How It Works
How Does The MLC Work?
The MLC administers blanket mechanical licenses for eligible streaming and download services in the United States, collecting royalties due under those licenses and paying self-administered songwriters, composers, and lyricists; music publishers and administrators; and ex-U.S. collective management organizations (CMOs).
Watch For a Quick Introduction to The MLC
The Process
REGISTER
songs with The MLCMembers can easily register their songs in the Member Hub within The MLC Portal.
COLLECTS
data and royalties from DSPsEach month, digital service providers (DSPs) that operate under the blanket license send usage data and royalties to The MLC for all the music steamed and downloaded on their services.
MATCHES
uses of registered songsThe MLC matches the DSP-reported streams and downloads to the songs registered by Members and calculates the royalties owed.
PAYS
royalties to MembersThe MLC distributes royalties to Members on a monthly basis. It’s that simple!
Our Commitment to Transparency
The musical works data The MLC collects and maintains in its database is available for all songwriters, publishers, and the general public to view using the Public Work Search. Just click the Public Search button from any page on The MLC’s website.