United States · Open to apply
BMI: Eligibility, Cost & What It Collects
BMI is the largest US PRO by number of affiliates and, like ASCAP, is open to any writer. Writer affiliation has historically been free, though BMI now operates as a for-profit company, so its current terms are worth confirming.
BMI at a glance
Eligibility: how to join
BMI is open, so you can apply directly. The headline point is its scale and historically free writer affiliation — but confirm the current policy, as terms have shifted since BMI moved to a for-profit model.
What BMI does not cover
BMI collects performance royalties only. It does not collect US mechanical royalties (those go through The MLC), US neighbouring rights (SoundExchange), or international royalties earned in territories where you are not directly registered. Those require free direct registrations plus, for overseas recovery, a publishing administrator or sub-publisher.
And the honest point that cuts through most online noise: your choice of PRO mostly affects service and admin experience, not the headline rate you earn. PROs do not publish comparable per-play payout figures, so we never invent a "pays more" comparison.
Estimates are for informational purposes only and are not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Actual offers and figures vary by provider, contract terms, and current market conditions.
You still need a publishing admin
Joining BMI covers performance royalties. To collect mechanicals and recover international income, you'll want a publishing administrator. Listed for information; unsigned partnerships are informational links, not endorsements.
Global publishing administration with broad society coverage.
Publicly cited at ~15% on performance / ~20% on mechanical, ~$100 setup.
Learn more →Publishing admin with no setup fee.
Publicly cited at ~20% commission, no setup fee.
Publishing administration bundled with distribution.
Self-serve publishing admin from a major independent publisher.
Frequently asked questions
Can I join BMI?
Yes. BMI is open to apply for writers in United States. BMI is open, so you can apply directly. The headline point is its scale and historically free writer affiliation — but confirm the current policy, as terms have shifted since BMI moved to a for-profit model.
How much does BMI cost to join?
BMI’s writer affiliation is listed as free in our data. Fees change, so confirm the current terms directly with BMI before joining.
What does BMI actually collect?
BMI collects us performance royalties (radio, tv, streaming, live, venues). Like every PRO, it covers performance royalties only — it does not collect US mechanicals (The MLC) or recover international royalties for you. For those you need a publishing administrator.
Does BMI pay more than other PROs?
No PRO publishes comparable per-play payout rates, so any claim that one pays more is guessing. Your earnings are driven by your usage, not your choice of organization. PROs differ on service, registration workflow, and distribution timing — not on an invented headline rate.
Is BMI enough on its own?
No. BMI handles performance royalties, which is one pool. You also need a publishing admin for mechanicals and international collection, and free direct registrations like The MLC (US mechanicals) and SoundExchange (US neighbouring rights). Run the publishing royalty diagnostic to map all the pools.