BMI vs. ASCAP

If you write songs, you've probably been told at some point:

“You need BMI or ASCAP.”

That's true.

But what do they actually do — and which one should you choose?

First: What Is a PRO?

BMI and ASCAP are Performing Rights Organizations, usually shortened to PROs.

They license the public performance of musical compositions and collect and distribute performance royalties to songwriters and publishers.

That can include uses such as radio, television, certain streaming performances and licensed public performances.

BMI currently represents more than 1.5 million songwriters, composers and publishers and more than 25 million musical works.

ASCAP and BMI are the two most common choices for U.S. independent songwriters.

And here's one outdated piece of advice worth correcting:

Both ASCAP and BMI currently allow songwriters to join for free.

So cost probably shouldn't determine your decision.

ASCAP

ASCAP operates as a membership organization owned and governed by its members.

For some writers, that structure matters.

ASCAP also offers educational programs, networking opportunities, workshops, events and songwriter support in addition to royalty administration.

ASCAP might make sense if:

• You value a member-governed organization

• You already work with ASCAP writers or industry professionals

• You like the events and resources available in your genre or region

• You simply find its tools and system easier to use

BMI

BMI represents more than 1.5 million creators and publishers and offers its own educational opportunities, showcases, career programs and creator resources.

One particularly useful feature for performing songwriters is BMI Live, which lets eligible writers submit qualifying live performances for royalty consideration. BMI currently allows songwriters to enter performance data from the previous six months.

BMI might make sense if:

• Other writers or collaborators in your circle already use BMI

• You regularly perform your original songs live

• You prefer BMI's tools and reporting system

• Their songwriter events or creator community make sense for your career

So Which Pays More?

This is where artists can lose hours researching a question that may not have one clean answer.

Royalties vary based on the specific use of the song, licensing agreements, reporting data and each organization's distribution methodology.

There isn't a universal rule that says:

“BMI always pays more.”

Or:

“ASCAP always pays more.”

The better question is:

Which organization will you actually use correctly?

Register your songs.

Keep your information updated.

Submit performances when applicable.

Make sure your collaborators' ownership information matches.

That's likely to matter much more than endlessly debating which logo should be on your account.

Important: Your PRO Doesn't Collect Everything

This is where things get confusing.

ASCAP or BMI handles performance royalties connected to the composition.

That doesn't mean they automatically collect every royalty your music generates.

If you're a self-administered songwriter, you may also need to register with The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) to collect eligible U.S. digital mechanical royalties. The MLC is free to join.

And if you're a recording artist or sound-recording owner, SoundExchange handles certain digital performance royalties generated by non-interactive services such as SiriusXM, Pandora and webcasters. Registration is also free.

Music royalties aren't one bucket.

They're several buckets.

The Bottom Line

If you're an independent songwriter and you aren't affiliated with a PRO yet:

Choose one.

Register.

Learn how it works.

Keep your catalog accurate.

The worst choice probably isn't BMI versus ASCAP.

It's releasing music for years while never setting up the systems designed to pay you.