ASCAP vs BMI vs SESAC vs, GMR
Choosing the right Performance Rights Organization (PRO) is one of the most important decisions a songwriter makes. This comprehensive comparison breaks down all four US PROs to help you decide.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | ASCAP | BMI | SESAC | GMR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1914 | 1939 | 1930 | 2013 |
| Members | 920,000+ | 1,200,000+ | 30,000+ | Select roster |
| Membership | Open — anyone can join | Open — anyone can join | Invitation only | Invitation only |
| Songwriter Fee | Free | Free | N/A (invite) | N/A (invite) |
| Publisher Fee | $50 | $150 | N/A (invite) | N/A (invite) |
| Payment Frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly | Quarterly | Monthly |
| Payment Delay | 6-9 months | 5.5-8 months | 6-9 months | 3-6 months |
| Monitoring Method | Census + Sample | Census + Sample | Proprietary tech | Proprietary tech |
| International Network | 90+ societies | 85+ societies | 80+ societies | Smaller network |
| Exclusive Contract | Yes — 1 year terms | Yes — 2 year terms | Yes — multi-year | Yes — varies |
| Online Portal | ASCAP Plus | BMI Live | SESAC Online | Portal |
| Genre Strengths | Pop, Rock, Classical | Country, Hip-Hop, R&B | Gospel, Latin, Jazz | Pop, Rock hits |
Deep dive: each PRO
ASCAP
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
Pros
- + Free songwriter membership
- + Largest international network (90+ affiliates)
- + ASCAP Plus Awards for indie songwriters
- + Comprehensive online portal
- + Transparent board elections
Cons
- − Slower payment processing
- − Complex payment formulas
- − Limited personal service for smaller members
- − Minimum $1 to trigger payment
BMI
Broadcast Music, Inc.
Pros
- + Free songwriter membership
- + Largest member base for networking
- + BMI Live program for touring artists
- + Strong country and hip-hop representation
- + Recently went public (2023)
Cons
- − $150 publisher registration fee
- − Similar payment delays to ASCAP
- − Less transparent governance (no elections)
- − Payment formulas can be opaque
SESAC
Society of European Stage Authors and Composers
Pros
- + Smallest roster = more personal attention
- + Reportedly faster payments
- + Proprietary monitoring technology
- + Strong in gospel and Christian music
- + Curated roster quality
Cons
- − Invitation only — can't just sign up
- − Smaller international network
- − Multi-year contracts harder to exit
- − Less transparency on rates
GMR
Global Music Rights
Pros
- + Monthly payments (fastest of any PRO)
- + Claims highest per-performance rates
- + Small roster = maximum attention
- + Modern technology platform
- + Founded by Irving Azoff
Cons
- − Extremely selective — major writers only
- − Smallest international network
- − Limited track record (est. 2013)
- − Not an option for most songwriters
Important: PROs only collect performance royalties
Regardless of which PRO you join, you still need a publishing administrator to collect mechanical royalties, sync fees, and international royalties. JukeHouse handles everything your PRO doesn't.
How to switch PROs
-
1
Research your options
Review each PRO's payment schedules, contract terms, and services.
-
2
Wait for your contract expiration
Most PROs require notice before your term ends.
-
3
Submit a resignation letter
Send the letter to your current PRO (typically 3-6 months before term end).
-
4
Apply to your new PRO
Apply to your new PRO once your resignation is effective.
-
5
Re-register all your works
Re-register every composition with the new PRO (your admin can help).
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6
Update your administrator
Update your publisher/administrator about the change.
Collect everything your PRO doesn't
JukeHouse works alongside your PRO to collect mechanical royalties, sync fees, and international royalties — the income PROs don't touch.