Royalties are the lifeblood of your music career. They’re how you get paid every time your music is played, downloaded, streamed, or licensed. Yet many indie artists miss out on revenue simply because they don’t understand how royalties work. This blog breaks it all down for you.

Step 1: Know the Types of Royalties

There are several kinds of royalties you can earn as an artist:

Types of Royalties:
• Mechanical Royalties: Earned from downloads and physical sales.
• Performance Royalties: Paid when your music is streamed or played publicly.
• Sync Royalties: Earned when your music is used in film, TV, or ads.
• Print Royalties: Generated from sheet music sales.

Step 2: Register with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO)

PROs help collect performance royalties for you. In the U.S., you can join:

Major PROs:
• ASCAP
• BMI
• SESAC (Invite only)

Step 3: Use a Publishing Administrator

Most artists don’t realize they need a publisher to collect the other half of their royalties. Services like Songtrust make this easy.

Step 4: Track All Income Streams

Don’t leave money on the table! Make sure your music is registered properly with distributors, PROs, and publishers. Keep spreadsheets or use royalty tracking tools.

Step 5: Collect International Royalties

Music travels the world—even if you don’t. Join a global collection agency or work with a publisher that collects internationally.

Final Thought:
Understanding how you’re paid = understanding your power. Learn the business side and protect your art.

“Don’t just make music—make money from your music.”

References & Resources:
• ASCAP Help Center
• Songtrust Blog
• BMI
• CD Baby Blog