This article was updated on October 27, 2026
If you’ve released music to streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, you’re earning revenue from your streams in the form of recording royalties — at least.
But those same streams also generate additional royalties that you need to claim to collect. Many independent artists aren’t aware of this and leave easy revenue behind. In this article, you’ll learn what these music royalties are and how you can collect them with CD Baby.
Key Takeaways:
- CDB Boost is an optional CD Baby release add-on that helps you collect U.S. mechanical royalties, digital performance royalties, and unlock sync licensing opportunities.
- Collect U.S. streaming mechanical royalties through The MLC: CDB Boost registers eligible original compositions so you can receive royalties earned by the underlying songs.
- Collect digital performance royalties through SoundExchange: These royalties come from plays on non-interactive services such as Pandora radio and SiriusXM.
- Make your music available for sync licensing: Opt eligible music into CD Baby’s sync catalog for potential use in film, TV, ads, and games. Inclusion makes your music available for licensing; placements aren’t guaranteed.
A quick refresher: music rights and royalties
A song has two forms of copyright: the sound recording (the specific recorded track) and the underlying composition (the music and lyrics). Each can generate different royalties, so for example, one stream may earn money for both the recording and the song itself. But earning royalties doesn’t always mean you’ll receive them automatically. You may need to register your music with the right organizations to collect everything you’re owed.
Learn the six main types of royalties and how to collect them.
Which royalties does CD Baby collect?
When fans stream your music on interactive services such as Spotify and Apple Music, CD Baby collects royalties for the sound recording and pays them to you.
You can collect two more types of royalties your streams can generate using CDB Boost, our additional royalty collection tool:
- Digital Performance Royalties: generated when a sound recording is played on non-interactive digital platforms such as internet radio, satellite radio, or custom webcasters (e.g., Pandora and SiriusXM). Learn more about digital performance royalties.
- Mechanical Royalties: generated when a copyrighted musical composition is reproduced in physical, digital download, or on interactive streaming services. Learn more about mechanical royalties.
What is CDB Boost?
CDB Boost is an optional add-on service that helps artists and songwriters collect U.S mechanical royalties and digital performance royalties. The tool also makes songs eligible for sync licensing – a major administrative benefit for growing artists.
How does CDB Boost work?
CDB Boost works by registering your original compositions with The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) to collect your digital performance royalties and registering your sound recordings with SoundExchange to help you collect digital performance royalties.
CDB Boost also adds your music to CD Baby’s licensing catalog so music supervisors can easily pitch them for placements in movies, TV shows, commercials, and video games (placements not guaranteed).
Artists with eligible music can add CDB Boost to upcoming and current releases (within the past three years). For additional information on using CDB Boost, visit our Help Center.
Is CDB Boost worth it?
Yes, CDB Boost is a powerful tool for independent artists looking to earn more from their music without taking on additional administrative or promotional work.
- Mechanical royalties are a major revenue stream that’s only growing: The MLC has paid out more than $4.2 billion to songwriters and publishers to date. In 2027, the organization will start handing out millions of dollars in unclaimed royalties to publishers, making its first-ever market share distribution.
- Collect royalties you’re earning: CDB Boost helps artists claim the revenue they’re already owed. Boost isn’t a promotional tool, it’s an administrative solution to lock in additional revenue.
- Streamline royalty management: Instead of registering individually with different organizations, CDB Boost simplifies the registration process, saving you time, and allows you to view your payouts from a single dashboard.
Who should use CDB Boost?
If you’re releasing your own original music (that you own the rights to) across interactive and non-interactive streaming platforms with CD Baby, we recommend adding CDB Boost to your release to ensure you’re collecting all the revenue you’re owed.
3 tips to get the most out of CDB Boost
If you’re starting to collect additional royalties with CDB Boost, here are a few ways you can get the most out of the tool.
1. Keep your metadata clean
Always review your metadata before submitting your music for distribution. The MLC and SoundExchange use song information to match streaming activity to the rights owners, so complete and consistent songwriter and ownership data can help prevent delays or missed matches.
2. Promote your music
The more your fans stream your music, the more royalties you’ll generate. Use our 30-day release plan for upcoming releases.
3. Pair CDB Boost with a Performing Rights Organization to collect more royalties
Your streams also generate performance royalties, which you’ll need to register with a Performing Rights Organization to collect — such as ASCAP, SESAC, or BMI.
FAQs about CDB Boost
Does CDB Boost collect mechanical royalties from Spotify streams?
CDB Boost can help collect eligible U.S. streaming mechanical royalties through The MLC. The song must qualify for MLC registration, and its songwriter and ownership details need to be accurate.
Does CDB Boost replace my PRO registration?
No. CDB Boost’s MLC service collects mechanical royalties. A PRO collects performance royalties for songwriters and publishers. We recommend registering your music with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to collect your performance royalties.
Does CDB Boost collect my featured artist SoundExchange share?
No. CD Baby collects the rights owner share for eligible releases. Featured artists need to register with SoundExchange directly to claim their share.
Does opting into sync licensing guarantee a placement?
No. Opting in makes eligible music available for licensing consideration, but placements depend on whether a project needs and selects your track.
Collect the royalties you’re owed
Don’t leave money on the table. Take the next step to efficiently claim the revenue you’re owed with CDB Boost.