About The MLC's Data "Snapshots"

As part of our royalty distribution process, The MLC takes a “snapshot” of the musical works data in our database on or about the 10th day of each month. That snapshot is then used in our initial processing of the usage data we receive from DSPs for the previous month.  

For example, The MLC will use the snapshot taken on February 10 to process usage that took place in January.  The first time The MLC will then distribute royalties to Members associated with those uses will be in our April distribution (approximately 75 days after the end of January).

Why is this important for you?  Changes or updates to your musical works data will not impact your royalties until they have been captured in the monthly snapshot we use to process the usage reports we receive from DSPs.  While The MLC processes most changes quickly, the time it takes to do so can vary depending on the circumstances of the work involved – and, again, it will take at least 75 days from the end of the month during which you submitted your changes for you to see them reflected on your royalty statements.  As always, if you have questions about a specific update or change, please contact our Support Team for assistance.  They’re here to help!

Our next data snapshot will take place on Thursday, February 10. For more information on these snapshots and their place in the distribution process, click here. And you can check out a video that explains this process here.