Blanket licenses are the backbone of how streaming services, radio stations, bars, and broadcasters legally use music. Understanding how they work helps you as an artist know where your money comes from and why it sometimes takes so long to arrive.

Registering your music with a Performing Rights Organization is how you collect royalties every time your songs are played publicly. This guide walks through the process step by step for ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR, plus international options.