As an individual songwriter, the answer is no. You are generally only allowed to have one active affiliation per territory (e.g., you can’t be in ASCAP and BMI at the same time). However, as a publisher, the answer is yes, and it’s actually required if you want to represent other writers.
It’s a common question: “If I join ASCAP and BMI, won’t I have twice the chance of catching my royalties?”
In theory, it sounds like a safety net. In reality, the global royalty system is built to prevent exactly this. Here is why “Dual Affiliation” is a trap for songwriters but a tool for publishers.
1. The “One IPI” Restriction
Every songwriter is assigned a unique IPI (Interested Parties Information) number. This is your global music fingerprint.
- The Conflict: When you join a PRO, your IPI is “linked” to that society. If you try to join a second PRO in the same territory (like the US), their system will see your social security number and existing IPI and flag it as a conflict.
- The Payout Freeze: If you somehow bypass the system and register a song at both ASCAP and BMI, both societies will claim the royalty. When there is a “Double Claim” on a song, the money is placed in “Escrow” (a frozen account) until the conflict is resolved. You end up getting paid by neither.
2. When Can You Have Two? (Territory Rules)
The “One PRO” rule only applies to the same territory.
- The Exception: If you move from the US to the UK, you might resign from ASCAP and join PRS. During that transition, you might technically have a brief overlap, but you are still only “active” for collection in one place.
- The Myth of “Double Collecting”: You cannot collect the same dollar twice. Even if you belonged to two societies, the radio station only pays one license fee for that play.
3. Why Publishers MUST Join Multiple PROs
While you (the human) are restricted, a Publisher (the business entity) operates differently.
To be a professional publisher like Audiobulb, we must be members of all of them.
- The Reason: Imagine you (an ASCAP member) write a song with a friend (a BMI member).
- The Problem: ASCAP cannot pay a BMI publisher, and BMI cannot pay an ASCAP publisher.
- The Solution: A professional publishing administrator has separate “buckets” at every PRO. We have an ASCAP entity to collect your share and a BMI entity to collect your co-writer’s share.
This is why an independent artist cannot effectively “self-publish” globally; you would have to pay the registration fees and manage accounts at every single PRO yourself.
4. Comparison: Songwriter vs. Publisher Roles
| Feature | Songwriter (Individual) | Publisher (Audiobulb) |
| Membership Limit | One per territory | Unlimited |
| IPI Number | One unique ID | Multiple (one for each PRO) |
| Conflict Risk | High (leads to frozen funds) | None (standard business) |
| Registration Fee | One-time ($50-$100) | Thousands in annual fees |
FAQ: PRO Affiliation
What if I want to switch from BMI to ASCAP?
You have to “Resign.” This usually involves a specific window of time (often at the end of your 2-year contract). You must notify them in writing, wait for the release, and then apply to the new society. Warning: This can be a metadata nightmare if not handled correctly.
Can I use a pseudonym at a different PRO?
No. Your membership is tied to your legal identity and tax ID (Social Security Number). Using a stage name doesn’t change your IPI. If you try to create a “fake” second account, the PROs will eventually merge them and potentially penalize you for fraud.
Do I need a “Publisher Account” at my PRO if I’m with Audiobulb?
No. That is one of the biggest perks of our service. You join as a Writer, and we use our existing Publisher accounts to collect your publisher’s share. This saves you the $50–$100 application fee for a publishing entity you don’t actually need.
Summary
Don’t try to “double dip” by joining two PROs. It doesn’t increase your money; it only increases your paperwork and the risk of your royalties being frozen.
Your Next Step: Pick the PRO that fits you best as a writer, then link your account to Audiobulb. We’ll handle the “multi-PRO” side of the business so you can stay focused on the music.