PRS for Music pays its members through four main quarterly distributions in April, July, October, and December. However, as of August 2025, PRS has transitioned to a monthly payment schedule for multi-territory online streaming (MTOL), such as Spotify and YouTube. Most payments arrive on or near the 15th of the month, provided you have met the minimum threshold of £30 (UK) or £60 (Overseas).
1. PRS 2025/2026 Payout Schedule
PRS operates on two tracks: Main Quarterly Distributions (covering broadcast, live, and international) and Monthly Distributions (specifically for online streaming).
| Distribution Type | Payment Date (Estimated) | Coverage / Notes |
| January (Monthly) | 15 January 2026 | Streaming (MTOL) |
| February (Monthly) | 15 February 2026 | Streaming (MTOL) |
| March (Monthly) | 14 March 2026 | Streaming (MTOL) |
| April (Main) | 15 April 2026 | Broadcast, Live, International + Streaming |
| May (Monthly) | 15 May 2026 | Streaming (MTOL) |
2. The “Threshold” Factor
You won’t receive a payment just because a date on the calendar passes. You must earn enough to trigger a payout:
- UK Bank Accounts: £30 minimum.
- Overseas Bank Accounts: £60 minimum.
- The October Exception: Once a year, in the October distribution, PRS lowers the threshold to £1 for UK members, allowing you to “sweep” small earnings from your account.
3. Understanding the “Play-to-Pay” Gap
The biggest frustration for PRS members is the delay between a song being played and the money arriving.
- Radio & TV: Usually paid 3 to 6 months after the performance. If your song is played in January, you will likely see the money in the July distribution.
- International: Can take 6 to 24 months, as PRS has to wait for societies like ASCAP (USA) or IPRS (India) to collect and transfer the funds.
- Online Streaming: This is the fastest. With the new monthly system, you should see your Spotify/YouTube royalties within a few months of the stream.
4. Why Audiobulb is Your Performance Partner
While PRS handles the collection, Audiobulb ensures your data is clean enough for them to find your money.
- Global Registration: We register your works across all relevant societies (The MLC, PRS, etc.) with perfect metadata. This prevents your royalties from getting stuck in a “conflict” where two people claim the same song.
- Active Usage Tracking: PRS only pays what is reported to them. Our technology scans the web for unauthorized or unreported use of your music. If your song is used in a video that wasn’t reported to PRS, we help you find it so you can claim your share.
- 0% Commission: Just like with our other services, Audiobulb takes a flat $19.99/year. We don’t take a cut of your PRS checks. Every pound and penny PRS sends you belongs 100% to you.
5. Pro-Tips for Getting Paid Faster
- Register Early: PRS has cut-off dates. To be paid in the July distribution, your works usually need to be registered by early May.
- Report Live Gigs: Don’t wait for PRS to find your live shows. Use the PRS for Music app to report your setlists for every gig you play—from small pubs to major festivals.
- Check for “Unpaid” Lists: PRS regularly publishes lists of “unclaimed” royalties. If your metadata was wrong, your money might be sitting there.
Summary
PRS is moving toward a faster, more frequent payment model, but you are still responsible for your data. By combining a formal PRS membership with Audiobulb’s active tracking and flat-fee administration, you ensure that no matter where in the world your music is played, the money finds its way back to your bank account on the 15th of the month.
Your Next Step: Are you waiting for a PRS check that hasn’t arrived? Join Audiobulb for $19.99/year and let us audit your metadata to ensure you aren’t missing out on global royalties.