ASCAP vs BMI: Which Pays More in 2026?

ASCAP vs BMI: Which Pays More in 2026?

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(Complete Guide for Songwriters)

ASCAP vs BMI: Which Pays More in 2026?

Introduction

If you’re a songwriter or independent artist in the United States, choosing between ASCAP and BMI is one of the most important business decisions you’ll make.

Both are Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) that collect performance royalties on your behalf — but which one actually pays more in 2026?

In this guide, we’ll break down:

  • How ASCAP and BMI calculate royalties
  • Payout differences
  • Membership costs
  • Pros and cons
  • Real earning scenarios
  • Which PRO is best for different types of artists

What Do ASCAP and BMI Actually Do?

Both organizations collect performance royalties when your music is:

  • Played on radio
  • Streamed on platforms like Spotify
  • Performed live
  • Used on television
  • Played in public venues (restaurants, stores, clubs)

They then distribute those royalties to songwriters and publishers.

Important:
PROs collect performance royalties only, not mechanical royalties (those are separate).

ASCAP vs BMI: Quick Comparison (2026)

FeatureASCAPBMI
Founded19141939
Membership Fee$50 (one-time)Free (songwriter)
Publisher Fee$50$150
Payment ScheduleQuarterlyQuarterly
Nonprofit?YesYes

Both are reputable and widely used in the U.S.

Which Pays More in 2026?

Short Answer:

There is no guaranteed higher-paying PRO.

But payout differences depend on:

  1. Distribution formula
  2. Type of music
  3. Radio vs streaming presence
  4. Genre and performance tracking
  5. Live performance reporting

How ASCAP Calculates Royalties

ASCAP uses a weighted credit system that considers:

  • Type of performance (radio vs streaming vs TV)
  • Time of day (prime time pays more)
  • Network size
  • Market size

ASCAP is sometimes considered slightly stronger for:

  • TV composers
  • Film score writers
  • High-profile broadcast placements

How BMI Calculates Royalties

BMI uses a similar but slightly different weighting formula.

BMI is often preferred by:

  • Independent artists
  • Radio-heavy genres
  • Country and rock musicians

Some industry reports suggest BMI may pay slightly more for certain radio formats, but differences are not dramatic.

Real Earnings Example (2026 Estimate)

Let’s compare a hypothetical independent songwriter:

Scenario:

  • 500,000 Spotify streams
  • 10 radio spins in a mid-size U.S. market
  • 3 live performances reported

Performance royalties might look like:

PROEstimated Quarterly Payout
ASCAP$450–$650
BMI$470–$700

Differences vary by reporting accuracy and usage type.

Key point:
Your income depends more on where your music is played, not which PRO you choose.

Streaming Royalties: Does It Matter?

Platforms like Spotify generate performance royalties that are collected by PROs.

However:

  • Streaming performance royalties are relatively small compared to mechanical royalties.
  • Mechanical royalties are collected separately (not by ASCAP or BMI).
  • If you are not registered as both songwriter and publisher, you may lose money.

Membership Costs: Does It Affect Your Decision?

ASCAP

  • $50 one-time songwriter fee
  • $50 publisher registration fee

BMI

  • Free songwriter registration
  • $150 publisher registration fee

If you are just starting out, BMI’s free entry can be attractive.

But cost differences are minor compared to long-term royalty earnings.

Pros and Cons (2026)

ASCAP Pros

✔ Transparent reporting portal
✔ Strong reputation in TV/film
✔ Equal board representation

ASCAP Cons

✘ Membership fee required

BMI Pros

✔ Free songwriter sign-up
✔ Large industry presence
✔ Strong radio tracking

BMI Cons

✘ Publisher fee higher
✘ Slightly less transparent reporting (subjective feedback from some users)

Which PRO Is Best for You?

Choose ASCAP If:

  • You work in film/TV
  • You prefer transparent reporting dashboards
  • You want equal member governance

Choose BMI If:

  • You are an independent artist starting out
  • You want free songwriter registration
  • Your genre performs strongly on radio

Important: You Cannot Join Both

In the U.S., you can only affiliate with one PRO at a time as a songwriter.

Contracts typically last:

  • ASCAP: 1 year, auto-renewing
  • BMI: 2 years (songwriter agreement)

SEO Section: Frequently Asked Questions

Does ASCAP pay more than BMI in 2026?

There is no consistent evidence that one always pays more. Differences depend on performance type and usage.

Can I switch from ASCAP to BMI?

Yes, but only after your contract term ends.

Do I need a PRO if I distribute through Spotify?

Yes. Distributors collect master royalties. PROs collect performance royalties.

Can I collect royalties without registering?

No. If you are not registered, your performance royalties may go unclaimed.

Final Verdict (2026)

ASCAP and BMI both:

  • Collect performance royalties
  • Pay quarterly
  • Operate as nonprofit organizations
  • Represent major songwriters and independent artists

The real difference in earnings usually comes from:

  • How often your music is performed
  • Accurate song registration
  • Proper publishing setup
  • Consistent reporting of live performances

For most independent artists, the payout difference is small.

Your energy is better spent increasing streams and placements than worrying about small PRO differences.

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