ASCAP Vs BMI: Which Performance Rights Organisation Is Best for You?

Key Takeaways

• ASCAP requires a $50 songwriter registration fee, while BMI offers free songwriter membership, making BMI more accessible for new artists.

• BMI processes royalty payments faster (every 5.5 months) than ASCAP (every 6.5 months), which may benefit artists seeking quicker payouts.

• ASCAP contracts last one year, providing more flexibility, whereas BMI requires a longer two-year membership commitment.

• BMI has a larger catalogue (14 million songs) and membership base (900,000), offering broader networking opportunities than ASCAP.

• Both split royalties 50/50 between songwriters and publishers, so your choice depends more on fees, contract terms, and payment preferences.

Understanding Performing Rights Organisations and Their Role

Although the inner workings of the music industry can be complex, performing rights organisations (PROs) such as ASCAP and BMI play a fundamental role in guaranteeing that music creators are compensated for the public use of their works.

By collecting performance royalties from public performances of music—including radio, television, and live venues—these organisations guarantee that songwriters and publishers are paid when their music is played.

Businesses benefit from PROs by acquiring licences that grant access to vast music catalogues in exchange for licensing fees.

Artists must join and register with a PRO to collect these royalties, but membership is exclusive to one organisation at a time.

Beyond royalty collection, ASCAP and BMI offer networking, health benefits, and marketing resources to support music professionals’ careers.

Key Differences Between ASCAP and BMI

A detailed comparison between ASCAP and BMI reveals distinct differences in their membership structures, contract terms, catalogue sizes, and royalty processing timelines.

One key difference in the ASCAP vs BMI debate is the cost to join; musical artists can join BMI for free as songwriters, while ASCAP requires a $50 registration fee. BMI charges higher membership fees for publishers.

ASCAP contracts typically last one year, offering more flexibility compared to BMI contracts, which are set at two years.

With respect to catalogue size, BMI represents around 900,000 members and 14 million songs, while ASCAP has 715,000 members and 11.5 million works.

Regarding royalties owed, BMI payments are processed faster, with distributions every 5.5 months, while ASCAP payments take approximately 6.5 months.

Membership Requirements and Costs

While both ASCAP and BMI serve as leading performance rights organisations in the United States, their membership requirements and associated costs differ in ways that impact artists’ decisions.

ASCAP requires a one-time registration fee of $50 for both songwriters and publishers, whereas BMI offers free membership to songwriters but charges publishers $150, or $250 for company registrations.

Contract length also varies: ASCAP’s membership contracts last one year, providing flexibility for artists to renew or switch, while BMI’s contracts extend to two years.

Importantly, songwriters and publishers may only choose which PRO to join, as dual membership is not permitted.

Both organisations guarantee royalty collection for members, but artists must carefully consider registration fees, contract terms, and membership requirements before affiliating with ASCAP or BMI.

Payment Structures and Earning Potential

Many aspects of payment structures distinguish ASCAP and BMI, directly influencing the earning potential of their members.

ASCAP pays performance royalties every 6.5 months, requiring a minimum of £1 for direct deposit and £100 for cheques, whereas BMI distributes earnings every 5.5 months, with a £2 minimum for direct deposit and £250 for cheques.

Both organisations divide royalties equally—50% to songwriters and 50% to publishers—ensuring a balanced distribution.

ASCAP imposes a £50 registration fee for songwriters; BMI offers free membership for songwriters but charges £150–£250 for publishers.

Contract terms also differ: ASCAP’s contracts last one year, while BMI’s extend to two years.

Ultimately, the frequency and scope of an artist’s music exposure impact royalty earnings collected by both organisations.

Choosing the Right PRO for Your Music Career

How should artists evaluate ASCAP and BMI when considering a performance rights organisation (PRO) for their music career? To make an informed decision, songwriters should weigh several factors.

ASCAP requires a £50 registration fee, while BMI offers free membership, which may appeal to emerging artists. Both Performance Rights Organisations provide broad catalogues—ASCAP with 11.5 million songs, BMI with 14 million—ensuring robust royalty opportunities for public performance.

Contract length differs: ASCAP’s annual terms offer flexibility, while BMI’s two-year contracts require longer commitment. Networking opportunities also vary; BMI’s larger membership base of 900,000 could yield broader industry connections compared to ASCAP’s 715,000.

Regarding royalties, ASCAP pays out with a £1 minimum, while BMI’s minimum is £2, which may influence payment preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Choose ASCAP or BMI?

Choosing between ASCAP and BMI depends on evaluating membership benefits, fee structures, revenue distribution timelines, application process simplicity, song registration ease, international affiliations, genre preferences, artist testimonials, performance tracking accuracy, and customer support responsiveness to determine the ideal fit.

Is Beyoncé with BMI or ASCAP?

Beyoncé's affiliation lies with ASCAP for performance rights and music publishing. This choice enhances her royalty collection, artist representation, songwriter benefits, and licensing agreements, while contributing to industry impact, creative control, and expanding her overall market reach.

Do I Need Both ASCAP and BMI?

An artist does not need both ASCAP and BMI, as exclusive membership is required. Each performance rights organisation independently manages royalty collection, music licensing, and performance tracking, offering comparable songwriter benefits, industry standards, global reach, and artist representation despite differing membership costs.

Is John Williams BMI or ASCAP?

John Williams' affiliation is with ASCAP, one of the leading performance rights organisations. This membership supports his music publishing, composer royalties, film score rights, and orchestral music through industry-standard licensing agreements, music contracts, and efficient royalty distribution practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both ASCAP and BMI serve as essential advocates for songwriters and publishers, offering similar services but with distinct differences in membership, payment structures, and organisational operations. The choice between them depends on individual preferences regarding cost, contract flexibility, and payout methodologies. By carefully evaluating these factors, music creators can align with the performing rights organisation that best supports their career goals and maximises their earning potential in the evolving music industry environment.