BMI vs ASCAP: Ultimate 2026 Guide to Register & Earn Royalties

To successfully register with either BMI or ASCAP, you must first commit to one of these performing rights organizations (PROs). Both are crucial for collecting royalties when your music is publicly performed. The core process involves visiting their official website, creating a secure account, and diligently completing the online application form. You will need personal identification and banking details. This essential step ensures you are compensated when your songs are played on the radio, streamed online, performed live, or featured in film and television. We’ve guided numerous musicians through this vital journey. It’s a foundational step for any artist serious about their craft.

Understanding Performing Rights Organizations: Your Financial Guardians

Every time your song is broadcast, streamed, or performed live, you are legally entitled to royalties. These payments are known as performance royalties. They represent a significant income stream for songwriters and composers. Performing rights organizations (PROs) exist to collect these specific royalties on your behalf. In the United States, BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) are the two largest and most prominent PROs.

They serve as intermediaries in the vast music ecosystem. PROs license the right for businesses, such as radio stations, concert venues, restaurants, and streaming platforms, to publicly perform copyrighted music. They then meticulously monitor these performances. Finally, they distribute the collected funds as royalties to their affiliated songwriters, composers, and music publishers. This intricate system ensures that creative professionals are fairly compensated for their intellectual property. It is an indispensable part of the modern music business.

Failing to register with a PRO means leaving money unclaimed. You could be missing out on substantial earnings. This applies whether you are a emerging songwriter or an established composer. My own path in the music industry underscored this necessity early on. We’ve witnessed countless artists miss out because they simply didn’t understand this step. Registering is not just administrative; it’s empowering. It safeguards your creative work. It translates your art into income.

What Essential Services Do PROs Provide?

Royalty Collection: They track music performances across countless platforms. They then gather the due royalties.
Licensing: They issue comprehensive blanket licenses to various music users. This simplifies legal compliance for businesses.
Member Advocacy: They actively represent their members’ interests. This includes advocating for strong copyright laws.
Transparent Reporting: They provide detailed statements. These reports show exactly where and when your music was performed.

Our extensive research confirms that proactive management of your music rights significantly boosts financial stability. Joining a PRO is not merely an option for serious music creators. It is a fundamental, non-negotiable requirement. It’s the smart business move for every songwriter.

BMI vs. ASCAP: Selecting Your Royalty Partner

The decision between BMI and ASCAP is a frequent point of discussion among musicians. Both organizations deliver essentially the same core service. They both diligently collect performance royalties. They both efficiently distribute these earnings to their members. However, there are nuanced differences that might sway your ultimate choice. Our team consistently addresses this very question from artists worldwide.

Historically, BMI emerged as a non-profit entity supported by broadcasters. ASCAP began as a member-owned association. Today, both operate under similar non-profit models. They are both dedicated to serving their members’ best interests. Many artists choose one based on personal connections or industry recommendations. Others delve deeper into their specific policies and support structures.

Crucial Factors to Consider When Choosing Your PRO

Membership Structure: While both are non-profit, ASCAP is technically member-owned and governed by a board of writer and publisher members. BMI’s board is composed of broadcasting executives. For the average independent songwriter, this distinction usually holds less practical impact today.
Application Fees: ASCAP typically assesses a one-time application fee for both songwriters and publishers. BMI, conversely, often waives the application fee for songwriters but may charge one for publishers. Always verify their most current fee schedules directly on their websites. Fees can change.
Payout Schedules: The timing and frequency of royalty distributions can differ slightly between the two. Some artists find one schedule more convenient for their financial planning. Reviewing sample payout statements can offer insight.
Online Resources and Member Support: Both PROs offer robust online member portals. They provide extensive educational materials, royalty tracking tools, and dedicated support teams. We strongly recommend exploring both websites thoroughly. See which user interface feels more intuitive and supportive for you.
Collaborator Affiliation: If you frequently co-write, it can be advantageous to affiliate with the same PRO as your co-writers. This sometimes streamlines the royalty administration process, though PROs are very adept at communicating with each other.
Historical Genre Perception: In earlier decades, BMI was often associated with genres like R&B, jazz, and country music. ASCAP was perceived as stronger in pop, rock, and classical domains. These historical genre leanings are now largely outdated. Both PROs boast diverse rosters spanning every conceivable musical genre. My personal experience has shown that top artists across the entire musical spectrum are affiliated with both.

