Mechanical royalties: These are paid for the reproduction of copyrighted music, such as on CDs, vinyl, or streaming services. Mechanical royalties are paid to the songwriter and/or music publisher.
Performance royalties: These are paid for the public performance of copyrighted music, such as on the radio, at concerts, or in bars and restaurants. Performance royalties are paid to the songwriter, music publisher, and recording artist.
Synchronization (sync) royalties: These are paid for the use of copyrighted music in visual media, such as films, TV shows, and video games. Sync royalties are paid to the songwriter, music publisher, and recording artist.
Print music royalties: These are paid for the sale of sheet music. Print music royalties are paid to the songwriter and music publisher.
Digital performance royalties: These are paid for the streaming of copyrighted music on digital platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. Digital performance royalties are paid to the songwriter, music publisher, and recording artist.
Neighboring rights royalties: These are paid to the performers and record labels of copyrighted music when it is broadcast or streamed. Neighboring rights royalties are typically collected by collective management organizations (CMOs) such as SoundExchange.
Master royalties: These are paid to the record label or recording artist when their sound recording is sold or streamed. Master royalties are typically split between the record label and the recording artist according to their contract.