Sync licensing can produce some of the largest individual payments an independent song receives.

A placement might involve music appearing in:

  • Television
  • Film
  • Advertising
  • Games
  • Trailers
  • Online campaigns

But there is no single fixed sync rate.

What determines the fee?

Several factors matter.

Media

A national TV advert is different from a student documentary.

Territory

Worldwide rights generally cost more than one country.

Duration

A three-month campaign is different from perpetual use.

Prominence

Music playing quietly in the background is different from a song driving the entire scene.

Exclusivity

A brand may pay more if you agree not to license the track to competitors.

Artist profile

Well-known recordings generally command higher fees.

What rights need clearing?

A commercial recording usually contains:

  • Master rights
  • Composition rights

A buyer normally needs permission covering both.

If you control both, clearance can be much faster.

What could a sync pay?

There isn’t a reliable universal range.

Smaller creator or online placements may pay relatively modest fees.

Professional television, film, game or advertising placements can reach thousands or considerably more.

Major campaigns involving well-known songs can reach much higher figures.

Don’t price solely from an online table.

Every brief is different.

There may be more than the upfront fee

Depending on the use and territory, the composition may also generate performance royalties when the programme or advertisement is broadcast.

That can create additional income after the original sync payment.

Make your tracks easier to license

Prepare:

  • Instrumental
  • Clean version
  • Stems
  • Songwriter splits
  • Master ownership details
  • ISRC
  • Publisher details
  • Lyrics
  • Metadata

Describe music like a supervisor searches

Include:

  • Genre
  • Mood
  • BPM
  • Instrumentation
  • Vocal style
  • Themes

“Great song” isn’t useful metadata.

“Uplifting female-vocal indie pop about freedom and starting again” is.

Respond quickly

Sync opportunities can move fast.

If a supervisor asks whether you control 100% of the master and publishing, you should not need two weeks to find out.

RouteNote Licensing

RouteNote Licensing gives creators access to a substantial catalogue of music and sound effects through a licensing-focused platform.

For RouteNote artists and rights holders, sync represents another way a catalogue can earn beyond conventional streaming.

A stream might pay a tiny amount.

A well-placed piece of music can potentially create a very different kind of revenue event.