What is the Songfile streaming license rate?
Understanding Songfile Licenses for Streaming
If you plan to distribute fewer than 10,000 streams or units of a recording, you may obtain limited quantity mechanical licenses through HFA’s Songfile service at www.songfile.com.
The royalty rate for interactive streams via Songfile is $0.01 per stream.
For example, 500 interactive streams would result in a royalty fee of $5.00.
It's important to understand which types of streaming licenses are covered by Songfile. The U.S. Copyright Office outlines five types of digital music services under 37 CFR §385, which are relevant when determining whether Songfile applies to your situation:
- Standalone Non-Portable Streaming Only
Users can listen to music as interactive streams on a non-portable device with a live internet connection.
- Standalone Non-Portable Mixed Use
Users can access music either as interactive streams or limited downloads, but only on a non-portable device.
- Standalone Portable Mixed Use
Music can be accessed as interactive streams or limited downloads on a portable device.
- Bundled Services
Music is included as part of a subscription that combines multiple products or services, with no separate price for the music.
- Free and Ad-Supported Services
Music is offered as interactive streams and/or limited downloads free of charge to the end user, often supported by ads.
If you’re planning to upload your music to a platform that fits into one of these service categories, a Songfile license alone may not be sufficient. Platforms like Spotify, Facebook, ReverbNation, and DistroKid typically secure their own licenses for user-shared music. If you're distributing content through one of these platforms, you should contact them directly to confirm whether you need an individual license.