🧭 Sync 101: What Is Sync & How It Works

🧭 Sync 101: What Is Sync & How It Works

What Is Sync Licensing?

Sync licensing (short for synchronization licensing) is the process of placing music in visual media — such as films, TV shows, commercials, video games, online videos, and branded content. When a piece of music is “synced” to moving images, the creator or rights holder grants permission (a license) for that music to be used in that specific context.

Why Is Sync Important?

Sync placements can bring:

• Exposure to a wide audience

• Revenue through licensing fees and royalties

• Career opportunities for artists and composers

It’s a vital part of the music business that connects creators to industries beyond just streaming or sales.

How Does the Sync Process Work?

1. Submission
   Artists submit tracks to a sync team or agency (like Astronic Media) through briefs, direct pitches, or catalog uploads.

2. Review & Selection
   Music supervisors, ad agencies, or clients review submitted tracks based on the project’s mood, genre, and timing needs.

3. Licensing Agreement
   Once a track is chosen, a licensing deal is negotiated. This contract details how, where, and for how long the music can be used, as well as payment terms.

4. Placement & Usage
   The music is integrated into the final project — a TV episode, commercial, game level, or film scene.

5. Payment & Royalties
   The artist receives upfront sync fees and possibly backend royalties depending on the deal and usage.

Common Industry Terms

• Sync Fee: The upfront payment for licensing a track for sync use.

• Master Rights: The rights to the actual recording of the music.

• Publishing Rights: The rights to the underlying composition (melody, lyrics).

• Cue: A specific piece of music used in a project.

• Music Supervisor: The professional who selects and licenses music for visual media.

• Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive License: Exclusive means the track is licensed only to one client for sync use, non-exclusive allows multiple licenses.

• Brief: A creative request detailing the type of music needed for a project.