DISTROKID VS TUNECORE VS CD BABY VS ASCAP VS BMI VS SOUNDEXCHANGE VS SONGTRUST

I tell you everywhere you need to register your songs to earn royalties, get protected, and legitimize yourself as an artist. In this Ultimate Guide, I explain what every entity does, what types of royalties they pay out, and which companies have you covered...and which don't.
Get everything I mentioned in this video (plus more) by downloading our Music Royalty Collection Guide (PDF) from the Indie Music Academy!
►►indiemusicacademy.com/free-gu...
Want to take your training even deeper? I have a free workshop prepared for you with over an hour of music industry training, tactics, and strategy. Click the link below to join for free.
►► indiemusicacademy.com/worksho...
Get $10 off of SongTrust by using my referral code:
►►learn.indiemusicacademy.com/s...
Use this code in the "coupon" field to get the discount: 136901a-6dy
Update: TuneCore found my video and wanted to offer my viewers either FREE distribution or 0% commissions taken if you distribute through TuneCore. This is a great option for artists who want to keep 100 of their royalties. Use the link because I get credit if you sign up! If you need music distribution, check them out:
►► learn.indiemusicacademy.com/t...
US Copyright Office Online (eCO)
►► eco.copyright.gov/
My song 'HOME' is out! Stream it worldwide on the link below!
►► ryanwaczek.com/linktree
Connect with Ryan on Instagram & Twitter
►► / ryanwaczek
►► / ryanwaczek
//TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 - Start
00:50 - Overview of This Video
01:12 - Distrokid, CD Baby, Tunecore & AWAL for Music Distribution
02:23 - Performing Rights Organizations (PRO) BMI, ASCAP
03:48 - SoundExchange & Non-Interactive Streaming Royalties
05:10 - SoundExchange Royalty Distribution Pie Chart
06:38 - SongTrust/CD Baby Pro/Tunecore for Overseas Royalties and KZbin Content ID
07:48 - The Companies and Organizations that I Personally Use
08:29 - Natural Copyright VS US Copyright Office and Copyright Registration

[@steelpraud]

I just wanted to make music

[@vjrn9945]

same i realized with this video that making the song wouldn't be the hard part

[@earcake1886]

Keep up the good work

[@Battlebunjee]

😆 😂

[@andreblankenship1031]

Maaan he makes me not even wanna rap nomore 😒

[@liquidalb]

@@andreblankenship1031 don't feel like that brother. Keep focusing on the music and just come back to this video when you're ready to take it a bit further. Don't do it for the money, just think of how you might reach the heart and soul of people that will relate to your song and change a part of their lives. If it goes somewhere, awesome, if not, at least you made music you love and shared it with a few others.

[@siyab2406]

This is why artists needs to learn music business

[@fvllpotential]

DÈVE Thanks for this, do you reckon you could recommend some of the services left out? Bless

[@fvllpotential]

DÈVE Thanks 🙏🏾 im from the UK

[@s.luciano353]

@@SleepMeditationandAffirmations I wanna start a record label and I’m trying to learn more about music distribution

[@essienm1]

@@SleepMeditationandAffirmations I'd sincerely appreciate this info as well.

[@taviabrissett8057]

Aite

[@VicSmith]

Don’t be discouraged by the amount of work, it’s worth it and if done properly you can make a lot of music and money without the downsides of fame and popularity. Being in control of your artistry and business is priceless.

[@mosesmoses9017]

Agreed

[@LoneStoneMaalik]

Indeed. The work is well worth the benefits. I'm in the process right now.

[@abdur1914]

Thanks, I appreciate it. 🙏🏽

[@LilDrakeRecords]

How? 😂

[@VicSmith]

@@LilDrakeRecords that’s for you to find out sir. Everybody is different

[@elimorgan3208]

Jesus dude I just wanna make music this shit is sooo overwhelming

[@705tv]

Just look at the comments just below ... If you wanna make music just for yourself keep going but if you got real talent, nothing's free in this world so rewatch the video 5 times if you need because you really should take consideration about learning all the music business side ! It's how you gon get paid bro

[@we_rebel]

literally working on a platform that registers on your behalf at all the royalty collection societies.

