How to Register Your Music and Get Paid: Publishing, PROs & Neighbouring Rights

Missing registrations = missing money. Here’s how to cover the big royalty buckets.

Song vs recording (two different things)

• Song (composition) → paid via performing & mechanical royalties through your PRO/mechanical society (UK example: PRS/MCPS).
• Recording (master) → neighbouring rights when your track is broadcast or played in public; in the UK collected by PPL (overview).

What to register (UK examples)

• Register your works (songs) and report setlists for gigs with PRS (live reporting).
• Register your recordings and your performer roles with PPL; it’s free to start (getting started).
• Use correct ISRC (recording) and ISWC (composition) codes consistently.

Why this matters

Streams and sales are only part of the picture. Radio/TV plays, public performance and live gigs add up over time — if you’re registered, they can actually reach you.