How to Register Your Songs to Get Paid Royalties
You've released your music. It's getting plays. But are you actually getting paid?
Many creators leave money on the table simply because they haven't registered their songs properly. This guide walks you through every step to ensure you collect all the royalties you're owed.
Understanding the Royalty Landscape
Before we dive into registration, let's understand what we're collecting:
Types of Royalties
| Royalty Type | Source | Who Collects | |--------------|--------|--------------| | Performance | Radio, TV, streaming, live venues | PRO (ASCAP, BMI, PRS, etc.) | | Mechanical | Physical sales, downloads, streaming | Publisher/MLC | | Digital Performance | Non-interactive streaming | SoundExchange | | Sync | Film, TV, ads, games | Publisher (negotiated) |
Key Players
- PRO (Performing Rights Organization) – Collects performance royalties
- Publisher – Handles mechanical and sync
- SoundExchange – Digital performance royalties (US)
- CMO (Collective Management Organization) – European equivalent
Step 1: Join a PRO
Your PRO collects performance royalties when your music is played publicly.
Choosing Your PRO
In the US:
- ASCAP – Application-based, $50 fee
- BMI – Free to join, application-based
In the UK:
- PRS for Music – £100 joining fee
In Europe:
- GEMA (Germany)
- SACEM (France)
- TEOSTO (Finland)
What to Bring
When signing up, you'll need:
- Government ID
- Contact information
- Payment details
- List of your works
Step 2: Get Your IPI Number
When you join a PRO, you'll receive an IPI (Interested Party Information) number. This is your unique global identifier.
Keep this number safe! You'll need it for every registration.
Step 3: Register Your Works
Each song needs to be registered with your PRO. Include:
- Title – Exact title as released
- Writers – All songwriters with their IPI numbers
- Publishers – If you have one, or list yourself
- Splits – Percentage each party owns
Registration Tips
- Register before release if possible
- Include all writers – missing someone means missing royalties
- Be consistent with titles and names
- Keep documentation of splits
Step 4: Mechanical Royalties
Mechanical royalties come from reproductions of your music – CDs, downloads, and streaming.
In the US
- Register with the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC)
- Your distributor may handle some of this
- Self-published? Register directly
In Europe
- Most PROs handle mechanicals together with performance
- May need separate registration
Step 5: SoundExchange (US)
If you're a recording artist or own master recordings, register with SoundExchange for digital performance royalties.
This covers:
- Pandora
- SiriusXM
- Digital radio
Key Point
SoundExchange pays performers and rights owners separately. Register as both if applicable.
Step 6: Neighboring Rights (International)
For European and international plays, neighboring rights pay performers directly.
Consider registering with:
- PPL (UK)
- GVL (Germany)
- Gramex (Finland)
Common Mistakes
Not Registering at All
The biggest mistake is doing nothing. No registration = no royalties.
Incomplete Information
Missing one writer means their share goes to the black box. Always include everyone.
Wrong Metadata
Typos and inconsistencies cause matching problems. Your plays won't connect to your registrations.
Waiting Too Long
Some royalties have collection windows. Register early.
How Vandall Helps
Vandall keeps your credits and metadata organized from the start:
- Automatic credit tracking – Never lose a collaborator
- Metadata attached to files – Always know who did what
- Export-ready information – Easy registration
Try Vandall free and start tracking your credits today.
Score your registration setup in 5 minutes. The free Music Industry Readiness Check covers PRO membership, publishing admin, ISWC coverage, mechanicals, and neighbouring rights — with a personalized list of what to fix first. No signup required.
Questions about royalty registration? Email us at hello@vandall.com