How to Register Your New Song with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) in 2023

So, you’ve written a new song and you’re ready to get it out there into the world. The first step is to register your work with a performance rights organization. Doing so will ensure that you are compensated whenever your song is played publicly. But what exactly is a performance rights organization, and how do you go about registering your song? Read on to find out.

What Is A Performance Rights Organization? 

A performance rights organization, also known as a PRO, is an entity that collects performance royalties on behalf of its music creator members. In the United States, there are three main PROs: Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), and Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC).

What are the differences between the three PROs?

ASCAP – The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers is a membership organization of over 650,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. ASCAP licenses the public performances of its members’ works and distributes royalties to them based on the frequency with which their works are performed. ASCAP is the largest performance rights organization in the United States.

BMI – Broadcast Music Incorporated is a membership organization of over 700,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. BMI licenses the public performances of its members’ works and distributes royalties to them based on the frequency with which their works are performed. BMI is the second largest performance rights organization in the United States.

SESAC – The Society of European Stage Authors and Composers is a membership organization of over 30,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. SESAC licenses the public performances of its members’ works and distributes royalties to them based on the frequency with which their works are performed. SESAC is the smallest of the three major performance rights organizations in the United States but is growing at a rapid pace.

How To Register Your Song With A PRO 

The process for registering your song with a PRO will vary slightly depending on which organization you choose. However, in general, you will need to create an account and then submit your song for review. Once your song has been approved, it will be added to the PRO’s repertoire and you will start earning royalties whenever it is performed publicly. 

It’s important to note that you only need to register your song with one PRO in order to receive payment for public performances. However, if you are planning on performing your song live or licensing it for use in film or television, you will need to obtain additional licenses. 

PRO Song Registration vs. Copyright

It’s important to note that registering your work with a PRO does not automatically copyright it. Copyrighting your song is a separate process that needs to be completed with the U.S. Copyright Office. However, registering your work with a PRO will provide some legal protection in case anyone tries to plagiarize or perform your song without permission.

As a budding artist, it’s important to make sure that all of your legal bases are covered before releasing your music into the world. Registering your work with a performance rights organization is a crucial step in ensuring that you are compensated fairly for your creativity. Now that you know the ins and outs of registration, what are you waiting for? Get started today!