Music Sync Licensing

Earning Money From Music Sync Licensing

What is music sync Licensing and how can you earn money from it?

Have you ever watched a commercial or seen a movie that has suspenseful music playing? This is done through a process called music sync licensing. Film companies appoint music supervisors who are in charge of finding music that is perfect for their scenes. They apply to different licensing libraries, partner with music labels, or work with artists directly to fulfil their goals. The good news for songwriters and musicians, is that there is increasing demand for this service.

There are many different syncs licensing subscription services on the Internet that will connect musicians and companies searching for music. 

An extremely popular one is known as – Songbay! Here, buyers can sign up to describe the songs they need and songwriters are able to submit their songs per request. We are currently adding some exciting new buyer features to make this feature work even more efficiently and to improve the communication between buyer and seller during the process.

Another way artists are able to partake in this opportunity is through the help of music labels. Nowadays, most artists are taking the independent route, but if you’re not business-oriented or like to focus on creating, music labels will help place your music. There are several types of deals that include exploiting your music for sync-licensing. The label works directly with contacts to ensure your music is getting placed in TV shows, movies, and/or video games. 

Each week we are approached by such record and publishing labels from around the world. They are either looking to source writers for artists, or wanting music and lyrics for commercial advertising. 

Whilst working for a label might substantially increase your placement potential, you run the risk of not owning your work and not having any real control over it, or being tied into contractural agreements that effectively prevent you from ever using your work yourself! – an Important word of advice here-always have a specialist check any label agreements. If you are a Songbay subscriber, you can always ask us to look over your agreements for you- we’ve saved quite a few songwriters in the past from some ‘horrific’ contracts and clauses!

**Of note-All Songbay contracts are ‘non’ exclusive, meaning songwriters retain complete control of their work at all times, and we do not take any commission from Sync licensing agreements.

Lastly, perhaps the most fruitful sync licensing route  is working directly with music supervisors and companies. To do so requires intense networking and research. You do however, get paid upfront while owning your music in a non-exclusive deal. Who doesn’t want to own their music and get paid for it?!

Going full-time as a songwriter musician is much easier than it was ten years ago. There is a growing number of sync licensing outlets and an ever increasing demand for quality original songs and lyrics. Sync licensing is a realistic way of making a decent living from songwriting.

If you haven’t joined Songbay either as a buyer or seller, it’s high time you did!  Join today for free! Join Songbay >>

 In addition to Songbay, here’s a useful list of some big sync licensing companies >>