Neighboring Rights

Neighboring rights royalties are payable to featured and non-featured performing artists, producers, and rights owners (usually record labels) for public performances of their sound recordings. They are one of the rights that artists and rights owners are entitled to under copyright law and exist alongside or "neighbor" the traditional copyright that protects public performances of songwriters' musical compositions.

Neighboring rights royalties are split 50/50 between "Performers" and "Rights Owners" in most countries throughout the world.

• Performers include anyone who makes a vocal or instrumental contribution to a recording, such as a featured artist, non-featured musician/singer, producer, film/TV composer, or conductor. In the U.S., featured artists are entitled to receive 45% of the Performer's Share of royalties, while non-featured artists are entitled to receive 5% of the Performer's Share of royalties.
• Rights Owners are the owners of sound recordings, typically labels. If an artist is independent (without having granted Neighboring Rights to a label or distributor), they are entitled to receive both the Performer's Share and the Rights Owner's Share of royalties.

In the U.S., satellite radio (SiriusXM) and non-interactive digital streaming services (Pandora and digital radio stations) are required to pay neighboring rights royalties. Outside of the U.S., broadcast radio/TV and local businesses like bars, restaurants, nightclubs, retail stores, and hotels are also required to pay neighboring rights royalties. AllTrack collects these royalties, both in the U.S. and internationally, through a global network of direct relationships with collective management organizations (CMOs).

AllTrack collects royalties through a broad network of direct relationships with CMOs around the world. By registering each artist, rights owner, and song directly with local CMOs in line with each CMO's unique specifications, we ensure royalties are collected locally at the source. We utilize proprietary software to enrich missing metadata, ensuring that matches occur properly and royalties do not go uncollected. We also continually monitor accounts for missing registrations or improper claims and assist with dispute resolutions. Our localized approach, advanced technology and personalized attention work together to maximize royalty collection.

Yes. In many cases we can recover back royalties of 1-6 years, or sometimes longer, depending on the territory.

No. With AllTrack, you always retain 100% ownership of your recordings.

Yes. American performers, producers, and labels are eligible to receive neighboring rights royalties from most countries. Laws and regulations vary by country, and local CMO rules can differ, so American performers, producers, and labels should work with professional administrators (like AllTrack) familiar with the complex landscape of global Neighboring Rights to ensure that they receive all the royalties they are entitled to.

Yes, comedians and actors are examples of non-music creatives that are also eligible to receive the Performer's Share of neighboring rights royalties.

There are no signup or annual fees. We earn a 15% commission on the royalties that we collect, meaning we don't get paid unless you get paid. AllTrack pays royalties to its members quarterly based on the following payout schedule.

Click any “Apply for Neighboring Rights” button on this page and fill out the short form. Our onboarding team will review your application and follow up shortly. Once you're approved, you can register your recordings directly in our online portal or use our bulk upload tools for larger catalogs. From there, we handle the rest -- registering your recordings with CMOs around the world and collecting royalties on your behalf.