Sync licensing — getting your music placed in visual media — is one of the highest-paying opportunities available to independent artists. A single TV placement can earn more than a year of streaming revenue.
What Is Sync Licensing?
When a TV show, film, commercial, or video game wants to use a song, they need a synchronization license (sync license). This grants them permission to "synchronize" the music with visual media.
Why It Matters for Indie Artists
Major labels have entire departments dedicated to sync placements. As an independent artist, you have a surprising advantage: you own your masters. This means music supervisors can negotiate directly with you, making the process faster and often cheaper for them — which makes you more attractive.
How to Get Started
Prepare your catalog:
- ›Make sure your metadata is clean (song title, artist name, genre, mood, tempo)
- ›Have instrumental versions of every track
- ›Have stems available if requested
- ›Register with a PRO (BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC)
Where to submit:
- ›Sync licensing platforms (Musicbed, Artlist, Songtradr)
- ›Music libraries that cater to TV/film
- ›Direct outreach to music supervisors
- ›AMH's AMPLIFY Elite tier includes sync licensing opportunities
What to Expect
Sync fees range wildly — from $500 for a small web ad to $50,000+ for a major TV placement. The key is volume: the more tracks you have available, the more opportunities you create.
AMPLIFY Elite includes sync licensing placement support. Learn more on our AMPLIFY page.