Top Royalty Collection Societies Around the World

If you’re earning royalties from your music, film, or creative works, kowing which royalty collection society to trust can be the difference between missing out and getting paid what you’re owed. Global income collection is more complicated than ever, especially as your work crosses international borders. That’s where royalty collection societies—also called international PROs, royalty agencies, or music rights groups—step in. Here’s what you need to know about the key players around the world, and how to make them work for you.

What Are Royalty Collection Societies, and Why Do You Need One?

Royalty collection societies are organizations that collect and distribute royalties to artists, songwriters, composers, publishers, and copyright holders when their work is used publicly. They monitor use of your music or content—on radio, TV, streaming services, live performances, and more—then make sure you get paid.

In the United States, these groups are usually called Performing Rights Organizations (PROs). Internationally, the same idea goes by many names: Rights Societies, Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), and more. Their purpose is the same: to help creative people like you collect your money worldwide, avoid missing out on income streams, and even keep track of your copyrights through music registration.

Key Royalty Collection Societies by Region

United States

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)

• Oldest and one of the industry standards for US-based music writers and publishers.
• Not for profit – full disclosure, I’m affiliated with ASCAP.
• Focus: Performance royalties.
• Best for: Songwriters, composers, and publishers who want straightforward access to US income.

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)

• For profit (as of 2024) with a wide client roster from indies to superstars.
• Focus: Performance royalties covering multiple genres and international reach.
• Known for: Efficient payouts and strong global partnerships.

SESAC

• By invitation only—more selective membership.
• Focus: Performance royalties for US and international works.
• Extras: Often praised for customer service, direct licensing, and faster payments.

The MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective)

• Handles digital mechanical royalties for songs streamed or sold in the US.
• Key for: Songwriters and publishers to collect mechanical royalties from digital usage.

Europe

PRS for Music (UK)

• Handles both performance (through PRS) and mechanical (through MCPS) royalties.
• Open to worldwide members, not just UK-based.
• Known for: International reach and partnerships with other CMOs.

GEMA (Germany)

• Covers performance, mechanical, and synchronization royalties.
• Key in international royalty collection thanks to reciprocal agreements.
• Strict registration processes, but effective at tracking global usage.

SACEM (France)

• Among the most respected European societies.
• Focus: Collecting author’s rights (songwriters, composers, and publishers).
• Noted for: Proactive rights management and helpful for non-French artists landing syncs or getting airplay.

SGAE (Spain)

• Manages performance and mechanical rights for Spanish and international works.
• Good for those with airplay or sales in the Spanish-speaking market.

Asia & Oceania

JASRAC (Japan)

• Japan’s largest rights society for composers, lyricists, and publishers.
• Covers all major royalty types: performance, mechanical, broadcasting.

APRA AMCOS (Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific)

• Handles both performance and mechanical rights for a large region.
• Open to composers and publishers with international reach.

Latin America

SACM (Mexico)

• Managed by and for songwriters; known for community focus.
• Handles domestic and international collections for Mexican repertoire.

ABRAMUS (Brazil)

• Key collecting society for performance royalties in Brazil.
• Their international agreements can help bridge global collections back to Brazil and vice versa.

Africa & Middle East

SAMRO (South Africa)

• Most prominent African society with worldwide links.
• Covers performance royalties—live, broadcast, streaming.

COMCA (Collective Management for Creators, various Middle Eastern nations)

• Growing network, important for composers and publishers working in or with the MENA region.

How These Societies Work Together: Reciprocal Agreements

Here’s the thing: No single royalty collection society can do it all. Most have “reciprocal agreements”—meaning, if you’re with ASCAP in the US, they’ll collect US royalties for you and work with other agencies abroad (like PRS or GEMA) to track and collect your money globally.

But, it’s not always seamless. Each society tracks their own data, has different rules, and timelines. Some require direct registration for international collections, while others handle it all automatically. This is why understanding the strengths and quirks of each group matters—especially as your career grows across borders.

Registering Your Works: Why Accurate Music Registration Matters

No matter which society you choose, accurate music registration is non-negotiable. Misspellings, incomplete titles, or missing co-writers can lead to unclaimed income. Here’s what you should always double check:

• Exact legal names and contact information for every songwriter and publisher
• ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code) and ISRC (International Standard Recording Code)
• Splits and ownership percentages
• Linking all alternate titles, edits, or arrangements

Global music rights groups rely on this info to match and distribute royalties back to you from their international partners. Get it right at the beginning, and you’ll save months—sometimes years—of chasing unpaid income.

Practical Tips for Getting Paid Worldwide

1. Join the Right Societies for Your Career Stage

If you’re entirely US-based, start with ASCAP or BMI. If you have international radio play, syncs, or performances, make sure your US society partners with key royalty agencies abroad (like PRS, GEMA, SACEM).

2. If You’re Earning Abroad, Consider Dual Memberships

Some societies allow dual registration, so if you’re charting in Germany and the US, you might benefit from joining both ASCAP and GEMA. Just be careful with overlapping territories and potential double-claims.

3. Double Check Your Music Registration

Take time to cross-reference your song registrations in every society’s portal. Correct any errors before your music goes live internationally.

4. Make Use of International PRO Tools

Many societies have mobile apps or online dashboards—use them to monitor performances and address missing or delayed payments quickly.

5. Seek Help When Needed

If payments go missing or seem low, reach out to your society’s support or member services. They’re usually responsive and can push through claims retroactively, sometimes up to 3 years back.

Key Takeaways for Maximizing Your Global Royalties

• Royalty collection societies are the backbone for musicians, songwriters, and publishers to secure global income.
• Investigate which societies best fit your rights and repertoire; don’t default to the first one you hear about.
• Understand international PRO partnerships to ensure every play, stream, and sync is tracked and paid—wherever it happens.
• Accurate music registration is the foundation for proper collection.
• Check in on your global accounts and don’t hesitate to ask questions or get clarification if something seems off.

No matter where your music takes you, there’s power and money in understanding how royalty agencies work. Smart musicians play the long game—set up your memberships, keep your registrations tight, and stay proactive if you want to collect every dollar you’ve earned.