Common Mistakes Artists Make with Royalties (And How to Avoid Them)
- Josephine Gikaru
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
When it comes to earning from your music, royalties play a huge role. Many artists miss out on income simply because they don’t understand how royalties work. Whether you’re an upcoming or established artist, knowing how to manage and protect your royalties is key to growing a sustainable music career.
Here are five common mistakes artists make with royalties and how you can avoid them. Not Registering Their Music Properly One of the biggest mistakes is not registering your songs with the right organizations. Without proper registration with royalty collection agencies or platforms like Mdundo.com, PRiSK, or international bodies like ASCAP you won’t get paid when your music is used. Always ensure your music is registered under your legal name, with correct song details and metadata. This is the first step to tracking your earnings.
Ignoring Music Distribution Agreements
Many artists sign contracts without reading or understanding them. Some of these deals take a huge cut of your royalties or leave you with little control over your work. Before you sign any agreement, take time to read the terms, or ask a legal expert for help. Always choose trusted platforms that offer transparency and allow you to retain your rights, like Mdundo.com
Not Tracking Where Their Music Is Being Played If you don’t know where your music is being played or downloaded, you could be missing out on money. Tools like Mdundo for Artists help you track your streams, downloads, and earnings. Checking your stats regularly helps you make better decisions on promotion and release strategies.
Forgetting to Claim Their Royalties Another common mistake is failing to request or claim royalties during payout seasons. Platforms like Mdundo pay artists based on downloads and usage, but you need to log in and request your payout within the deadline. Missing this step means your earnings stay unclaimed. Always stay updated and know the payout schedules for each platform you use.
Not Knowing Their Rights Many artists don’t fully understand their rights when it comes to ownership, licensing, and monetization. This leaves them vulnerable to exploitation. Educating yourself on music rights and royalty types empowers you to take full control of your music career.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll protect your music, increase your earnings, and build a more successful future. Your music is your business treat it like one
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