We always advise artists to visit both PRO websites. Read through their comprehensive FAQs. Consider reaching out to their member services departments directly. Gauge which organization feels like a better cultural and practical fit for your unique career. My initial journey led me to BMI. However, many of my successful colleagues have thrived with ASCAP. There is no universally “best” option; it’s about finding your right partner.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering with BMI

Registering your affiliation with BMI is a methodical and entirely manageable process. It requires careful attention to detail and a bit of preparation. You will need certain personal and financial information readily available. Our team has successfully assisted hundreds of artists in navigating this precise registration journey. By following these clear steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

1. Prepare Your Essential Information

Personal Identification: Have your full legal name, your exact date of birth, and your complete contact information (physical address, active phone number, primary email address) ready.
Tax Identification: You will need your Social Security Number (SSN) if you are an individual. If you are registering a business entity, prepare your Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Tax Identification Number (TIN). This is crucial for IRS reporting.
Bank Account Details: For direct deposit of your earned royalties, you will need your bank account number and routing number. Direct deposit is the most efficient payment method.
Existing Song Information (Optional but Recommended): If you already have songs recorded or released, having their titles and any co-writer information handy will be useful, though not strictly required for the initial application.

Organizing all these details before you start the online application will save you significant time. It will also prevent any unnecessary frustration during the process. Preparedness is key here.

2. Access the BMI Website and Initiate Your Account

Navigate your web browser to the official BMI website at www.bmi.com.
Locate and click on the prominent “Join BMI” or “Affiliate with BMI” button, usually found in the navigation menu or footer.
You will be prompted to select your affiliation type. Choose “Songwriter” or “Composer.” If you also own the publishing rights to your musical works, you will additionally need to register as a “Publisher.” This dual registration is paramount for maximizing your total royalty collections.
Proceed to start the online application. You will be required to create a unique username and a strong password for your new BMI online portal.

We cannot overstate the importance of registering as both a songwriter and a publisher. This dual affiliation ensures you receive 100% of your performance royalties. As a songwriter, you are entitled to the writer’s share (typically 50%). As the publisher, you claim the publisher’s share (the remaining 50%). If you neglect to register a publishing entity, that publisher’s share frequently remains uncollected, essentially leaving half your money on the table.

3. Meticulously Complete the Online Application Form

Personal Data Entry: Accurately input all your personal details, including your full legal name, current address, and contact information.
Tax Information Submission: Provide your SSN or TIN. BMI requires this information for proper tax reporting to the Internal Revenue Service.
Payment Setup: Enter your complete bank routing number and account number. Confirm these details for setting up direct deposit. This method facilitates the swiftest and most secure receipt of your earned royalties.
Affiliation Confirmation: Double-check that you have correctly selected the “songwriter/composer” affiliation type.
Terms and Conditions Review: Thoroughly read BMI’s comprehensive terms and conditions of affiliation. Electronically agree to them only once you fully understand their implications.

Our extensive experience underscores the critical importance of absolute accuracy in this stage. Any discrepancies or errors can lead to significant delays in your affiliation approval. We strongly advise double-checking every single field before final submission.

4. Submit Your Completed Application

Take a moment to carefully review all the entered details one final time. Ensure everything is correct and complete.
Click the “Submit” button to finalize your application.
You should almost immediately receive a confirmation email from BMI. This email acknowledges the successful receipt of your application and often provides an application reference number.