[@dallastaylor9640]

been searching the entire internet for this information and this guy answers it all in 10 mins. What a guy

[@TL-uq3hq]

Dallas Taylor big facts lol

[@bluenetmarketing]

Dallas - I tried taking your link to get the free download PDFs, but I ended up in a Typeform funnel and never got anything. What gives? Did you ever get anything?

[@Ryu2o4]

Dallas Taylor I’m guess you smashed the subscription button as well.

[@R-Mc]

So who do you use to distribute your music

[@omarpervaiz]

Word bro!

[@LuciensMusic]

Just when you thought writing and recording something decent was the hard part,,lol

[@mainpage725]

Exactly

[@karlocage]

headache

[@susiejuarez8392]

On god this shihh confusing

[@nagomizik9358]

For real man!! Figuring this whole music business thing is such a labyrinth!!

[@jovic_giftfromgod1297]

Facts😂

[@TheDesperateArtist]

After watching me dealing with all the DAWs and plugins, My wife laughs at me and tells me I'm not a musician - I'm a Computer Engineer. And now, after watching this video and starting to implement everything - I got an upgrade: I'm a Computer Engineer/Accountant... 😬

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Ari that's hilarious haha way to wear all the hats! It can be a maze for sure. Hey I wanted to put this on your radar, we offer a free workshop>>>www.indiemusicacademy.com/workshop on building fan base

[@Juliebird03]

Tax accountant here. I know that part of law and how to report the royalties... collecting them is a whole new world. Where's my magic carpet?

[@taviabrissett8057]

Hahaha Go "your wife" I mean and you too keep on too God Bless yall

[@jennydang3292]

Am I the only nerd who took notes only to learn at the end I didn't have to? LOL

[@MihaiPopean]

did the deed as well, lol :)

[@kekeperez3691]

Amazing. I pray God pours out a blessing over your life for sharing this amazing info.

[@ethos762]

@Enterfly dude, not every distributor is the same you have to find the right one for you.

[@__anthonyt99__]

@@ethos762 Check my music on spotify @Anthony T9 EP DROPPING IN 1 WEEk ALBUM SOON too tell ur friends thank you so much it helps a lot much love to you all stay safe and healthy!

[@Fire-Toolz]

this is god. this is the blessing.

[@solargamingchannel]

You my friend are a fucking legend. I paid 2000 euros for lessons in music production and even they didn't know the answers you just provided.

[@michealgoves1130]

You paid 2000 WHY? KZbin tells you everything you need just look it up.

[@dannycasler]

Brother thank you so much. I just had my debut solo album STOLEN after being distributed through Distrokid. A person impersonating a man who died in 2018 stole my music, uploaded it to all those services (by changing song titles) and he even used a video of me playing my songs to my daughter who's a toddler claiming to be him. Super f^&*ed up. Ive been in a nightmare situation trying to get it resolved

[@Wealthybaby]

Wtf 😳

[@Wealthybaby]

Wait how 😟

[@BigBubbs98]

F### that guy

[@Fire-Toolz]

wooooow. i'm so sorry. that is absurd

[@vicherinca]

wow. someone did that kinda thing with my music page on fb. deleted it. no idea who or how...wonder how you found out and how to avoid.

[@BlackMetalMagazine]

The type of content with value for people. You covered everything without hesitation, without making people wasting their time. On point, plain simple. This is gold.

[@chubbyrain1813]

I spent a long time figuring this out on my own and I am so glad that someone finally made a good video about it for the greater good

[@JoshSource]

This was the most helpful out of everything I’ve been researching so far. And so succinct! Thank you!

[@UltimateMusicLeague]

We truly appreciate you for this video my man!

[@sarielorenda]

Thank you for keeping this simple, short and informative !

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Edit: Some of you asked why I was banned from Distrokid so I made a new video explaining the whole tragic sequence of events: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4q4nKGerMlkj5o ...You'll be shocked 🤯 Who's life has been changed by this ultimate guide? I really tried to break it down for you guys so there is absolutely no confusion as to what you need to do. Let me know if you have any questions, I'll be answering questions for the next 3 hours! Ask away!

