TONO is Norway's performing rights organization, founded in 1928 and headquartered in Oslo. It is a non-profit cooperative owned and controlled by composers, lyricists, and music publishers. TONO manages performing rights for musical works in Norway, licensing public use of music and distributing royalties to over 45,000 Norwegian members and millions of international authors through reciprocal agreements with sister societies worldwide.
How TONO Works
TONO issues blanket licenses to radio stations, television networks, streaming services, concert venues, cinemas, restaurants, retail stores, and any business that plays music publicly in Norway. License fees are collected and distributed to rights holders based on usage data from broadcast logs, streaming reports, concert set lists, and background music reporting.
In 2025, TONO achieved record-high gross revenues of NOK 1,109,784,015 (approximately USD 100 million), up 9.1% from 2024. The distributable profit reached NOK 928.7 million. TONO paid NOK 335 million to Norwegian rights holders and NOK 379.8 million to foreign rights holders. The cost percentage was 14.47%.
Streaming of films and music generated NOK 342 million in 2025, up NOK 55 million from 2024. Broadcasting on radio and television generated NOK 367 million, up NOK 15 million. Public performances at cinemas, concerts, and background music venues generated NOK 271 million combined, up NOK 24 million. Concert revenue alone reached NOK 157 million, up NOK 15 million from 2024. Background music revenue increased NOK 8 million to NOK 104 million.
International revenues from sister societies and direct streaming licensing totaled NOK 130.9 million, roughly stable compared to NOK 131.2 million in 2024. TONO distributed NOK 59.9 million in cultural funds in 2025, including NOK 16.5 million through the TONO grant program.
In 2025, TONO introduced a new settlement model that more directly reflects what music Norwegians actually listen to. TONO also coordinated background music services with Gramo (the neighboring rights organization) starting September 2025, giving over 16,000 Norwegian businesses a single point of contact and joint invoice for both organizations.
TONO was founded under the name Norsk Komponistforenings Internasjonale Musikkbyrå. Norway has ratified the Berne Convention, and its provisions are implemented in Norwegian law through the Copyright Act. Mechanical rights are administered by NCB (Nordisk Copyright Bureau), not TONO directly.
Real-World Example
A Norwegian songwriter joins TONO and registers 20 songs. An Oslo radio station plays 10 of those songs in regular rotation, a streaming service reports 1.5 million streams, and a Bergen concert venue features 5 songs in its set list.
TONO collects royalties from all three sources. Streaming royalties (the largest growth category at NOK 342 million across all distributions) are allocated based on stream counts. Radio royalties are allocated based on airplay logs. Concert royalties are allocated based on the set list submitted by the concert organizer.
If the same songs are played on streaming platforms in Sweden, TONO's reciprocal agreement with STIM means STIM collects those royalties and remits them to TONO, which distributes them to the songwriter in the next distribution cycle.
With TONO's 14.47% cost percentage, if NOK 10,000 in royalties is collected for a songwriter's works, approximately NOK 8,553 is paid to the writer and publisher (split according to registered shares) and NOK 1,447 covers administrative costs. A Norwegian songwriter with 40 songs receiving regular airplay and significant streaming activity might earn anywhere from NOK 20,000 to NOK 500,000 or more annually, depending on usage scale.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you are a Norwegian songwriter, composer, lyricist, or publisher, TONO is the primary organization for collecting performing rights royalties in Norway. Membership is open to creators and publishers. You can only belong to one Norwegian PRO at a time for the same catalog of works.
Register every composition with TONO before commercial release. Unregistered works earn zero royalties, even if they receive millions of streams or extensive radio airplay. Submit accurate metadata including ISRC codes, ISWC numbers, and split sheets to ensure proper matching and payment.
TONO does not handle mechanical rights. The Nordic Copyright Bureau (NCB) administers mechanical and reproduction rights for the Nordic region. If you release music physically or digitally in Norway, contact NCB separately for mechanical licensing.
The 2025 coordination between TONO and Gramo simplifies licensing for businesses using background music. This means more venues are properly licensed, which increases the royalty pool for background music performances. Ensure your works are registered so you receive your share of this growing revenue stream.
