My ASCAP Membership

Applications for ASCAP writer & publisher memberships can be obtained on our website: www.ascap.com/join

You can join ASCAP as a writer if you've written or co-written music or lyrics for at least one musical work that is available to the public. It could be a song that you perform live or on a CD that you sell at your concerts, a song on a streaming service or in a YouTube video, a digital download or sheet music - if it's out there, you're eligible to join. You can join ASCAP as a publisher if you (or your business, partnership, corporation, etc.) are actively engaged in the music publishing business, and assume the financial risk involved in publishing music. You are also eligible for a publisher membership if you are a writer and have not assigned your publishing rights to someone else. A publisher membership allows you to collect the publisher share of a song's performance royalties.

Joining ASCAP is free for all new ASCAP writer members. If you join as both a writer and a publisher at the same time, we’ll waive both application fees. If you are only joining as a publisher, there is a one-time, non-refundable $50 application processing fee.

All ASCAP applications are processed online*. If you don’t have a computer, you can apply on a mobile device with an internet connection. The ASCAP website can also be accessed at a public library. 

Keep in mind that you will need to submit sensitive personal and financial data as part of the application, so please use caution if you’re filling out the application on a device that others can access.

*With the exception of applications for minors. We require printed applications for those.

You can only belong to one society at a time as a writer for licensing public performances in the United States; however, you can be a publisher at multiple societies. You can transfer as a writer to ASCAP from your current society, but you will need to contact your current society to obtain the appropriate information to make the switch.

Each member of the group must complete a separate writer application and each member of the group must meet the eligibility criteria. It is recommended that each member apply for a separate publisher membership; however, only one application needs to be submitted if the group chooses to join as a collective publisher member. If this is the case, the publisher membership must be structured as a partnership, corporation or LLC.

Yes, we permit minors to join ASCAP with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. We cannot process a minor’s application online. If you haven’t reached the age of majority in your state or territory of residence, download the appropriate form(s) and follow the instructions for mailing your application: 
The legal definition of “minor” varies by territory. Here are the definitions that ASCAP follows:
For new publisher memberships, the person submitting the application must meet the age of majority in their state/territory of residence, even if they are not an officer or partner of the publishing entity.

As part of the application process, all applicants for an ASCAP writer and/or publisher membership will be required to provide a government issued ID and undergo a “liveness check.” You will need to present the front and back of your government-issued ID, and a photo of that ID will be taken using the camera on the computer or mobile device you’re using to apply. The liveness check is a verification that the person in front of the camera is a real, live person, and not a photo or recording. A photo of your face will be taken during the liveness check. Some of this information and data may constitute biometric and/or consumer health data under, and as defined in, laws that may be applicable to you (“ID Data”). 

For new publisher members who are joining as an LLC, C-Corporation, S-Corporation, Partnership or other corporate entity (excluding Individual/Sole Proprietorships or Single-member LLCs), you will be asked for two types of additional documentation:
To be clear, ASCAP does not require the above two documents for new publisher members joining as an Individual/Sole Proprietor or Single-member LLC.

New publisher members applying as a Trust/Estate need to submit a secondary form of ID.

You can use your driver’s license, passport, or a national/state ID issued by the country or state where you reside. All other forms of ID will be rejected by our system.

ASCAP has joined with performing rights organizations throughout the world in an effort to protect our members’ royalties and improve the integrity of the data that we use to pay the songwriters, composers and publishers we represent. As part of that effort, we require that each new ASCAP member/applicant verify their identity so we can prevent fraudulent applications.

The photos and ID-related documents you submit are sent to an external ID verification vendor. They are used to verify your identity, in order to identify, monitor and prevent fraud, and are stored for a limited time, all to the extent set forth in our Biometric Information Retention and Handling Policy and ASCAP Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy.

Some information and data collected based on your ID may constitute biometric and/or consumer health data under, and as defined in, laws that may be applicable to you (“ID Data”). You cannot delete or withdraw this ID Data once you’ve sent it, but rest assured that ASCAP and our ID verification vendor will only use your ID Data (as defined above) to verify your identity, in order to identify, monitor, and prevent fraud. ASCAP values your privacy. To the extent set forth in our Biometric Information Retention and Handling Policy and ASCAP Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy, neither ASCAP nor our vendors sell, lease, trade or otherwise profit from this ID Data, and neither ASCAP nor our vendors will disclose or disseminate this ID Data unless such disclosure is required by laws applicable to such data.

An officer or partner is one of the core people involved with your publishing company’s leadership. It could be an owner, manager, partner in your company, etc. You can add up to three officers/partners in your application.

The designated representative is the person who acts on behalf of the company for the purposes of ASCAP business. They will be the first point of contact if ASCAP needs to communicate with the publishing company. The designated representative has to be one of the officers listed on the membership.

A designated representative is a person entrusted to act on behalf of an ASCAP publisher member, for the purposes of ASCAP business. They are typically the first point of contact if ASCAP needs to communicate with the member. For a publisher member set up as an individual/sole proprietorship, the designated representative is by default the same individual who is listed on the membership. For any other type of publisher member (e.g. a C-Corporation, S-Corporation, LLC or Partnership), the designated representative must be listed as an officer/partner on the ASCAP membership.

A designated user (DU) is someone who has been authorized by an ASCAP member to view or manage their Member Access account. It might be a trusted advisor, business manager, employee, etc. The member can change or delete permissions for a DU at any time; the DU gets their own username and password, so the member doesn’t have to provide them with their private credentials. Both writer and publisher members can assign a DU.

In order to avoid the possibility of fraudulent applications, we require that all new writer members submit their own applications for ASCAP membership. The application process involves a “liveness check” to confirm that the person in front of the camera is a real, live person. A photo of your face will be taken during the liveness check, and if the photo doesn’t show the same person as your government-issued ID, you will be prevented from completing and submitting the application. 

For publisher members joining as an LLC, C-Corporation, S-Corporation, Partnership or other corporate entity: we do allow applicants to submit even if the applicant’s name isn’t specified as an officer of the company. However, we still require that the person submitting the application go through the ID verification process, to confirm that they are who they say they are. 

