Key Terms Every Musician Should Know About Sync Licensing

Whether you're an emerging indie artist or an established musician, sync licensing (short for synchronization licensing) offers a powerful opportunity to earn revenue and gain exposure by placing your music in film, TV, commercials, video games, and online media. However, the world of sync licensing can feel like a maze of industry jargon and legalese. To navigate it effectively, you need to understand the key terms involved.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential sync licensing terms every artist should know—simplified and explained in plain English.

1. Sync License (Synchronization License)

A sync license is the legal agreement that allows someone (typically a filmmaker, TV producer, or game developer) to use your music in timed relation to visual content. It's called "synchronization" because your music is being synced with moving images.

Think of it as: Permission for your song to be part of a scene or sequence.

2. Master Rights

This refers to the ownership of the actual recording of the song. Whoever owns the master (often the artist, label, or producer) must give permission for the track to be used.

You need the master rights holder’s okay to use that specific recording in a project.

3. Publishing Rights

Also known as composition rights, these are the rights to the underlying musical composition—melody, lyrics, and arrangement. This is typically owned by the songwriter or their music publisher.

A sync license requires clearance from both the master and publishing rights holders.

4. Music Supervisor

A music supervisor is the person responsible for choosing and licensing music for a project. They serve as the bridge between the project and the artist or their representatives.

They’re your biggest ally in getting your music placed.

5. One-Stop

If a song is “one-stop,” it means all the rights needed (both master and publishing) are controlled by a single entity or person, making the licensing process faster and easier.

Highly favored by music supervisors for its simplicity.

6. Pre-cleared

A pre-cleared track is one where the rights holders have already agreed in advance to licensing the music, often with set terms. This speeds up the placement process.

Smooth road for quick sync decisions.

7. Cue Sheet

A cue sheet is a document submitted to performance rights organizations (PROs) that lists every piece of music used in a production, including duration, usage type, and rights owners.

Cue sheets are essential for you to get paid performance royalties.

8. Sync Fee

This is the upfront payment made to the rights holders (you and/or your publisher) for the sync license. The amount varies depending on the production budget, usage, and popularity of the track.

Your paycheck for saying "yes" to the sync.

9. Performance Royalties

Even after the sync fee, you continue to earn money if the project is broadcast publicly (e.g., on TV or in cinemas). These are collected by your Performance Rights Organization (PRO).

Ongoing revenue for your creative work.

10. Exclusivity / Non-Exclusivity

• Exclusive: You can only license your track through one party or platform.

• Non-exclusive: You can license the same track to multiple parties.

Know what you’re signing. Non-exclusive agreements offer more flexibility.

11. Buyout

A buyout means a company pays a one-time fee to use your music forever, often without paying additional royalties later. Not always in your best interest unless the fee is substantial.

Be cautious—consider the long-term value of your music.

12. In-Context vs. Out-of-Context Use

• In-context use: The music can only be used as originally synced in the project.

• Out-of-context use: The music may also be used in trailers, promos, or ads separate from the original context.

Make sure you know where and how your music can be reused.

13. Library Music / Production Music

This is music that is pre-cleared and stored in catalogs, often for fast and affordable sync use. These are typically non-exclusive, but the competition is high.

Good for exposure but may come with lower fees.

14. Tag / Sting / Bumper

Short musical segments often used at the beginning or end of scenes or ads.

Even a few seconds of sync can pay!

Final Thoughts

Understanding these key terms is more than just legal savvy—it’s part of treating your art as a business. As sync licensing continues to grow, artists who grasp these concepts will have a clear advantage in making smart, creative, and profitable decisions.

Tip: Register with a PRO (like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC) and make sure your metadata (song title, credits, contact info) is complete and accurate. This ensures you don’t miss out on money or opportunities.

Want to Get Started with Sync Licensing?

Consider:

• Submitting to sync libraries

• Reaching out to indie filmmakers or YouTube creators

• Building relationships with music supervisors on social media

• Attending sync-focused conferences or panels

The music is yours—but sync gives it a new life onscreen.