If you’re making music, performing on tracks, or releasing your own recordings, you deserve to get paid when your work is played. Whether it’s on the radio, in a club, on TV, or in a café, your sound has value, and PPL is here to make sure you see the rewards. 

For young creatives navigating the music industry, understanding how royalties work can be a game-changer. Let’s break it down.

What Is PPL?

PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) is a UK-based music licensing company that collects and distributes royalties to performers and recording rightsholders when their music is played publicly or broadcast. That means if you’ve contributed to a track, such as vocals, instruments, even sound effects - you could be earning money every time it’s played.

PPL represents over 150,000 members, from session musicians to global stars like Charli XCX and Lewis Capaldi. And it’s free to join!

Can I Join PPL?

If you’ve performed on a recorded track, you can sign up as a performer. If you own the rights to a recording (or are the exclusive licensee), you can join as a rightsholder. Once your music is registered and played publicly - on radio, TV, or in venues - you may be entitled to royalties.

Even unconventional contributions like electronic sounds or clog dancing (seriously!) count as performances. So, if your sound is part of the mix, you should be getting paid.

PPL vs PRS: What’s the Difference?

Both PPL and PRS for Music collect royalties, but they cover different rights:

• PPL handles royalties for performers and recording rightsholders (labels or self-releasing artists).
• PRS for Music covers royalties for composers and songwriters

So, if you write and perform your own music, you should register with both to make sure you’re covered.

Get Paid Globally: International Royalties

With agreements in over 50 countries, PPL can collect international royalties on your behalf. That means if your track gets played in a bar in Berlin or on a radio station in Tokyo, you could be earning from it.

Sync Opportunities: Get Your Music on TV

By joining PPL, your recordings will be automatically eligible for sync into TV programmes that are made or commissioned by UK broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and Sky. 

Want to go further into film, gaming, or ads? Start building relationships with music supervisors to boost your chances.

PPL Giving: Supporting the Next Generation

PPL isn’t just about royalties; it’s about building a sustainable future for music. Through PPL Giving, they support initiatives like the Youth Music NextGen Fund, helping young talent across the UK access opportunities, grow careers, and promote equality in music.

Real Impact: PPL in Numbers

• £301 million collected in 2024 - PPL’s highest ever.
• 172,000+ performers and rightsholders paid last year.
• 19,300 people received royalties for the first time.
• 115 international agreements across 52 countries.
• 28 million+ recordings in their database, with 45,000 new ones added weekly.

Start Early, Earn Often

As Kate Reilly, PPL’s Chief Membership and People Officer, puts it:

“If you’re taking your first steps into the music industry, registering your repertoire with PPL ensures you’re set up to collect the royalties you may be entitled to as your music career grows.”

So, if you’re serious about your sound, make sure you’re registered. Your music matters - and it should pay.

The Youth Music NextGen Fund opens for applications on Friday 29 August at 10am.

Grants of up to £3,000 are available for early-stage musicians and wider music industry creatives to invest in their own projects. 

Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.