If you’re making music and don’t know the difference between publishing rights and master rights, you’re probably getting played already.
One day, your streams can blow like you dreamt, but your wallet may still remain flat just because you don’t understand these rights.
Let’s fix that, right now.
But first, picture this:
You’re in the studio recording a track you know could be that hit. You write every lyric, lay down your vocals, maybe even tweak the beat.
A few months later, your song goes viral. Tik Tok on fire and the playlists are feeling the heat.
Now you’re getting massive exposure, which makes you think you’ve finally made it.
But then the checks come. And they’re… way smaller than you expected.
You call your friend, who’s also an artist. They ask:
“Bro… who owns your publishing? And did you keep your masters?”
Your heart drops. You don’t know.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But it doesn’t have to be this way. This is why you know…
What are Publishing Rights and Master Rights?
Publishing Rights are simply your song as an idea. That comprises the elements that make up the blueprint, such as lyrics, melody, chords.
That means if you wrote it, you (or your publisher) own the publishing rights.
Whenever someone performs your song, streams it, covers it, syncs it to a movie, or prints it in sheet music, you’re owed publishing money.
Hope you get it. You say you do?
Alright, let’s move on to the next one: Masters Rights.
Masters Rights pertain to the actual recording of the song.
That final WAV or MP3 file that ends up on Spotify? That’s the master recording.
Whoever pays for and releases the recording usually owns the master.
That owner controls how the recording is used, and they get paid when it’s streamed, licensed, or downloaded.
Now that you know what these two rights mean, let’s talk real money.
So let’s say your song is placed in a Netflix series. A music supervisor needs both rights:
They need publishing rights (to use your lyrics and composition), and the master rights (to use the specific recording)
They pay both parties. If you only own one and someone else owns the other, that’s the one you earn from.
And if you don’t even know who owns what? You might get nothing at all.
For you as an independent artists, these are the reasons the rights matter:
- If you write and record your music yourself, you could own 100% of both rights. That means all the money comes to you.
- If you sign a deal (label, producer, or publisher), they might want a piece of the publishing, the master—or both.
- If you collaborate and don’t split things properly, it gets messy. Fast.
What should you do now?
- Figure out what you own.
Did you write the lyrics or melody? You own publishing.
Did you pay for the recording? Then you might own the master.
- Register your works.
Use a PRO to collect publishing royalties.
Use distribution platforms (like HIGHVIBES) to release your master.
- Use split sheets. Always.
If you collaborate, write down who gets what share—for both publishing and master ownership.
Lastly, See Music as an Asset.
Businesses don’t let their money walk away because of ignorance.
If you don’t treat it like one, someone else will—usually at your expense.
Know your rights. Own your work. Protect your bag.
