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  • If I were to start selling beats now, should I choose BeatStars or Airbit?

    If I were to start selling beats now, should I choose BeatStars or Airbit?

    In the past, BeatStars offered a more affordable plan, but that option is no longer available, and now the pricing for both platforms is quite similar. Considering the plans in the same price range (annual payment), Airbit currently offers more advanced features. Therefore, if I were to start from scratch, I would choose Airbit.

    If you don’t care too much about pricing, or if you want to use the “YouTube Content ID and more” function, then BeatStars is it.

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  • Is the BeatStars Starter Plan Worth It? A Strategic Breakdown

    Is the BeatStars Starter Plan Worth It? A Strategic Breakdown

    If you’re a music producer planning to sell beats through BeatStars, the right subscription plan—and the website platform you choose—can make a big difference not just in flexibility, but in how much of your revenue you actually keep.

    (more…)
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  • About a Track Rejection on BeatStars Youtube Content ID and more Monetization Program

    About a Track Rejection on BeatStars Youtube Content ID and more Monetization Program

    One of my beats got rejected from BeatStars Youtube Content ID and more monetization program.

    yci reject beatstars

    And the reason is this..

    (more…)
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  • I signed up with IMRO via BeatStars publishing. If I register beats on BeatStars publishing, what is the cut of IMRO and BeatStars publishing?

    I signed up with IMRO via BeatStars publishing. If I register beats on BeatStars publishing, what is the cut of IMRO and BeatStars publishing?

    Here is the breakdown of your writer’s share and publisher’s share based on the terms of BeatStars Publishing:

    Writer’s Share

    • Mechanical Royalties: 80%
    • Writer’s Performance Royalties: 100%
    • Publisher’s Performance Royalties: 60%
    • Sync Licensing:
      • Standard Syncs: 80%
      • Syncs sourced by BeatStars/Sony Music Publishing: 65%

    Publisher’s Share (Collected by BeatStars/Sony Music Publishing)

    • Mechanical Royalties: 20%
    • Publisher’s Performance Royalties: 40%
    • Sync Licensing:
      • Standard Syncs: 20%
      • Syncs sourced by BeatStars/Sony Music Publishing: 35%

    Key Notes

    1. Your PRO (e.g., IMRO) collects the writer’s share of performance royalties (100%) directly and transfers them to you.
    2. BeatStars Publishing collects the publisher’s share of all royalties as per the splits above.
    3. You retain 100% ownership of your compositions, and these splits only apply to royalty distribution, not ownership.

    This structure ensures you receive both your writer’s and publisher’s shares, with BeatStars administering the publisher’s side.

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  • If I register music to BeatStars Publishing, how can this affect my BeatStars customers who leases my beats?

    If I register music to BeatStars Publishing, how can this affect my BeatStars customers who leases my beats?

    Registering your music with BeatStars Publishing can potentially affect your customers who lease your beats, depending on the terms of their lease agreements and how BeatStars Publishing handles rights management. Here are the key considerations:

    1. Royalties and Copyright Administration

    • When you register a beat with BeatStars Publishing, they handle the publishing rights and collect royalties for public performances, streaming, synchronization, and other uses. This means that BeatStars Publishing will claim a share of royalties from any usage of the beat, even if it has been leased or sold to customers.
    • Customers who lease your beats (under non-exclusive agreements) or purchase them exclusively may still need to comply with copyright laws and pay royalties for certain uses, such as public performances or sync licensing.

    2. Lease Agreements and Customer Usage

    • Non-Exclusive Leases: If your customers lease beats under a non-exclusive agreement, they typically have limited rights (e.g., a cap on streams or distribution). Registering the beat with BeatStars Publishing does not change the terms of these agreements, but it ensures that royalties are collected for uses outside the scope of the lease.
    • Exclusive Sales: If you sell a beat exclusively, you may need to clarify whether you are transferring full ownership (including publishing rights) or retaining some rights. BeatStars Publishing could still collect royalties unless you explicitly transfer all rights to the buyer.

