Guide

ASCAP for Songwriters: How It Works and What It Pays

ASCAP collects performance royalties for songwriters. A practical breakdown of what it does, what it doesn't, payouts, and where you still need help.

6 min read

ASCAP is member-owned and non-profit. Like BMI, it collects US public performance royalties and participates in international reciprocals.

ASCAP requires a publisher account if you want the publisher's share. That is half of every performance royalty.

Neither ASCAP nor BMI collects US streaming mechanicals. That is the MLC. An admin that only talks to your PRO is leaving mechanicals on the table.

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