How to Register Your Song With BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC

How to Register Your Song With BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC

If you write songs, you need to register them. This ensures you get paid when people play your music. Music played on the radio, streamed online, or used in public generates money. Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) collect this money for you. In the United States, the three main PROs are BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC.
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Each group tracks music usage and sends payments to songwriters and publishers. If your song is not registered, you may lose money. Registration protects your rights and helps you build a record of your work. This guide will show you how to register your song with each group. The steps are clear, direct, and easy to follow.

Why You Must Register Your Song

You should register your song to protect your work and get paid. When someone plays your song, money is generated. This money comes from radio stations, TV channels, live events, and streaming platforms. PROs collect and pay out that money. If your music is not registered, they cannot track or pay you.

Registering also proves that you created the song. This helps if there is a legal issue later. Your registration date becomes part of the official record. You can use this record to protect your rights.

Here are the key reasons to register:
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• Get Paid: You earn performance royalties.
• Track Usage: You see where your music plays.
• Protect Ownership: Your name is on record.
• Access Reports: You get statements and data.
• Build Your Catalog: You grow your music business.

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It is a simple task with big rewards. Start early to avoid missing out.

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About the Three PROs

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
Founded: 1939
Type: Non-profit
Open to: All songwriters and publishers
Website: www.bmi.com

BMI is one of the largest music rights groups in the United States. It has over 1 million members. BMI collects performance royalties from radio, TV, live shows, and streaming services.
BMI does not charge songwriters to join. However, publishers must pay a one-time fee. Songwriters get paid quarterly. BMI tracks performances through direct reports and digital systems.

BMI is ideal for:

• New songwriters
• Independent artists
• Musicians with growing fanbases

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BMI has a strong presence in many genres, including hip-hop, country, rock, and pop.

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ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)
​Founded: 1914
Type: Non-profit
Open to: Songwriters and publishers
Website: www.ascap.com

ASCAP is a membership-based group owned by its members. It has over 900,000 songwriters and publishers. It collects royalties from performance sources and pays members based on use.
ASCAP charges a one-time $50 fee for writers and $50 for publishers. Once you join, you register each song through your account. ASCAP pays quarterly.

ASCAP is good for:

• Writers who want strong reporting tools
• Songwriters who want to control their own publisher account
• Artists with active performances

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ASCAP has a wide network in film, TV, pop, and classical music.

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SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers)
Founded: 1930
Type: Private
Open to: By invitation only
Website: www.sesac.com

SESAC is different from BMI and ASCAP. You cannot just apply online. You must be invited to join. SESAC is selective and works with fewer writers.
SESAC collects and pays performance royalties like the others. It offers personal support and higher payout rates for some writers. However, access is limited.

SESAC is best for:

• Writers with proven success
• Artists with industry connections
• Composers in TV and film

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If you want to join SESAC, you must contact them or get referred by a current member.

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Common Steps for All PROs

Each PRO has a unique process. Still, the basic steps are similar. Before you register a song, do the following:

1. Check Your Eligibility
To register, you must be the songwriter, composer, or publisher. You must own the rights to the song. You cannot register a cover or remix without permission.

2. Prepare Song Details
You need the following:

• Song title
• Names of all writers and their roles
• Percentages of ownership
• Performance type (instrumental, vocal, etc.)
• Publishing info (if applicable)

3. Create an Account
You must sign up as a writer. If you publish your music, you also need a publisher account. Use your legal name and correct tax info. This ensures payment goes to you.

4. Register Each Song
Log in and enter your song information. List each contributor. Include publisher info. Save the registration. Your song is now in the system.

5. Monitor and Update
After registration, check your account. Look for updates. Report any errors. Upload live performances if your PRO allows it.

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How to Register Your Song With BMI

Follow these steps to register your song with BMI.

Step 1: Create Your BMI Account
Visit bmi.com. Click “Join.” Choose “Songwriter.” Complete the online form with your personal and tax information. Songwriters join for free. Publishers pay a one-time $150 fee (individual) or $250 (company).

