Good Take Royalties
JUN 14, 2026
ROYALTY MAP / FOUR STREAMS + ONE SHIELD
THE MAP

A released song earns through four separate pipes.

Each pipe has its own collection system, and none of them talk to each other. Most independent musicians are collecting from one or two. Here's your picture.

No catalog on this device yet. The map below shows the general picture; run a scan or add songs to the catalog to see your own coverage.

01

Mechanical royalties

The MLC · pays the composition
Unknown

Add your catalog to see where you stand.

Paid for the song itself whenever it is streamed or downloaded in the US.

02

Performance royalties

ASCAP / BMI / SESAC / GMR · pays the composition
Unknown

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Paid for the song when it is performed publicly — radio, venues, and a share of every stream.

03

Digital performance royalties

SoundExchange · pays the recording
Unknown

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Paid for the recording on internet radio, SiriusXM, and Pandora. Distributors do not collect this.

04

Sync licensing

Direct deals · pays the song + recording
Your call

Nobody collects this for you — sync money comes from deals you make.

Film, TV, ads, and games license both the song and the recording.

05

Copyright registration

US Copyright Office · pays the song + recording
Unknown

Add your catalog to see where you stand.

Registration is what makes statutory damages and attorney’s fees available if someone uses your work without permission.

Free to the artist. No perpetual cut. We prep the files and the fields; you submit everything in your own accounts.

GlossaryAbout
MLC · SoundExchange · PRO · Copyright Office