The 18-Point Royalty Checklist

Performance Royalties

1. I have joined a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or GMR)

Performance Royalties

2. I have registered each song individually with my PRO

Performance Royalties

3. I report live performance setlists to my PRO after shows

Master Recording Royalties

4. I am registered with SoundExchange

Master Recording Royalties

5. All my recordings have ISRCs assigned

Master Recording Royalties

6. All my releases have UPCs verified

Master Recording Royalties

7. I have verified my distributor statements match my ISRCs

Master Recording Royalties

8. I am registered for international neighboring rights

International neighboring-rights payouts depend on your country of residence, treaty coverage, and CMO enrollment. Not all territories pay out.

Master Recording Royalties

9. YouTube Content ID is active on my recordings

Content ID eligibility is determined by YouTube, not by Music Royalty Circle. Approval is not guaranteed.

Mechanical Royalties

10. I have a publishing administration account

Mechanical Royalties

11. I am registered with The MLC

Mechanical Royalties

12. I have claimed my works on The MLC portal

Mechanical Royalties

13. I have addressed physical and download mechanical royalties via HFA or publishing administrator

Skip if streaming-only — no physical product or download sales.

Rights Protection

14. I have split sheets for every collaboration

Rights Protection

15. My metadata is consistent across all streaming platforms

Rights Protection

16. All my registrations are stored in one place

Rights Protection

17. I have filed U.S. Copyright Office registrations

Copyright registration is optional but strengthens enforcement rights and eligibility for statutory damages. This is not legal advice — consult a qualified attorney for your situation.

Rights Protection

18. I have confirmed song-level registration with my PRO