Sync Licensing is a great way to earn significant money while simultaneously helping build your profile as an artist. Our sync licensing division Bodega Sync can help you secure sync placements in a wide range of media, negotiate fees, handle all the licensing paperwork and make sure you get paid properly. If you’re interested in working with Bodega Sync, we encourage you to go apply via their website.
Sync licensing is the process of linking music with visual media, such as TV shows, films, commercials, and video games. It involves granting permission to use a song (both the composition and master recording) for specific scenes in return for a negotiated fee payable to the rights holders. Sync licensing usually requires a detailed agreement outlining the terms, including usage, duration and territory.
Ensure high production quality, create clean and instrumental versions and avoid samples and overly complex rights structures.
The timeline varies widely. Some placements happen within weeks, while others can take months or even years. Sometimes it never happens, no matter how great your music is or how much it’s pitched. There are absolutely no guarantees in the sync business.
While not strictly a requirement in order to license your music, registering with a PRO ensures you’ll collect performance royalties when your music is aired publicly on television. If your music is not registered at the time of licensing, you can always register it after the fact. Just make sure the licensee is aware so they have the right PRO information on the license.
Look for reps with experience in your genre and established industry connections, and don’t hesitate to ask about their track record with similar artists. Consider reaching out to artists on their roster for feedback. Most sync reps like to post about their past placements as well, so take a look and see what they’ve been up to recently.
Absolutely, sync placements can boost streaming as new audiences discover your music through media exposure, especially for high-profile placements. Many TV shows have their own dedicated playlists as well as fan playlists, which will surely want to include your music if it was used in the show. It can also be a great marketing tool as well, so don’t be shy about using it!