAP OnStage, BMI Live)
• Consider using a publishing admin service to help collect the publisher’s share if you don’t have a publisher
• Check quarterly statements to track song usage and earnings

Bottom Line:
Performance royalties are a key source of income for songwriters—generated every time your music is performed or broadcast in public. Registering with a PRO ensures you get paid when your songs are played.