That could all be money in your pocket. But most independent artists never collect it — not because they’re lazy, but because nobody told them how.
This post is your wake-up call and your cheat code.
Let’s break down the 6 royalty streams every artist should be tapping into right now — or else you leaving real money on the table.
🧾 1. Performance Royalties (ASCAP / BMI / SESAC)
When your music gets played in clubs, concerts, radio, or TV — you’re owed money.
These are performance royalties, and you collect them by registering with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO).
✅ What to do:
–Sign up with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC
-Register every song
-Add yourself as both writer and publisher
💬 “No registration = no recognition = no compensation.”
💽 2. Mechanical Royalties (MLC & Songtrust)
Every time your song is streamed or downloaded — mechanical royalties are generated. But platforms like Spotify or Apple Music don’t pay YOU directly. That’s where MLC and Songtrust come in.
✅ What to do:
–Register with The MLC (it’s free)
-Use Songtrust to collect worldwide royalties
-Don’t rely on DistroKid/TuneCore to collect everything
🎙️ 3. Digital Streaming Royalties (from Distributors)
Your distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, UnitedMasters, Equity, etc.) pays you for streams on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal.
✅ What to do:
-Make sure all your song info (metadata) is correct
-Always include your ISRC code (International Standard Recording Code)
-Track payments — don’t assume it’s all getting to you
🔊 4. Sound Recording Royalties (SoundExchange)
When your music is played on digital radio (like Pandora, SiriusXM, internet radio), you’re owed non-interactive streaming royalties.
✅ What to do:
–Create an account on SoundExchange
-Register your tracks
-Collect as both the featured artist and the rights holder
💬 “SoundExchange collects money your PRO can’t touch. Don’t miss that bag.”
🎥 5. YouTube Monetization (Content ID)
If your song is being used in YouTube videos — even if YOU didn’t post them — you could be earning.
✅ What to do:
–Join a distributor or rights manager that uses Content ID
-Or use Songtrust/CD Baby Pro to monitor usage
-Monetize your own YouTube uploads with ads and licensing
📀 6. Sync Licensing (TV, Film, Ads, Games)
Your music can be licensed to brands, film directors, video games, and more. This is one of the biggest bags — but you need to be searchable and legally ready.
✅ What to do:
-Keep your beats and vocals 100% original
-Have split sheets signed
-Submit to sync libraries (Artlist, MusicBed, etc.)
🧠 Final Word from Sos:
“You ain’t broke. You just don’t know how to collect what you’re owed.
Stacc or starve. Build the business behind the bars.”
Kingpaysos.Blog 
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