You can, and should, register original instrumentals just like any other song. However, Remixes and Samples are “Derivative Works.” You cannot legally register them with a PRO or collect royalties until you have written permission from the original owners. At Audiobulb, we help you navigate these permissions so you don’t accidentally commit copyright infringement while trying to get paid.
1. Instrumentals & Beats
Many producers think that because there are no lyrics, there is no “publishing.” This is a myth.
- The “Melody is King” Rule: An instrumental still has a melody and an arrangement. This is your “Composition.”
- How to register: You register it exactly like a song with lyrics. In the “Title” field, it is helpful to add (Instrumental) to distinguish it from any vocal versions.
- Beat Licensing: If you lease a beat to an artist, you usually keep 50% of the publishing. When the artist releases their song, you must ensure they register you as a co-writer on their version.
2. The Remix Trap
A remix is a “Derivative Work.” Legally, you are building on someone else’s property.
- The Permission Barrier: You cannot register a remix with ASCAP, BMI, or Audiobulb unless you have a contract from the original artist or label giving you a percentage of the songwriting.
- The Standard Deal: Most of the time, the original artist keeps 100% of the publishing, and the remixer is paid a one-time “flat fee.”
- The Danger: If you register a remix without permission and claim 50%, the original artist’s publisher will flag the “Conflict,” and your entire account could be frozen or banned for copyright infringement.
3. Sampling: “Clear it or Lose it”
If you use even two seconds of another song in your track, you are sampling.
- Two Licenses Needed: You need permission from the Record Label (for the audio) and the Publisher (for the notes/lyrics).
- The Royalty Hit: In exchange for the sample, the original writers will usually demand a significant cut of your publishing (anywhere from 25% to 100%).
- Registration: When you register the song via Audiobulb, you must list the original writers and their publishers as co-owners. If you try to hide a sample and register yourself as 100% owner, “Audio Fingerprinting” (like Shazam or Content ID) will eventually find you, and you will owe years of back-royalties.
4. What About Loops (Splice, Apple Loops)?
This is the “Good News” category.
- Royalty-Free: If you use a loop from a legitimate library like Splice, Arcade, or Logic Pro, you have already “bought” the license.
- How to register: You can register the song as 100% yours. You do not need to list the loop creator as a co-writer because the license you purchased allows for commercial use without attribution.
Quick Guide: Can I Register This?
| Work Type | Can I Register? | Who owns the Publishing? |
| Original Instrumental | YES | 100% You. |
| Leased Beat | YES | Usually 50% Producer / 50% Artist. |
| Unofficial Remix | NO | 100% Original Artist (unless cleared). |
| Song with Samples | YES* | *Only AFTER the sample is cleared. |
| Song with Splice Loops | YES | 100% You. |
FAQ: Producers and Remixers
If I change the pitch and speed of a sample, do I still have to clear it?
Yes. Modern software makes it easy for publishers to find “manipulated” samples. If the original work is recognizable in any way, you are legally required to clear it.
I made a remix for a contest. Can I collect royalties?
Usually not. Most contest rules state that the original artist retains 100% of the rights, and your entry is for promotional purposes only. Check the “Terms and Conditions” of the contest before trying to register it.
Does Audiobulb help with Sample Clearance?
While we don’t negotiate the initial deal for you, once you have an agreement, we handle the complex task of registering those “split” shares with the global societies so everyone gets paid their agreed-upon cut.
Summary
Instrumentals are your property; remixes and samples are “rented” property. To keep your catalog clean and your royalties flowing, always secure your paperwork before you hit the “Register” button.
Your Next Step: Have an original instrumental or a cleared sample ready to go? Add it to your Audiobulb dashboard. We’ll make sure your production work is protected and paid across every territory.