[@FiendlyDevil]

I was frying my brain yesterday trying to figure this all out--and here we are, the next morning, you uploaded THIS. THANK YOU. The timing is an epic synchronicity. Liked, Subbed, 'Bell'd'. Thank you, brother.

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

That's what I LOVE to hear! Thank you for the great comment!

[@robertdlt2388]

I'm going through this guys content and i really get so much from it ..That Im a Raven Fan now! Keep it up dude!

[@danielradians3708]

I love the tone and clarity. Thank you.

[@TylerCrooms]

A video on the order and steps needed to release music would be a gem. From what steps are needed before distribution

[@AndyTheChef]

Your amazing bro, you always give the most information, with personal experience, in a well constructed and high-quality video. Thank you

[@titomunay]

thanks, man! i really appreciate that you take the time to do this!

[@FelipeACruz-oi9zf]

You just resumed a whole week of research I’ve been doing in a single video 🔥 Thank you 🙏🏻

[@hellatoasted2897]

Wow, this is so important. I will be sharing this with all of my songwriter & musician friends.

[@renzoverde5066]

This was great, very impressed and educated. The PDF was just a cherry on top, much love!!

[@mbusoguma5504]

Just about the most valuable resource I've ever come across on YT. Thanks a ton, bro

[@iamwestking]

This was so unbelievably helpful!! Thank you!!

[@shadakazstas8146]

This was so enlightening, as I am new to this and wanted to know more about what I didn't know THANKS : )

[@gphiproductions]

Great info! Thanks a lot for making the information in this digestible. 🙏🏽 Much appreciated! 👊🏽 👍🏽

[@janickagrayston1168]

Wow. You rocked this overview. And a PDF to boot! Thank you so much!

[@iiBleedMusic]

This video was everything!!! Thank you ❤❤❤

[@user-gc1qn5lq6v]

Probably the greatest and clearest intro information on the subject.

[@Devanox4Five]

You've shed light on so many💯🤙

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Thanks my man, you're very welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@tomnelsondrums]

Ryan, many thanks, everything I needed. People like you are what is best about KZbin, I'll be sure to pay it forward.

[@zappastail]

Thanks a million Ryan, this relieved a lot of anxiety I was having on these subjects. Watched several videos on the subject and yours just speaks my language.

[@SoulitaireRecordsOfficiel]

Dude thank you man may God bless you even more for this!!! ive been chekin for distribution for 2 years now and was still not sure how to proceed but the way you broke it down made it crystal clear ill be checking either octiive or awal....thanx again!! subbed!!!

[@AlexaGoldSoul]

This was extremely helpful!! The way you explained everything was clear-cut, concise, not a bunch of overwhelming jargon, just information that makes sense for the indie artist. And its cool how you're in the trenches with us so we know you're actually going through the process and can speak from experience. Thanks so much!! Wishing you and all the other indie artists out there a successful journey in music!

[@johannamit4388]

Your videos are so informative, appreciate very much the time and effort you've put into them.

[@creatingnearcalvados6069]

This was so helpful. I have searching for months to find all of the answers and you have got it there in one small video.

[@MoniJohnson]

Great info. I've been out of the game for 14 years and was recently researching this same info. Thanks for posting.

[@KINGRABEATS]

The information that you provide is Awesome! You really cover many aspects of protecting your music, Thank you ...I have watched this video at least 10 times as refresher course to build and protect and also to earn monies from my works, so thank you again. You simply Rock!

[@malloryj.stevens2911]

THANK YOU, Ryan!! How clear, succinct, informative, and helpful!! You're very generous.

[@DionneHunter]

You are the man!! I’m so glad I came across this video!!

[@badkar-ma]

For many years I tried to comprehend all the entities I needed to register my music with. Even though I registered with all the right ones I still didn't and couldn't understand or explain their roles. Thank you for explaining all this stuff in simple easy language so I can refer others to this video! 👏👍🤗

[@lukejbonner]

Damn...thanks, man. I wish we had someone doing this for Australia.

