United States · Invite-only
SESAC: Eligibility, Cost & What It Collects
SESAC is a selective, invitation-only US performing-rights organization. Unlike ASCAP and BMI, you cannot simply apply — affiliation is extended by invitation, typically to writers with existing traction.
SESAC at a glance
Eligibility: can you join?
SESAC is invite-only. There is no public join cost because there is no open application path; you generally need to be invited. If you are not invited, ASCAP or BMI are the open alternatives in the US.
What SESAC does not cover
SESAC 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 PROs do not publish comparable per-play payout figures, so we never invent a "pays more" comparison.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 SESAC 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 SESAC?
SESAC is invitation-only — you generally cannot simply apply. SESAC is invite-only. There is no public join cost because there is no open application path; you generally need to be invited. If you are not invited, ASCAP or BMI are the open alternatives in the US.
How much does SESAC cost to join?
SESAC does not publish a join cost (it is invitation-only). Fees change, so confirm the current terms directly with SESAC before joining.
What does SESAC actually collect?
SESAC collects us performance royalties. 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 SESAC 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 SESAC enough on its own?
No. SESAC 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.