Industry

Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Music Royalties

Step 1 – Join a Performing Rights Organization (PRO)

Goal: Collect performance royalties for radio, TV, live shows, and streaming.

• ASCAP – https://www.ascap.com/
• BMI – https://www.bmi.com/
• SESAC – https://www.sesac.com/ (invite-only)

Steps:

1. Choose ONE PRO.
2. Create a songwriter account.
3. (Optional) Create a publisher account.
4. Register each song with your PRO.

Step 2 – Join The MLC for Mechanical Royalties

Goal: Collect U.S. digital mechanical royalties from streaming platforms.

• The MLC – https://www.themlc.com/
• Harry Fox Agency (HFA) – https://www.harryfox.com/

Steps:

• Sign up as a Self-Administered Songwriter.
• Complete profile, tax, and payment info.
• Ensure your songs are matched in their database.

Step 3 – Choose a Digital Distributor

Goal: Deliver your music to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube Music, etc.

• DistroKid – https://distrokid.com/
• TuneCore – https://www.tunecore.com/
• CD Baby – https://cdbaby.com/
• UnitedMasters – https://unitedmasters.com/

Steps:

• Pick ONE distributor.
• Create an artist account.
• Upload your songs and artwork.
• Enter metadata (titles, writers, release date, ISRC/UPC).
• Submit for distribution.

Step 4 – (Optional) Join a Publishing Administrator

Goal: Collect worldwide publishing royalties you cannot collect yourself.

• Songtrust – https://www.songtrust.com/
• Sentric – https://sentricmusic.com/
• TuneCore Publishing – https://www.tunecore.com/music-publishing-administration

Steps:

1. Choose ONE publishing admin.
2. Create an account.
3. Link your PRO information.
4. Register your songs for global royalty collection.

Step 5 – Set Up YouTube Monetization / Content ID

Goal: Earn money when your music is used in YouTube videos.

• AdRev – https://www.adrev.net/

Steps:

1. Enable Content ID.
2. Upload your tracks.
3. Confirm you own the rights.

Step 6 – Join Sync Licensing Platforms

Goal: Get placements in film, TV, ads, and online media.

• Musicbed – https://www.musicbed.com/
• Artlist – https://artlist.io/
• Pond5 – https://www.pond5.com/
• Songtradr – https://www.songtradr.com/

Steps:

• Create profiles on multiple platforms.
• Upload WAV files and instrumentals.
• Add metadata (mood, genre, tempo).
• Review exclusive vs non-exclusive terms.

Step 7 – Set Up Direct-to-Fan Platforms

Goal: Earn directly from fans.

• Bandcamp – https://bandcamp.com/
• Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/

Steps:

• Create your artist/creator page.
• Upload music and set pricing.
• Offer exclusive content or merch.

Step 8 – Keep a Tracking Sheet

Goal: Stay organized and ensure all royalties are collected.

Steps:

• Suggested columns:
• – Song Title
• – PRO Registered (Y/N)
• – MLC Registered (Y/N)
• – Distributor
• – Publishing Admin
• – YouTube Monetization (Y/N)
• – Sync Platforms

Quick Start Summary

• Join ASCAP or BMI.
• Join The MLC.
• Pick one distributor (e.g., DistroKid).
• Turn on YouTube monetization.
• Add Songtrust + sync platforms when ready.