In the publisher application (“Officer/Partner Name and Title” section), you will need to choose “Applicant only” or “Applicant and Officer/Partner” from the dropdown to indicate the relationship between the applicant and the new ASCAP publishing company. The applicant’s name will be pre-filled.

If you did not pass the ID verification step, you won’t be able to continue with your application. 

If you passed the ID verification step, and your application was then declined after you submitted it, the reason for your ineligibility was sent to the email address you provided.

If you need us to review your application, please send us a message via our contact page (https://www.ascap.com/message) using the “Membership Application Inquiry” topic.

Include the following information in your message:

1. The type of membership you applied for (writer, publisher, or both), and the date you submitted it
2. The automated response you received (via email, after submitting the application or at the ID step)
3. The name of the applicant or business 
4. Your home or business address 
5. Your phone number and email address

FOR PUBLISHER MEMBERS APPLYING AS AN LLC, C-CORPORATION, S-CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP OR OTHER CORPORATE ENTITY, please upload along with your message a document that verifies the valid creation of your business entity. This could be your articles of incorporation, articles of association, certificate of organization or LLC operating agreement.

Please do NOT send copies of your tax forms or ID documents through our contact page. 

The last couple years have been tough for music creators. Suspending the fee temporarily will help aspiring music creators launch their careers and start making money faster. ASCAP is here to support creators at every stage of their life in music.

We are waiving the fee for all new ASCAP writer members. If you join as both a writer and a publisher at the same time, we’ll waive both application fees.

Our goal in suspending the application fee is to eliminate one of the hurdles for new songwriters and composers to start making money from their music. The majority of our new writer members don’t already have a publishing entity, so now they can set themselves up to earn 100% of their ASCAP royalties, at no cost to them. 

It’s a great move to join ASCAP as a publisher, even with the $50 application fee for publishers who aren’t joining as writers at the same time. When ASCAP distributes royalties for a performance of your music, 50% goes to the writer(s), and 50% to the publisher(s). If you want to collect your publisher’s share, you will need to have a publishing company with ASCAP. 

Click here for more reasons why an ASCAP writer should join as a publisher, too.

We are suspending application fees temporarily, to help out new music creators who struggled to start their careers during the pandemic. Next year, we’ll evaluate how the change has impacted ASCAP and our membership, and decide whether to continue. 

We are only waiving fees for new members who join on February 13, 2023 or later.

We charge a one-time application fee for new members who choose to join only as a publisher. The one-time fees help to offset some of the administrative costs associated with electing new members. 

As of February 13, 2023, we are temporarily suspending application fees for new writer members. If you join as both a writer and a publisher at the same time, we’ll waive both fees.

For the time being, if you join as both a writer and a publisher at the same time, we will waive the application fee for both memberships.

If you join only as a writer now, you can do so for free. But you will need to pay a $50 application fee if you decide to join as a publisher later.

We are only waiving the fee for new ASCAP publisher memberships if they are connected to a new writer joining at the same time. The goal here is to encourage new music creators for whom an application fee might be a hurdle to start making money from their music.  

It is still a great move to join ASCAP as a publisher. When we distribute royalties for a performance of your music, 50% goes to the writer(s), and 50% to the publisher(s). If you want to collect your publisher’s share, you will need to set up a publishing company with ASCAP.

Click here for more reasons why an ASCAP writer should join as a publisher, too.

The application processing fee is non-refundable.

The application processing fee is non-refundable.

The fee is associated with the costs of processing the membership application and therefore cannot be returned.

If you don't have a US-issued Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit or debit card, you must first supply ASCAP with another form of payment using the ASCAP Processing Fee Form. Upon receipt and processing of your payment you will be supplied with instructions to complete your application. 

The fee for processing a check, money order or foreign credit card payment is $50. Keep in mind this is in addition to the $50 publisher application fee.

You may join ASCAP if you do not have a valid US Social Security Number or are not a US citizen; however, additional income reporting documentation must be provided with your application. Please go to the IRS website (irs.gov) to obtain a W8-BEN form. When you have completed the application please mail the original completed W8-BEN with your application number written on the top to:

ASCAP
Attn: Applications
7920 West Sunset Blvd.
Third Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90046

The availability of the publisher name will be checked automatically by the ASCAP system prior to submission of your application. If the name is not available you will not be able to submit the application until you choose another available name.

No.

You will receive information from ASCAP regarding your online application immediately upon submission. If additional documentation is required to process your application please provide the information within 90 business days of submission. Upon receipt of this documentation your application will be processed within 10 business days.

We can check the status of your application without an Application ID; however, we will require the Social Security Number or TIN that you provided on your application to confirm your identity.

If your application is automatically declined, the application fee and any donations you made during your application will be refunded.

If your application requires manual review before it is declined, the fee will not be returned, as it is associated with the costs of processing your application. Your donations will still be accepted. 

Work registrations are essential to the proper distribution of performance royalties and should be submitted to ASCAP once a musical work has been fully created. After you receive confirmation of your election to ASCAP membership, please allow five (5) business days before you attempt to register your works with ASCAP for the first time. Once this time has elapsed, ASCAP members should register their works through the Online Work Registration system.

To start using ASCAP's Online Work Registration system, sign in to your Member Access account and click "Register a Work" under the "Works" menu on the left navigation bar.

You can also register your music with the ASCAP mobile app. Use Quick Registration to send us the basic writer, publisher and royalty split breakdown for your music, or go with Guided Registration for a more comprehensive walkthrough, where you’ll learn about all the data ASCAP needs to track performances of your music, and pay you accurately. Either way, the ASCAP mobile app makes it easy with an intuitive, step-by-step approach.

Member Access is ASCAP's secure online web portal that provides you with access to your ASCAP information. Once you activate your Member Access account, you will have the ability to update personal details (e.g., address, bank account information, etc.), view and print the entitled party and share details of your Works, view and download ASCAP performance statements, register your works and electronically create and track service requests to ASCAP. Important programs like ASCAP OnStage and the ASCAP Plus Awards are only available via Member Access, so activation of your account is highly recommended.

Activate your Member Access account at www.ascap.com/members.

ASCAP does not register music for the purpose of copyright protection; this is the responsibility of the writer(s) and publisher(s) of any given work. You can register your music for copyright protection through the Library of Congress which can be reached at 202-707-3000 or on the web at www.loc.gov. For information on bar codes, please visit www.discmakers.com.

