HOW TO COPYRIGHT A SONG
Your song is protected by copyright as soon as it's written down or recorded. Registering it gives you stronger protection. Here's how both work in the U.S.
AUTOMATIC COPYRIGHT
Copyright exists from the moment your original song is fixed in a lasting form, like a recording or written lyrics and melody. You don't have to file anything for that basic protection.
WHY REGISTER
Registration creates a public record of your ownership. In the U.S., you generally need to register before you can sue someone for copying your song, and timely registration can make more damages available.
HOW TO REGISTER
Use the U.S. Copyright Office's online system at copyright.gov. Choose the right type: the song itself (music and lyrics) and the sound recording are separate works, and some forms cover both. Check current fees on the site.
OTHER RIGHTS TO SET UP
Copyright isn't the same as getting paid. Join a PRO like BMI or ASCAP for performance royalties, register sound recordings with SoundExchange for digital radio, and use split sheets with co-writers.
GUARANTEED AIRPLAY EVERY SATURDAY
Submit one song a week and it airs on the Hot Artists or Upcoming Artists portion of the Saturday show starting at 3 PM Eastern / 12 PM Pacific, with a personal review from our DJs.
- $49 per month, cancel anytime
- One new song every week — every song you send gets played
- Saturday show at 3 PM Eastern / 12 PM Pacific
- A personal DJ review of every song
- Your own artist profile page with your bio, links, and review archive
- Private member wall and direct messaging with other artists and our DJ
- A new press-release article about you every 30 days, with your music embedded
- Daily motivation messages from DJ SKI FACE
- Chance to win $100 every month
- No approval process. Everyone is accepted.
Our first show airs October 3, 2026.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Is mailing a song to myself a copyright?
No. The so-called poor man's copyright isn't a substitute for registration.
Do I need to copyright a song before sending it to radio?
It's protected automatically once recorded, but registering your work and joining a PRO before radio play is a smart move.