What type of royalties does SoundCloud for Artists collect?
When monetizing and distributing through SoundCloud for Artists, you’re permitting SoundCloud to collect sound recording royalties (also called master royalties) from distribution partners to pay you for streams. But there’s another revenue stream many artists overlook: publishing royalties. If you’re a songwriter, you could be leaving money on the table.
Distribution: Collects your sound recording (master) royalties.
Publishing: Collects your performance and mechanical royalties.
Learn More:
Do I qualify for a publishing deal?
How can I ensure I am getting all the royalties I'm owed?
What is a Music Publisher?
A music publisher is a person or organization that helps songwriters (and other owners of song copyrights) promote and monetize their songs and ensure that they are properly compensated when their songs are used by record labels, radio stations, bars & restaurants, film studios, advertising agencies, karaoke machine vendors, and the many other music users.
Music publishing involves protecting song copyrights (different from sound recording rights) and collecting royalties worldwide whenever a song is played or reproduced, such as on radio, Spotify, or when a CD is sold.
What is an MRO?
A Mechanical Rights Organization (MRO) manages mechanical licenses and collects royalties for songwriters and publishers when songs are reproduced, including physical products, streaming, downloads, and TV.
In the U.S., groups like The MLC, Harry Fox, and Music Reports collect mechanical royalties. These are paid to your publisher, who then distributes them to you globally.
What is a PRO?
A Performing Rights Organization (PRO) collects income for songwriters and publishers when their songs are publicly performed, including digital streaming, TV, radio, clubs, restaurants, websites, and other broadcasts.
Examples of PROs are ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS, SACEM, and JASRAC. PROs pay the “writer’s share” directly, while publishers receive the “publisher’s share” and pass it on. Publishing administration helps maximize global royalty collection.
Do I qualify for a publishing deal?
Yes! If you’re releasing original music as an artist, songwriter, or producer, you have publishing royalties accumulating, which means you qualify for a publishing administration deal.
How can I ensure I am getting all the royalties I'm owed?
If you’re only relying on distribution, you’re only collecting half the royalties your music earns. Publishing with a PRO and an MRO ensures you don’t miss out on valuable songwriter income and maximizes your global earnings. And remember: including accurate songwriter information on every release—digital or vinyl—helps guarantee songwriters are properly compensated.