Sync Licensing
How Music Gets Placed and Exposed
What is sync licensing?
Synchronization licensing is the legal allowance and process of placing copyrighted songs in visual media, such as TV/movies/commercials/video games/etc. It involves contractual agreements between the copyright holder and the producer of said media for a song to be “synchronized” with moving images for a fee. Two required components include a deal for use of the composition (contract with writers/publishers) and a deal for use of the master (artists/label).
How do songs get placed in TV, film, and ads?
Music supervisors and producers for visual media will search for songs that fit certain scenes. They can find these through music libraries, casual listening, or from pitches that they receive from rights holders.
Do I need a publisher for sync?
No, a publisher isn’t necessary, especially if you are the artist who owns both the composition and the master.
How much does a sync placement pay?
This is dependent upon the type of media and specific production budget. This can range from a couple hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
What makes a song “syncable”?
Typically, instrumental songs as well as songs with broader, emotional lyrics do well for sync placements. Sometimes, music supervisors will send out specific briefs and invite writers/publishers to pitch songs written with those briefs in mind.
