PRO (Performance Rights Organization)
Category: Music Business
What is PRO (Performance Rights Organization)?
A PRO collects performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers when music is played on radio, TV, venues, or streaming platforms.
PRO (Performance Rights Organization) explained
Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC (US), PRS (UK), or BUMA/STEMRA (Netherlands) track public performances of music and collect royalties for songwriters and publishers. Every time your song plays on radio, in a restaurant, at a concert, or streams online, the PRO collects a small fee and distributes it to you. As a songwriter, registering with a PRO is essential—without it, you're leaving money on the table. You can only be a member of one PRO at a time in each territory. PROs also offer networking events, workshops, and advocacy for creators' rights.
Why PRO (Performance Rights Organization) matters for independent artists
Understanding PRO (Performance Rights Organization) 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.
- Music Publishing: Music publishing manages the rights to musical compositions (lyrics and melody), collecting royalties and pursuing licensing opportunities on behalf of songwriters.
Read more
Browse the full music marketing glossary or read the guide on SoundCloud repost networks.