ASCAP vs BMI: Which Is Better for Artists and Songwriters?
Introduction
If you are a songwriter, producer, independent artist, or run a record label, you have probably heard about ASCAP and BMI.
Both organizations collect and distribute public performance royalties in the United States. However, there are important differences in their membership models, structure, payment schedules, and requirements.
Choosing the right organization can affect how you manage your catalog and receive income from the use of your music.
In this guide, you will learn:
- What ASCAP and BMI are.
- How they work.
- What their main differences are.
- Their advantages and disadvantages.
- Which option may be better depending on your profile.
- Common mistakes when choosing a PRO.
Table of Contents
- What is ASCAP?
- What is BMI?
- How do PROs work?
- ASCAP vs BMI: key differences
- Types of royalties they manage
- Who can join?
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Which one is better?
- Practical examples
- Common mistakes
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
What is ASCAP?
ASCAP stands for American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
It is a U.S.-based organization founded in 1914. Its main role is to:
- License music for public use.
- Collect public performance royalties.
- Distribute payments to songwriters and publishers.
- Protect the economic rights of its members.
ASCAP is owned by its members and operates as a not-for-profit organization.
Today, it represents hundreds of thousands of songwriters, composers, authors, and music publishers around the world.
What is BMI?
BMI stands for Broadcast Music, Inc.
It was founded in 1939 as an alternative to ASCAP and is now one of the largest performing rights organizations in the world.
BMI:
- Collects public performance royalties.
- Represents songwriters, composers, authors, and publishers.
- Licenses broadcasters, platforms, and businesses.
- Distributes income to its affiliates.
For decades, BMI became known for opening access to emerging songwriters and genres that were initially less represented by ASCAP, such as country, blues, jazz, and rock.
How do ASCAP and BMI work?
Both are organizations known as PROs: Performing Rights Organizations.
Their job is to:
- Register musical compositions.
- License music users.
- Monitor the use of works.
- Collect payments.
- Distribute royalties to songwriters and publishers.
For example:
If a song is played on:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- Radio
- Television
- Live concerts
- Restaurants
- YouTube
- Gyms
The corresponding PRO may collect public performance royalties for that musical work.
ASCAP vs BMI: key differences
| Feature | ASCAP | BMI |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1914 | 1939 |
| Entity type | Not-for-profit | Private organization |
| Songwriter membership | One-time fee | Free |
| Publisher membership | One-time fee | Free |
| Ownership | Members | Private organization |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| International availability | Yes | Yes |
| Can a songwriter belong to both? | No | No |
Membership costs
One of the most common differences is cost.
ASCAP
ASCAP generally charges a one-time fee for:
- Songwriters.
- Publishers.
After joining, there are usually no annual fees to maintain membership.
BMI
BMI has traditionally offered:
- Free registration for songwriters.
- Free or variable conditions for publishers depending on the period and account type.
This has made BMI an attractive option for creators who are just starting out.
What royalties do they manage?
ASCAP and BMI mainly manage royalties from:
Public performance
These royalties are generated when a musical composition is publicly performed or played.
Examples:
- Streaming.
- Radio.
- TV.
- Live concerts.
- Commercial venues.
- Background music.
What they do NOT manage
ASCAP and BMI do not directly manage:
- Master recording royalties.
- International mechanical royalties.
- YouTube Content ID royalties for the master recording.
- Digital distribution revenue.
- Neighboring rights.
For this reason, many artists also work with:
- Music distributors.
- Publishers.
- Publishing administrators.
- Monetization companies.
Who can join?
The following can join:
- Songwriters.
- Composers.
- Producers who participate in the composition.
- Music publishing companies.
- Independent publishers.
- Labels with a publishing division.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen.
Artists and songwriters from Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and other regions can register if they meet each organization’s requirements.
ASCAP vs BMI for international songwriters
For creators outside the United States, both organizations can be viable options.
However, it is important to evaluate:
ASCAP may be interesting if:
- You want an organization governed by its members.
- You value transparency in governance.
- You plan to create your own publishing company.
BMI may be interesting if:
- You want a simple registration process.
- You prefer to avoid initial costs.
- You are beginning your songwriting career.
