In the music industry today, placing your songs in television shows, movies, commercials, or video games can be as worthwhile as selling records or touring. The process is referred to as sync licensing, or synchronization licensing. As a sync licensing independent artist, sync licensing is not only a means of making money: it’s also an opportunity to meet new listeners and accelerate your career.
If you’re an up-and-coming musician wondering how to get started, this blog is your simple guide to unlocking sync licensing opportunities.
What Is Sync Licensing?
Sync licensing is when music is legally used along with visual media, like a movie, commercial, or even a YouTube video. A license is needed from the music creator or rights holder before the track can be used.
With sync licensing independent artists have the opportunity to gain phenomenal exposure, receive a payment each time a song is played, and escape the restraints of signing to a large label.
Why Sync Licensing Matters to Independent Musicians.
As a solo artist, you might not always be plugged into the radio or major promotion. But sync licensing placements tend to have a more equal opportunity landscape. Your tune might be the right fit for an intense drama moment, an upbeat commercial, or a documentary film.
Additionally, with more streaming sites and video content created every day, demand for music is greater than ever. And content creators are looking to independent artists for new and inexpensive music.
Steps to Unlock Sync Licensing Opportunities
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Understand Your Rights
Prior to submitting your music, you must have ownership and control of your rights, both master recording and publishing. If you’ve recorded and written your song yourself, this is simpler. But if there are others (producers, co-writers), ensure agreements have been made.
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Make High-Quality Recordings
Sync music supervisors want tracks that sound professional. Spend on proper mixing and mastering. Your song should be ready to insert directly into a film or ad without additional editing.
Also, retain instrumental versions of your tracks. Occasionally, only the background music (no vocals) is required.
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Tag and Organize Your Music
Make it easy for sync licensing companies to find and identify your music. Clearly label your files as to your name, your contact details, your genre, your mood (i.e., “uplifting”, “dark”), and the song details. Keep everything organized in folders with all the different parts of the songs (vocal, instrumental, short edits).
Where to Submit Your Music
Sites such as One Night Stand TV provide an easy procedure for musicians to submit music for sync licensing. Check out sites and databases which welcome submissions from solo artists.
Several sync licensing businesses deal directly with songs. Carefully read submission guidelines and never send music in an email attachment: streaming links and downloadable folders are a better option.
Build Relationships with Music Supervisors
Music supervisors are the individuals who decide what song works in a scene. Attempt to get to know them via social media or music networking events. Don’t pitch, but merely present your work and let it stand on its own merits.
Keep sending them new tracks and don’t waste their time. A reasonable, but persistent strategy can create long-term sync licensing opportunities.
Be patient, and keep getting better!
Victory with sync licensing does not come overnight. You might experience rejection or the silent treatment, but that does not indicate that your music is of poor quality. Continue to compose, record, and hone your skills. Each completed song is another opportunity for licensing.
And keep in mind: one sync agreement can have others following. After your song is licensed, others may take notice.
Final Thoughts
As an independent musician, sync licensing has changed the game. The exposure is just as valuable as the cash. Any independent artist who uses a sync license can break into this amazing industry with a little know-how, some persistence, and the right plan.
You can have a prosperous career working as a sync artist by having the right sync licensing companies behind you, by preparing your music the right way, and by staying active.
Get going right now because your music could be in someone’s new favorite show, film, or commercial!