STEF
Samband tónskálda og eigenda flutningsréttar
The performance & mechanical responsible for collecting royalties in Iceland.
About STEF
STEF is Iceland's collective management organization for songwriters, composers, and music publishers. It administers performance and mechanical rights for compositions used in Iceland.
Iceland is a small market by population (around 380,000), but its musical output is internationally outsized, from Björk and Sigur Rós to a steady flow of new alternative and pop artists. Per-capita engagement with music is high, and royalties from broadcast, streaming, and live performance flow through STEF.
STEF works closely with its Nordic peers (STIM, KODA, TONO, Teosto) and maintains reciprocal agreements with societies worldwide.
How STEF works
Icelandic Market Coverage
STEF licenses public performance and mechanical reproduction of music in Iceland.
What It Collects
Broadcast, public performance, online streaming, and reproduction royalties for songwriters and publishers.
Distribution
STEF distributes on a regular cycle and works alongside the broader Nordic society network.
International Reach
Reciprocal agreements route Icelandic royalties to members of partner societies around the world.
Why STEF matters for songwriters
Iceland is served by STEF for performance & mechanical 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 STEF
What information helps identify my songs at STEF?
Keep your song titles, songwriter names, agreed ownership splits, and existing society identifiers consistent. Include recording and release details where available. If you already have a STEF work number or a statement showing the song, share that with your administrator when asking about a registration or payment.
What does STEF cover?
STEF licenses performance and mechanical rights for compositions used in Iceland, including broadcast, public performance, streaming, and reproduction.
How does my publishing admin work with STEF?
A publishing administrator can register your works directly with STEF, ensuring Icelandic royalties are paid out to you instead of sitting in unallocated reciprocal pools.
Collect your Iceland royalties automatically.
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