Whether or not you receive royalties for performances of your work(s) that occurred before you became an ASCAP member will depend upon when the performance(s) of the work(s) occurred. As a newly elected writer member, you can receive royalties for surveyed performances that took place in the performance period covered by the distribution quarter in which you are elected. For writers, there is a time lag of approximately seven (7) to eight (8) months between performances and royalty processing. As in the case of writers, a newly elected publisher member can receive royalties for surveyed performances that took place in the performance period covered in the distribution quarter in which the publisher is elected. For publishers, there is a time lag of approximately six (6) months between performance and royalty processing. Please note that ASCAP ONLY distributes public performance royalties, not royalties associated with record sales.

If you completed an online application, you should have received an e-mail from ASCAP within fifteen (15) days of submitting your application regardless of whether your election to ASCAP membership was successful. Please check your spam filter on your e-mail account. If you still cannot locate the e-mail, please contact Member Services at 800-95-ASCAP.

If you were elected to ASCAP membership, Member Services can confirm your Member ID; however, you will be asked to verify your identity by providing your Social Security Number or TIN.

Before speaking with an ASCAP representative, we recommend you review the ASCAP Help Center and public calendar on our website. These links take you to FAQs and support opportunities that can help you further your career. If you still wish to speak with someone, please contact our Global Member Services department at 1-800-95-ASCAP from 9am-6pm ET, Monday through Friday. Have your ASCAP member ID on hand for faster service.

Unfortunately, we cannot disclose phone numbers for specific companies unless they have agreed to allow us to do so. The following companies have agreed to allow us to provide their phone numbers to prospective or current members:

AFTRA (American Federation of TV & Radio Artists): (212) 532-0800
Harry Fox Agency: (212) 834-0100
Songwriter's Guild: (615) 742-9945 
US Copyright Office: (202) 707-5959 / (877) 476-0778
US Library of Congress: (202) 707-5000
US Patent & Trademark Office: (800) 786-9199

Examples of music classified as "Concert" are: classical, symphonic, chamber, choral, concert band/wind ensemble, electro-acoustic and opera.

Yes. An e-mail adress is required for Member Access.

Go to www.ascap.com/members to activate your Member Access account.

Your Member ID is the private number used by ASCAP to uniquely identify you. Your Member ID can be found on any ASCAP royalty statement or by calling our Global Member Services department at 1-800-95-ASCAP.

There is no fee to sign up for Member Access; it's free for all ASCAP members.

Any current or resigned Writer or Publisher member can activate a Member Access account.

Member Access allows 24/7 access to your ASCAP membership. You can register your music, view your royalty history, change your address, submit a message to our Global Member Services team, review your catalog of works and more. In addition, important programs like ASCAP OnStage and the ASCAP Plus Awards are only available via Member Access.

Activate your Member Access account at www.ascap.com/members.

To change your password, enter your username on the Member Access login page and click the "I forgot my password" link.

If you forgot your username for Member Access, please call 1-800-95-ASCAP.

Yes, ASCAP Member Access is a secure web portal with 128-bit encryption.

As a policy, ASCAP does not share information about its members without their express consent. During the account activation process, you can opt in to allow ASCAP to share your information with outside entities.

Yes, Member Access is compatible with Macs as well as PCs.

Member Access works best with the latest versions of Firefox or Chrome.

Member Access is a member only portal. When you first join ASCAP, your membership is pending approval. Upon election to membership, you can activate your Member Access account.

ASCAP no longer offers membership cards. You can always find your ASCAP member ID by logging into Member Access or the ASCAP mobile app. It's also listed on your ASCAP royalty statements. 

Visit www.ascap.com/join to join ASCAP as a writer, publisher or both.

A direct license is any license agreement between an ASCAP member and a music user (for example, a radio station, TV network, website, live venue or background music service) granting the user the rights to perform publicly the member's music.

A source license is any license agreement between an ASCAP member and an entity that produces and supplies programs containing your music (for example, a TV production company), granting the right to authorize others (for example, a TV station) to perform publicly the member's music.

Yes. The rights you grant to ASCAP are nonexclusive. Nothing in your relationship with ASCAP restricts or interferes with your right to enter into a direct or source license.

If you enter into a direct or source license, you must promptly notify ASCAP of:

To properly notify ASCAP of a direct or source license, you must complete and submit the form titled "Notice of Direct/Source Licensing." This form is available for download and submission through Member Access. The Direct License Form can be downloaded from the Messages section of Member Access. Once in Messages, you can select Category: "Statement and Payment Questions" and Topic: "Direct Licensing – Domestic" or "Direct Licensing – International." Choose the appropriate form depending on the type of Direct License you are entering into (live performance, audio/visual or audio only), and attach it to the Message.

You should also attach to the Message a copy of the license (financial terms - such as the amount of the license fee - may be redacted).

As ASCAP cannot collect license fees for direct or source licensed performances, no royalties will be paid by ASCAP for these performances. If the direct or source license includes performances for periods for which ASCAP has already paid royalties because we were not aware that such a license had been issued, a debit will be made to your account with respect to such performances.

You should consider seeking the advice of a music attorney or business advisor before entering into a direct or source license.

You should attempt to obtain as much information as possible about when and how the music will be used and the license terms being offered to others. You may also wish to assess the importance of your specific works or catalog to the music user's business.

Keep in mind that while music users and program producers may offer up-front, lump-sum payments, it may be difficult to value or predict the future commercial success of your musical works.

There may also be instances in which a direct or source license might impact your ability to earn royalties from other music users. For example, if a TV or film producer acquires the performance rights to your music through an irrevocable license, or "buy-out" deal, you will not be able to receive public performance royalties when that show or film is sold or licensed to a downstream music user, or shown or broadcast in a foreign territory.

ASCAP cannot answer inquiries concerning payments for direct or source licensed performances.

ASCAP cannot audit the music user or program producer on your behalf.

ASCAP cannot make up the difference in performance royalties if your ASCAP royalties would have been greater than what you received under the direct or source license.

