These services help creators collect payment for their music whenever it is broadcast or licensed for use in other media. In the multifaceted world of music rights, these services play a critical role in tracking usage and distributing royalties.
There are several key types of royalties that music royalty services handle: performance, mechanical, and synchronization royalties. Performance royalties apply when a song is broadcast on radio or performed live or used in online streaming services. Mechanical royalties are collected from the sale or reproduction of music in a format like CDs or digital downloads. Sync royalties, on the other hand, are collected when songs are placed in visual media like films, TV shows, or commercials.
Notable music in store royalty services include ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and SoundExchange. ASCAP and BMI are non-profit organizations specializing in performance royalties while SESAC operates on an invitation-only basis. SoundExchange, meanwhile, handles royalties for digital streaming services, making it essential in todays streaming-centric music industry.
These royalty services collect licensing fees from venues, broadcasters, and streaming services for commercial use of music.
In short, music royalty services support creators by tracking music use and distributing earnings, allowing artists to keep producing music.