    3. Synchronization Licensing

    • BeatStars’ default lease contracts often exclude synchronization rights (e.g., using the beat in commercials or films) unless explicitly included in the agreement. If a customer wants to use your beat for sync purposes, they may need to negotiate additional licensing terms with you or BeatStars Publishing.

    4. YouTube Content ID

    • If you opt into YouTube Content ID through BeatStars Publishing, they will monitor and monetize videos using your registered beats. This could result in claims being placed on videos created by customers who leased your beats. Customers might need to dispute these claims or provide proof of their license.

    5. Communication with Customers

    • To avoid confusion or disputes, it’s important to clearly communicate how registering a beat with BeatStars Publishing affects your customers’ rights. Update your lease agreements to reflect any changes in royalty collection or licensing terms.

    Summary

    Registering music with BeatStars Publishing primarily impacts royalty collection and copyright administration but does not automatically override existing lease agreements. However, it could create complications for customers if their usage falls outside the scope of their license (e.g., sync licensing or YouTube monetization). To maintain good relationships with your customers, ensure that your contracts are clear and that they understand how publishing registration affects their rights.

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  • What is the difference between simply registering to PROs (ASCAP, BMI, IMRO) and using Beatstars Publishing?

    What is the difference between simply registering to PROs (ASCAP, BMI, IMRO) and using Beatstars Publishing?

    The difference between simply registering with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or IMRO and using BeatStars Publishing lies in the scope of services, royalty collection, and administrative responsibilities. Here’s a detailed comparison:

    1. Scope of Services

    • PROs (ASCAP, BMI, IMRO):
      • PROs collect performance royalties for public performances of your music (e.g., radio, streaming, live events).
      • They do not handle other types of royalties, such as mechanical royalties (from sales/streams), sync licensing, or global collections beyond their affiliated networks.
      • You are responsible for manually registering your works and managing other royalty streams independently.
    • BeatStars Publishing:
      • BeatStars Publishing provides comprehensive publishing administration in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.
      • It collects both performance royalties (via PROs) and mechanical royalties globally.
      • The platform also offers sync licensing opportunities and centralized management for all royalty streams.
      • While you must manually add songs to BeatStars Publishing for registration, they handle the subsequent registrations with PROs and other global collection societies.

    2. Royalty Collection

    • PROs:
      • Collect only performance royalties (split into a writer’s share and publisher’s share).
      • You receive 100% of your writer’s share directly and the publisher’s share if you own it or have an associated publishing entity.
    • BeatStars Publishing:
      • Collects performance royalties (via PROs) and mechanical royalties from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
      • Retains a portion of certain royalties:
        • Mechanical Royalties: You receive 80%.
        • Performance Publisher’s Share: You receive 60%.
        • Performance Writer’s Share: You retain 100%.
        • Sync Licensing: You receive 65–80%, depending on whether BeatStars sources the placement.

    3. Administrative Effort

    • PROs:
      • You must manually register each song with the PRO to ensure royalties are collected.
      • For global collections or mechanical royalties, you need additional administrators or services.
    • BeatStars Publishing:
      • Handles global registrations with PROs and other collection societies after you submit your songs to their system.
      • Simplifies the process by consolidating multiple royalty streams into one platform.

    4. Exclusivity

    • PROs:
      • Registering with a PRO is non-exclusive. You can work with other administrators or publishers for additional services. (It means that affiliating with a PRO like ASCAP, BMI, or IMRO does not prevent you from licensing or exploiting your works in other ways. Specifically:
      • You retain control over your works: You can directly license your music to others, such as film producers or advertisers, without going through the PRO.
      • You can work with other entities: For example, you can engage publishers, administrators, or sync licensing companies to manage other aspects of your music rights.
      • However, this does not mean you can register the same work with multiple PROs simultaneously. Each work can only be registered with one PRO at a time because they are responsible for collecting performance royalties for that work in their territory. Non-exclusivity refers to the flexibility in how you manage and license your rights outside of the PRO’s scope.)
    • BeatStars Publishing:
      • Requires an exclusive administration agreement during the term. All your songs are administered by BeatStars/Sony Music Publishing while under contract. (Under the BeatStars Publishing exclusive administration agreement, only the songs you register with BeatStars Publishing are administered by them and Sony Music Publishing during the term of the contract. Your past and future songs will not automatically fall under their administration unless you explicitly register those songs with BeatStars Publishing. This exclusivity applies only to the songs you choose to submit and register through their platform.)

