Physical music media
Profile Physical music media
Payout date: 01/11/2026
Where the revenue comes from: licenses for reproduction, distribution, production of physical music media incl. music content
Where the usage information comes from: various internal and external data sources, licensees, manufacturers of physical media
Information on distribution: as a credit entry on the account statement and as a detailed statement in the Online Portal
Information in distribution plan: §§ 139 to 145, see distribution plan
We can hear the music – but we can’t see the music makers.
In autumn 1887, for the first time, music emerged from a wooden box with a funnel-shaped attachment. Much to the astonishment of those present, given that the box didn’t contain any hidden musicians or singers – which had, up to that time, been the only possible way of making music sound. The gramophone had been invented, and thereby the so-called “mechanical reproduction” of music.
The reproduction of music on recording media via technical equipment had been a success story from then on. Over time, the medium itself would change repeatedly – from shellac discs to vinyl, from cassettes to CDs. What has remained constant, however, is the pleasure of listening to music in our own home, of actually “owning” it in a purely physical sense and of collecting the recordings. Vinyl, for example, is making a comeback despite streaming and digitalisation.
The music on physical media (MT VR) – a simple explanation
In the MT VR category, you receive distributions when your works are mechanically reproduced and released on physical sound or data carriers. This means: whenever your music is the main content of a carrier – for example on CDs or vinyl – this use is accounted for in the MT VR category. Music videos are also included in this area.
For music creators to be remunerated for the reproduction of their works, these carriers must be reported and licensed with GEMA by the licensee.
By comparing the manufacturers’ reports with the works registered by authors, composers, or publishers, we can determine which music has been used on which sound or data carriers. If this matching process is successful, we distribute the corresponding revenues to the music creators and publishers.
The Music on physical media (GT VR) – a simple explanation
GT VR covers uses where music is reproduced and distributed on physical carriers that contain mixed content. This includes products in which music is not the sole focus, but part of a broader whole – for example films, series, documentaries, games or other multimedia formats released on DVD or Blu-ray.
For these uses to be remunerated, the relevant carriers must be reported and licensed with GEMA by the licensee.
Based on these reports, and by matching them with the registered musical works, we are able to determine which music has been reproduced and distributed. When a positive match is achieved, we distribute the corresponding revenues from these uses to the entitled authors, composers and publishers.
Important dates, periods and deadlines
Declare works promptly:
We recommend declaring works promptly via our Online Portal , but at the latest with the release. The general work registration deadlines for annual distribution apply (see distribution plan, § 36, from p. 26 onwards).
Payout date:
In the MT VR and GT VR categories, rights income will be paid out upon receipt on 1 November 2026. More under: Distribution dates & deadlines (physical-music-media).
Make claims promptly:
You have three months time after a distribution date to submit a claim. To find out how to do and what you need to know about, see our claims page.