Overview
In this article, you will learn when BeatStars automatically distributes royalty balances to your BeatStars Wallet, and when Cash Out is available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Collection Periods?
Collection Periods run along calendar quarters: Q1 runs from January 1 through March 31; Q2 runs from April 1 through June 30; Q3 runs from July 1 through September 30; and Q4 runs from October 1 through December 31.
When do I get paid for each Collection Period?
After each collection period ends, royalty balances are automatically distributed into your BeatStars Wallet by the last day of the following quarter:
Q1 royalties are distributed to your BeatStars Wallet by June 30; Q2 royalties are distributed to your BeatStars Wallet by September 30; Q3 royalties are distributed to your BeatStars Wallet by December 31; and Q4 royalties are distributed to your BeatStars Wallet by March 31.
Which Publishing administration partners are collecting royalties on behalf of BeatStars?
Believe Music Publishing collects royalties for uses of songs registered after March 2026, and Sony Music Publishing collects royalties for uses of songs registered before March 2026 (until the transition to Believe Music Publishing is complete).
When are royalty balances from each Publishing administration partner distributed to my BeatStars Wallet?
Royalty balances collected by Believe Music Publishing on behalf of BeatStars are distributed to your BeatStars Wallet by the last day of the quarter following the Collection Period: Q1 royalties are distributed by June 30; Q2 royalties are distributed by September 30; Q3 royalties are distributed by December 31; and Q4 royalties are distributed by March 31.
Royalty balances collected by Sony Music Publishing on behalf of BeatStars are distributed to your BeatStars Wallet by the last day of the quarter following Q2 and Q4: Q1 and Q2 balances are distributed by September 30; then Q3 and Q4 balances are distributed by March 31.
Can I access my royalties before the automatic distribution date?
Yes, for royalty balances collected by Sony Music Publishing on behalf of BeatStars. If you do not want to wait until your royalty balance is automatically distributed into your BeatStars Wallet, you can use Sony SCORE’s Cash Out feature.
Cash Out allows you to request some or all of your current royalty balance to be paid immediately instead of waiting for the next semi-annual distribution.
Are there any limits to using SCORE’s Cash Out feature?
Yes. Cash Out is subject to the following limitations:
- You must have a royalty balance of at least $100
- Cash Out is not available during February, March, August, and September
Is Cash Out available for royalty balances collected by Believe Music Publishing on behalf of BeatStars?
For royalties collected by Believe Music Publishing after September 30, 2026, any balances of at least $20 will be automatically deposited to your BeatStars Wallet 40 days after the end of the month.
For example, royalties collected for the month of March will be deposited by May 10 (40 days after March 31st).
Glossary of Statement Terms
Use this section to understand the terms you will see on the Royalties tab in your BeatStars account. Note: These terms apply to royalties collected by Believe Music Publishing.
Statement period
This is the quarter a statement covers. Q1 is January 1 through March 31, Q2 is April 1 through June 30, Q3 is July 1 through September 30, and Q4 is October 1 through December 31.
Opening balance
Your balance carried over from the previous period.
Royalties
Royalties earned during this period.
Closing balance
This is your unpaid balance at the end of the period. It is your opening balance plus royalties, minus any payments and adjustments.
Statement date
The date your statement for a period is finalized. Any payable earnings are posted to your Wallet by this date.
Statement Statuses
Every statement carries one of three statuses.
In progress
This period is still open. Figures shown are live estimates and will be finalized on the statement date.
Processing
This period has closed but has not reached its statement date. Your closing balance is finalized and posted then.
Closed
This period is final. Any payable earnings have been posted to your Wallet.