How to Get Your Music Into TV, Film, Advertising and Games
A Spotify stream might be worth a fraction of a pound.
A single sync placement can potentially be worth considerably more — and introduce your music to an entirely new audience.
Sync licensing means giving permission for music to be synchronised with visual media.
That could include:
- Film
- Television
- Advertising
- Games
- Trailers
- Online video
RouteNote artists also have a direct route into this market through RouteNote Licensing.
Own your rights
The easiest songs to license are often those that are easy to clear.
A buyer may need approval for:
- The composition.
- The master recording.
If you control both, say so.
Register accurate metadata
Keep:
- ISRC
- Songwriters
- Publishers
- Master owner
- Release date
- Explicit status
- PRO details
Music supervisors move quickly.
Confusion over ownership can cost a placement.
Prepare instrumental versions
Dialogue often sits over music.
An instrumental gives editors flexibility.
Also consider:
- Clean version
- 30-second edit
- 60-second edit
- Stems
Describe your music usefully
“Alternative” isn’t enough.
Add searchable information around:
Genre: indie pop
Mood: uplifting, nostalgic
Tempo: mid-tempo
Themes: friendship, summer, freedom
Vocals: female
Sounds like: relevant stylistic references
This helps licensing teams find you for a brief.
Don’t write specifically for every trend
Music written solely because “advertising wants ukulele songs” quickly becomes dated.
Make strong music first.
Then make it easy to discover and license.
Respond quickly
Sync opportunities can move incredibly fast.
If someone asks:
Do you control 100% of this song?
you should know the answer immediately.
Make your catalogue available
RouteNote Licensing gives eligible catalogue owners an additional path to expose music to creators looking for licensed tracks.
Distribution monetises listening.
Sync opens another market entirely.