If you’re an artist, producer, or content creator, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Why am I not making more money from my royalties?” The answer isn’t always simple—but understanding how royalties work can help you identify where the problem lies and what steps you can take to fix it.
1. Not All Royalties Are the Same
One of the biggest sources of confusion is that royalties come from different streams. For music alone, there are:
- Performance royalties (collected when your work is played publicly, like on radio or streaming services).
- Mechanical royalties (generated from the reproduction of your work, like streams and downloads).
- Publishing royalties (from the underlying composition).
- Sound recording/master royalties (from the actual recording).
If you’re only collecting from one type of royalty, you may be leaving money on the table.
2. Missing Registrations
If you haven’t registered your songs with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC—or with The MLC for U.S. mechanical royalties—you may not be getting paid for uses of your work. The same goes for ensuring your distributor has properly registered your recordings. A single missing registration can mean thousands of streams go uncollected.
3. Unclear Contracts or Splits
Many creators find out too late that their contracts give away larger portions of their royalties than expected. This could include unfavorable publishing deals, producer agreements, or distribution contracts that leave you with a smaller slice. Always review agreements carefully before signing—and if you already signed something, you may still have legal options to renegotiate or enforce proper accounting.
4. Royalty Collection Delays
Even if your music is being played, it can take months (sometimes over a year) for royalties to flow through the system and reach your account. If you’re expecting immediate returns, it’s important to understand that royalty payments often lag behind usage.
5. Infringement and Misuse of Your Work
Sometimes, the problem isn’t just administrative—it’s legal. If your music, photography, or other creative work is being used without permission, you won’t see royalties unless you enforce your rights. This may mean issuing takedowns, demanding payment, or in some cases, filing a lawsuit.
How Landry Legal Can Help
At Landry Legal, PLLC, we work with artists, producers, labels, and creators to ensure they’re getting every dollar they deserve. Whether it’s reviewing contracts, fixing royalty registrations, or taking legal action against unauthorized use of your work, we help you protect your rights and maximize your income.
If you’re asking yourself “Why am I not making more money/royalties?” you don’t have to figure it out alone. Call us today at 888-914-0011 or email us at contact@landrypllc.com to schedule a consultation.