Sync Licensing for Musicians: How to Get Your Music on Film & TV in 2026

Getting your music on TV, film, or streaming platforms isn’t luck - it’s strategy. In 2026, demand for authentic, emotional tracks is soaring. For indie musicians, sync licensing offers a powerful way to earn real income, reach new audiences, and build lasting careers beyond playlists and algorithms.

Let’s break down what sync licensing is, how it works, and how you can start landing placements in film and TV this year.

1. What Is Sync Licensing? (and How It Actually Works)
   
   
2. How to Get Your Music Ready for Sync Licensing
   
   
3. How to Pitch Your Music for Film & TV
   
   
4. Why Sync Licensing Matters More Than Ever
   
   
5. Different Types of Sync Opportunities & The Key Players
   
   
6. FAQs About Sync Licensing
   
   
7. Final Thoughts
   
   

What Is Sync Licensing? (and How It Actually Works)

Sync licensing is when your music is paired with a visual medium like a TV show, a film, a commercial, or even a YouTube video. The “sync” stands for synchronization, meaning your song is timed to match the visuals.

To legally use your track, your master and publishing rights must be cleared. Once that happens, you typically receive a sync fee (a one-time upfront payment) and may also earn performance royalties when the show or ad airs publicly.

Here’s how a typical sync deal works:

• A music supervisor searches for a song that fits a scene’s tone.
• They reach out to the rights holders for clearance.
• You or your rep negotiate and sign a sync agreement.
• The song is placed, and you get paid. 

How to Get Your Music Ready for Sync Licensing

Before pitching, your music needs to be sync-ready, i.e. professionally produced, legally clear, and easy for supervisors to work with.

1. Own Your Rights

You need to control both the master and publishing sides of your music. If you’ve collaborated with producers or co-writers, make sure everyone’s ownership shares are documented using split sheets. Supervisors won’t consider your song if there’s any confusion about who owns what.

2. Create High-Quality, Clean Versions

Your tracks should sound broadcast-ready. They should be well-mixed, mastered, and free from any uncleared samples. Always export both vocal and instrumental versions. Many sync placements prefer instrumentals, especially for scenes with dialogue.

3. Tag and Organize Your Files

Metadata is your silent salesperson. Label your files clearly with:

• Song title
• Artist name
• Genre, mood, and tempo
• Contact email and copyright info
  

Supervisors work with hundreds of files daily. So, proper tagging makes your music discoverable and professional.

4. Register With a PRO

Join a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS to ensure you get paid royalties when your music is used publicly. You can also work with a publisher, who’ll handle registration and royalty collection on your behalf.

5. Build a Small, Versatile Catalogue

You don’t need 100 songs. Just a few strong, emotional, sync-friendly tracks will do more for you. Think cinematic, uplifting, nostalgic, or atmospheric. Songs that fit universal moods are much easier to place.

6. Presentation Matters

Prepare a simple pitch sheet for each track. Include a brief description, lyrics, mood keywords, and streaming links (SoundCloud or Disco). Make it effortless for supervisors to preview your work.

The more organized and professional you appear, the more likely your music gets heard and licensed.

How to Pitch Your Music for Film & TV

With your songs ready, it’s time to get them in front of the right people.

1. Work With Sync Agencies or Libraries

If you’re new to sync, partnering with a sync licensing agency or music library is a great first step. They already have connections with supervisors and production houses.

Some reliable platforms include Musicbed, Songtradr, Artlist, and Audiosocket. These platforms usually take a commission (20–50%) from your sync fee, but they handle pitching, contracts, and submissions for you, saving tons of time.

2. Pitch Directly to Music Supervisors

If you prefer a hands-on approach, identify supervisors who work on projects that fit your sound - Netflix shows, indie films, ad agencies, or game studios.

When reaching out:

• Keep your email short, friendly, and specific.
• Include a streaming link, not attachments.
• Mention what kind of scene or mood your track fits.
• State clearly that you control 100% of your master and publishing rights.

A concise, well-targeted pitch always beats a generic blast email.

3. Join the Sync Community

Networking is powerful. Join sync-focused groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Reddit. Attend events like SyncSummit or panels by the Guild of Music Supervisors. Most placements happen through relationships - not cold submissions.

4. Submit to Sync Briefs

Watch for open calls from agencies and libraries - these are known as sync briefs. They often describe exactly what kind of song is needed (genre, mood, tempo). Submitting regularly to these briefs increases your chances of landing a match.

5. Be Patient but Consistent

Sync success takes time. Keep refining your catalogue, improving your outreach, and nurturing relationships. Each small placement builds credibility and momentum.

Why Sync Licensing Matters More Than Ever

With the explosion of content across Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and hundreds of indie productions, sync opportunities are at an all-time high. Every new show, campaign, or short film needs music - and most can’t afford chart-toppers. They want real songs with authentic emotion.

For independent artists, sync licensing is more than an income stream - it’s a discovery engine. One placement can lead to global recognition, new fans, and steady royalties for years. In a landscape dominated by short attention spans and streaming fatigue, sync gives musicians a way to cut through - and get paid fairly for their work.

Different Types of Sync Opportunities & The Key Players

Where can your music appear?

• TV Shows: Background moments, montages, title sequences, or end credits.
  For example: Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer" and "Lover" in the show "The Summer I Turned Pretty".
• Films: Emotional scenes, trailers, or final credits.
  For example: Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" in the film "Titanic".
• Advertisements & Brand Campaigns: High-paying placements used in commercials or digital spots.
• Video Games & Online Content: Background loops, gameplay soundtracks, or influencer edits.
  For example: Halsey's "Lilith" for the video game "Diablo IV".
  
  

Who will be involved in the Process?

• Music Supervisors: Curate and select the right songs for each project.
• Sync Agents & Licensing Companies: Pitch your catalogue and handle negotiations.
• Publishers: Manage your composition rights and royalties.
• PROs: Track and distribute performance royalties.
• You, the Artist: Keep your rights organized and your music easy to clear.

Everyone in this ecosystem plays a role - but your professionalism and preparedness often make the biggest difference.

FAQs About Sync Licensing

1. How much can I earn from a sync deal?

Indie placements can pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000, while major TV or film placements can go from $5,000 to $50,000+. Big brand ads sometimes pay six figures.

2. Do I need a publisher or label to get sync deals?

Not necessarily. Many artists pitch directly or work with sync libraries. A publisher can help with royalties and admin, but it’s optional.

3. Can I license songs that are already released?

Yes. As long as you own the rights, even your released songs can be licensed for sync opportunities.

4. How long does it take to land a sync placement?

It varies. Some artists get a sync within months; for others, it takes a year or more. The key is persistence and regular submissions.

5. Do I need to register my music to get a sync deal?

Absolutely. Always register your tracks with a PRO to ensure you’re paid correctly when your music airs.

Final Thoughts

Sync licensing isn’t a shortcut, it’s a long game that rewards organization, creativity, and patience. With the right prep, strategy, and network, your songs can reach screens across the world and bring in income that streaming alone rarely provides.

2026 is shaping up to be a golden year for sync, and artists who take it seriously now will be miles ahead by next year. Start small, stay professional, and keep your music ready so your next track could be the perfect fit for someone’s next big scene.