What is Sync Licensing?

Sync licensing (short for synchronization licensing) is a legal agreement that grants permission to synchronize music with visual media. This means the music can be paired with film, TV shows, commercials, video games, online videos, or any other visual content. The term "synchronization" refers to the process of aligning music with moving images.

How Does Sync Licensing Work?

1. Permission: The copyright holder of the music (usually the songwriter, composer, or publisher) grants a license to the producer or creator of the visual media.
2. Fees: The licensee pays a fee to use the music in their project. This fee can vary widely depending on factors like the popularity of the song, the type of media, and the size of the audience.
3. Rights: The license typically covers specific uses, such as a single episode of a TV show, a movie, or a commercial campaign. It does not transfer ownership of the music.

Why is Sync Licensing Important?

Sync licensing is a key revenue stream for musicians, composers, and publishers, as it allows their work to reach new audiences while earning royalties. It's also a win for content creators, as the right music can elevate the emotional impact of their visuals.

Examples of Sync Licensing

• A popular song playing in the background of a movie scene.
• A jingle in a TV commercial.
• Background music in a YouTube video or social media ad.