How to Register and Protect Your Song: Key Steps for Creators and Music Managers

Discover step by step how to assign roles, negotiate splits, sign agreements, and register your song to secure your royalties. A practical guide for musicians, producers, and managers.

Introduction

Registering your song correctly not only protects your art but also ensures that you receive every penny that is due to you. From defining roles and percentages to signing split sheets and distributing the work: each step is key to avoiding problems and maximizing your income.

In this article, you will learn how to do this clearly, practically, and without legal tangles.

Why is it key to assign roles?

Every song is the result of the work of various talents: composers, producers, performers, and managers.
Assigning roles from the start allows:

Determining who has the right to each type of royalty (authorial, neighboring, publishing).
Preventing future disputes.
Facilitating transparent negotiations.

💡 Practical example

If you are a producer and do not clearly define your role, you could miss out on income from streaming or synchronization (sync). With Divisi, this is no longer a problem!

2. Negotiation of percentages and splits

Once roles are defined, it is essential to negotiate and clarify participation percentages.
This ensures:

Total transparency among collaborators.
Accurate calculation of future royalties.
To avoid "bad moments" when the song becomes a hit.

🔥 Tips

Tip #1: Negotiate splits before recording the final version.
Tip #2: Document everything (audio, emails, messages) as backup.

⚠️ Common mistake

Leaving the negotiation "for later" can lead to conflicts and delay the collection of royalties.

Signing split sheets: formalize your agreements

The split sheet is the document where the agreed percentages are formalized.
It must include:

Date of agreement.
Information and roles of each collaborator.
Assigned percentage (must add up to 100%).
Signature of all involved.

💡 Practical bonus

With platforms like Divisi, you can sign split sheets 100% online, without endless emails or physical documents.

Registering your song with a collective management entity

Before releasing your song, register it with a collective management entity (SCD, ASCAP, BMI, SACM, etc.).
Why?

You collect your royalties from day one.
You protect your work against unauthorized uses.
You receive automatic and transparent payments.

📄 Necessary documents

Sheet music with melody and lyrics.
Complete lyrics.
Final audio.
Signed split sheets.
Complete information about collaborators (name, ID, role).

⚠️ Warning

If you are not affiliated with a management entity, you must do so before registration. Don't leave money on the table!

5. Digital distribution: take your music to the world

Once protected, your song needs to be heard.
Digital distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, etc.) allow:

Launch your music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Tidal, and more.
Protect it with Content ID for YouTube.
Collect royalties for uses on networks like Instagram and TikTok (microsync).

💡 Pro tip

Some distributors offer plans with extra protection (Content ID and global monitoring). Evaluate which one best fits your strategy.

Digital distribution: take your music to the world

Once protected, your song needs to be heard.
Digital distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, etc.) allow:

Launch your music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Tidal, and more.
Protect it with Content ID for YouTube.
Collect royalties for uses on networks like Instagram and TikTok (microsync).

💡 Pro tip

Some distributors offer plans with extra protection (Content ID and global monitoring). Evaluate which one best fits your strategy.

BONUS: Registration with the Intellectual Rights Department

Although it is not mandatory in Chile or many countries, registering your work with the Intellectual Rights Department or its equivalent is highly recommended.
Benefits:

It serves as legal proof of authorship.
Strengthens your defense in case of disputes.
Generates an official record that supports your ownership.

💡 Final reflections

Protecting your song is not just a formality: it is an act of self-love and respect for your art.
Defining roles, negotiating percentages, formalizing agreements, and registering your music are steps that will save you headaches and ensure sustainable income.

With tools like Divisi, this entire process can be fast, transparent, and automated, freeing you to focus on what you do best: create and grow.