Difference Between BMI and ASCAP

It gets a little confusing, but they're essentially talking about the same money split up in exactly the same way. It's just that ASCAP uses percentages that are based on total performance royalties (thus 50/50), while BMI splits those halves FIRST, and then distributes 100% of each half to the appropriate entities.]

1. Which is better BMI or Ascap?
2. What is the difference between Ascap sesac and BMI?
3. Can I use Ascap and BMI?
4. Does BMI own your music?
5. Do I need both Ascap and BMI licenses?
6. How much does a BMI license cost?
7. Does BMI get YouTube royalties?
8. Should I join Ascap as a writer or publisher?
9. How much does an Ascap license cost?
10. Can I switch from Ascap to BMI?
11. How much does BMI pay per stream?
12. How does BMI get paid?

Which is better BMI or Ascap?

BMI and ASCAP are very similar in how they collect and payout performance royalties, and have similar perks and benefits, but the lack of signup fees and faster payouts can make BMI a slightly smarter choice for songwriters.

What is the difference between Ascap sesac and BMI?

While they vary slightly in size and scope, ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC are all Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) that collect performance royalties within the U.S. market. One key difference: While ASCAP and BMI are open to everyone, SESAC is invite-only.

Can I use Ascap and BMI?

BMI, like ASCAP, splits royalties differently between songwriters and publishers, generally splitting the total share in half for each. You can join BMI as a songwriter with just an email address, and songwriters younger than 18 can join if they also have a custodial trust bank account.

Does BMI own your music?

No. BMI relies on the information you provide when you register your work and does not need an actual copy of your song. Song registration is simple and can be done online with our online song registration program.

Do I need both Ascap and BMI licenses?

As BMI points out, holding a blanket license with one PRO does not give you permission to play music that exists within another PRO. If you played a song licensed with ASCAP and another song licensed with BMI, you'd have to pay both ASCAP licensing fees and BMI licensing fees.

How much does a BMI license cost?

The average BMI music license for a business costs between $400 and $250 per year, a number that can go up to $2000 depending on the size of the business and the number of locations. The cost also depends on whether the business is a bar (a much higher fee) or a retail shop (a lower fee).

Does BMI get YouTube royalties?

No. Performing Rights Organizations like ASCAP and BMI collect performance royalties (paid to songwriters and publishers). They do NOT collect ad revenue for the usage of songs on YouTube. That's where CD Baby's YouTube Monetization Program comes in.

Should I join Ascap as a writer or publisher?

Join ASCAP As a Writer and Publisher Member

Consider joining as a publisher member, too. When we distribute royalties for a performance of your music, 50% goes to the writer(s), and 50% to the publisher(s). Unless you've assigned your publishing rights to someone else, you are your own publisher!

How much does an Ascap license cost?

As a ballpark, in 2018, ASCAP's minimum annual fee is $380 for restaurants and bars and $246 for retail. BMI is in the same range. And then you have SESAC.

Can I switch from Ascap to BMI?

You can, but it's complicated.

BMI asks for at least a two-year term after your initial affiliation date. ASCAP does not have a minimum term; they have specific windows throughout the year where you can request the termination of your affiliation. Your window will depend on when you first affiliated with them.

How much does BMI pay per stream?

The government-mandated royalty rate is 10.5 percent of the gross revenue minus the cost of public performance. The average rate per stream is about $0.005.

How does BMI get paid?

BMI royalties are performing right royalties, which are earned when a musical work is performed publicly. ... Mechanical royalties and synchronization fees are paid by record companies and film and TV producers directly to the copyright owner, usually the publisher, or his or her representative.