What is sync licensing and how do artists get placements?
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Sync licensing is the process of granting a license to 'synchronize' your music with a moving image, such as in TV shows, films, commercials, or video games. For independent artists, it is a lucrative revenue stream that pays both an upfront synchronization fee and ongoing performance royalties.
- 1.Register your works with a PRO (ASCAP/BMI) and ensure you have 'One-Stop' clearance, meaning you own or control both the master and the publishing rights.
- 2.Research and submit to boutique sync libraries or music licensing agencies that match your specific genre and production quality.
- 3.Target Music Supervisors by studying the credits of shows or films that use music similar to yours, then send professional, personalized pitches with easy-to-stream links (like Disco or Box).
- ×Avoid sending MP3 attachments in emails; always use streaming links to prevent clogging an A&R's inbox.
- ×Be wary of 'work-for-hire' contracts that strip you of your underlying copyright or future royalties.
- ×Ensure your tracks are professionally mixed and mastered to broadcast standards, as low production quality is the fastest way to get rejected.
Always provide 'instrumental' versions of your tracks. Music supervisors often need to tuck the music under dialogue, and vocals can clash with the actors' voices.
Based on AI training data — may not reflect current information.
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