[@candicemoll8386]

I think it's safe to say this video just changed my life. Subscribed, liked, PDF downloaded and shared with all of my muso mates. THANK YOU!

[@VisualanteMP]

great video, smooth and simple. straight to the point. explained all in detail in less that 15min!!!!

[@RABSO4]

You are not selfish, God keep blessing you for this information

[@wtfjohndoe7004]

Tunecore just got sued for copyright infringement first class action lawsuit. So stay far away from tunecore!!!

[@valerieshearmanmusic]

Ooops I’m with TuneCore?

[@liljons6753]

For what?

[@wtfjohndoe7004]

They got sued for not paying people their mechanical royalties

[@__anthonyt99__]

@@DiegoSilvadosSantos1 Check my music on spotify @Anthony T9 EP DROPPING IN 1 WEEk ALBUM SOON too tell ur friends thank you so much it helps a lot much love to you all stay safe and healthy!

[@__anthonyt99__]

@@liljons6753 Check my music on spotify @Anthony T9 EP DROPPING IN 1 WEEk ALBUM SOON too tell ur friends thank you so much it helps a lot much love to you all stay safe and healthy!

[@prodigalscorner]

You articulated pivotal points. Truly helpful along my journey. Much Respect

[@neka_vsg_fitness6049]

I appreciate this video I been writing for years and now taking these steps is going to be helpful

[@jeanpierremusica]

Super valuable information, thanks Ryan for sharing those amazing tips, time to put it to work now! Please, keep us updated if anything changes or improves about this key subject for us musicians. Great work my friend!

[@willmcmillan1430]

This is hugely helpful. I have registered my first collection of songs with US copyright office, joined ASCAP, read about Sound Exchange, and need to learn more about Song Trust (and decide whether I join them directly or just go with the CD Baby Pro option and give up 9% of the money they track down on my behalf...) I look forward to watching more of your videos. And I watched/listened to one of your original songs, too. Well done!!!

[@arahwangofficial]

Thank you for this video. So straightforward and in high quality.

[@mvsa3408]

What a great video! We're a collective of musicians, visual and performing artists based in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and have been searching for this information all over the internet. Thanks so much for helping us realize our dreams, you are an inspiration! ⚡️

[@makedamakestunes]

Very simply said and understandable ! Thank you for laying this information out in the way that you did. (P.S.: The song at the end is FIRE)

[@larryt689]

Thanks Ryan. Every songwriter needs to watch this video. It's that important.

[@marcuslwashington6515]

2 or 3 times

[@donita4754]

Wow you just made clear the things that has been confusing all the while in this video.... thank you so much...

[@IconProduction01]

Bro, wow!... Thank you so much for enlightening all of us with such gems of knowledge here! I hugely appreciate what you're doing for all of us in the independent artist/music community, sharing your wisdom, knowledge, and personal experiences out of the kindness of your heart for free on KZbin here just to help the next man to maybe succeed on his own... It's empowering stuff my guy, so just know that it's really appreciated and you're really appreciated. Thank you so much for stuff like this, and keep it coming!!

[@odstaples549]

This man right here is incredible for giving out this information for free I just happened upon his videos when I was looking into different publishing options and he made everything a million times clearer needless to say I will be subscribing for future content great job man!

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Glad to help! Thank you for the kind words and excited to have you along! Click this link if you'd like to get even more content we've created to help artists, this gets you our free workshop resources >>>www.indiemusicacademy.com/workshop

[@neonkymtrails8354]

Thank you, I’m a inspiring musician and I like to turn my talent into something that’s more than just a hobby. This video helps.

[@ROZEGANGTV]

Thank you Ryan, I just started my music career & I've been looking for this info & I mean exactly how you put it , thanks man you got a new SUBSCRIBER HERE, JUST SUBED

[@TrevorJamesMusic]

This video is GOLD! Great content, thanks for laying out all this helpful info!

[@ryanreeves5618]

Bro how could you give this a thumbs down? This is such quality, knowledgeable content. Good shit Ryan.

