Music licensing — placing your songs in films, TV shows, commercials, video games, and other media — is one of the most lucrative and exciting opportunities available to songwriters. A single placement can provide significant income and expose your music to millions of new listeners. Here's how the world of music licensing works.
A sync license grants permission to use a song alongside visual media. When your song appears in a TV show or film, two licenses are involved: a sync license for the composition (lyrics and melody) and a master license for the specific recording. If you're an independent artist who wrote and recorded the song, you control both.
Music supervisors — the people who select songs for media placements — look for songs that enhance storytelling. Write songs with clear, relatable emotions that could underscore a scene. Avoid overly specific references or dated slang that limits a song's usability. Instrumentals and songs with universal themes tend to be most licensable.
Make sure your songs are registered with a performing rights organization and that your metadata (songwriter credits, publisher information, contact details) is accurate and accessible. Music supervisors often work under tight deadlines and will skip songs with unclear ownership or missing information.
Music libraries and sync agencies act as intermediaries between songwriters and media producers. Some are exclusive (requiring you to submit music only through them) while others are non-exclusive. Research reputable libraries in your genre and submit your best material. These libraries actively pitch music to supervisors on your behalf.
The more songs you have available, the more opportunities you can pursue. Build a catalog that covers different moods, tempos, and themes. A music supervisor looking for an upbeat indie track today might need a somber acoustic ballad tomorrow. Having variety in your catalog means more chances for placement.
Attend industry events, film festivals, and music conferences where music supervisors are present. Follow them on social media and learn about the projects they're working on. Building genuine relationships with supervisors — without being pushy — can lead to opportunities that aren't publicly available.
Music licensing is an exciting revenue stream and exposure opportunity for songwriters. By creating licensable music, registering properly, and connecting with the right people, you can get your songs heard in the media that millions of people consume daily.
For help writing songs that are ready for licensing, Fast Rhymes provides songwriting tools to help you craft versatile, professional music.
02/10/2025
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