This article applies to:
- Publishing Members
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.
Is Cash Out available for royalty balances collected by Believe Music Publishing on behalf of BeatStars?
Not at this time. However, it is in development and updates will be shared as they become available.
Are there any limits to using Cash Out?
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