Step 2: Log Into Your BMI Account
Once approved, go to your dashboard. Click “Works Registration.”

Step 3: Enter Your Song Information

Fill out:

• Song title
• Writer name(s)
• Ownership share (e.g., 50% writer, 50% publisher)
• Publishing details
• If it’s instrumental or vocal

If others helped write the song, include them. Each writer must be registered with a PRO.

Step 4: Confirm and Submit
Review your song info. Check for typos or wrong data. Submit the registration. You will get a confirmation email.

Step 5: Track and Report
Check your BMI account for reports. You can upload setlists from shows using BMI Live. This helps you earn royalties from live performances.

I added a set of clear screenshots to make your registration journey easier:

1. BMI “Add New Work” interface to start a song registration.
2. BMI registration steps (Work Info → Publishers & Writers → Summary).

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​How to Register Your Song With ASCAP

Here is a clear process for registering your song with ASCAP.

Step 1: Join ASCAP
Go to ascap.com. Click “Join.” Select “Writer.” Pay the one-time $50 fee. Enter your legal name, contact info, and tax ID.To earn full royalties, you must also create a publisher account. This also costs $50.

Step 2: Log Into Member Access
After approval, go to “Member Access.” This is your dashboard. Choose “Works Registration.”

Step 3: Enter Song DetailsFill in the following:

• Title
• Writers
• Ownership splits
• Publisher details
• ISWC (if you have one)

If you co-write, add each co-writer and their share. You can also add alternate titles (aka “working titles”).

Step 4: Confirm and Register
Review all entries. Once correct, click “Submit.” ASCAP will process and log your song.

Step 5: Use ASCAP OnStage (if you perform)
​ASCAP pays for live shows. Report your setlists using ASCAP OnStage. Log in and upload your songs and show dates.

Here is a clear, reader-friendly screenshot of the ASCAP online registration form. The image shows the layout of the key fields you will encounter when registering a work:
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• Work Title field (top-left)
• Writer Details on the left (name, share)
• Publisher Details on the right (name, share)
• "Submit" button at the bottom

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How to Register Your Song With SESAC

Since SESAC is invite-only, the steps differ slightly.

Step 1: Contact SESAC
Go to sesac.com. Use the “Contact” form. State that you want to join. Include your music links, credits, and any referrals.

Step 2: Wait for Response
SESAC will review your request. If they are interested, they will contact you. If approved, they will guide you through the sign-up.

Step 3: Sign the Agreement
Once accepted, you sign an agreement. This may be digital or by mail. Read all terms before signing.

Step 4: Register Your Songs
You will get access to the SESAC portal. Log in and submit your song details:

• Title
• Writers
• Shares
• Publishers
• Music files (if required)

Submit and wait for confirmation.

Step 5: Track and Report
SESAC tracks performance. For live shows, submit setlists. Use the SESAC online reporting system. This helps you earn extra royalties.

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Tips for Smooth Registration

• Keep Records: Save copies of your registrations.
• Use Real Names: Use your legal name and real information.
• Check for Duplicates: Do not register the same song twice.
• Include All Writers: Make sure all creators are listed.
• Review Splits: Ensure the shares total 100%.
• Stay Active: Log in regularly. Submit live performances.
• Register Early: Don’t wait to upload your music.

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A small mistake can delay payment. Double-check everything.

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Conclusion

Registering your songs with BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC is one of the most important steps in your music career. It ensures you get credit and payment for your work. The process is clear and simple when you follow the steps.

Choose the PRO that fits your needs. If you’re starting out, BMI and ASCAP offer easy access. If you have a track record, consider reaching out to SESAC. No matter which you choose, make sure every song is registered.
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Doing this protects your music, supports your income, and sets up your future in the music industry.

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Grizzly Beatz has over 10 years of experience helping independent songwriters, producers, and publishers protect their work and earn performance royalties. Jordan has worked directly with artists navigating registrations with BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC. His writing is grounded in real-world experience, supported by a strong understanding of copyright law, and trusted by artists across genres. He prioritizes clarity, accuracy, and actionable guidance, ensuring readers get information they can rely on.