What happens if your song is played on the radio, streamed online, or performed live?
How do you get paid?
Music rights management organisations pay royalties to the music creators when their music is played or copied both locally and overseas.
There are 2 key organisations to know about: APRA AMCOS and PPCA.
APRA AMCOS
APRA AMCOS is a music rights management organisation.
What they handle
Royalties for a composition (music and lyrics).
Who gets paid
Songwriters, composers, publishers.
WHAT THEY DO
They collect money for songwriters when their song is played, streamed, performed, or copied.
APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) collects royalties when songs are performed live (including if YOU play your song live), played on radio/TV, or streamed online (Spotify, YouTube, TikTok)
AMCOS (Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society) collects royalties when songs are copied or reproduced, like CDs, vinyl, or downloads.
PPCA (sound recordings)
PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia) looks after the rights of recording artists and record labels.
What they handle
Royalties for the sound recording.
Who gets paid
Recording artists, record companies.
WHAT THEY DO
They collect royalties when your recorded music (not the song but the actual recording) is played in public spaces, like in cafes, gyms, or on the radio.
Did you know
APRA AMCOS & PPCA BREAKDOWN
This diagram breaks down what each organisation covers to help you understand where royalties come from and who gets paid.
ONEMUSIC
ONEMUSIC sell licences to businesses like restaurants, shops, and streaming services so they can legally play music in public.
The money from these licences is split between APRA AMCOS and PPCA who use it to pay songwriters, composers, recording artists, and labels.
why this matters to you!
If you’re writing your own songs or recording music – you probably want to get paid for it!
Joining APRA AMCOS and PPCA means:
1. You Get Paid
When your song is streamed, played in public, or used in TV/film you earn royalties.
2. Your work is protected
They manage your rights.
3. It Saves time
They handle licensing and payments for you.
4. Getting Permission
If you want to use someone else’s song, they can help or advise you.
Even if you’re starting out, signing up can protect your music and make sure you’re paid fairly.
