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Performing Rights Organisation · United States

How to register with SESAC.

SESAC is a major US performing rights organization — but unlike ASCAP and BMI it is invitation-only and privately held. This guide explains how affiliation works and what to do while you wait for an invitation.

⏱ 10 minutes (to understand)Performance royalties
1

Understand That SESAC Is Invitation-Only

SESAC is the third-largest US PRO, but it is not open to public registration. Unlike ASCAP and BMI, SESAC is a privately held, for-profit company that is not bound by a federal antitrust consent decree — which gives it flexibility to negotiate rates, but also lets it limit membership to writers and publishers it chooses to invite.


You join SESAC by being invited or referred — typically once you have meaningful airplay, a publishing deal, or industry representation that approaches them on your behalf.

Why this matters

Many emerging artists waste time trying to "apply" to SESAC. Knowing it is invitation-only lets you make the right choice now: affiliate with ASCAP or BMI so your performance royalties are actually being collected today.

Common mistake

Holding off on joining any PRO while hoping for a SESAC invitation. Every uncollected month at ASCAP/BMI is lost performance income — affiliate with an open PRO now and switch later if SESAC ever invites you.

2

Submit Your Catalog for Consideration

You can put yourself on SESAC's radar by submitting your information through their site. Have ready:

  • Links to your music on streaming platforms
  • Airplay, sync, or chart history if you have it
  • Your representation (manager, publisher, lawyer) if any

    • There is no fee, but there is no guarantee of affiliation — SESAC reviews submissions selectively.

    SESAC — Prospective Affiliates →
    Why this matters

    A submission is the only way in if you do not already have a publisher or industry contact who can refer you. It costs nothing to be considered.

    Common mistake

    Treating a SESAC submission as a completed registration. It is not — you collect no SESAC royalties unless and until they formally affiliate you. Keep your ASCAP or BMI membership active in the meantime.

    After you register

    You cannot self-register with SESAC. Until you are invited, collect your US performance royalties through ASCAP or BMI, and your streaming mechanicals through The MLC.

    Rekon tracks whether you're actually registered with SESAC — and 36 others.

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