Performance Rights Organization

A Performance Rights Organization (PRO) is a company that collects and distributes royalties on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers when their music is performed publicly — including on radio, television, streaming services, and live venues. The major PROs in the United States are ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. When a creator uses licensed music in their content or performs original music publicly, PROs ensure the rights holders receive compensation. For creators who write original music, registering with a PRO is an important step in monetizing their compositions. For creators licensing music for their videos, understanding PRO licensing helps avoid copyright claims.