SoundExchange
Market: United States
Overview
SoundExchange is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that collects and distributes digital performance royalties for recording artists, master rights owners, and featured performers when their music is played on non-interactive digital services such as satellite radio, internet radio, and cable music channels.
Market / Platform Focus
Operating primarily in the United States, SoundExchange ensures rights holders are paid when their recordings are used on eligible non-interactive streaming services. It works with both domestic and international collecting societies to provide payments worldwide.
LabelGrid Integration
Through LabelGrid, you can simplify the process of delivering your recording information to SoundExchange, ensuring accurate rights registration and faster royalty collection. Our integration helps confirm metadata compliance with SoundExchange’s database requirements.
Getting Started
To register your works with SoundExchange via LabelGrid, prepare your recording metadata according to our specifications, select SoundExchange as a partner when scheduling your release or rights submission, and we’ll handle the delivery and verification process.
LabelGrid provides the tools you need beyond distribution: catalog management for your metadata and releases, royalty accounting with automated artist statements, and promotion tools including smart links and pre-saves.
Artist Benefits
Registering with SoundExchange ensures you receive the royalties you’re entitled to for certain types of digital performances that are not covered by traditional DSP payouts. This adds an important revenue stream for artists, labels, and session musicians.
Key Features
- Collects U.S. digital performance royalties for recordings
- Covers non-interactive digital streaming and broadcasts
- Works with global rights organizations for international payments
- Supports both featured and non-featured artists
- Ensures accurate rights registration and payment tracking
What You Should Know About SoundExchange
Digital Performance Royalties
SoundExchange collects a category of royalties that many artists miss: digital performance royalties from non-interactive streaming services. These include internet radio (Pandora's radio mode), satellite radio (SiriusXM), cable music channels, and other services where listeners don't choose specific songs.
Who Gets Paid
SoundExchange splits digital performance royalties: 50% to the rights owner (label/distributor), 45% to the featured artist, and 5% to session musicians through the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund. As a featured artist, you should register directly with SoundExchange to receive your 45% share.
Tips for Success
- Register directly with SoundExchange as a featured artist to claim your 45% share
- These royalties are in addition to streaming royalties from on-demand platforms
- SoundExchange collects from US-based digital radio services — important for US market revenue
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SoundExchange?
SoundExchange is a nonprofit performance rights organization in the US that collects and distributes digital performance royalties from internet radio, satellite radio, and other non-interactive streaming services.
How does SoundExchange work with LabelGrid?
LabelGrid delivers your recordings and metadata to SoundExchange, ensuring your catalog is registered for digital performance royalty collection from services like Pandora, SiriusXM, and internet radio.
What royalties does SoundExchange collect?
SoundExchange collects digital performance royalties — the royalties owed to recording owners and featured artists when their music is played on non-interactive services (internet radio, satellite radio, cable music channels).
Do I need to register with SoundExchange separately?
As a featured artist or rights owner, you should register directly with SoundExchange to receive your share of digital performance royalties. LabelGrid handles the delivery of your recordings for tracking.
Is SoundExchange available outside the US?
SoundExchange primarily collects royalties from US-based digital radio services. International equivalents exist in other countries. SoundExchange has reciprocal agreements with several international organizations.
Ready to Try LabelGrid?
Distribute your music to SoundExchange and all major platforms through LabelGrid. 7-day free trial. No credit card required.