Although ASCAP cannot advise you on what terms you should seek in a direct or source license, ASCAP may be able to provide you with information on what you might earn in ASCAP royalties if we were to license those performances for you.

If your music publisher enters into a direct or source license, the music user or program producer may pay the publisher, not ASCAP, for performances of the licensed works. Your agreement with the publisher may determine whether you are entitled to a share of the royalties and whether or not any fees received by the publisher on your behalf are subject to recoupment. Typically, you reserve the right to receive the "writer's share" of your performance income directly from ASCAP. When a publisher licenses directly on your behalf, this may not be the case.

To start using ASCAP's Online Work Registration system, sign in to Member Access and click "Register a Work" under the "Works" menu on the left navigation bar.

You can also register your music with the ASCAP mobile app. Use Quick Registration to send us the basic writer, publisher and royalty split breakdown for your music, or go with Guided Registration for a more comprehensive walkthrough, where you’ll learn about all the data ASCAP needs to track performances of your music, and pay you accurately. Either way, the ASCAP mobile app makes it easy with an intuitive, step-by-step approach.

Please visit the Work Registration FAQ for help on how to register your work or use the tooltips found throughout the form.

Alternatively, you can download the ASCAP mobile app and register your music through our step-by-step Guided Registration option, where you’ll learn about all the data ASCAP needs to track performances of your music, and pay you accurately.

There is no need to start another account. Simply click the "Forgot password?" link on the Member Access page or ASCAP mobile app login screen, and you can recover your password.

You may only revise a work that you originally registered online yourself. To revise the entitled party or share information for a work, click "View/Edit an Existing Title" on the navigation bar (or if you're using the ASCAP mobile app, click "Edit a work" from the Register dashboard). If the change(s) you submit instruct(s) ASCAP to delete an entitled party other than yourself or reduce the share of another entitled party, ASCAP may require signed correspondence from that party confirming the change.

No. Members grant ASCAP only the right to license their musical works. Therefore, members should not register a work that consists entirely of non-musical content, such as sound effects, nature sounds, so-called "white noise" or a comedy routine.

 

Changes to a work you did not register can be done through Member Access. Click “Messages,” and create a "New Message." Select the category “My Catalog” and the topic “Work Record Update.” You will be assigned an inquiry number and notified when the work has been updated.

Royalty percentages are completely up to you and your collaborators. Please discuss with them to determine the agreed-upon share splits prior to registering your music with ASCAP. While not required, we encourage you to agree to these percentages in writing.

 

Visit our Splitsville, USA page for more information on working out splits.

The royalties we pay for a performance of our members’ music are divided evenly between the writers and publishers. When you’re registering music with ASCAP, make sure that all of the writer splits add up to 50%, and all of the publisher splits add up to 50%, for a total of 100%. If you are the publisher or co-publisher of your own works, you will receive your shares of royalties as both a writer and a publisher.

No. Titles should only be registered once, and will automatically appear in the catalogs of each entitled party listed on the initial registration.

Please note: If your work is not self-published, we prefer that the work be registered only by the publisher representing your interest.

If your co-writer registered the work with ASCAP, there is no need to register the song again – though it is a good idea to check with your co-writer to ensure that he/she registered it properly.

If your co-writer belongs to a different PRO, you will also need to register your work with ASCAP before we can track it and get you paid.

ASCAP pays performance royalties to our members on the basis of writing and/or publishing music. Oftentimes producers do contribute to the underlying composition of the music. If that’s true in your case, your contributions as a “writer” or “co-writer” can be credited for the song you’re registering. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your co-writers. Your ASCAP registration should be in accordance with the agreement you have in place with your collaborators.

Because of our privacy policy, we cannot provide your member code by email. However, you can find it in your Member Access account, on the ASCAP mobile app, on an ASCAP royalty statement, or by calling Global Member Services at 1-800-95-ASCAP.

ASCAP music publishers can register batches of works with ASCAP, BMI and SOCAN simultaneously via our MusicMark platform. Find out more about it at www.ascap.com/musicmark.

Yes, you can register a piece of music as soon as you’ve written it! Once it has been performed, please add the name of the performer to the registration, either by editing your work directly (in Member Access or the ASCAP mobile app), or by submitting a Message via your Member Access account (category: “My Catalog,” topic: “Work Record - Update Other Details”).

If the entitled writers, publishers and share percentages remain the same, there is no need to register different versions of your songs. They will all be considered the same work for payment purposes.

 

If different versions of the song are known by different titles, you can add alternate titles to an existing registration to cover all possible versions of the song.

 

If your additional versions do have different writers or different share splits, please register them as separate works with titles that differentiate them from the original work.

Only completed songs should be registered with ASCAP. Keep in mind that we only pay royalties after music has been “publicly performed.” So if you don’t intend for your music to be heard anywhere in its current form, consider waiting until it’s complete. 

If you are sampling an existing recording of someone else’s music, you will need to get permission from two copyright holders:

 

1. The copyright holder(s) of the original master recording that you are sampling – often the record label that released the recording.
2. The writers and publishers of the underlying composition that you are sampling

 

You can register original music with ASCAP that includes a sample of someone else’s copyrighted work, but you will need to agree on how to split royalty shares with the writer(s) and publisher(s) of the music you sampled. A good first step is to search for the music you sampled at ASCAP’s Repertory Search (www.ascap.com/repertory). Then contact the publisher(s) directly to work out splits.

ASCAP seeks to pay its members based on performances of their works by the music users we license who pay us license fees. We use sophisticated technologies to monitor, track, match and process trillions of data points and seek to pay our members based on their performances fairly, accurately and efficiently.

ASCAP operates on a not-for-profit basis and distributes every dollar we collect, less operating expenses, back to our members as royalties. ASCAP is always striving to maximize our efficiency so we can deliver more money to our members.

ASCAP pays on a “follow the dollar” basis. The money we receive from radio stations is paid out for radio performances, the money we receive from TV networks is paid out for TV network performances, etc. Performances on stations that pay the highest license fees will earn more royalties than performances on stations that pay lower license fees.

ASCAP operates on a cash basis. The money we collect in a quarter is paid out to our members in that same quarter, less operating expenses. We use current money to pay our members based on prior performances.

