What is PPL?
PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) collects and distributes royalties for performers and record labels when recorded music is played publicly. These are called neighbouring rights — and they're completely separate from the songwriter royalties that PRS collects.
Every time your recording plays on BBC Radio 1, in a Costa Coffee, or at a gym — PPL collects money for you. But only if you're registered.
£370M+
Distributed in 2023
Who needs to join PPL?
PPL has two types of members:
Performers
If you sing or play an instrument on a recording, you're a performer. This includes:
- Lead vocalists
- Session musicians
- Featured artists
- Backing vocalists
- Producers who perform on the track
Record Labels / Master Owners
If you own the master recording (the actual sound file), you're entitled to the label share. For independent artists who self-release, you are the label.
Self-releasing artists: register as BOTH
If you write, perform, AND release your own music, you should register as a Performer AND as a Recording Rightholder (label). You'll collect both shares.
What royalties does PPL collect?
Radio Broadcast
BBC, commercial radio, community radio, internet radio
£100-5,000+/yr
TV Broadcast
Any TV show or advert that plays your recording
£50-3,000+/yr
Public Venues
Shops, restaurants, bars, gyms, hotels, offices
£30-1,000+/yr
International Collection
Neighbouring rights from 90+ countries via reciprocal agreements
Varies
PPL does NOT cover streaming
Unlike PRS, PPL does not collect royalties from Spotify, Apple Music, etc. Your distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, etc.) handles the recording royalties from streaming. PPL only covers broadcast and public performance.
PRS vs PPL — what's the difference?
This is the #1 thing that confuses independent artists. Here's the simple version:
|
PRS for Music |
PPL |
| Protects |
The song (composition) |
The recording (master) |
| Who gets paid |
Songwriters, composers, publishers |
Performers, record labels |
| Cost to join |
£100 (one-time) |
Free |
| Royalty type |
Performance royalties |
Neighbouring rights |
| Streaming? |
Yes (songwriter share) |
No (covered by distributor) |
Bottom line: If you write and perform your own music, you need both PRS and PPL. They collect completely different money.
Before you start
What you'll need:
- No fee required — PPL membership is free for performers
- ISRC codes — each recording needs an International Standard Recording Code. Your distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby) assigns these.
- Recording details — track title, artist name, all performers, label (you, if self-released), release date
- Proof of identity — ID document for verification
Don't have ISRC codes?
Check your distributor dashboard. Every track you've distributed through DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, etc. already has an ISRC code assigned. You'll find it in your release details.
Step-by-step registration
Register as a Performer
-
Go to the PPL website
Visit ppluk.com/join and select "I'm a Performer."
-
Create your account
Enter your legal name, email, and contact details. Use the name as it appears on recordings.
-
Complete your performer profile
Add the instruments you play and/or whether you're a vocalist. This helps PPL match you to recordings.
-
Register your recordings
Add your tracks with ISRC codes. List every performer on each track — PPL splits the performer share among all credited performers.
-
Set up payment details
Add your bank account. PPL pays out annually (typically in September/October).
Register as a Recording Rightholder (Label)
If you self-release, you own the masters and should also register as a label:
-
Apply as a Recording Rightholder
On the PPL join page, select "I'm a Recording Rightholder." This is separate from your performer registration.
-
Enter your label details
Your "label" can just be your artist name or project name. You don't need a formal company.
-
Register your catalogue
Add the same tracks, this time claiming them as the label/master owner. Include ISRC codes.
After registration
- You'll receive a PPL performer ID and/or label ID.
- Register ALL your recordings, including older releases. PPL can pay backdated royalties.
- Keep your ISRC codes organized — you'll need them every time you register a new release.
- The performer share is typically 50% and the label share is 50%. If you're both, you get 100%.
- Payments come once per year (not quarterly like PRS).
Already registered with PRS?
Good — PRS and PPL are completely separate organizations collecting different money. Having both means you're covering both the song and the recording. Next step:
make sure you've also got MCPS.
Common questions
Do I need PPL if I'm on Spotify?
Yes. Spotify royalties from your distributor are only for the streaming right. PPL covers a completely different right — when your recording plays on radio or in public places. Different money, different collection.
I only have a few hundred streams. Is PPL worth it?
If your music has been played on any radio station (even community radio), in any public venue, or on any TV show — yes. PPL pays from broadcast logs, not streaming counts. Even one radio play can generate surprising royalties. And it's free to join.
What's the difference between PPL and SoundExchange?
PPL operates in the UK. SoundExchange operates in the US. They do similar jobs — collect neighbouring rights for performers and labels. PPL has agreements with SoundExchange, so if you're UK-based, PPL handles your US neighbouring rights too.
Can I be a performer member and a label member?
Yes, and you should if you self-release. You'd get both the performer share (50%) and the label share (50%) of every payment. Register as both.
It's free. No reason not to.