Sync Licensing
What Is Sync Licensing?
Sync licensing is the process of licensing your music to be paired with visual media — film, TV, ads, video games, or online content — in exchange for a negotiated fee.
A sync license (synchronization license) grants a third party the right to use your music synchronized with visual content. This includes film, TV shows, commercials, trailers, video games, YouTube videos, and any other visual media that pairs audio with picture.
Every sync placement requires two separate licenses: the synchronization license (covers the underlying composition — melody and lyrics) and the master use license (covers the specific sound recording). If you wrote the song and own the master recording, you control both and can license the placement independently. If someone else wrote the song, the sync license must be cleared through the original publisher.
Sync placements can generate significant one-time fees and ongoing royalties. The placement fee is paid upfront for the right to use the music. Performance royalties are also generated each time the synced content airs or streams, collected through your PRO.
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