What a split sheet is, and why it matters.

What it is

A list of writers and shares

• Every person who wrote melody or lyrics.
• The percent of the song each writer owns.
• Shares that add up to 100%.
• A signature from every writer.

It covers the song itself: the writing and publishing. Who owns the recording is a separate agreement.

Why it matters

So the shares stay clear

Publishing money follows the writing shares. If the sheet is missing, co-writers can disagree after the song is already out. A signed sheet is the record you keep.

You do not need a lawyer for a basic sheet. You need every writer to agree on names and percents and sign. On plai, everyone signs before delivery.

Fill out a split sheet template · Music distribution · How to get on Spotify

Questions

Quick answers

What is a split sheet? A split sheet is a short written agreement that lists everyone who wrote a song and what percent of the songwriting each person owns. The percents must add up to 100.

Do I need a lawyer for a split sheet? No. You need every writer to agree on names and percents and sign. A lawyer helps with bigger deals, but a basic split sheet does not require one.

When should we sign it? Right after the session, before the song is released. On plai, everyone signs before delivery.

Who counts as a writer? Anyone who wrote melody or lyrics. Producers who wrote part of the composition can be writers too, if the group agrees.

Does a split sheet cover the master recording? No. A split sheet covers the song itself: the writing and publishing. Who owns the recording is a separate agreement.

What if the shares change later? Write a new sheet, have everyone sign it, and keep both versions with the dates.