Most artists know they earn money from streaming — but streaming is only one of several royalty types your music can generate. Understanding them helps you collect everything you're owed. Here's a clear breakdown. ## 1. Streaming (Master) Royalties These are paid every time someone streams or downloads your song on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and Boomplay. As the rights holder of the recording, you earn these through your distributor. ORB collects them and pays 100% into your wallet on paid plans. ## 2. Mechanical Royalties Mechanical royalties are generated when your composition is reproduced — through streams, downloads, or physical sales. In many regions these are collected alongside streaming income; in others they're paid through mechanical rights societies. ## 3. Performance Royalties These are earned when your song is played publicly — on radio, TV, in venues, or on streaming. Performance royalties are collected by Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) and paid to songwriters and publishers. To collect these, register as a songwriter with a PRO in your country. ## 4. Sync Royalties Sync (synchronization) royalties are paid when your music is used in films, TV shows, ads, games, or online video. These can be highly lucrative and are negotiated as licensing deals. ## 5. Neighbouring Rights These are paid to performers and recording owners when recordings are broadcast or played publicly. They're collected by specialized societies and are often overlooked by independent artists. ## How to Make Sure You Collect Everything - **Distribute through ORB** to collect your streaming and master royalties. - **Register with a PRO** as a songwriter to collect performance royalties. - **Register with a publishing administrator** to collect mechanical and neighbouring rights worldwide. - **Pitch for sync** opportunities to unlock licensing income. Your recording royalties start the moment your music goes live. Distribute with ORB Entertainment at orbentertainment.live/distribute.