What is sync licensing..

Sync licensing is one of the most rewarding paths for modern music producers and artists looking to make a living from their craft. In essence, “sync” refers to the synchronization of music with visual media - think TV shows, films, commercials, trailers, video games, and online content. When a piece of your music is licensed for use in a project, you’re granting the rights to sync your music to that visual content, often in exchange for a sync fee and the potential for backend royalties.

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There are typically two primary ways you get paid from sync licensing. First is the sync fee - a one-time payment negotiated upfront, which compensates you for the use of your music. This can range from a few hundred dollars for indie placements to tens of thousands for major films or ad campaigns. Then there are performance royalties, which are collected by your PRO (like BMI, ASCAP, or PRS) every time the synced media is broadcasted whether on TV, streaming, or in public venues.

 

If your music is used in a show that airs globally or gets repeated for years, these royalties can add up significantly over time. Compared to the traditional artist model, where income mostly relies on streaming, gigging, and merchandise, sync licensing offers a passive, scalable, and often more sustainable revenue stream. You don’t need a massive fanbase or a record label to get started. What matters most is the quality, emotion, and usability of your music in a visual context. For producers and composers who prefer working behind the scenes, sync licensing is often a better fit than chasing the spotlight.

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Nevertheless, for bands and artists, exploring sync licensing isn’t just a smart side hustle - it can become a powerful way to fund your career while reaching new audiences. Unlike the traditional artist route, where income often depends on gigs and streaming pennies, sync deals can generate meaningful upfront sync fees and ongoing performance royalties. Even better, your music can live on in TV shows, films, and ads for years to come, creating passive income and exposure you might never reach through traditional channels alone. Imagine the exposure when one of your tracks lands in a show like Love Island or Love Is Blind which have millions of views.

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What do you need to start pursuing sync licensing?

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Well, music, the right music libraries and a lot and lot of patience. Before you start submitting music to sync libraries, it’s crucial that your tracks are well-composed, tightly arranged, and emotionally clear. Music intended for sync needs to instantly convey a mood or energy - whether that’s tension, inspiration, swagger, or suspense. Avoid tracks that meander or rely too heavily on experimental elements. 

 

While your mix doesn’t have to be perfect, it should be balanced, clean, and polished enough to show the full potential of the track. Libraries and supervisors aren’t expecting label-level production in all cases - but you shouldn't rely on that. Your track needs to sound professional and complete and ready for broadcast. Always use reference tracks and compare your mixes and arrangements to similar tracks in library catalogues.

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How to Submit to Sync Music Libraries

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You have finished your first album and it is perfectly crafted for sync licensing so now what is your next step? - You need to start submitting it to sync licensing libraries. These are companies that represent your music and pitch it to music supervisors working on film, TV, and commercials. Most libraries fall into two categories: exclusive (they control the rights to your track and you can’t license it elsewhere) and non-exclusive (you retain the right to pitch it to others). Each has its pros and cons, but exclusive libraries often offer stronger pitching power and closer industry relationships and I personally focus only on those.

 

One of the most important steps in building a sustainable sync licensing career is creating a workflow around reliable libraries - the kind that actually pitch your music, communicate clearly, and consistently land placements. Chasing every opportunity or cold-submitting to random libraries can quickly lead to burnout and frustration. Instead, your energy is better spent building long-term relationships with a few trustworthy libraries that align with your style and goals. Once you're working with the right partners, everything becomes more efficient: you can write with purpose, deliver faster, and start seeing real results.

That’s exactly why I created my library list - to save you months (or even years) of trial and error. It’s not just a database; it’s a curated tool designed to help you identify libraries that fit your production style and make your own shortlist. You can simply start with the free version that has more than enough sync licensing libraries for you to start your research :)

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What to avoid in sync licensing

 

Finally, a few common mistakes to avoid: Don’t send unfinished or poorly mixed music. Sync music needs to sound polished and broadcast-ready. Avoid overstuffing your tracks with vocals unless they’re clean, emotional, and well-placed - many placements are instrumental. Never mass-email libraries with generic pitches; tailor each message where possible. Lastly, be patient - sync deals can take months (even years) to mature, but once they do, they can pay out again and again through royalties and repeat use.