    5. Additional Features

    • PROs:
      • Focus solely on collecting performance royalties.
      • Offer no additional services like sync placements or comprehensive publishing administration.
    • BeatStars Publishing:
      • Provides opportunities for sync placements and collaboration with artists through its platform.
      • Offers centralized management of all publishing-related income streams.

    Summary:

    If you only need performance royalty collection and want full control over your works without sharing revenue, registering directly with a PRO is sufficient. However, if you want a more hands-off approach to managing global royalties (performance + mechanical) and access to additional opportunities like sync placements, BeatStars Publishing is a more comprehensive solution—though it comes at the cost of exclusivity and reduced earnings from certain revenue streams.

    Point me out if I am wrong in any areas.

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  • Question about IPI/CAE Number

    Question about IPI/CAE Number
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    I am a member of IMRO through BeatStars Publishing. Now, I want to start a new artist name. For the new artist name, can I use the same IPI number as my existing one, or do I have to register again and create a new one?

    You can use the same IPI (Interested Party Information) number for your new artist name as long as the new name is registered as a pseudonym or alias under your existing account with IMRO or your PRO. The IPI number uniquely identifies you as a rights holder, regardless of the number of pseudonyms or artist names you use. All royalties associated with any of your artist names will be linked to the same IPI number, provided they are properly registered under your account.

    If you wish to use a separate IPI number for the new artist name, this would require registering it as a distinct legal identity with your PRO, which is generally unnecessary unless there are specific legal or business reasons to do so. To avoid confusion, ensure that all works under the new artist name are associated with your existing IPI number when registering them with IMRO or BeatStars Publishing.

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  • The Future of Music Licensing: Stock Music, PROs, and the Rise of AI

    The Future of Music Licensing: Stock Music, PROs, and the Rise of AI

    The music industry is undergoing a seismic shift, with creators facing challenges from every direction. Stock music libraries are struggling, PROs (Performance Rights Organizations) are becoming increasingly saturated, and AI-generated music is looming on the horizon. For independent musicians, these changes raise important questions about sustainability and how to navigate this evolving landscape. Let’s dive into the key issues and explore potential solutions.

    Stock Music: A Dying Market?

    For years, stock music has been a reliable source of income for many musicians. However, the market is now under immense pressure due to several factors:

    1. Oversaturation: The sheer volume of tracks available in stock libraries has made it difficult for individual pieces to stand out.
    2. Price Competition: Platforms are racing to the bottom with low-cost subscription models, reducing payouts for creators.
    3. AI Disruption: AI-generated music is flooding stock libraries, offering cheap and customizable alternatives that further dilute earnings.

    As a result, some musicians have decided to abandon stock music altogether and turn to PROs as a more stable revenue stream. But is this truly a viable solution?

    The PRO Dilemma

    PROs like ASCAP, BMI, and PRS play a critical role in collecting royalties for public performances, broadcasts, and streaming. Registering with a PRO can provide musicians with access to global royalty collection networks. However, this path is not without its challenges:

    1. Library Saturation: As more musicians join PROs and register their works, the size of their catalogs grows exponentially. This means that individual tracks may receive fewer plays or smaller payouts as the pie is divided among more creators.
    2. Increased Competition: With streaming platforms dominating the music landscape, competition for listener attention is fierce. Even with PRO representation, securing significant royalties requires high play counts—something that’s becoming harder to achieve.

    While PROs offer certain advantages over stock music libraries, they are not immune to the same underlying issue: oversaturation.

    The AI Factor

    One of the most pressing concerns for both stock music and PROs is the rise of AI-generated music. Currently, many AI-generated tracks are not registered with PROs, but what happens if (or when) they become eligible?

