How do I collect royalties when someone uses my beat commercially?

Beat Store : https://stephenallenmusic.beatstars.com/

When an artist releases a song using your beat and it generates income, you’re entitled to a share—but only if you’ve set yourself up properly to receive those royalties.


 Types of Royalties You Can Collect


 1. Performance Royalties

Generated when a song is performed publicly (radio, streaming, concerts, TV, etc.)

  • Collect through a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) like:
    • ASCAP
    • BMI
    • SESAC (U.S.)
    • SOCAN, PRS, GEMA, etc. (International)

 Register both yourself as a composer and the song that used your beat.


 2. Mechanical Royalties

Earned from the reproduction of music (digital downloads, streams, CDs)

  • Collected by mechanical rights organizations or publishing admins like:
    • Songtrust
    • The MLC (U.S. only)

 You must register your works with The MLC and/or a publisher.


 3. Digital Royalties (Sound Recording)

Generated by streams on platforms like Pandora or internet radio

  • Collected through SoundExchange (for the recording owner)

 If you distribute your beats as instrumentals, you can earn directly from SoundExchange.


📹 4. YouTube Content ID Royalties

Earned when your beat is used in videos on YouTube

  • Use platforms like:
    • AdRev
    • Identifyy
    • BeatStars’ YouTube Content ID system

 This allows you to monetize videos using your music—even without a license purchase.


 Use Licensing Agreements That Define Your Cut

  • Always define publishing splits in your lease and exclusive contracts
  • Common producer split: 50% publishing share
  • Include language that requires the artist to credit you properly


 Quick Setup Checklist

  • Join a PRO and register your beats
  • Join SoundExchange and The MLC
  • Use YouTube Content ID via a platform
  • Include clear royalty terms in every contract
  • Work with a publishing admin if you want help collecting globally


 Final Tip:

Getting paid isn’t automatic—you need to register your music, use contracts, and work with the right platforms. Once in place, these systems can generate royalties for years.

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