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Updated November 2024
If you’re reading this, you’re likely submerged in the online music-selling game. Congrats! You are already ahead of the curve; an early adopter within one of the fastest growing sectors of the music industry.
Before we get started, we suggest you download out our Ultimate Guide to Publishing PDF here, which includes everything you need to know about the publishing world from how a song generates money to payment.
What is Music Publishing?
When you produce a beat, you own the song or the composition. When that beat is sold and the artist records vocals to it and releases it as a song, you share in the composition of that song - usually a 50/50 split between you and the artist when you are the sole producer.
Songs and instrumentals that have been commercially released (meaning they have been uploaded to digital streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple, YouTube, etc.) generate a few different types of royalties that you should be aware of, and be collecting.
One type of publishing royalty is the mechanical royalty, which is generated through the reproduction of copyrighted works in digital and physical formats. Songwriters and producers are paid mechanical royalties per song purchased, downloaded and/or streamed on digital streaming platforms.
Another type of publishing royalty is the performance royalty. Performance royalties are paid to songwriters and their publishers in exchange for the right to broadcast or perform a copyrighted musical composition in a public environment. This includes radio airplay, TV broadcasts, live performance in venues like bars and clubs, and, last but not least, interactive digital streams.
Why do I need Publishing services?
In order to earn your share of publishing revenue, you need a team of attentive publishing administrators to ensure that your copyrights are being effectively registered and collected upon. BeatStars Publishing is here to be that team for you!
In addition to the global collection of your royalties, being a member of BeatStars Publishing can also open doors to securing placement opportunities and working with established and rising artists.
Think of publishing as a vital next step in your career of becoming a full-time creator.
How does royalty collection work?
BeatStars Publishing is partnered with Sony Music Publishing, the world’s #1 music publisher, to help producers and artists collect their publishing royalties.
We have developed a seamless registration system that allows you to register your work efficiently and securely. You simply upload the publishing information associated with each song (writing credits and splits), and your dedicated team of publishing administrators will handle the rest.
What are the terms of signing up for BeatStars Publishing?
Here’s a breakdown of the deal:
Deal Term: 1 year
Retention: 1 year, post-termination
Collection: 1 year following the expiration of retention in the US. 18 months outside of the US.
SONGWRITER ROYALTIES TO YOU:
Mechanical: 80%
Public Performance Publisher Share: 60%
Public Performance Writers Share: 100%
Syncs: 80%, except 65% where sourced by BeatStars or its affiliates
Other Income: 80%
*Royalty statements come in semi-annually.
A Breakdown of the Flow of Money in Music
If your mind is reeling over how the flow of money works in music (and how it makes its way to you), we’ve got you covered with this flow chart breakdown:
The Ultimate Guide to Music Publishing
If you’re still hungry to learn more about how music publishing works, our official guide is available to help.
You can download it here to learn about:
- Music Copyrights - Composition vs. Master
- Overview of Music Copyright Royalties - Mechanical vs. Public Performance
- Performance Rights Organizations (PROs)
- The role of a Music Publisher and how they help
- How music publishing deals work
- How BeatStars Publishing is changing the game
Sign up for BeatStars Publishing
If you’re ready to start collecting your music royalties, we’re ready to help. If you’re a BeatStars Pro Page member, a BeatStars Publishing membership comes FREE with your subscription.
If you aren’t a Pro Page member, you can click here to upgrade, or pay a one time fee of $49.99 to unlock your collection services.
BeatStars Publishing
BeatStars Publishing