[@MarkHallOfFame]

Because people are weirdos. Lol

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

There needs to be a $ button on static KZbin videos-cuz I for sure would have hit you up with at least a $5ver for this info/.PDF for now though, liked and subscribed. Thanks bro. oh yeah, gonna hit those streams too!

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Ha! Thanks so much Brian! I'm so glad this channel is bringing huge value to you! Be sure to check out my FREE workshop that has more of these types of videos, you can find it on this page: www.indiemusicacademy.com/store Enjoy and I'll see you around :)

[@Londya]

@@IndieMusicAcademy Hi I asked you a question above. Could you please answer my question? I need some clarity. Thanks.

[@spitjometer]

@@IndieMusicAcademy dude !!! great content but you really need to take a look at broken links on your FREE workshop page and your free guides page

[@workitbeats6297]

Maybe get a Patreon account for this channel?

[@flywittzbeats4008]

For real what’s your Venmo?! Lol

[@MichaelCQ]

Thank you Ryan. Your video realy helped me.

[@djkamgeta4523]

Thank you so much for your help Ryan 🙏🏽

[@stevenbarry6488]

Thank you Ryan very clearly articulated and right to the point. Although I am familiar with everything you described the way you put it together gives me a reason to forward this video to a few young artists that I don't have time to sit down with. I subscribed and will check out your past and future videos. Stay well. Steven Barry

[@DatAnydeks]

What’s with the dislikes? This is a free, helpful and informative video. Just the good content should cause one to be careful on how to submit compositions for the world to access. I give it a 👍🏻 and thanks, Ryan!

[@DatAnydeks]

Enterfly On your point of distributor scams, you are quite right about that!

[@DonDadaGND]

Some people don't want other people to learn what they know because they enjoy the feeling of being ahead

[@guntersansara9957]

it`s from distrokid

[@Genolexis]

It's from the Distrokid fanboys 😩

[@DatAnydeks]

@@Genolexis Yeah. The video is 2yrs old. I haven't used Distrokid. Things change so fast nowadays. Rules, tax methods, etc,etc. Things remain tricky in the music selling world.

[@alondollasignomusicismythi11]

Thank you Ryan, I appreciate this information and guidance. God bless, be safe, love!

[@sowlbrown]

You answered all my questions in one video. Thanks man

[@TeraGreene1]

"Distrokid is dead to me" 😂 I loved the smirk after that, probably because I saw your video about how it all went down. Thanks again! Be well and continued success to you. :-) Oh, and you just got a SUB from me. I don't hand those out to often. Peace!

[@tengumusic8078]

I’ve been looking into this since I discovered how shady Distrokid is and there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Thank you so much for clearing everything up for us, INCREDIBLE value and with a thorough delivery. You’re nothing short of a godsend 🙌

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

You're very welcome!

[@kimbadagr8_]

So what do you recommend using?

[@bryantrichardson3468]

BLESSINGS TO YOU SIR. BEEN IN THE BUSINESS FOR OVER 30 YEARS. I'VE LEARNED SO MUCH IN THIS PRESENTATION! THANK YOU!

[@sp-the-constant-learner]

Hi, Ryan. Thank you for your work. Your videos are very helpful. Good work!

[@MizVanezza]

Thank you so mu h!!!

[@allisonstrock]

This was awesome thank you so much! I already started with Distrokid and now Im nervous lol. A bunch of friends recommended though!

[@Ron_Shan]

How long have you been in distrokid

[@vintagerumors]

It is rare to find such a concise, direct and helpful explanation, and finally enlightening, of how commissions and copyrights work. thank you very much

[@VickiGagliardiLLC]

This is SOOOO helpful! Thank you so much!

[@KidSofoknoEnvy911]

I'm super grateful to you for sharing on what would else be confusing to unobtainable answers I look forward to your future content #subscrided

[@augstsh]

how do you deliberately name your own company "ascap"

[@ZoeyZee]

😂

[@__anthonyt99__]

​@@ZoeyZee Check my music on spotify @Anthony T9 EP DROPPING IN 1 WEEk ALBUM SOON too tell ur friends thank you so much it helps a lot much love to you all stay safe and healthy!