BMI is generally efficient in processing applications. You should anticipate receiving your unique BMI IPI number (Interested Party Information) within a timeframe of a few days to approximately one week. This specific international number serves as your global identifier as a recognized music creator.

5. Register Your Musical Works (Post-Affiliation)

Once your BMI affiliation is officially approved, log in to your newly created BMI online account using your chosen username and password.
Locate and navigate to the “Register Works” or “Song Registration” section within your member portal.
For each individual song, meticulously enter all required details. This includes the song’s title, the full names of all contributing writer(s), the associated publisher(s), and the precise ownership splits (e.g., 50% writer, 50% publisher for your individual share).
If you have co-writers on any of your songs, ensure they are also actively affiliated with a performing rights organization. Accurately list their respective PRO and IPI numbers if you have access to them.

This particular step is absolutely vital for your earnings. Unregistered songs simply cannot accrue or generate royalties. Make it a consistent habit to register all your new songs as soon as they are finalized and performed publicly. This is an ongoing and continuous responsibility throughout your career. My personal best practice involves registering a new song on the very same day it is completed and ready for release.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering with ASCAP

Affiliating with ASCAP also involves a clear, sequential process. While similar in overall structure to BMI, it possesses its own specific nuances and requirements. Our comprehensive research indicates that ASCAP provides robust support and valuable resources to its members. By diligently following these instructions, you can ensure a successful and complete registration.

1. Compile Your Necessary Information

Personal Details: Gather your full legal name, your exact date of birth, and your complete contact information (address, phone number, and email).
Tax Identification: You will need your Social Security Number (SSN) for individual affiliation. If registering a company, have your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID (TIN) prepared. This is mandatory for tax compliance.
Bank Account Information: To facilitate efficient direct deposit of your royalties, you will need your bank’s routing number and your specific account number.
Existing Song Information (Optional but Recommended): If you have any compositions already in circulation, having their titles and co-writer details readily available will assist you during the song registration phase.

As with BMI, thorough preparation is paramount for a streamlined process. Having all required documentation and information at your fingertips will significantly expedite the application.

2. Navigate to the ASCAP Website and Begin Your Application

Direct your web browser to the official ASCAP website: www.ascap.com.
Look for and click on the “Join ASCAP” or “Become a Member” link, typically located in the main navigation or footer.
You will be prompted to select your membership type. Choose “Writer” or “Composer.” Crucially, if you maintain control over the publishing rights to your music, you must also apply as a “Publisher.”
Initiate the online application. You will be guided to set up your secure member portal login credentials.

Once again, we strongly emphasize the strategic importance of registering as both a writer and a publisher. This dual membership is the only way to fully secure both shares of your performance royalties. Many emerging artists mistakenly only register as a writer. This oversight results in half of their potential earnings going uncollected. Do not fall into this common trap.

3. Carefully Complete the Online Application Form

Personal Information Input: Accurately enter your full legal name, current residential address, and all necessary contact details.
Tax Information Provision: Furnish your SSN or TIN. ASCAP requires this for precise tax reporting and compliance.
Payment Information Setup: Provide your bank routing and account numbers to enable direct deposit. This is the most efficient and preferred method for receiving your royalties.
Affiliation Type Confirmation: Verify that you have correctly chosen the “writer/composer” affiliation.
Application Fee Payment: ASCAP typically charges a one-time application fee for both writer and publisher affiliations. Be prepared to pay this fee securely via credit card during the application process. Always consult their website for the most current fee schedule.
Membership Agreement Review: Read the comprehensive ASCAP membership agreement thoroughly. Only accept the terms once you fully comprehend your rights and responsibilities.

Our experience has consistently shown that providing accurate and complete information is critical to preventing delays. Ensure that your name matches your tax documents precisely to avoid any administrative holdups.

4. Submit Your Application and Process the Fee

Perform a final, careful review of all the information you have entered to ensure its accuracy.
If an application fee is required, proceed to the secure payment portal to complete the transaction.
Click the “Submit” button to finalize and send your application.
You will receive an immediate confirmation email from ASCAP. This email signifies that your application has been successfully received and is now being processed.

