How to Register Your Music with APRA AMCOS (and Why You Should)

How to Register Your Music with APRA AMCOS (and Why You Should)

If you’re writing and releasing original music in Australia or New Zealand, registering your songs with APRA AMCOS is one of the most important steps to protect your work and get paid for it.

Whether you’re just starting out or have a catalogue of songs out already, this guide breaks down how to register your music with APRA AMCOS—and why it matters.

What is APRA AMCOS?

APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) and AMCOS (Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society) are two organisations that work together to collect and distribute royalties for songwriters, composers, and publishers.

• APRA handles performance rights – meaning royalties when your music is played live, on radio, streamed, or broadcast.

• AMCOS covers mechanical rights – such as when your music is reproduced on CDs, vinyl, downloads, or streamed.

Why Register?

If your music is being played live, streamed, broadcast, or downloaded, you could be earning royalties right now – but only if your songs are registered.

Registering ensures you get:
✅ Paid royalties for streams, radio play, live gigs
✅ Legal proof of ownership
✅ Access to grants, events, and support from APRA AMCOS

Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Music

1. Join APRA AMCOS (if you haven’t already)
It’s free to sign up as a writer. Head to apraamcos.com.au/join and choose “Join as a writer.” You’ll need to be writing original music and have at least one work that’s been performed, streamed, or released.

2. Log in to the APRA AMCOS Writer Portal
Once you’re a member, you can log in and access your dashboard.

3. Go to ‘Works Registration’
Look for the section where you can register a new work. You’ll need:

• The song title

• The names and roles of all writers/composers

• Your percentage share of the song (split between writers)

• Whether the work is instrumental or includes lyrics

• Publisher info (if you’re self-published, leave this blank)

4. Register each track individually
Make sure to include every song you’ve released or performed publicly. If you’re collaborating, agree on the splits with your co-writers before submitting.

5. Keep it updated
If you change titles, add co-writers later, or sign with a publisher, make sure your registrations reflect those changes.

Bonus Tip: Log Your Setlists

If you perform your songs live—at gigs, open mics, or festivals—submit your Performance Reports through the portal. APRA pays royalties based on those reports, even for small gigs.

Need Help?

At Studio Chaddy, we work with artists across Australia on every stage of their release – from production to distribution, and making sure their rights and royalties are sorted. If you’re unsure how to register your music, feel free to reach out or check out our other resources for indie musicians.

Don’t leave royalties on the table.
Take 15 minutes, register your music, and make sure you’re getting paid for the music you’ve worked so hard to create.