TONO's cultural fund distributions of NOK 59.9 million in 2025 provide grants for music projects in Norway. As a member, you may be eligible to apply for funding through the TONO grant program. Check TONO's website for application deadlines and eligibility criteria.
If your music is played internationally, TONO's reciprocal agreements with sister societies mean those royalties flow back to you. Register your works so international performances are tracked and royalties are collected.
PRO Comparison Table
| Feature | TONO | STIM | KODA | TEOSTO | GEMA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Territory | Norway | Sweden | Denmark | Finland | Germany |
| Join fee | Free | Free | Free | Free | Varies by membership type |
| Annual fee | None | None | None | None | None |
| Overhead rate | 14.47% (2025) | ~10 to 12% | ~12% | ~13% | ~10 to 15% |
| Distribution frequency | 4 distributions per year | 4 distributions per year | 4 distributions per year | 4 distributions per year | 4 distributions per year |
| Reciprocal agreements | 87 sister societies, 181 countries and territories | CISAC member with worldwide network | CISAC member with worldwide network | CISAC member with worldwide network | CISAC member with worldwide network |
| Members | 45,000+ | 90,000+ | 45,000+ | 30,000+ | 85,000+ |
Territory Covered
TONO collects performing rights royalties exclusively within Norway. The organization licenses music users operating inside Norwegian borders. This includes radio stations, television networks, streaming services, concert venues, cinemas, restaurants, retail stores, and any business playing music publicly in Norway.
For royalties generated outside Norway, TONO relies on its 87 reciprocal agreements with sister societies worldwide, covering 181 countries and territories. Major partners include STIM (Sweden), KODA (Denmark), TEOSTO (Finland), GEMA (Germany), PRS for Music (UK), ASCAP and BMI (US), SACEM (France), and SIAE (Italy).
How to Join TONO
TONO membership is free. You must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:
For Composers, Songwriters, and Lyricists
- You must be the writer or co-writer of an original musical work (or an authorized arrangement) that has been:
- Performed publicly in concert (where TONO licensing is required), or
- Performed in a TV or radio setting, or
- Commercially recorded and distributed to the general public (CD, audiovisual productions, etc.)
- Complete the TONO writer member application form available on the TONO website.
- Sign the membership agreement, which entrusts TONO with the financial management of your musical works.
- Register your works in TONO's system with complete metadata (titles, co-writer information, publisher shares, ISWC numbers).
For Music Publishers
- The publisher must have an agreement with at least one author of a published musical work.
- Submit a copy of the publishing contract for the work.
- Submit a copy of the company certificate from Bronnoysund (the Norwegian Register Center).
- Provide a published copy of the work (not required for sub-publishers).
- The publishing contract must be in accordance with TONO's distribution plan, particularly section 14.
Required Documents
- Completed membership application form
- Proof of public performance, broadcast, or commercial release of your work
- For publishers: publishing contract, company certificate, and published copy of the work
Contact TONO Member Services at +47 22 05 72 80 for guidance during the application process.
Membership Fees and Overhead Rate
TONO charges no membership fee and no joining fee. The organization is a non-profit cooperative owned and controlled by its members.
Overhead Rate
TONO's cost percentage in 2025 was 14.47%. This means for every NOK 100 collected, NOK 85.53 is distributed to rights holders and NOK 14.47 covers administrative costs. This rate is moderate compared to other Nordic PROs. STIM (Sweden) typically operates around 10 to 12%, while KODA (Denmark) is around 12%.
TONO also distributes cultural funds. In 2025, NOK 59.9 million was distributed in cultural funds, including NOK 16.5 million through the TONO grant program. These cultural fund distributions are separate from royalty payments and support music projects in Norway.
Royalty Distribution Schedule
TONO distributes royalties four times per year, typically in March, June, September, and December. Exact dates may vary slightly from year to year.