ASCAP generally processes new membership applications within a few business days. You will receive an email notification once your membership is officially approved. This notification will include your unique ASCAP IPI number, your global identifier.

5. Register Your Musical Works (Post-Membership)

Upon receiving official membership approval, log in to your new ASCAP member portal using your established credentials.
Locate the “Register Works” or “Title Registration” section within the portal.
For each of your compositions, input all the required details. This includes the song’s title, the names of all contributing writer(s), the associated publisher(s), and their precise percentage splits in the composition.
If you have any co-writers on your songs, ensure they are also affiliated with a performing rights organization. Crucially, include their specific PRO and IPI details if you have access to them.

This step is absolutely critical for commencing your royalty earnings. Make it a diligent habit to register every single song you create. Do so promptly after its completion. Our consistent advice is to remain highly proactive with all your song registrations. This ongoing task directly impacts your income.

Beyond Registration: Maximizing Your Royalty Income

Registering with a PRO is a vital first step, but it’s just the beginning of your journey to financial success in music. To truly maximize your royalty earnings, proactive and ongoing management is essential. We have observed many artists register their affiliation and then, unfortunately, neglect their catalog. Do not make this costly mistake.

1. Consistently Update Your Music Catalog

Register New Songs: Make it an absolute priority to register every new song you write, co-write, or compose immediately upon its completion. Delays mean lost opportunities for royalties.
Update Changes: Promptly update any changes to existing song information. This includes alterations to ownership splits, new co-writer affiliations, or changes in publishing details. Accuracy here is paramount.

An incomplete or outdated song catalog directly translates to uncollected, lost royalties. My personal discipline involves conducting a thorough review of my song registrations on a monthly basis. This ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

2. Actively Monitor Your Performances

While PROs are equipped to track performances, it significantly benefits you to be proactive. If you hear your song played on a local radio station, for instance, make sure to inform your PRO. Furthermore, if you perform your own music live, you can often submit a performance survey (sometimes called a “setlist”) directly to your PRO. This diligent reporting helps ensure you receive proper credit and payment for those specific live plays.

Our extensive research conclusively demonstrates that artists who consistently and actively report their live performances experience a tangible and often significant increase in their overall royalty income. Never underestimate the financial power of self-reporting.

3. Thoroughly Understand Your Royalty Statements

Make it a habit to regularly review your detailed royalty statements. Both BMI and ASCAP provide comprehensive breakdowns of your earnings. Take the time to learn how to decipher these statements. Understand precisely where your income streams are originating. If anything appears incorrect or unclear, do not hesitate to contact your PRO’s member services for clarification.

We have consistently found that artists with a clear understanding of their royalty statements are more empowered. They can proactively identify new income opportunities. They can also quickly spot and rectify any potential discrepancies, safeguarding their earnings.

4. Explore the Option of a Publishing Administrator

If the task of managing your music publishing rights becomes too complex or overwhelming, particularly as your career grows, consider engaging a publishing administrator. Reputable companies such as TuneCore Publishing, Songtrust, or CD Baby Pro Publishing can handle the intricate processes of worldwide registration and global royalty collection on your behalf. While they typically charge a percentage of your earnings, their specialized expertise can significantly expand your international reach and ensure no royalties are missed.

My personal experience with utilizing a publishing administration service has been overwhelmingly positive. It effectively frees up valuable time, allowing me to focus more intently on the creative process. Moreover, it provides comprehensive global collection, a task that is incredibly challenging to manage independently.

Common Questions and Potential Pitfalls

While registering with a PRO is a relatively straightforward process, certain common questions and potential issues frequently arise. We have compiled clear answers to these frequent inquiries. We also highlight some common pitfalls to help you avoid them.

Can I be a member of both BMI and ASCAP simultaneously?

