Creators

Creators FAQ

What do I do if my song is being played on radio, TV or Internet? Answer

First of all, congratulations! Now, you need to make sure your work is registered. As soon as a song is published and/or recorded, it should be registered with and reported to BMI. BMI’s ability to license and monitor the performances of a composition is dependent upon the accuracy and timeliness of this reported information. Without it, you may miss out on royalties.

Typically, a publisher will register songs for songwriters. Early registration of works will help prevent lost royalties, so make sure your songs are registered.

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Q: Do I need to re-copyright new versions of my old songs?

Yes, a new version of an old song, also called a derivative work, should be copyrighted, noting the ways it’s been altered from the previous version.

Q: Do I need to inform BMI when my songs are played on the radio?

No, that’s part of BMI’s function. If your songs are registered with BMI and you are receiving radio play, then BMI will get that information.

For detailed information on our payment methodology, visit our Royalty Information section.

Q: Can BMI get my songs on the radio?

BMI conducts music showcases nationwide and offers a variety of professional development seminars, but we cannot get your songs placed on the radio. Publishers, labels, managers and other outside executives may help you find new outlets for your work, but as a performing right organization, BMI’s focus is fair payment and copyright protection for our songwriters, composers and music publishers.

For career advice on how you can be heard, attend a BMI-sponsored workshop or contact your local songwriters association, like the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI) in Nashville.

Q: How often does BMI Live pay out?

BMI Live distributions occur quarterly. See the payment distribution schedule.

Q: What is BMI?

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) is an American performing rights organization that represents songwriters, composers and music publishers. Often called PRO’s, performing rights organizations collect licensing fees from businesses that use music, including television and radio stations; websites, broadcast and cable networks; the Internet and mobile technologies; satellite radio services such as Sirius XM; nightclubs, hotels, bars, restaurants, breweries, colleges, fitness facilities, live concerts and many other industries. The fees that BMI collects are then distributed as royalties to the songwriters, composers, and music publishers we represent. BMI has been in operation for more than 80 years, is recognized in U.S. copyright law as a licensor of music, and currently represents more than 1.2 million copyright owners and their over 18.7 million musical works.

Q: Where can I find my BMI account number?

Your BMI account number can be found on either of the following:

BMI Contract
BMI Royalty Statement

If you do not have your BMI contract or a recent BMI royalty statement, please contact your regional BMI Creative department and ask for help retrieving your account number.

Q: Where can I download the BMI Mobile App?

To download the BMI Mobile App for iOS devices, visit the App Store on your computer or iOS device.

To download the BMI Mobile App for Android, visit Google Play on your Android device.

Users of smartphones on other platforms can get many of the same features by simply visiting our mobile-optimized website.

Q: How do I register my songs with BMI?

The most efficient way to register your song (or work) with BMI is through your online account. Songs registered online are available in BMI’s Repertoire Catalog almost immediately.

(You may also use the downloadable work registration form.)

Q: What types of performances are not eligible through BMI Live?

To be eligible for royalty payments under the BMI Live program, a performance must be considered a “public performance” that is covered by existing BMI licenses.

Non-eligible performances which will not be considered for royalty payment include, but are not limited to:

Wedding receptions, Birthday parties, Anniversary parties, etc.
Internet performances.
Performances during Religious services.
Note: Performances at church events that are outside of “normal church service times” are eligible for royalty payments.
Face-to-face teaching activities at educational institutions.
Performances to students in elementary schools.
State or County fairs.
Private house concerts.
Performances not authorized by city permit in parks or public areas. (This includes street performances).
Live Classical music performances.
Note: Classical music performances are included in a separate royalty distribution.
Performances of public domain music (including the National Anthem at events.)
Live radio or TV performances.
Note: Live radio or TV performances are included in a separate royalty distribution.
Amusement Park performances at Disney Parks, Universal Parks & Dollywood Themepark.
Note: These Amusement Parks performances are included in a separate royalty distribution.

Q: Will publishers also be paid for BMI Live performances?

Yes, this program recognizes publishers as well as songwriters and composers, however only performing songwriters may submit set lists.

Q: How long does it take for an Online Work Registration to be processed?

The majority of songs registered online show up in the BMI.com Repertoire and Online Services Catalog application the next day.

Titles that do not auto-register require additional processing and may take between 1 - 7 business days to become available.

Q: How do I copyright my song and/or collection of my songs?

Your composition is copyrighted automatically when the work is “created,” which the law defines as being “fixed” in a copy or a recording for the first time. The registration of your copyright is recommended, but not required. BMI does not copyright works for you.

If you wish to copyright your works, which we recommend, visit copyright.gov.

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