    Potential Impacts:

    • Massive Influx of Tracks: AI can produce an unlimited number of songs at minimal cost. If these tracks are registered with PROs, they could overwhelm existing catalogs.
    • Revenue Dilution: With more tracks competing for the same pool of royalties, payouts per track could decrease significantly.
    • Creative Homogenization: While AI excels at mimicking styles and genres, it often lacks the emotional depth and originality that human composers bring to their work. However, its sheer volume could still overshadow human-made music in many contexts.

    The inclusion of AI-generated music in PRO systems could exacerbate the very problems musicians are trying to escape by leaving stock libraries.

    What Can Musicians Do?

    Faced with these challenges, independent musicians must adapt to survive in an increasingly competitive and automated industry. Here are some strategies to consider:

    1. Emphasize Uniqueness

    AI may be able to generate functional background music or mimic popular styles, but it struggles to replicate true human emotion and originality. Musicians should focus on creating works that stand out—whether through storytelling, experimentation, or tapping into niche markets.

    2. Leverage AI as a Tool

    Rather than viewing AI as an adversary, consider using it as an ally. For example:

    • Use AI tools to streamline production processes.
    • Collaborate with AI to create hybrid works that combine human creativity with machine efficiency.

    3. Diversify Revenue Streams

    Relying solely on stock music or PRO royalties may no longer be sustainable. Explore alternative income sources such as:

    • Crowdfunding platforms like Patreon or Kickstarter.
    • Selling exclusive licenses or custom compositions directly to clients.
    • Experimenting with NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to monetize unique works.

    4. Advocate for Fair Regulation

    As AI becomes more integrated into the music industry, there will be a growing need for clear policies around its use in licensing and royalty systems. Musicians should stay informed and advocate for regulations that protect human creators.

    Conclusion

    The music industry is at a crossroads. Stock music libraries are struggling under the weight of oversaturation and low-cost competition, while PROs face similar challenges as their catalogs grow larger and streaming dominates consumption habits. Meanwhile, AI-generated music threatens to disrupt both spaces by flooding the market with cheap, abundant content.

    For independent musicians, survival will depend on adaptability—leveraging creativity as a competitive advantage while exploring new revenue models and embracing technological tools where appropriate. The road ahead may be uncertain, but those who innovate will find ways to thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.

    What do you think about the future of music licensing? Are you optimistic about adapting to these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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  • What does IMRO have to do with BeatStars publishing when BeatStars publishing is backed by Sony Music Publishing?

    What does IMRO have to do with BeatStars publishing when BeatStars publishing is backed by Sony Music Publishing?

    IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation) is involved with BeatStars Publishing primarily to assist creators who do not already have a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) affiliation. Here’s how IMRO fits into the BeatStars Publishing ecosystem:

    • IPI Number and PRO Affiliation: BeatStars has partnered with IMRO to provide new members with an IPI (Interested Party Information) number and PRO affiliation for free. This is essential for managing publishing rights and collecting royalties. If you don’t already have a PRO, you can sign up with IMRO during the BeatStars Publishing onboarding process.
    • Global Royalty Collection: Once registered, IMRO acts as the default PRO for users without one, ensuring their works are represented globally. BeatStars Publishing then registers the creator’s works with Sony Music Publishing and other collection societies worldwide, streamlining royalty collection and administration.
    • Flexibility: If you already have a PRO (like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC in the U.S.), you can use your existing affiliation instead of IMRO. However, IMRO’s partnership simplifies the process for those starting out without prior PRO membership.

    In summary, IMRO facilitates PRO registration for creators new to publishing, while BeatStars Publishing—backed by Sony Music Publishing—handles global administration and royalty collection.

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  • In the Age of Generative AI: Is The Beat Selling Business Becoming Obsolete?

    In the Age of Generative AI: Is The Beat Selling Business Becoming Obsolete?

    Music and technology are entering the era of Generative AI, transforming beatmaking into an accessible process. While AI challenges traditional beat-selling by enabling rapid, personalized music creation, it cannot replicate human creativity.

    Producers can adapt by:

    • Enhancing AI beats with unique artistry.
    • Offering custom beats tailored to artists.
    • Teaching AI tools and consulting.
    • Selling AI-generated samples and presets.

    Music’s emotional core ensures human creators remain vital. By embracing AI and innovation, producers can thrive in a new collaborative, creative landscape.

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