ASCAP strives to be fully transparent with our members, and our payment methodology and rules are publicly available on our website and embodied in our governing documents.

The most important step is to register your music with ASCAP, either through your Member Access account (www.ascap.com/members) or the ASCAP mobile app. Be sure to fill out all the required fields, and if your work has been performed, also include the performer name.
 
If you write music for audio-visual productions, we’ll also need cue sheets for the projects that include your music. Read more at Cue Sheet Corner.

When your music is played on terrestrial radio, we rely on a detection service called Media Monitors to track performances. Make sure that you (or a label/distributor) upload your audio file to Mediabase to increase the likelihood that you will get paid. Please note that we generally do not pay retroactively for performances of music that was uploaded to Mediabase after the date of the performance.
 
For music in commercials or promos, first register your music in Member Access. Then we will need some additional info about the project (guidelines here) so we can properly track the performances.
 
Once all your music is registered with ASCAP, the rest is up to you! Remember, ASCAP can only pay you royalties if your music appears in our performance surveys. So play your songs live, pitch your music for film/TV placement, make sure it’s on streaming services, etc. Get your music out there!

ASCAP distributes 12 royalty distributions a year, one per month. Each year we send out four distributions to writer members for US-based performances, four distributions to publisher members for US-based performances, and four to writers and publishers for international performances.
 
+Visit www.ascap.com/distributionschedule for more details.

ASCAP strives to pay our members as quickly as possible. If you register your music with ASCAP soon after you join, and we’ve tracked performances of that music during the performance period reflected in the next distribution, you can potentially start earning ASCAP royalties the month after you join.

If all the necessary data is received, ASCAP usually distributes domestic royalties approximately 6-9 months after a performance.

You can find your latest royalty statement and earnings details in your ASCAP Member Access account, or on the ASCAP mobile app. You’ll find your ASCAP royalty history there, too. 

You’ll receive an email from us if you earned royalties in a given distribution, so make sure to keep your contact info up to date.

You can find ASCAP royalty information in your Member Access account, or on the ASCAP mobile app.

 

Your Member Access account also has an Interactive Earnings page, with granular detail on how much you’re earning and where your music is getting performed.

To access it, click “Earnings” on the left navigation bar in Member Access. You can drill down to the exact info you’re looking for using the fields at the top.

ASCAP licenses all types of radio stations, including more than 10,000 local terrestrial radio stations, SiriusXM, NPR-affiliated stations and more. Our radio surveys involve sophisticated digital fingerprinting data, augmented by station logs provided by the radio stations and digital recordings of actual broadcasts. 

For most performances in our radio surveys, we leverage information from Media Monitors, a leading provider of data and analytics to the music and entertainment industry that monitors the terrestrial radio stations we license. We conduct a census survey (i.e. a complete count) of the songs identified by Media Monitors and a sample survey of all other performances.  

To ensure that Media Monitors is able to detect radio performances of your music, please upload audio files of your music to the Mediabase website (or ask your distributor/label to do so). Fill out all the fields marked with an asterisk, and then upload your song's audio file where indicated. It will be added to Media Monitors' database and can then be tracked by their radio detection service. 

Each year, ASCAP processes trillions of performances of ASCAP music. Whenever it makes sense economically, we conduct a census survey, or complete count, of performances in a medium. For media that fall under our census surveys (for example, the large majority of network TV performances and over 2000 broadcast radio stations monitored by Media Monitors), ASCAP seeks to pay on every surveyed performance.

 

Where a census survey is impractical, we conduct a sample survey, meaning that we pay royalties based on a representative cross-section of the performances on that medium.

 

+Click here for a breakdown of our surveys and more info on our payment system.Your Member Access account has an Interactive Earnings page, with granular detail on how much you’re earning and where your music is getting performed.

To access it, click “Earnings” on the left navigation bar in Member Access. You can drill down to the exact info you’re looking for using the fields at the top.

If there are surveyed performances of your music from a time before you registered it, ASCAP can retroactively credit you up to one survey year for missed royalties.

 

For ASCAP to research whether any retroactive royalties may be owed, please submit a Message (select category “Performance Claims”) through your Member Access account.

ASCAP works with independent experts to develop statistically sound surveys of performances that are eligible for royalties in various media. As part of our survey designs, we determine which sources of performance data are authorized and authoritative, and can supply the most accurate data. 

ASCAP pays royalties based on eligible performance data and cue sheets that we receive straight from our licensees, from program producers and suppliers, and from authorized and authoritative third-party vendors that collect performance information via state-of-the-art tracking systems. 

While performance data from other sources (e.g. CD Baby, Source Audio, TuneSat, etc.) can be useful if we are researching a question about performances of your music, we cannot use it as a replacement for (or supplement to) the performance data that we receive from our approved, authoritative sources.

Read more about how ASCAP tracks performances of your music here. 

You can find detailed statement guides here. They're also available in your Member Access account at the bottom of your "Statements" page.

Yes! Touring and live concerts are a big part of many of our members’ careers. That’s why we spend thousands of hours tracking live performances and collecting setlists to ensure you can get paid properly when your music is performed live.

 

There are a few different ways for ASCAP members to earn royalties from live performances of their music:

 

●     Live Concert Surveys – We distribute royalties for the ASCAP songs performed during the top-grossing tours and festivals each quarter, as reported by Pollstar. This includes both headlining and opening acts. The result is that ASCAP pays over 2,500 unique acts per year for live performance. We request setlists directly from managers, promoters and venues where available.

●     ASCAP Onstage (non-concert music) – For live performances at ASCAP-licensed venues that fall outside of our survey of top-grossing tours and festivals, you can submit your setlists to get paid via our ASCAP OnStage program. Log into the Member Access account for your ASCAP writer membership, and you’ll see OnStage listed under “Works” on the left navigation bar. There you’ll be able to submit your setlists. Only an ASCAP writer member can submit an OnStage claim, and you must have direct deposit set up for your royalties.

●     Performance Notification (for concert music) – ASCAP composers of symphonic and concert music can get paid for live performances of their works at ASCAP-licensed concert halls, universities and other ASCAP-licensed presenters and venues, by submitting programs via our Performance Notification form. Fill out the form every time there is a licensable live performance of your music, anywhere in the world.