[@ArmchairRamb0]

This is a fantastic video, even 3 years later. Thank you so much!

[@ziahtheone4772]

much love. kept it simple and to the point. thank you

[@rphuntarchive1]

"As far as BMI and ASCAP are concerned, he's the song writer and so he's going to get the performance royalty" Yep, this is a big reason why the Go Go's broke up. Only 2 members, mainly Jane Wiedlin, were getting most of the money, because they were the writers.

[@ayearetee3342]

This is PERFECT! I love how he's sour about distrokid but he's still honest. Gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. Good qualities brotha 👍 liked/subscribed !!

[@BriannDior]

THIS REALLY HELPED ME , I WAS SEARCHING FOR THIS NOW I'M CLEAR WHAT TO DO

[@raysurx2010]

Great video dude! Straight and to the point in 10 minutes! Excellent! And Chapters and links! Brother you are an artists best friend!

[@frankhoeppel2314]

This is the reason they call it the music business. Grateful to have this in one spot. Onward!

[@TerreleRose]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO SO MUCH THANK YOU FOR THE HELP. WHAT I WOULD REALLY LOVE TO SEE IS A PART 2 TO THIS VDEO SHOWING US HOW TO UPLOAD A SONG WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE STEP BY STEP! CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR YOUR EMAIL TO ASK HOW TO DO SO IN THE MEANTIME!!!! THANKS AGAIN =)

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Thanks!

[@DarleneWelling]

Yes! This is a lot of amazing value. Thank YOU!

[@JustinNogle]

Extraordinarily helpful, exactly what I needed. Thank you so much!

[@rodrigosolorzano2056]

Thank you for this excellent video! I was specially interested on where you talk about the 5% paid to session musicians and how that's collected and paid by SoundExchange for non interactive streaming platforms. I'm curious to know how do Interactive platforms like Spotify and Apple Music actually pay that to musicians if it's not through SoundExchange. I've been looking for that all over and can't seem to find it. Thanks!

[@PabloPayson]

Distrokid does not pay 100 and they take years to collect you “100% royalties” till the point you never receive them.

[@Elektr0hazard]

A friend of mine used Distrokid to publish a song and he made his first dollar and this was like 2 or 3 months ago, so there's that lol

[@workitbeats6297]

Why do they not pay 100? They say they pay 100 on their website

[@thebckyrd64]

@@workitbeats6297 Not anymore apparently They added some bullshit at the front page of the site if you check now Really fishy

[@justanotherguyful]

@@thebckyrd64 You're talking about the "(after paypal fees and any taxes and whatnot)" part? What taxes are there if you are in the US?

[@nothingnew7273]

justanotherguyful there are no taxes, you handle and pay your own taxes no distributors pay your taxes it’s just a complete scam

[@jeffwilson369]

Thanks a lot Ryan, very helpful info. Really appreciate your insight and knowledge.

[@olandoraba8444]

This guy is super good with this. A Video and a pdf file? That's beautiful. Thanks a whole lot

[@themusicianslounge8562]

I am a long time musician and I own a recording studio and all the information that you just gave me is awesome. I did release one album with LANDR DISTRIBUTION And it didn't do well. But now I am going back to tune core. All the steps you mentioned in your video helped me out a lot thank you so much.

[@thekvltkhajiit]

Im trying to switch from distrokid, whats tunecore like, i need to hear from someone who isnt making a vid about it bc it seems to be all the distrubuters that say you keep 100% earnings tend to steal and cheat the artists, cough cough* distrokid...

[@eLLBdotmusic]

Hello. Thanks for sharing. Why sign up with BMI if Songtrust collect the same royalties including international royalties? Does one collect non- interactive and the other doesn't?

[@GraybillMusic]

So straight forward and informative, very helpful, thanks Ryan!

[@Badtvset]

Ryan, this was very informative if I may be repeating what others have said. Thank you for your insight and knowledge.

[@antoniosvidakis]

Registering level: *"Just when I thought I was out they pull me back in"*

[@Its_I_Ziggyman]

lol