ASCAP vs BMI: which should you join?
For most independent songwriters in the US, either is a fine choice. Both collect the same kind of money. The difference is mostly in structure, portal and payment details, so pick one and register your songs, because the bigger mistake is not joining at all.
What a performing rights organization does
A performing rights organization (PRO) collects royalties when your song is performed publicly. That includes radio, TV, streaming services, live venues, bars and stores. It pays the writer's share directly to you and the publisher's share to your publisher (or to you, if you set up your own publishing entity).
How they compare
| ASCAP | BMI | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Owned by its writer and publisher members | Privately owned company |
| Who can join | Open to songwriters with at least one song | Open to songwriters with at least one song |
| Contract length | Typically year to year | Typically multi-year terms |
| Writer cost | Both have offered free writer membership; check each site for current terms before joining | |
SESAC and GMR (Global Music Rights) are the other US options. Both are invitation-only and generally work with established writers.
You can only be in one as a writer
A songwriter can belong to only one US performing rights organization at a time. Your co-writers can be in different ones; each writer registers their own share with their own organization, which is why your split sheet should list everyone's organization and IPI number.
What neither one collects
Performing rights organizations don't collect mechanical royalties, the money owed each time a song is streamed or downloaded as a reproduction. In the US, streaming mechanicals are collected by The MLC (the Mechanical Licensing Collective). Many writers miss this money entirely.
Add every writer, set the percentages, and download a signable PDF. No account needed.
Open the split sheet generator
Common questions
Can I join both ASCAP and BMI?
No. As a songwriter you can belong to only one US performing rights organization at a time.
Do my co-writers need to be in the same PRO as me?
No. Each writer registers their own share with their own organization. List everyone's organization and IPI number on your split sheet.
Does ASCAP or BMI collect streaming mechanical royalties?
No. They collect performance royalties. US streaming mechanical royalties are collected by The MLC.