What is Sync Licensing?

Synchronization (Sync) Licensing is the process of granting permission to use your music in visual media—movies, TV shows, commercials, video games, and even YouTube videos. The music is "synchronized" with the visual images, hence the name.

For independent artists, sync licensing is often the single most profitable revenue stream. A single placement in a major Netflix show can earn you more than millions of Spotify streams ever could. Plus, it provides massive exposure to a global audience.

How You Earn Money

There are typically two types of payments in sync licensing:

1. The Sync Fee: An upfront payment for the right to use the music. This can range from $100 for a small web video to $50,000+ for a national TV commercial.
2. Backend Royalties (Performance Royalties): Money earned every time the show or commercial is aired on TV or streamed. These are collected by your Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP or BMI.

The Players: Who Controls the Music?

To license a song, a music supervisor (the person who picks music for a show) needs permission for two separate things:

• The Master: The actual audio recording. Usually owned by the artist or a record label.
• The Composition: The underlying song (melody/lyrics). Owned by the songwriter or a music publisher.

Pro Tip: If you wrote, performed, and produced the song yourself, you are "one-stop." This means you own 100% of everything, making you very easy for a music supervisor to work with!

How to Get Started

Step 1: Get Your Files Ready

Music supervisors need high-quality files. You must have:

• Lossless audio files (WAV or AIFF, 48kHz/24-bit is industry standard).
• Instrumental Version: Absolutely critical. Editors often need the music without vocals to go under dialogue.
• Metadata: Your files must be tagged with your name, contact info, and "one-stop" status in the ID3 tags.

Step 2: Sign with a Sync Library or Agent

Instead of cold-emailing Netflix, most artists work with intermediaries:

• Sync Libraries (Non-Exclusive): Sites like Pond5 or AudioJungle. You upload your music, and anyone can buy a license. Lower pay, but high volume.
• Sync Agents (Exclusive or Non-Exclusive): Boutique agencies that actively "pitch" your music to specific projects. They take a commission (usually 20-50%) but can land much bigger deals.

Step 3: Organize Your Catalog

Categorize your music by mood, tempo, and style. Music supervisors don't search for "Rock song," they search for "Uplifting, high-energy, cinematic sports theme."

Is Your Music "Syncable"?

Not all great songs are great sync songs. "Syncable" music often has:

• Universal Lyrics: Avoid specific names or places. Themes like "coming home," "victory," "heartbreak," or "togetherness" work best.
• Dynamic Structure: Songs that build in intensity or have clear sections that an editor can cut around.
• High Production Value: It needs to sound as professional as the visuals it's accompanying.

Conclusion

Sync licensing is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take months or even years of building a catalog before you land your first major placement. But once the ball starts rolling, it can change the entire trajectory of your music career.

Start by creating instrumentals for all your existing songs and look into non-exclusive sync libraries to get your feet wet. Your music belongs on the big screen!