Two copyrights
How to split publishing royalties depends on which copyright you mean. The musical work covers the composition and any accompanying words, while the sound recording is the fixed recording itself. They are separate categories, so the share for one does not automatically control the other. For related planning, see music royalties and who pays royalties.
What 50/50 publishing means in conversation
A 50/50 publishing split is usually a shorthand people use when they negotiate credit and ownership. It is not a percentage written into the statute. If you are tracking credits or splits, credit notes can help keep the paper trail clear.
Producers and publishing
Do producers get publishing royalties? Sometimes, but only if they contributed to the composition and everyone agrees on the share. There is no default share here. For more context, see producer shares.
Where digital mechanicals go
For eligible streaming and download services in the United States, the Mechanical Licensing Collective administers blanket mechanical licenses, collects royalties due under those licenses, and pays its members. Splitline is not the Mechanical Licensing Collective.
Not legal advice. Splitline does not grant a license, clear a sample, or pay royalties.