The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the rule change on Thursday.
Last year, under the old rules, only two songs out of 39 ranked high enough to make the final cut.
Now, the five songs that get the highest number of votes from the music branch will earn nominations.
The 85th annual Academy Awards will be presented Feb. 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
