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Performing Rights Organisation · Australia

How to register with APRA AMCOS.

Register with APRA AMCOS — Australia and New Zealand's combined performing rights and mechanical rights organization — to collect royalties from streaming, broadcasting, and public performance.

⏱ 20–30 minutesPerformance royaltiesMechanical royalties
1

Join APRA AMCOS

Apply online at apraamcos.com.au. APRA AMCOS handles both performance royalties (APRA) and mechanical royalties (AMCOS) under a single membership.


Cost: AUD $110 one-time admission fee.


You'll need:

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Your legal name and artist name
  • Bank account details

    • Co-writer tip: Only one co-writer needs to register a shared work if all contributors are already APRA AMCOS members. However, all splits must total 100% and be agreed upon in writing beforehand to avoid payment delays.

    Join APRA AMCOS →
    Why this matters

    A single APRA AMCOS membership covers both performance and mechanical royalties in Australia and New Zealand — plus international collection through CISAC reciprocal agreements.

    Common mistake

    Not setting up a publisher entity. Independent artists can collect both the writer share and publisher share — register both to maximize your royalties.

    2

    Register Your Works

    Use the APRA AMCOS online portal or mobile app to register each composition:

  • Title
  • Duration
  • Writer splits
  • ISRC codes
  • Release details
    • APRA AMCOS Member Services →
    Why this matters

    Australian streaming platforms report ISRCs to APRA AMCOS. Without work registration, royalties are collected but unmatched.

    Common mistake

    Not including ISRC codes. These are the key to matching streaming reports to your registered compositions.

    3

    Submit Setlists for Live Performance Royalties

    To receive live performance royalties — a distinct income stream from ticket sales — submit your setlist for every gig via the APRA AMCOS portal or app after each performance.


    Include for each show:

  • Venue name and location
  • Date of performance
  • Full setlist in order

    • This applies to both domestic and international shows.

    APRA AMCOS — Register a Performance →
    Why this matters

    Venues pay APRA AMCOS blanket licenses specifically to fund live performance royalties. Without a submitted setlist, the money cannot be attributed to you and remains in an unmatched pool.

    Common mistake

    Thinking APRA AMCOS automatically knows your setlist. They do not — you must submit it after every show. This is unique to the Australian system and catches many artists off guard.

    4

    Register with PPCA for Neighbouring Rights

    APRA AMCOS covers composition royalties only. Register with PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia) to collect neighbouring rights from Australian radio and TV.


    Critical deadline: New tracks must be registered with PPCA by August 31 to be included in the annual PPCA distribution for that year.


    See the PPCA guide for full registration details.

    PPCA Registration →
    Why this matters

    A song played on triple j generates an APRA royalty (for the songwriter) AND a PPCA royalty (for the recording artist). Both organizations need separate registrations.

    Common mistake

    Missing the August 31 PPCA deadline. Tracks registered after that date will not be included in the current year's distribution — you'll wait an entire additional year.

    After you register

    APRA AMCOS covers composition royalties. If you are a recording artist, also register with PPCA to collect neighbouring rights from Australian radio and TV. Note: the PPCA annual registration deadline for new tracks is August 31.

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