Mechanical Royalties
Category: Music Business
What is Mechanical Royalties?
Mechanical royalties are paid each time a song is reproduced—whether through streaming, downloads, CDs, or vinyl pressings.
Mechanical Royalties explained
Mechanical royalties originated from 'mechanical' reproduction of music on player pianos and physical media. Today they cover streaming, downloads, CDs, and vinyl. In the US, the statutory mechanical rate is 9.1 cents per track for physical/downloads. Streaming mechanicals are calculated differently—based on a percentage of revenue divided by usage. The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) collects US streaming mechanicals for songwriters. Many independent artists miss these royalties because distributors only collect the recording (master) side. To capture mechanicals, register with the MLC (themlc.com) or use a publishing administrator. International collection requires registration in each territory or a global administrator.
Why Mechanical Royalties matters for independent artists
Understanding Mechanical Royalties helps you make better promotion decisions on SoundCloud and other streaming platforms. On Reposter Network, artists apply concepts like this every day when they trade real plays, likes and reposts with other musicians instead of buying fake engagement.
Related terms
- Royalties: Royalties are payments made to rights holders whenever their music is played, performed, reproduced, or licensed commercially.
- Performance Royalties: Performance royalties are paid to songwriters and publishers whenever music is publicly performed, broadcast, or streamed.
- Music Distribution: Music distribution delivers your music to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud, making it available worldwide.
- Music Publishing: Music publishing manages the rights to musical compositions (lyrics and melody), collecting royalties and pursuing licensing opportunities on behalf of songwriters.
Browse the full music marketing glossary or read the guide on SoundCloud repost networks.