Yes, ASCAP distributes royalties to our members for international performances of their music. We have reciprocal agreements with foreign performing rights organizations representing virtually every country that has laws protecting copyright. When ASCAP music is performed in a foreign country, that country's performing rights society tracks the performances, collects the license fees from the local music users and then forwards the royalties earned to ASCAP for distribution.

 

We distribute royalties from international performances four times a year. Check the schedule here: www.ascap.com/distributionschedule

 

You can make an international performance claim with ASCAP if you were expecting royalties for an international performance and did not receive them. Please send us a Message in your Member Access account (category “Performance Claims,” then choose the topic that matches your claim).

 

+Click here for more information regarding international royalties

Log into Member Access, and click “Payment Preferences” under the “Profile” section on your left navigation bar. There you’ll be able to sign up for direct deposit, update your royalty address and more. 

While ASCAP does not distribute to banking apps, we can send you royalties via direct deposit to your bank based in the US, or mail you a check. 

Please submit a Message via your Member Access account (choose category “Statement and Payment Questions,” and the topic that matches your question).

 

You may also call ASCAP’s Global Services department at 1-800-95-ASCAP to speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives.

There are lots of variables involved in determining whether a performance will generate an ASCAP royalty in any given distribution. Before you reach out to us, please investigate:

 

●     Is your music registered with ASCAP? We can only pay you if you are properly linked in our database to the work in question. Check Member Access or the ASCAP mobile app to make sure that the work is showing up in your catalog. If it’s not, register it.

●     Was appropriate metadata included with the registration? ASCAP uses information like performer names, alternate titles and ISRC codes to match performances to the works in our databases. Adding the right metadata when you register your music increases the likelihood that we can match and pay royalties for a performance – especially if it took place on the radio or a streaming service. 

●     Did you upload audio files of your music to Mediabase? For terrestrial radio performances, we rely on a detection service called Media Monitors to track performances of ASCAP music. Make sure that you (or a label/distributor) upload your audio file to Mediabase to increase the likelihood that you will get paid. Please note that we generally do not pay retroactively for performances of music that was uploaded to Mediabase after the date of the performance. 

●     Did the performance take place during the current performance period? Each ASCAP distribution reflects performances in a certain time period. Check our distribution schedule for a summary.

●     Is there a cue sheet on file? If your music was used in an audio-visual program, whether it’s on broadcast, cable or on a streaming platform, we require a cue sheet from the production company of the project in question. Generally, cue sheets can be viewed through your Member Access account.

●     Did you submit an OnStage or Performance Notification claim on time (for live music performances)? If you were expecting income based on an ASCAP Onstage claim or Performance Notification submission, check to make sure you submitted during the required window for that performance period.

 

If you still have questions, send us a Message within Member Access (use category “Statement and Payment Questions”).

There are lots of variables involved in determining the final royalty amount that you receive. Before contacting us about a discrepancy, please investigate:

 

●     Is the music properly registered with ASCAP? We can only pay you if you are properly linked in our database to the work in question. Check Member Access or the ASCAP mobile app to make sure that the work is showing up in your catalog. If it’s not, register it.

●     Did the performance in question actually appear on your ASCAP statement? If not, it’s possible that you will get paid in a future ASCAP distribution.

●     Does your collaborator have a larger portion of the royalty share split for the music in question?

●     Is your collaborator also an ASCAP member? Keep in mind that different performing rights organizations have different payment rules.

 

If you still have questions about a discrepancy, send us a Message within Member Access (use category “Statement and Payment Questions”). Make sure you give us evidence of the payment discrepancy. If your collaborator is not an ASCAP member, please obtain a copy of their statement so we can compare.

ASCAP rules permit living members to assign some or all of his or her royalties in certain situations. Permitted assignments include (a) an assignment to repay an advance, loan or line or credit, (b) an assignment to a corporation or similar entity, at least 95% owned by one or more ASCAP writer member(s), (c) an assignment to a living trust, or (d) an assignment to a family member, non-profit, foundation, or charity. Given the unique needs of the estates of writer members, ASCAP also permits the estate to sell or irrevocably assign the right to receive ASCAP writer royalties.

All royalty assignments require a $75.00 processing fee.

If you are interested in assigning your royalties, you may request the required forms in ASCAP Member Access via Message or by calling ASCAP’s Global Services department at 1-800-95ASCAP (1-800-952-7227). For more information about these assignments, see the Compendium of ASCAP Rules and Regulations, available on our Governing Documents page.

All requests to cancel and replace outstanding checks must be made through ASCAP Member Access via Message (Category: 'My Royalties,’ Topic: ‘Cancel and Re-issue Distribution Check’). ASCAP is unable to stop payment on royalties that have been directly deposited into a bank account.

If there is a dispute between two or more parties as to entitlement to all or part of the credits and/or royalties for a work or membership and ASCAP concludes that there is a reasonable basis for the claim, ASCAP may hold royalties attributable to the disputed portion of such interests for as long as ASCAP deems appropriate. ASCAP will hold credits and/or royalties earned by works that are subject to litigation if specifically directed to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction. For more information about ASCAP’s policy regarding claims, see Section 2.8 of the Compendium of ASCAP Rules and Regulations, available on our Governing Documents page.

ASCAP can issue a portion of your royalties directly to a former spouse as a result of a marital dissolution. You must complete ASCAP’s Marital Dissolution Notification form, which can be requested in ASCAP Member Access via Message or by calling ASCAP’s Global Services department at 1-800-95ASCAP (1-800-952-7227). Note that in order to update ASCAP’s records pursuant to a marital dissolution a $250.00 processing fee is required.

If ASCAP is served with a federal or state levy, garnishment, restraining notice, judgment, child support order, or other process involving redirection of your royalties to a third party, ASCAP will notify you by First Class mail or e-mail prior to forwarding your royalties to the third party. ASCAP will deduct an administrative fee of $100.00 (or less, if required by law) from future royalties otherwise payable to you for each new process received. No fee is charged for processing a release of an active levy, garnishment, or other continuing order.

ASCAP follows all state unclaimed property law and remits unclaimed royalties according to state requirements. Once royalties have been remitted to the state, ASCAP is unable to retrieve those royalties.

