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How to collect 99% of all your music royalties

Updated: Jan 19, 2024

If you're an independent music creator, keep reading. This might be one of the most important blog articles you've ever read. I'm about to show you how to claim and collect 99% of your music royalties in four simple steps (if you live outside the US, some of these steps may need to be modified with the collection societies in your country).



Something you may not know about your royalties...

A lot of independent music creators are leaving money on the table. Money that will go into someone else's pockets if you don't claim it within 2-3 years. A lot of creators I've met over the years are under the impression that if they just put their music on streaming services through a distributor like DistroKid, CD Baby or Tunecore, they're collecting 100% of their royalties. FALSE. And after a few years of not claiming the rest of your royalties, it goes to someone else. Watch the video below if you want to know the rest. WATCH THIS:

Royalty Checklist:


1. Release your music through an independent distributor - DistroKid, Tunecore, etc.

2. Affiliate yourself with a collection society (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC in the US)

3. Register your songs with a publishing administrator (see below)

4. Register your song with SoundExchange

As mentioned in the video, you need a publishing administrator to collect GLOBALLY. We are in the streaming era, which means that your mechanical and performance royalties are collected by different societies around the world depending on where your music is being streamed. The easiest way to collect that is with a pub admin. I use a company called Songtrust. Sign up with Songtrust now. UPDATE: As of 2024, I'm no longer a client of Songtrust (I signed my first Publishing deal!), but I would still recommend them to anyone looking for a DIY service. I used Songtrust for many years and they helped me collect a LOT of money, never had any issues. I'm in no way employed or affiliated with them, just speaking from personal experience.


Kato


 
 
 

Comments


  • When does the Tournament start/end?
    The Hot Takes Tournament officially starts on June 10th. It ends whenever Kato has selected the Top 16 Artists from his live stream. You can watch live every Tuesday at 7:30PM EST on all his platforms.
  • How much does it cost?
    It's free to submit your song. There's also a skip line if you don't want to wait which costs between $49-98 per submission, and would skip your song to the top of the line. This guarantees that your submission gets played during the live stream, since there will likely be a long wait line.
  • Can I submit any genre?
    Yes, all genres are welcome and its open to all Artists worldwide.
  • What if my link isn't an Audius link?
    Only Audius links will be considered for the Tournament prizes, but you may still submit other music links (YouTube, Spotify, etc.) if you just want to get feedback from Kato during the live stream.
  • Where do I watch the live stream?
    YouTube and Twitch are recommended for the best viewing experience.
  • What happens if I get picked in the Top 16?
    If you get selected as one of the Top 16 Artists, your submitted song will be added to the Hot Takes playlist on Audius, along with other popular playlists.
  • How will the Grand Prize winner be selected?
    The Top 16 Artists will go head-to-head in a single-round elimination bracket until the Grand Prize winner is chosen. It'll all happen during Kato's live stream, so be sure to tune in every Tuesday at 7:30PM EST.
  • Can I submit more than one song?
    Yes, you may submit as many songs as you'd like to the Hot Takes Tournament, but it's recommended you only submit your BEST songs.

© 2025 by Kato On The Track. All rights reserved.

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