ASCAP 2020 collections hit $1.3B, streaming gains offset live music and business closures

ASCAP collected a record $1.327 billion in revenue in 2020, a $53 million increase over 2019.

The industry began the pandemic concerned that the shutdown would depress PRO revenue collection.

Royalties to be paid to ASCAP songwriters, composers and publishers grew $29 million, or 2.5%, for a total of $1.213 billion available for distributions. 

Domestic distributions from ASCAP-licensed and administered performances hit $891 million, an increase of $22 million while foreign distributions totaled $322 million.

From 2015 through 2020, ASCAP exceeded performance goals and drove ASCAP revenues to a 6% compound annual growth rate and ASCAP distributions to a 7% compound annual growth rate.

2020 domestic and foreign revenues both saw significant increases.

As compared to 2019, foreign revenue rose by 9% to $358 million. Domestic revenue for 2020 was up by 2.5% at $969 million, an increase of $24 million from 2019. The growth of domestic revenue was driven in part by gains of 28% in audio streaming revenue and 8% in audio/visual, matching shifting music consumption trends during the pandemic.

Those revenues offset declines in other sectors, including a 30% decline in revenues from businesses shut down or at reduced capacity during the last three quarters of 2020 including concerts, music venues, bars, restaurants, retail stores and hotels. 

ASCAP operates on a not-for-profit basis and distributes all revenues collected, less operating expenses.