ASCAP generally pays more than BMI on average, with typical payouts around 12% higher for comparable streams and performances, based on 2019–2025 industry settlement data.
What are ASCAP and BMI fees like?
ASCAP and BMI both charge businesses between $400 and $2,000 per year for a performance license, depending on venue size, location, and broadcast reach.
Small businesses—think coffee shops or boutique retailers—face different minimum fees. ASCAP’s minimum annual fee is $246, while BMI’s minimum is $250 as of 2026. Both fees cover public performance rights for every song in their catalogs. SESAC, another PRO, sets its own rates, which usually fall in the same range but require a direct quote. Always ask each PRO for a custom quote based on your specific use case—whether that’s radio play, streaming, or live performances—to avoid overpaying.
How much does BMI pay per play?
BMI pays between $0.0012 and $0.0046 per stream, with an average of $0.0033 per stream across platforms like Spotify and YouTube in 2026.
Rates aren’t one-size-fits-all. A play on terrestrial radio in the U.S. might pay about $0.0014, while a YouTube view could bring in closer to $0.0018. BMI also pays for live performances, TV broadcasts, and sync placements, but those rates are negotiated case by case. Don’t forget to check your BMI royalty statements every quarter—payments can take up to six months to process after the quarter ends.
Is BMI a good choice for songwriters or publishers?
Join BMI if you’ve written at least one original song and want to collect royalties whenever it’s played publicly, whether on radio, streaming, or in a venue.
BMI is free to join and perfect for independent songwriters or small teams. If you’ve released music or plan to, registering ensures you get paid for public performances. BMI also lets you register as a publisher, which gives you a larger share of sync and mechanical royalties. Just be careful if you’re also with ASCAP or SESAC—you can only collect from one PRO per song unless you split rights between multiple publishers.
Can I be with both ASCAP and BMI at once?
Yes, you can affiliate with both ASCAP and BMI simultaneously, but you’ll need to assign different songs or splits to each one.
For example, register Song A with ASCAP and Song B with BMI. This “splitting rights” approach is common among songwriters with multiple collaborators. Just remember: you can’t register the same song with both PROs—each composition can only be licensed by one. If you self-publish, keep a clear record of which PRO handles which song to avoid confusion when royalties come in.
Do I need licenses from both ASCAP and BMI?
You need a license from each PRO whose songs you use publicly—if your playlist mixes ASCAP and BMI songs, you’ll need to pay both.
Say you run a restaurant that plays a mix of ASCAP and BMI songs. You’d need licenses from both organizations. But if your playlist only includes songs from one catalog—like only BMI songs—a single license will do. Venues often buy blanket licenses from multiple PROs to skip the hassle of tracking which song belongs to whom. If you’re a business owner, reach out to each PRO directly to negotiate a rate based on your play volume.
What’s the cost of a BMI performance license?
A BMI performance license costs between $400 and $2,000 per year, depending on your business size and how you use music.
Small businesses like bars or retail stores typically pay $400–$800 annually. Larger venues—think nightclubs or hotels—often pay $1,000–$2,000. BMI uses tiered pricing based on factors like floor space, speaker count, and whether music is streamed or live. Use BMI’s online calculator or request a quote for a precise estimate. And always double-check if your location has extra fees for background music services.
Is Songtrust necessary if I’m already with BMI?
No, you don’t need Songtrust if you’re already registered with BMI, though it can help manage global royalty collection for your catalog.
Songtrust acts as a publishing administrator, collecting mechanical and sync royalties that BMI doesn’t handle. If your songs are played outside the U.S. or you want centralized royalty tracking, Songtrust might be useful. But it takes a 15% cut of what it collects. If your music stays domestic and you’re fine with BMI’s system, you can skip it. Weigh your goals—global reach versus simplicity—before signing up.
How does BMI pay out royalties?
BMI pays royalties quarterly, roughly 5 to 6 months after the end of each quarter.