OnStage allows writer members receiving royalties via direct deposit to notify ASCAP of their live performances via Member Access. This data is processed and a royalty is distributed to the writers and publishers of the songs based upon the license fee paid by the respective venue. ASCAP OnStage is not a platform for reporting classical events, i.e., performances in the Symphonic, Recital and Educational fields. To report a Symphonic, Recital or Educational performance please visit the following link: Performance Notification

No. Only one writer needs to submit a performance claim via OnStage to ensure all writers and publishers on the title registration receive a royalty. All writers can view submitted performance claims in their Member Access account.

Each performance claim will be paid during the corresponding domestic performance distribution. If you are unsure when we make our domestic distributions, please view our Distribution Schedule.

You can register any missing works through your Member Access account or the ASCAP mobile app. Confirm that your music has been properly registered by revisiting your catalog in Member Access. It may take up to seven days to process a new registration.

You can submit a claim via OnStage right after you perform live, but there is a deadline:

DATE OF PERFORMANCE SUBMISSION DEADLINE
January 1 to March 31 June 30
April 1 to June 30 September 30
July 1 to September 30 December 31
October 1 to December 31 March 31 (following year)

If you miss the deadline, we will not be able to process your claim. Make OnStage a regular part of your post-show routine!

ASCAP OnStage is not a platform for reporting classical events, i.e., performances in the Symphonic, Recital and Educational fields. To report a Symphonic, Recital or Educational performance please visit the following link: Performance Notification

ASCAP must be able to license the performance or the claim will be declined. Most performances not a part of the Symphonic, Recital or Educational survey are eligible for processing by OnStage, but some are not based upon US copyright law (as described within 17 USC § 110), generally including non-licensable performances such as:

• musical theater

• teaching activities

• religious services

• livestock and agricultural exhibits

• government-sponsored events

• private parties

• non-permitted events

All OnStage claims must be submitted by writers of the performed works.

The royalty generated by a live performance is based upon the license fee paid by the venue. As venues with larger capacities pay a larger license fee to ASCAP, the royalty generated by these venues will be larger than venues with smaller capacities.

Yes, and specific details of the performance will remain available in Member Access for future reference.

All ASCAP writers and publishers who are properly listed on the title registration will receive a royalty.

A claim can be withdrawn and edited in Member Access as long as it is still within the same Distribution period.

A claim must be submitted to your respective society per their specific procedures. ASCAP will then correspond with foreign societies regarding eligibility and processing.

Yes, as it ensures ASCAP receives a record of all music performed.

OnStage is not for any specific genre. Any writer members who perform their songs live can submit eligible performance claims through OnStage. However, ASCAP OnStage is not a platform for reporting classical events, i.e., performances in the Symphonic, Recital and Educational fields. To report a Symphonic, Recital or Educational performance please visit the following link: Performance Notification

ASCAP Plus Awards is not related to ASCAP OnStage. If you are a writer member who performs live, you should submit those performance claims through OnStage.

Please call 1-800-95ASCAP (1-800-952-7227) to speak with a representative from ASCAP’s Member Services department. We will guide you through the process of establishing a successor to the membership.

We recommend that you consult an experienced attorney to advise you as to your specific estate planning needs and to draw up the necessary papers. As a general matter, however, it is best to put your wishes in writing, including express provisions to deal with the disposition of ASCAP royalties.

If you die without a Will, state laws of intestacy will dictate who receives your membership interest (subject, of course, to the relevant provisions of the Copyright Act). Therefore, if you wish to direct that your membership interest go to your spouse, your children, a trust, or other beneficiaries, you must prepare a Will or other appropriate estate planning documentation to set forth your wishes.

Due to potential conflicts and the current state of the law, ASCAP cannot accept beneficiary forms. In order to ensure your wishes are followed, you should include your ASCAP royalties in your estate planning.

A living ASCAP member’s request to assign his or her royalties must meet certain criteria to be permitted under ASCAP’s rules. Please consult the Royalties section of this webpage and the Compendium of ASCAP Rules and Regulations, available on our Governing Documents page.

Given the unique needs of the estates of writer members, ASCAP does permit the estate to sell or irrevocably assign the right to receive ASCAP writer royalties. ASCAP also permits living members to assign royalties irrevocably to a family member, living trust, or family-held company. Other rights of membership (such as the right to vote) are not assignable. If you are an heir or a successor to a deceased writer member and you are interested in selling or irrevocably assigning the deceased writer’s royalties, you may call our Member Services department (1-800-95ASCAP) or submit a Member Service inquiry via your Member Access account.

Bequests cannot be made to ASCAP directly, but you may make a bequest to The ASCAP Foundation, a tax-exempt public charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax law. The Foundation is separate from ASCAP with its own Board of Directors. Since 1975, The ASCAP Foundation has worked tirelessly to keep music in the schools and to nurture aspiring songwriters and composers. It is dedicated to nurturing the music talent of tomorrow, preserving the legacy of the past and sustaining the creative incentive for today's creators through a variety of educational, professional, and humanitarian programs. Making a bequest or transferring a successorship to The ASCAP Foundation are two ways you can honor your loved one while supporting a worthy charity. For more information on The ASCAP Foundation, please visit the website: www.ascapfoundation.org/donate.

The app is available to current ASCAP writer and publisher members and their designated users (DUs). You must be a current member or DU with an active Member Access account to use the app. 

The app is not available to successors, legal earners or foreign affiliates.

The ASCAP mobile app is like having a personal manager in your pocket. You can: 

• Register your music, using our guided or quick registration options

• See your royalty statements stretching back to 2016

• Use Data Health Check to scan your ASCAP catalog for missing metadata that could help you get paid

• Learn about the music business via a selection of articles and how-to guides, curated to match your interests

• Find out about new opportunities and music industry events

Find it in the App Store on iPhone, or on Google Play on Android. You can find both links at www.ascap.com/appdownload.

The mobile app supports iOS 15-17 and Android OS 9-14. 

Currently it is only available on mobile phones – we do not support iPads or tablets.

Use your existing Member Access account credentials. You will be asked to verify your identity using two-factor authentication.

