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.
Licensing your music for TV commercials, online ads, and brand campaigns is one of the most lucrative sync opportunities available. This guide explains how the licensing process works, what fees to expect, and how to get your music in front of the right people.
Corporate video licensing is a steady, accessible income stream for independent musicians. This guide explains what corporate clients need, how the licensing process works, what fees to expect, and the best platforms to reach this market.
Most independent artists are not collecting all the royalties their music generates. This guide covers every royalty collection service you need, what each one collects, what it costs, and how to register.
Apple Music pays more per stream than Spotify in 2026. But Spotify has far more users. This comparison breaks down what each platform actually pays, subscriber numbers, and which one earns more for independent artists.
Podcasts are one of the fastest-growing markets for licensed music. Here is how independent artists can get their music into podcast productions, what licenses are required, and how to set rates that reflect the actual use.
YouTube processed 2.2 billion copyright claims in 2024. Independent artists can benefit from that system rather than fight it. Here is how to license your music to YouTube creators and earn from every use.
NFTs promised to revolutionize how musicians earn royalties. Then the market collapsed. Here is an honest account of what went wrong, what still works, and whether blockchain royalties have a real future for independent artists.
A co-publishing deal splits the publisher's share of your songwriting income with a music publisher in exchange for an advance, administration, and creative services. This guide explains how co-pub deals work, what you keep and what you give up, and how to decide if one is right for you.
Everything independent artists need to know about mechanical royalties in 2026. Learn what they are, how rates work, the role of the MLC and Harry Fox Agency, and step-by-step instructions to collect every penny.
Learn what SoundExchange collects, who qualifies, and how to register to start collecting your digital performance royalties from internet radio, satellite radio, and non-interactive streaming services.
Neighboring rights pay performers and recording owners when music is played on radio, TV, and in public venues internationally. Learn what they are, where they apply, who qualifies, and how to start collecting.
Calculate royalties for multiple tracks across different territories.
Calculate your earnings across Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and 7+ more platforms.
Find out how many streams you need to hit your income goals.
UnitedMasters is a US-based digital music distributor founded in 2018 by Steve Stoute. Offers a free tier (10% commission), a $19.99/year Debut+ plan (100% royalties), and a $59.99/year Select plan with exclusive brand and sync deal access. Differentiates through brand partnership pipeline connecting artists to the NBA, NFL, and consumer brands. Artists keep ownership of masters on every tier.
Catapult Distribution is a US-based music distributor founded in 1997, making it one of the longest-running digital distributors in the industry with nearly 30 years of operation. Uses a one-time fee model: $9 per single, $25 per album (up to 100 tracks), and $20 per ringtone. Artists keep 91% of royalties (9% commission) with no annual fees, no subscriptions, and music stays live forever. Distributes to 150+ stores across 250+ countries. Spotify Platinum Preferred Partner. YouTube Content ID available with 75% to artist (25% commission). Free UPC and ISRC codes. Best for artists who want permanent distribution without recurring fees.
EmuBands is a Scottish music distributor founded in 2005 and based in Glasgow. Offers a hybrid model with pay-per-release (one-time fee, music stays live forever) or Premium subscription ($120/year, unlimited releases). 100% royalties on all plans. Spotify Platinum Preferred Partner with all operations handled in-house. Human-led support with no automation for core operations. 20 years independent. No payout minimum threshold. Daily royalty payouts on Premium. Best for artists who want permanent catalog protection and human support.
