How Much Money Can You Make from Sync Licensing?
Sync licensing has become an increasingly popular revenue stream for musicians, producers, and songwriters. But exactly how much money can you make from it? The answer varies widely depending on several factors including the type of sync placement, your experience, your network, and the specifics of each licensing deal. This article breaks down the basics to give you a clearer picture of the potential income from sync licensing.
What Is Sync Licensing?
Sync licensing (short for synchronization licensing) is the process of licensing music for use in media such as:
TV shows and commercials
Movies and documentaries
Video games
YouTube videos and online content
Podcasts and apps
When your music is “synced” to visual media, you get paid a sync fee upfront and often earn royalties when the media is broadcast or streamed.
The Two Main Revenue Streams in Sync Licensing
Sync Fee
This is a one-time upfront payment for the right to use your music in a specific project. Sync fees can range dramatically from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands, depending on the scope of usage.Performance Royalties
When the media featuring your music airs publicly (on TV, radio, or streaming platforms), you collect publishing royalties via a publishing administrator like Elizabeth Music Group.
Typical Sync Fee Ranges
The amount you make upfront depends on multiple variables, including the type of media, the usage, the length of the clip, and your negotiation power.
Independent/low-budget projects (e.g., indie films, small YouTube creators):
Sync fees here might be anywhere from $50 to $3,000.TV shows and documentaries:
For smaller shows or episodes, sync fees typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 per placement.National commercials and big-budget films:
These can pay from $10,000 up to $100,000 or more, especially for popular songs or exclusive licenses.Video games and apps:
Fees often range between $500 to $20,000, depending on the size of the game and the usage.
Factors Influencing Sync Fee Amounts
Exclusivity: Exclusive licenses command higher fees than non-exclusive licenses because they limit the music’s availability elsewhere.
Duration: Longer usage of the track typically means higher fees.
Territory: Global licenses pay more than regional or national ones.
Prominence: Songs used in a key scene or as a theme tend to earn more than background or incidental use.
Your catalog and reputation: Established artists or those with sought-after catalogs can negotiate higher fees.
How to Maximize Your Sync Income
Build relationships with music supervisors and sync agencies.
Create quality, versatile tracks that fit multiple moods and uses.
Register all your music properly with your publishing administrator.
Consider both exclusive and non-exclusive licensing opportunities.
Stay informed about current sync trends in media.
Realistic Expectations
For many independent artists, sync licensing is a supplemental income—an additional revenue stream alongside streaming royalties, live performances, and merchandise. A single sync placement can range from a modest $100 to a life-changing $50,000 or more.
Top-tier songwriters and artists, especially those with hit songs or strong publishing support, can make six-figure incomes or more annually from sync deals.
Final Thoughts
Sync licensing can be lucrative but is highly variable. Success depends on building your catalog, networking, and understanding the business side of music licensing. With persistence and smart strategy, sync licensing can become a reliable and rewarding part of your music career.
