Sync Licensing: Your Path to Film, TV & Games
You've produced music and want it to be heard – and to earn you money. Sync licensing is a powerful way to place your tracks in film, television, advertising, or video games. This not only generates income but also significantly increases your visibility. But how exactly does it work, and what do you need to consider as an indie artist?
What is Sync Licensing?
Sync licensing (synchronization licensing) allows third parties to synchronize your music with visual media. This means your songs are used as soundtracks for films, TV shows, commercials, video games, or even podcasts. For this, artists and rights holders receive a license fee. It's one of the most lucrative revenue streams outside of streaming and live performances.
The key is owning the rights to your music. As a self-publishing artist, you typically hold 100% of the master rights, which makes you particularly attractive for sync opportunities. You have full control over your songs and can directly grant licenses.
How Do I Earn with Sync Licenses?
When your music is chosen for a sync placement, you (or your intermediary) negotiate a license fee. This fee depends on various factors: the type of project (e.g., blockbuster vs. indie film), the duration of use, the territory (local vs. worldwide), and exclusivity. Earnings can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of Euros.
In addition to the license fee, you may also receive royalties from the public performance of your work when it's broadcast on television or radio. These are collected and distributed by performing rights organizations.
Master Rights: Your Biggest Advantage
As an independent artist, you hold 100% of the master rights to your recordings. This is a crucial advantage in sync licensing. Film producers and advertising agencies often prefer artists with clear rights, as it simplifies and speeds up the licensing process. You don't have to engage in complex negotiations with labels, who often also hold shares in the master rights.
OGRECORDS™ supports you in maintaining this control. We offer a non-exclusive model where 100% of your masters remain yours. You can remove your music from our platform at any time, without penalty fees. This gives you the freedom to pursue sync deals whenever and however you wish. Learn more at /glossar.
OGRECORDS™ and Sync Placement
Searching for sync opportunities can be time-consuming. That's why OGRECORDS™ offers sync placement as an add-on. We have a network of contacts in the film, TV, and advertising industries and can actively pitch your music.
For this service, we charge a 15% commission on the earnings generated from the sync placement. You only pay if we are successful. This allows you to focus on your music while we open doors to new revenue streams. Find out more about our add-ons at /add-ons.
Seize the opportunity to bring your music to the big screen and earn money from it.