While you can register your music and check your royalties in both the mobile app and Member Access, the app’s features and interface are designed for the on-the-go music creator. Member Access is geared towards a desktop experience. 

There are a few unique features that are only available on the mobile app, like the Data Health Check and Quick Registration option.

If you want to update your contact info, set up direct deposit or see your full interactive earnings, you will need to log into Member Access. ASCAP OnStage submissions and ASCAP Plus Awards applications are available exclusively through Member Access.

Member Access is also the best way to send ASCAP a message about your account.

The Quick Registration option is designed for less complex work registrations – typically non-classical music without any samples or public domain elements, that aren’t intended for film/TV, jingles or other A/V projects. Quick Registration includes the minimum required info that you need to register your music, plus a few key optional fields that may apply.

If you write classical music, or music intended for a film, TV program, commercial, PSA, jingle or other A/V project, you’ll want to use the Guided Registration. It allows you to give us more detailed info that can help us track your music, and pay you properly when it’s surveyed. The guided version also contains an eligibility quiz to ensure that your work needs to be registered in the first place.

Yes. Registering a work on the mobile app breaks down the music registration process into a series of steps. Once you’ve hit the button that advances to the next step, your work will be saved. 

Here’s how to make the most of ASCAP Connections:

ASCAP Connections is only available to ASCAP members who have downloaded the mobile app, and enabled ASCAP Connections. It’s possible that the person you’re searching for hasn’t downloaded the app or would prefer not to send and receive messages.

ASCAP represents both writers and publishers, and you can message with both types of members in ASCAP Connections. You’ll see slightly different types of information in the profile of an ASCAP writer vs. an ASCAP publisher. For example, ASCAP writers can display a list of their skills, whereas publishers have a list of the services they offer. 

When you send a connection request to someone for the first time, you’ll be asked to indicate what you want to message about. The options are different depending on whether you’re sending a request to a writer or a publisher. You can ask a writer member (but not a publisher) about collaborating on music; you can ask a publisher (but not a writer) about publishing opportunities. 

Keep in mind that not all options will be visible for all members. You can manage which kinds of connection requests you allow in your preferences.

While there’s no limit to the number of ASCAP members you can message with, you can only send messages to one member at a time. We encourage you to continue your conversations outside the app!

Not at this time, but you can certainly connect in other ways (email, phone, social media, etc.) to send files outside the ASCAP mobile app.

Everyone that uses the ASCAP mobile app agrees to abide by a code of conduct which prohibits inappropriate interactions, including demanding, racist, discriminatory or harassing speech. 

If someone sent you a message that you would consider inappropriate, you can block them within the app. You can also report them and indicate the reason it was inappropriate. A moderator will review the message.

When you opt into push notifications we'll notify you when you get paid, and when your ASCAP account requires your attention. You can also choose to receive new event announcements and music career advice.

You can turn on push notifications when you first open the app, or update your push notification settings later in the app’s Settings section. 

• Make sure you are eligible. Only current ASCAP writers and publishers, and their designated users, can log into the mobile app. 

• Do you have a Member Access account? The mobile app uses the same credentials that you set up for your Member Access. If you have never activated your Member Access account, do that first at www.ascap.com/members.

• Forgot your username / password? Visit www.ascap.com/members and click the “Forgot username?” or “Forgot password?” link.

Here are a few basic troubleshooting tips: 

• Make sure your operating system is supported by the app. It currently supports iOS 15-17 and Android OS 9-14. 

• Make sure you are connected to the internet. The ASCAP mobile app requires an active internet connection, either WiFi or cellular data. If the signal is weak, it can cause connectivity issues.

• Occasionally, our website or app will be put into maintenance mode while we upgrade our systems. You’ll see a maintenance page – check again later after maintenance is complete. 

• If you’re still having trouble, contact our Global Member Services team at 1-800-95-ASCAP, 9am-6pm ET, Monday through Friday. Have your member ID handy for faster service.

No, deleting the app will not delete any of your ASCAP royalty or works registration data. That information is all stored safely in the cloud.

Yes! We’re already planning new features and new functionality. We’ll notify you as they’re added. Have an idea for a new feature you’d like to see? Let us know at mobileapp@ascap.com. 

Anybody can use the ASCAP chatbot. You don’t need to be an ASCAP member. However, there are some topics that only ASCAP members and their Designated Users will be able to access. For the full experience, log in to your ASCAP Member Access account at www.ascap.com/members, and start chatting from there.

The topics that our chatbot knows how to answer will be most helpful to ASCAP writer and publisher members. If you are a current ASCAP licensee, or have a question about using ASCAP music in your business, please use this contact form or call the ASCAP Licensing department at 1-800-505-4052.

The chatbot is trained on many of the topics that people most frequently ask about, including how to register new music, making updates to your catalog, cue sheets, and basic questions about how ASCAP operates. 

We will continue to train the chatbot on new topics over time, and work to refine how it answers your questions to be as helpful as possible.

Our chatbot can only answer questions about the topics and resources that it’s trained on. It doesn’t know everything about ASCAP yet, so you may ask a question that it doesn’t know how to answer. The chatbot will be honest if it doesn’t know something yet, and will point you to other resources you can consult. 

That said, we will continue to train the chatbot on new topics, so it will develop more and more expertise over time. It’s a constant learning process!

For privacy and security reasons, the chatbot does not have access to anyone’s royalty and performance data, so it won’t be able to answer specific questions involving royalty amounts or individual performances. 

If you have questions specific to your account and royalties, log in to Member Access and send us a Message, or call ASCAP Global Member Services at 1-800-95-ASCAP from 9am-6pm ET, Monday through Friday. Make sure to have your ASCAP member ID on hand for faster service.

The ASCAP chatbot is powered by artificial intelligence, and trained on data from the ASCAP website and FAQs. While there isn’t an actual person responding to your questions, you can ask it the same kinds of questions you would ask an ASCAP representative.

If the chatbot was unable to answer your question, you will be offered the chance to chat with a live ASCAP rep (pending their availability). You can also reach out to us via our contact form, send us a Message via Member Access, or call ASCAP Global Member Services at 1-800-95-ASCAP from 9am-6pm ET, Monday through Friday. Make sure to have your ASCAP member ID on hand for faster service.