ASCAP
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
The largest US PRO by membership; member-owned, non-profit.
About ASCAP
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) is one of four Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) in the United States. Founded in 1914, it was the first organization in the US to collectively license and distribute performance royalties for musical compositions.
ASCAP licenses the public performances of over 18 million musical works from its catalog on behalf of its 920,000+ songwriter, composer, and music publisher members. It collects license fees from businesses that use music — including radio and TV broadcasters, streaming services, concert venues, restaurants, and retail stores — and distributes those fees as royalties to its members.
As a membership association, ASCAP is governed by a board of directors elected by its members. It operates on a not-for-profit basis, distributing approximately 90 cents of every dollar collected directly to members after operating costs.
How ASCAP works
Songwriters Register Works
Members register each composition through ASCAP's online portal, providing title, songwriter names, ownership splits, and publisher information.
ASCAP Licenses Music Users
ASCAP issues blanket licenses to businesses, broadcasters, streaming services, and venues that publicly perform music. These licenses cover ASCAP's entire catalog.
Usage Is Monitored
ASCAP uses a combination of census data (digital platforms report every play) and sample surveys (radio stations are monitored) to track which songs are being performed.
Royalties Are Calculated
Based on monitored performances, ASCAP calculates each song's share of the total royalty pool using proprietary weighting formulas that factor in the type and reach of each performance.
Why ASCAP matters for songwriters
United States is served by ASCAP for performance rights organization royalties. Without direct registration, international songwriters rely on reciprocal agreements — which typically add 12–24 months of delay before royalties reach you.
Frequently asked questions about ASCAP
Can I be a member of both ASCAP and BMI?
No. You can only be a member of one US PRO at a time. However, different co-writers on the same song can be members of different PROs. You can switch PROs when your contract term ends.
How long is the ASCAP membership term?
ASCAP membership terms are one year, automatically renewing. You can resign at the end of any term by providing written notice before the renewal date.
Does ASCAP collect mechanical royalties?
No. ASCAP only collects performance royalties. For mechanical royalties (from streaming reproductions), you need the MLC or a publishing administrator like JukeHouse.
How does ASCAP track live performances?
ASCAP relies on setlists submitted by venues, promoters, and artists. If you perform live, submit your setlists through ASCAP's OnStage portal to ensure you receive performance royalties.
What is the ASCAP Plus Awards program?
ASCAP Plus Awards provide supplemental payments to songwriter members whose performances are primarily in venues not fully surveyed by ASCAP. It's designed to support indie and niche songwriters. Applications are annual.
Collect your United States royalties automatically.
JukeHouse registers your songs directly with ASCAP and 60+ other collection societies worldwide.