Advantages and disadvantages of ASCAP
Advantages
- Organization governed by its members.
- Long international track record.
- Tools for songwriters and publishers.
- Strong reputation in the music industry.
Disadvantages
- Membership has a cost.
- The process may feel more formal.
- A songwriter cannot be affiliated with BMI at the same time.
Advantages and disadvantages of BMI
Advantages
- Simple affiliation process.
- Historically free for songwriters.
- Broad international representation.
- Strong presence across popular genres.
Disadvantages
- It is not owned by its affiliates.
- Some songwriters prefer ASCAP’s structure.
- Dual affiliation is not allowed.
Can a person be with ASCAP and BMI at the same time?
No.
A songwriter can only belong to one PRO in the United States.
If you register with ASCAP:
- You cannot register your compositions with BMI.
And vice versa.
However:
- A publishing company may have different agreements.
- Different songwriters on the same song may belong to different PROs.
Each organization collects the share corresponding to its own affiliates.
ASCAP vs BMI: which one is better?
There is no universal answer.
It depends on:
- Your country.
- Your catalog.
- Whether you have your own publishing company.
- Your volume of compositions.
- Your administrative needs.
In general terms:
| Profile | Common option |
|---|---|
| Beginner songwriter | BMI |
| Songwriter with own publishing company | ASCAP or BMI |
| Independent publisher | ASCAP or BMI |
| Label with publishing operations | Both can work |
| International author | Depends on the business model |
Practical examples
Case 1
An independent songwriter in Canada writes their own songs and distributes music worldwide.
They can:
- Join ASCAP or BMI.
- Register their compositions.
- Collect public performance royalties in the U.S.
- Complement this with a publisher or publishing administrator.
Case 2
A record label creates a publishing division.
It can:
- Register a publishing company.
- Manage compositions for its artists.
- Collect the corresponding publisher share.
Case 3
A producer writes songs for multiple artists.
They can:
- Join a PRO.
- Register all their compositions.
- Receive royalties even if they are not the main performing artist.
Common mistakes
1. Confusing ASCAP or BMI with a music distributor
They do not distribute music.
They manage composition-related public performance royalties.
2. Thinking they pay master royalties
They do not pay income from the sound recording.
That money usually comes from the distributor or the master rights holder.
3. Registering twice
A songwriter cannot belong to ASCAP and BMI at the same time.
4. Not registering the works
Joining is not enough.
Songs must be properly registered to help identification and royalty payments.
5. Believing they cover all royalties worldwide
Music royalties can come from many sources:
- Public performance.
- Mechanical royalties.
- Master royalties.
- Synchronization.
- Content ID.
- Neighboring rights.
A PRO only covers one part of the music rights ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
What does ASCAP mean?
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
What does BMI mean?
Broadcast Music, Inc.
Are ASCAP and BMI the same?
No. Both manage public performance royalties, but they have different structures and policies.
Which one pays more?
There is no conclusive evidence that one consistently pays more than the other.
Can I switch from ASCAP to BMI?
Yes, although you usually need to wait until your agreement or membership period allows it.
Can I join if I live outside the United States?
Yes.
Both organizations accept international members.
Do they collect Spotify royalties?
Yes, but only the portion related to the public performance of the composition.
Do they collect master royalties?
No.
Master royalties are usually managed by distributors or sound recording rights holders.
Do I need a publishing company to register?
Not necessarily.
You can register as an individual songwriter.
Can a record label have a publisher?
Yes.
Many labels create publishing divisions to manage compositions and royalty income.
Conclusion
ASCAP and BMI are two of the most important organizations for songwriters and publishers who want to collect public performance royalties in the United States.
The right choice depends on factors such as costs, structure, professional goals, and publishing strategy.
For artists and labels working internationally, understanding how PROs fit into the music ecosystem is essential, because modern royalties can come from multiple sources, including digital distribution, publishing, Content ID, and other forms of monetization.
Music industry platforms and companies, such as UXEM Entertainment Group, often complement this ecosystem by offering services related to distribution, monetization, and rights administration, while organizations such as ASCAP and BMI continue to play an essential role in the management of composition royalties.