2026 Distribution Schedule
- Week 12 (March 2026): VOD services, digital services, foreign distributions, cinema, Norwegian broadcasts Q3 (July to September) from previous year
- Week 22 (June 2026): VOD services, cinema, TV advertisements, NCB remuneration (phonogram, AV productions, digital services), foreign distributions, Norwegian broadcasts Q4 (October to December)
- Week 33 (August 2026): VOD services, NCB remuneration (digital services), foreign distributions, concerts in Norway (preceding year), Norwegian broadcasts Q1 (January to March)
- Week 39 (September/October 2026): VOD services, NCB remuneration (phonogram, AV productions, digital services), foreign distributions, Norwegian broadcasts Q2 (April to June)
TONO distributes royalties for concerts in September or October of the year following the actual performance. International distributions follow separate schedules based on when foreign societies remit royalties to TONO.
Reciprocal Agreements with Foreign Societies
TONO maintains reciprocal agreements with 87 sister societies worldwide as of 2026, covering a total of 181 countries and territories. When a TONO member's music is performed in another country, the local society collects those royalties and forwards them to TONO.
Major reciprocal partners include:
- STIM (Sweden): Norway's closest Nordic partner
- KODA (Denmark): Nordic partner
- TEOSTO (Finland): Nordic partner
- GEMA (Germany): Major European partner
- PRS for Music (UK): Major European partner
- SACEM (France): Major European partner
- ASCAP and BMI (US): Major international partners
- SIAE (Italy): European partner
- JASRAC (Japan): Asian partner
- APRA AMCOS (Australia and New Zealand): Pacific region partner
Some agreements are marked "unilateral," meaning TONO manages the foreign society's rights in Norway, but another company manages TONO's repertoire in that country. TONO also works with Gramo (the Norwegian neighboring rights organization) for performer and record label royalties. Mechanical rights are handled by NCB (Nordic Copyright Bureau), not TONO directly.
Notable Members
TONO represents over 45,000 Norwegian composers, lyricists, and music publishers. Several prominent Norwegian music creators are associated with TONO:
- Kygo (Kyrre Gorvell-Dahll, born 1991): DJ and record producer. Known for hits including "Firestone" and "It Ain't Me." One of Norway's most streamed artists globally.
- Alan Walker (born 1997): DJ and record producer. Known for "Faded," which has over 3 billion YouTube views. One of Norway's biggest musical exports.
- Magne Furuholmen (born 1962): Keyboardist and songwriter for A-ha. Co-wrote "Take on Me," which reached number 1 in 27 countries.
- Pal Waaktaar (born 1961): Guitarist and songwriter for A-ha. Co-wrote "Take on Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on T.V."
- Svein Berge and Torbjorn Brundtland (Royksopp): Electronic music duo from Tromso. Known for "Eple" and "Remind Me." Multiple Spellemannprisen (Norwegian Grammy) winners.
- Aurora Aksnes (born 1996): Singer-songwriter known for "Runaway" and "Running with the Wolves." Her music has been featured in film and television globally.
- Sigrid Raabe (born 1996): Singer-songwriter known for "Don't Kill My Vibe" and "Strangers." Winner of the BBC Music Sound of 2018 award.
- Maria Mena (born 1985): Singer-songwriter known for "All This Time" and "Just Hold Me." Multiple Spellemannprisen nominee.
- Alexander Rybak (born 1986): Singer-songwriter and violinist. Won Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with "Fairytale," scoring a record 387 points.
- Espen Lind (born 1971): Singer-songwriter and producer. Co-wrote "Irreplaceable" for Beyonce. Multiple Spellemannprisen winner.
Similar PROs
- STIM - Sweden's performing rights organization
- KODA - Denmark's performing rights organization
- TEOSTO - Finland's performing rights organization
- GEMA - Germany's performing rights organization
- PRS for Music - United Kingdom's performing rights organization
- SACEM - France's performing rights organization
- Full PRO Directory - Browse all performing rights organizations
Related Resources
- Performing Rights Organizations (PRO) - What a PRO is and how it functions
- Performance Royalties - How performance royalties are generated and collected
- Mechanical Royalties - How mechanical royalties differ from performance royalties
- Blanket License - The licensing model used by TONO
- Collective Management Organization (CMO) - How CMOs operate globally
- TONO Official Website - Visit TONO for membership and licensing information
- Use our Streaming Royalty Calculator to estimate your digital earnings
