How to Register a Song
Register your songs/works
What’s the #1 thing to do to be eligible to get paid when your music is played, performed, or reproduced? Register your songs.
Songwriter and artist Merpire runs through how to register your songs—known as Works.
Whether you're an independent artist, producer, or part of a songwriting team, this video walks you through everything you need to know to start earning royalties
Tip:
If you’re signed with a publisher, they may register works on your behalf—so check in with them!
Step 1:
Log in to the Writer Portal or App
· Go to the Works tab.
· Click Register a New Work
· Choose Regular Work for typical songs like singles or live performances
Got a jingle? Go to the guide.
For Arrangements, follow the steps in the Portal.
Step 2:
Enter Work Details
Provide: Title, Performer name (if applicable), Duration and ISRC (International Standard Recording Code – a unique identifier for the recording)
If you don’t have an ISRC yet, you can add it later – more info here about ISRCs, ISWCs and IPIs. All these codes help us to match your work with recordings and performances.
Step 3:
Add Co-Writers
Scroll to Contributors section
Click Add Co-Writers.
Fill in their details. You’ll need:
· Their names
· APRA AMCOS membership status
· Agreed songwriting splits (must total 100%)
· Their roles (Composer/Author)
Only one co-writer needs to register the work if all are APRA AMCOS members. If they aren’t – tell them to join
Step 4:
Confirm Ownership Details
Double-check:
· Title
· Writers listed
· Shares and roles
· Alternative titles
· Duration and ISRCs
Step 5:
Register the Work
Click Register Work.
Your song will show as Registered
It is eligible to earn royalties.
Step 6:
Make Updates (if needed)
You can update:
· Duration
· ISRCs
· Alternative titles
Need to change splits or titles? Contact APRA AMCOS. Co-writer approval may be required.
Common Mistakes to avoid
Not agreeing on splits before registering
Leaving out co-writer details
- Ensure all contributors are listed with correct roles and shares. Changes for writer shares after registration, require approval in writing.
Incorrect ISRC or duration
- ISRC and duration can be updated later, but it’s best to enter accurate info upfront.
Non-members of APRA AMCOS or an affiliate will be added to your registration
- If your co-writer isn’t a member, they must join or register via their affiliate.
Trying to change splits without approval
- Changes to ownership require co-writer consent and APRA AMCOS support.
Not checking alerts
- Watch for “Unregistered” or “In Dispute” flags in the portal and take action promptly.
See also:
Frequently asked questions
How do I copyright and register my works?
Copyright and registration are two separate things.
Copyright is free and automatic.
That's right—you don’t have to do anything to ‘get’ copyright; it's there from the moment you write down or record the song. So as soon as you create a new song or piece of music, you have copyright in it.
Register works with APRA AMCOS.
To ensure you receive royalties when your work is played or performed, you must register your songs and compositions through the Writer Portal or App.
Can I change my song or work after it is registered?
You can make updates to the duration of a work, as well as add a new ISRC or Alternative Title via the App or Writer Portal on the web.
Just click on the work you wish to update and you can make changes by clicking Edit or + next to the relevant part you're updating.
To make changes to titles and/or the splits on a work, you will need to reach out to our Works Registration team.
In order to change other information on a work registration we need an email request, to be processed by our Works Registration team.
Please send the following information to [email protected]
1️⃣ The current work title
2️⃣ The work's WorkID (normally starts with GW)
3️⃣ Your name
For any element(s) you wish to change (such as titles or splits):
- What we currently have, and
- What you want it changed to
❗ Please cc any co-writers into this email, for major changes we will need all co-writers to approve.