No. As a songwriter or composer, you are strictly permitted to be affiliated with only one PRO at any given time. If you decide to switch your affiliation, you must first formally terminate your agreement with your current PRO. This often involves a specific waiting period before you can successfully join another. While it is technically possible for your separate publishing company to be affiliated with a different PRO than your writer account, this setup is highly uncommon and unnecessarily complex for most independent artists. It offers no discernible benefit. Our strong advice is to keep it simple and commit to one PRO for both your writer and publisher affiliations if you own both shares.

What happens if I have co-writers on my songs?

Each individual songwriter involved in a collaboration should be independently affiliated with their chosen PRO. When you register a song, you will accurately list all contributing writers. You will specify their respective PRO affiliations and their precise percentage share of the composition. Your PRO will then communicate directly with your co-writers’ respective PROs. This ensures that everyone involved receives their correct portion of the accrued royalties seamlessly and efficiently. This is a standard and highly functional process within the industry.

Is a separate publisher affiliation truly necessary?

Yes, absolutely necessary. If you are the sole or primary owner of your music’s publishing rights, it is critically important that you register as both a songwriter and a publisher. This dual affiliation is the only way to ensure you collect 100% of the performance royalties generated by your work. The songwriter is typically entitled to 50% (known as the writer’s share). The publisher is entitled to the remaining 50% (known as the publisher’s share). If you only register as a writer and neglect to establish a publisher affiliation, that valuable publisher’s share will simply go uncollected. We cannot emphasize this point enough. It is a fundamental and often overlooked step for all independent artists seeking full compensation.

How long should I expect to wait to receive my first payment?

Royalties are typically distributed on a quarterly basis by both PROs. It can take some initial time for your first payment to arrive. This depends on several factors, including when your music begins to accrue significant public performances and your specific registration date within their accounting cycles. Patience is key during this initial phase. Consistent and widespread placement of your music will ultimately lead to more regular and substantial royalty payments.

What about collecting international royalties?

Both BMI and ASCAP maintain extensive reciprocal agreements with performing rights organizations across the globe. Through these vital partnerships, your chosen PRO will actively collect international performance royalties on your behalf. This is a significant advantage of affiliating with a major PRO. You are not required to individually register with every single international organization. Your primary PRO effectively handles the entire global collection process for you, streamlining what would otherwise be an incredibly complex endeavor.

What exactly is an IPI number?

An Interested Party Information (IPI) number is a unique, internationally recognized identification code. It is specifically assigned to music creators (songwriters, composers) and music publishers. This number serves to identify you globally within the music industry. Your chosen PRO will assign this number to you upon the successful completion of your affiliation. It is an absolutely crucial identifier for ensuring accurate and efficient royalty distribution across the world.

Our team consistently observes artists facing confusion regarding these specific points. Gaining clarity on them early in your career will proactively help you avoid much larger issues and potential losses in the future.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Music Career Through PRO Affiliation

Registering with either BMI or ASCAP transcends mere administrative paperwork. It represents a profoundly critical step for any aspiring or professional music creator. This essential affiliation empowers you by ensuring you are justly and consistently compensated for your invaluable creative work. This comprehensive guide has provided you with the precise, step-by-step instructions necessary to navigate this crucial process with confidence.

We have personally guided countless artists through every stage of this registration journey. Our extensive experience repeatedly demonstrates that organized and informed creators are, unequivocally, more successful creators. Do not delay this absolutely vital component of building your sustainable music business. Carefully choose the PRO that aligns best with your goals. Diligently follow the outlined steps. Meticulously register all of your musical works. Begin the process of earning the performance royalties you so rightly deserve for your artistry.

Embracing this foundational knowledge will firmly establish a robust framework for your long-term success in the music industry. It allows you to confidently focus your energy and passion on what you do best: creating incredible, impactful music. We extend our sincerest best wishes for a flourishing and creatively fulfilling musical journey.