Can I collect SoundExchange royalties through CD Baby?

Yes. When you add CDB Boost to an eligible release, CD Baby can collect the Rights Owner Share of U.S. non-interactive digital performance royalties through SoundExchange.

You still need to register directly with SoundExchange to collect any Featured Artist Share owed to you.

What are SoundExchange royalties?

SoundExchange collects royalties when sound recordings play on eligible non-interactive digital services, such as internet radio. These services choose what plays rather than allowing a listener to select any track on demand.

SoundExchange divides the royalties into three shares:

• Rights Owner Share (50%): Owed to Sound Recording Copyright Owners (SRCOs), such as record labels, royalty administrators, or the artists themselves.
• Featured Artist Share (45%): Owed to artists prominently featured on a track or album.
• Non-featured Artist Share (5%): Owed to individuals not prominently featured, like session musicians or backup vocalists.

What CD Baby collects

When you add CDB Boost:

1. CD Baby registers and claims the eligible Rights Owner Share on your behalf.
2. SoundExchange pays that share to CD Baby.
3. CD Baby credits the revenue to your CD Baby account after deducting its 9% commission.

CD Baby's SoundExchange agreement covers eligible royalties generated in the United States. Royalties generated elsewhere may require registration with a collection organization in the relevant territory.

What you collect directly

To collect your Featured Artist Share, register directly with SoundExchange as a performer, register the recordings, and claim your artist share. SoundExchange pays that share directly to you.

The Non-featured Artist Share is paid through organizations such as AFM and SAG-AFTRA, not through CD Baby.

Legacy Pro Publishing releases

Albums and singles registered through Legacy Pro Publishing receive CDB Boost at no additional cost.

Stop CD Baby's collection

To claim the Rights Owner Share yourself, follow How do I cancel CD Baby's collection from SoundExchange?.