For example, royalties earned in Q1 (January–March) land in your account around August or September. These payments cover public performances on radio, TV, streaming platforms, and live venues. BMI also pays for digital transmissions like ringtones and interactive streams. Log in regularly to check your earnings and update your payment details. If you’re a songwriter, keep your contact and tax info current to avoid delays.
How long is a BMI publisher contract?
BMI’s standard publisher affiliation agreement lasts 5 years, with automatic renewals unless you cancel per the contract terms.
The agreement spells out royalty splits, administrative fees, and termination conditions. As a songwriter, you’re not stuck long-term—you can switch PROs by reassigning your songs. But if you register as a publisher, the five-year term applies. Read the contract carefully, especially the renewal and termination clauses. If anything’s unclear, consult a music attorney before signing.
Does BMI copyright your music?
No, BMI doesn’t copyright your music—copyright is automatic upon creation.
Your song is protected the moment it’s “fixed” in a tangible form, like a recording or sheet music. While registering with the U.S. Copyright Office isn’t required, it’s wise for stronger legal protection and easier enforcement. BMI collects royalties for public performances but doesn’t file copyrights. To register your copyright, head to the U.S. Copyright Office website and pay a $45–$65 fee for online registration.
Can I act as my own music publisher?
Yes, you can act as your own music publisher, which means you collect 100% of publishing royalties and control the copyright.
Self-publishing is a common choice for independent artists. You’ll need to register with a PRO—like BMI or ASCAP—as both a writer and publisher. Keep detailed records of every use of your music, from streams to live performances to sync placements, to ensure accurate royalty collection. Tools like spreadsheets or music royalty software can help track earnings. If your music takes off, consider setting up an LLC for liability protection and a more professional setup.
Does Spotify pay BMI directly?
No, Spotify doesn’t pay BMI directly—streaming services pay mechanical royalties to publishers, not performance royalties to PROs.
Spotify pays mechanical royalties (for reproduction rights) to publishers and songwriters, while BMI collects performance royalties (for public performances) separately. If you’re a BMI member, you’ll receive performance royalties from BMI when your song is streamed on Spotify. Mechanical royalties for streaming, though, are handled by distributors like DistroKid or CD Baby, or directly by Spotify through the Spotify for Artists program. Make sure your publisher info is updated in both BMI and your distributor’s system.
Is there a better alternative to BMI?
In music licensing, SOCAN (Canada) and PRS for Music (UK) often pay higher rates than BMI, especially for international plays.
For U.S.-based songwriters, ASCAP and BMI are pretty similar, though ASCAP tends to pay slightly higher average rates. SESAC, another U.S. PRO, may offer higher payouts for certain genres like country or gospel. If your music has a strong international audience, consider affiliating with a PRO that has reciprocal agreements with foreign societies. But if you’re focused on domestic plays, BMI’s free registration and quick payouts make it a solid choice.
Why do ASCAP and BMI exist?
ASCAP and BMI collect and distribute royalties to songwriters, composers, and music publishers whenever their music is played publicly.
This includes performances on radio, TV, streaming platforms, and in venues. PROs act as intermediaries between music users—like radio stations or bars—and rights holders. They track plays, calculate royalties, and make sure songwriters get paid fairly. Without PROs, tracking every public performance would be nearly impossible for individual creators. Joining a PRO like BMI is free and essential for monetizing your music beyond sales.
What happens if I skip paying ASCAP?
Skipping ASCAP can lead to legal trouble, fines up to $150,000 per infringement, and potential court judgments against your business.
In 2026, ASCAP is aggressively auditing businesses that don’t comply with licensing rules. Penalties vary by situation—for example, a small bar dodging a $5,000 annual fee could face fines of $30,000–$90,000 for willful infringement. ASCAP might send warning letters before filing lawsuits, but they won’t hesitate to pursue legal action if needed. Avoid this headache by buying a license directly from ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, or through a blanket license provider. If you’re unsure about your obligations, talk to a music licensing attorney.
