What Mechanical Royalties Are
Mechanical royalties are paid to songwriters and publishers when music is:
- Streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc.
- Downloaded (iTunes, Amazon MP3)
- Manufactured physically (CDs, vinyl)
- Used in karaoke, ringtones, and interactive media
These royalties are separate from master royalties and are collected by specialized agencies.
United States Mechanical Agencies
The MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective)
Collects: U.S. mechanical royalties from streaming services.
For: Songwriters and publishers.
Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, TIDAL, Deezer, Pandora Premium.
USAStreamingPublishing
Harry Fox Agency (HFA)
Collects: Mechanical royalties for physical, downloads, karaoke, ringtones.
For: Publishers and rights holders.
USAMechanicalPhysical
Music Reports
Collects: Mechanical royalties for certain DSPs and services.
Also handles: Licensing for fitness apps, karaoke, and digital services.
LicensingMechanical
International Mechanical Agencies
MCPS (UK)
Collects: Mechanical royalties for the UK.
Includes: CDs, vinyl, downloads, streaming mechanicals.
UKMechanical
APRA AMCOS (Australia/New Zealand)
Collects: Mechanical + performance royalties.
AustraliaMechanical