What Is an IPI Number?
An IPI (Interested Parties Information) number is a unique identifier assigned to songwriters, composers, and publishers that's used globally to track ownership and royalty payments for musical compositions. "CAE" (Compositeur, Auteur, Editeur) is simply the older name for the same identifier system — the two terms are used interchangeably, and you get one automatically when you join a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC.
If you're setting up your publishing for the first time, or you keep seeing "IPI/CAE number" as a required field on registration forms and aren't sure what it means, here's a full breakdown.
IPI vs. CAE: Same Thing, Different Name
CAE is the original French-derived name for this identifier system, standing for "Compositeur, Auteur, Editeur" (Composer, Author, Publisher). IPI is the modernized name adopted by CISAC (the international confederation of authors' and composers' societies) to replace CAE globally. In practice, you'll still see both terms used — sometimes even on the same form as "IPI/CAE Number" — but they refer to the exact same 9-11 digit number.
What an IPI Number Is Used For
Your IPI number identifies you specifically as a songwriter, composer, or publisher in the global royalty system. It's used to:
- Register your compositions with your PRO and with international collection societies
- Track ownership splits when a song has multiple writers or publishers
- Route performance royalties to the correct party when your song is played on radio, streamed, performed live, or used in sync placements
- Prevent confusion between songwriters or publishers who share the same or similar names
Every distinct role you hold gets its own IPI number — so if you're both a songwriter and you also operate your own publishing company, you'll typically have two separate IPI numbers: one for you as a writer, one for your publishing entity.
IPI vs. ISNI vs. ISRC: What's the Difference?
These three identifiers are often confused because they all sound similar, but they identify completely different things.
| IPI/CAE | ISNI | ISRC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identifies | A songwriter, composer, or publisher (a person or company) | Any creative contributor across all media (musicians, authors, directors, etc.) | A specific sound recording (one track) |
| Used for | Royalty collection for compositions/publishing | Cross-industry identity disambiguation (music, books, film, etc.) | Tracking streams and royalties for a specific recording |
| Assigned by | PROs / CISAC member societies | ISNI International Agency | National ISRC agencies or your distributor |
| Format | 9-11 digit number | 16-digit number | 12-character alphanumeric code |
| Applies to | The publishing/songwriting side | Any creative identity, broader than just music | The master recording side |
In short: IPI identifies who wrote the song (for publishing royalties), while ISRC identifies the specific recording (for master royalties and stream tracking). ISNI is a broader, cross-industry identifier that isn't specific to music royalty collection at all. Learn more about how these royalty streams differ in our guide to music publishing 101.
How to Get an IPI/CAE Number
You don't apply for an IPI number directly — it's issued automatically when you join a Performance Rights Organization (PRO).
Step-by-Step:
- Choose and join a PRO. In the US, this means registering with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC (you can only be affiliated with one at a time as a writer). Each has different membership terms, so research which fits your situation.
- Complete your membership registration. You'll provide your legal name, any performing/writer name, and basic tax/payment information.
- Receive your IPI number. Once your membership is processed, your PRO assigns you a unique IPI number, usually visible in your online member account.
- Register a publishing entity separately, if applicable. If you set up your own publishing company (common for self-published independent artists), you'll register that entity with your PRO too and receive a second, separate IPI number for the publisher role.
- Use your IPI number when registering songs. You'll need it when registering compositions with your PRO, with The MLC, and often when submitting metadata through your distributor.
Where to Find Your IPI Number
If you're already a PRO member and can't remember your IPI number:
- Check your PRO's online member portal — it's typically listed under your profile or membership details (ASCAP's "ACE" system, BMI's member portal, etc.)
- Look at past royalty statements — your IPI number is often printed on official correspondence from your PRO
- Contact your PRO's member support directly if you can't locate it online
Why Your IPI Number Matters for Getting Paid
Registering your IPI number accurately across every platform where your music metadata lives is essential to getting paid the publishing side of your royalties. This connects to several other pieces of the royalty puzzle:
- The MLC uses IPI numbers (along with other identifiers) to match your compositions and pay US mechanical royalties for streaming — see what is the MLC.
- SoundExchange handles a different royalty stream (digital performance royalties for the recording), but accurate metadata across all your registrations helps avoid unclaimed royalties — see what is SoundExchange.
- Splits between co-writers rely on accurate IPI numbers for each party — see writers share vs. publishers share.
- Cover songs and samples also require correct composition ownership data tied to IPI numbers — see how to license a cover song and beat licensing and sampling 101.
FAQ
Is IPI the same as CAE?
Yes — CAE is the older name for the same identifier, and IPI is the modernized term used by CISAC and most PROs today. You'll see both used interchangeably, sometimes as "IPI/CAE number" on the same form.
How do I get an IPI number as an independent artist?
You get an IPI number automatically when you join a Performance Rights Organization like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC as a songwriter member. There's no separate application — it's issued as part of your PRO membership registration.
Do I need an IPI number if I'm not signed to a label?
Yes — IPI numbers have nothing to do with label status; they identify you as a songwriter or publisher regardless of whether you're independent or signed. Any songwriter who wants to collect performance and mechanical royalties needs to join a PRO and receive an IPI number.
Can I have more than one IPI number?
Yes — you can hold separate IPI numbers for separate roles, such as one for yourself as a songwriter and another for a publishing company you own and operate. This is common for independent artists who self-publish their music.
What's the difference between an IPI number and an ISRC code?
An IPI number identifies a songwriter, composer, or publisher for royalty purposes tied to the composition, while an ISRC code identifies a specific sound recording for tracking streams and master royalties. You need both properly registered to collect all the royalties a song can generate. See our guide on what is an ISRC code for more detail.
Is there a fee to get an IPI number?
The IPI number itself is issued free as part of PRO membership, though some PROs charge a one-time or annual membership fee depending on the organization and membership tier. Check the specific fee structure of the PRO you're considering before joining.
Get Your Metadata Right From the Start
Accurate publishing metadata — including IPI numbers — makes sure your royalties actually reach you. Banger for Artists helps you distribute correctly and keep your release metadata clean and complete. Get started with Banger.
