What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Get Started
If you write songs and want to get paid, you need to understand PROs—Performance Rights Organizations.
After more than 30 years of songwriting, working with publishers, collaborators, and earning award-winning recognition, I’ve learned that many songwriters leave money on the table simply because they don’t understand how PROs work or don’t join early enough.
This guide explains what PROs are, why they’re important, how to choose one, and how to get started.
What Is a PRO?
A Performance Rights Organization (PRO) collects and distributes performance royalties when your songs are played publicly.
This includes:
- Radio airplay
- TV and film broadcasts
- Live performances
- Streaming services
- Background music in venues
PROs track these uses, collect licensing fees, and pay songwriters their share.
Why PROs Are Important for Songwriters
Without a PRO:
- You won’t get paid for public performances of your songs
- Your songs won’t be properly tracked
- You lose a major income stream
Over decades in the industry, I’ve seen talented writers miss out on years of royalties simply because they waited too long to join or register songs.
Major PROs for Songwriters (U.S.)
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)
- Nonprofit, member-owned
- Popular with songwriters across genres
- Pays quarterly
- Known for songwriter education and showcases
Cost to join (writer): One-time fee (currently around $50)
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
- Nonprofit
- No cost for writers to join
- Pays quarterly
- Strong presence in Nashville and pop/country
Cost to join (writer): Free
SESAC
- For-profit, invitation-only
- Smaller roster
- Often more personalized service
- Pays quarterly
Cost to join: No fee (invitation required)
Other PROs (International)
If you’re outside the U.S. or work globally:
- PRS for Music (UK)
- SOCAN (Canada)
- APRA AMCOS (Australia)
- GEMA (Germany)
Songwriters generally join the PRO in their home country, which then collects internationally through reciprocal agreements.
ASCAP vs BMI vs SESAC: Which Should You Choose?
There is no “best” PRO—only the best fit.
Consider:
- Where your music is played
- Who your collaborators use
- Educational opportunities and events
- Ease of registration and support
Important: You can only belong to one PRO at a time as a writer, so choose carefully.
How to Get Started With a PRO
Step 1: Choose a PRO
Research ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC and decide which fits your goals and network.
Step 2: Sign Up as a Writer
- Complete the online application
- Pay the fee if applicable
- Confirm your membership
Step 3: Register Your Songs
- Register each song you write
- Include all co-writers and splits
- Double-check ownership percentages
Step 4: Track Performances
- Submit live performance setlists when required
- Monitor royalty statements
- Keep your catalog organized
From experience: Registering songs correctly is just as important as writing them.
Common PRO Mistakes Songwriters Make
- Waiting until they “have a hit” to join
- Forgetting to register co-written songs
- Not submitting live performance data
- Assuming streaming pays everything automatically
PRO income often grows quietly over time—but only if you’re set up correctly.
Do PROs Cost Money?
- ASCAP: One-time writer fee
- BMI: Free for writers
- SESAC: No fee (invite-only)
There are no ongoing membership dues for writers at most PROs.
Final Thoughts: Join Early, Register Everything
If you write songs, you should join a PRO as early as possible.
After 30+ years in songwriting, one lesson is clear:
You can’t collect what you don’t track—and PROs are how songwriters get paid.
Even if your songs are only played live or streamed a little, PROs ensure your work is recognized and compensated over time.
Yes. If your songs are performed publicly—live, streamed, or broadcast—you should join a PRO as soon as possible. Joining early ensures your performances are tracked and you don’t miss out on royalties you’re entitled to earn.
No. Songwriters can only belong to one PRO at a time. Publishers can affiliate with multiple PROs, but writers must choose a single organization, such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC.
A PRO collects performance royalties when your music is played publicly. A music publisher helps administer your songs, pitch them for opportunities, collect additional royalties, and protect your copyrights. Many songwriters work with both.
Some PROs track live performances through setlist submissions, surveys, and venue reporting. As a songwriter, it’s important to submit your live performance data so your songs are properly credited and paid.
Yes. PROs pay songwriters performance royalties from streams, but streaming also generates other royalties (like mechanicals) that are collected through different organizations. Streaming income is split across multiple royalty streams.
