MCPS: Understanding Mechanical Royalties

edbrown2879
May 8
3 min read

If you’re a songwriter, composer, or publisher in the UK, you’re owed mechanical royalties every time your music is reproduced—whether on CDs, downloads, or streaming platforms like Spotify.

MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) ensures you get paid for these uses.

But how do mechanical royalties work?

How much can you earn?

And why do you need MCPS if you’re already with PRS?

This in-depth guide explains everything—from registration to maximising your earnings.

What is MCPS?

MCPS collects mechanical royalties whenever your music is:

✔ Physically reproduced (CDs, vinyl, DVDs)

✔ Downloaded (iTunes, Beatport)

✔ Streamed (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal)

✔ Used in TV/film syncs (Netflix, ads, video games)

Who Gets Paid by MCPS?

✅ Songwriters

✅ Composers

✅ Publishers

❌ Performers (that’s PPL’s job)

Note: Most UK songwriters are members of PRS + MCPS together via PRS for Music. Its easier to sign up to both of them now they are under the same umbrella company.

How MCPS Royalties Work

Unlike PRS (performance royalties) and PPL (recording royalties), MCPS focuses on reproduction rights—when your music is copied or distributed.

Key Sources of Mechanical Royalties

Usage Type	How It’s Paid
Streaming (Spotify, Apple Music)	2.5% of gross revenue
Downloads (iTunes, Amazon)	royalty rates are typically calculated as 75% of the total royalty, with the remaining 25% going to PRS
CDs/Vinyl	Paid per unit manufactured 8.5% of dealer price)
TV/Film Syncs	One-time license fee + ongoing royalties (one time fee varies on the deal from the network/company your song is licensed by.)

Q. How Do I Register with MCPS?

A. Since 1997, MCPS has been bundled with PRS for Music. To join:

Sign up at PRS for Music (select PRS + MCPS membership).
Submit your works (manually or via your publisher/distributor).
Royalties are paid Monthly (if/when earnings exceed £30).

Q. How Are MCPS Royalties Calculated?

A. Rates vary by format: check out the table above to see some of the key sources of mechanical royalties and how they are paid to you.

3. Do I Need MCPS if I Use a Distributor?

Yes! While distributors can pay you directly for streams/downloads, MCPS ensures:

You get all mechanical royalties (some platforms underreport).
You’re paid for international usage (via MCPS’s global network).

Pro Tip: Always cross-check your distributor statements with MCPS payouts.

4. What’s the Difference Between MCPS and PRS?

MCPS	PRS
Mechanical royalties (reproduction)	Performance royalties (public usage)
Covers streams, downloads, CDs, streaming	Covers radio, live gigs, streaming
Paid when music is copied / reproduced	Paid when music is played

Example:

If your song is streamed on Spotify:
- MCPS pays for the reproduction (mechanical right).
- PRS pays for the public performance.

Common MCPS Myths Debunked

❌ "Streaming Platforms Pay Everything—I Don’t Need MCPS"

False! Many DIY artists only get paid via distributors, missing out on:

International mechanical royalties (collected by MCPS).
Historical royalties (if your music was used before registration with a 6 year limit.)

❌ "MCPS Takes a Huge Cut"

They deduct admin fees—far less than losing 100% of unclaimed royalties.

❌ "I Need a Publisher to Join MCPS"

Nope! Self-releasing artists can register as their own publisher.

How to Maximize Your MCPS Earnings

1. Register ALL Your Works

Even old albums and collaborations qualify.

2. Claim International Royalties

MCPS partners with global collection societies (like ASCAP, GEMA.)

3. Use the MCPS Works Database

Ensure your tracks are correctly logged for accurate payments.

4. Sync Licensing Opportunities

Final Thoughts

If you’re a songwriter or composer, MCPS is essential—especially in the streaming era. Missing out? You’re likely leaving money on the table.

Ready to join? Sign up for PRS + MCPS here.

Got More Questions?

Drop them in the comments or watch my YouTube Video Series where I break down real MCPS earnings!