As an artist, you want your music to be heard far and wide—and as often as possible. But when it comes to getting paid for those public plays, whether it’s on television, or in places like cafés and clubs, how does that actually happen?

You can’t realistically track every time your music is used, and in many cases, you won’t even know it was played. So, how do you earn income from those performances? That’s where performing rights organizations, or PROs, step in.

These organizations serve a critical function: they monitor music usage and collect royalties for creators like songwriters, composers, and publishers. Without them, it would be nearly impossible for music professionals to receive fair payment for the public performance of their work.

What Are PROs?

Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) are agencies that collect performance royalties on behalf of music creators when their songs are played publicly. In the U.S., the four PROs are:

• ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)
• BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
• SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers – invitation only)
• Global Music Rights (GMR) – a smaller, boutique PRO, also invitation only

These organizations license your music to businesses and broadcasters, track its usage, and distribute royalty payments to you.

From Cafés to Streams: How PROs Collect and Pay Out

Whenever music is played in a public setting—whether in a coffee shop, retail store, stadium, hotel, or even an airport—the business using the music is required to pay for the right to do so. This is done by purchasing a license from a performing rights organization (PRO). The fees collected from these licenses make up the primary source of income for PROs, which is then distributed as royalties to the songwriters, composers, and publishers who hold the rights to the music. These fees typically just cover the operational costs of the PROs themselves.

With the rise of digital technology, music is now streamed and shared in more ways than ever before. In response, PROs have adapted by offering blanket licenses that allow businesses and digital platforms to use a wide catalog of music legally across various formats and settings. Today, online streaming platforms and social media contribute significantly to the generation of public performance royalties.

Why Registering with a PRO Is So Important

Every time your music is played on the radio, used on TV, performed live, or streamed, you're owed performance royalties. To track this usage and ensure you get paid, it's essential to join a collection society and register your works with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO), which also helps establish you as the rightful songwriter.

How to Register with a PRO

The process is straightforward and can usually be done entirely online. Here's a step-by-step guide using ASCAP and BMI as examples.

1. Choose the Right PRO for You

• ASCAP and BMI are open to all U.S. songwriters and publishers.
• SESAC and GMR require an invitation, so most people begin with ASCAP or BMI.

Research what each offers in terms of royalty distribution schedules, member support, and educational resources. Make sure you read everything and the differences in order to decide which one is better for YOU.

2. Register as a Songwriter (and Publisher, if applicable)

If you write your own music and want to control your publishing rights, you should register as both a writer and a publisher. This is because PROs split royalties 50/50 between the songwriter and the publisher.

Here’s what you need:

• Legal name and contact info
• Social Security Number or Tax ID
• A professional or stage name (if applicable)
• A credit card for payment (fees apply)

ASCAP: $50 each for songwriter and publisher registration
BMI: Songwriter registration is free; publisher registration costs around $175 

3. Register Your Works

Once you're signed up, you need to submit details about each of your songs. This includes:

• Song title
• Writers and publishers involved (with their respective share percentages)
• Any collaborators’ PRO and IPI/CAE numbers
• Recording or release info, if applicable

You’ll do this through the PRO’s online portal. The more accurately you register your music, the easier it will be to collect royalties.

Tips for Success

• Keep track of all your co-writes and agree in writing on percentage splits before submitting songs.
• Stay active on your PRO dashboard, updating songs as they’re released or performed live.
• Monitor your royalty statements to ensure your payments are accurate.

How Are Royalties Handled for Non-Interactive Digital Services?

When music is played on digital platforms that don’t allow users to choose specific songs—such as satellite radio (like SiriusXM), internet radio stations, or cable music channels—royalties are managed by SoundExchange. This organization specializes in collecting and distributing performance royalties specifically for sound recordings streamed through non-interactive digital services.

Final Thoughts

Registering with a PRO isn’t just a box to check off—it’s how you ensure your creative labor gets recognized and compensated. With streaming and global performance opportunities at an all-time high, this simple step can have long-term impacts on your income and visibility as a music creator.

So whether you're a bedroom producer, an indie artist, or a professional composer, don’t delay. Pick a PRO, register today, and start collecting what you’re owed. Your music works hard—make sure it pays off!