How to Get Your Songs Placed in TV Shows (An Educational Guide for Emerging and Experienced Songwriters)

Getting your music placed in television shows is one of the most powerful ways to grow your audience, increase your credibility, and generate long-term passive income through sync licensing. TV sync placements can introduce your songs to millions of viewers, often leading to spikes in streams, new fans, and opportunities for future collaborations. If you are hoping to break into sync, here is a clear guide to help you understand the process and increase your chances of success.

1. Understand What Music Supervisors Look For

Music supervisors are responsible for selecting songs that enhance the emotion and storytelling in a visual scene. They are not just looking for good music but for music that fits:

• The mood and tone of the scene

• The pacing and energy

• The lyrical themes

• The overall sonic texture of the show

A beautifully written song may still not get placed if it does not match what the supervisor needs in that moment.

Tip: Study the shows you want to pitch to. Note the genres, tempos, and emotional cues they use most.

2. Make Sure You Own or Control All Rights

TV networks require “clean” songs, which means they need to be easy to license. Before pitching:

• Confirm you fully own the master

• If there are co-writers or producers, make sure splits are agreed to

• Clear any samples or interpolations

• Ensure you can deliver an instrumental, clean version, and stems if requested

If rights are unclear, supervisors will move on to another track.

3. Create Sync-Friendly Music

While any song can get placed, some characteristics tend to work especially well in TV:

• Clear, strong emotions

• Modern production

• Universal and relatable lyrics

• Easy-to-edit intros and endings

• Builds, drops, and dynamic shifts

• Instrumentals that can sit under dialogue

Vocals are often used for montages or closing scenes. Instrumentals or lighter production is used under conversations.

4. Build a Professional Catalog

Even indie artists can look like professionals when their catalog is organized. Prepare:

• High-quality WAVs

• Instrumentals

• Lyric sheets

• Metadata including genre, mood, BPM, and contact info

• A concise bio that explains more about yourself

The more effortlessly someone can understand and audition your music, the better.

5. Don’t Send Songs at Random — Pitch With Strategy

You should never mass-email supervisors. Instead:

• Target shows, networks, or production companies that use your style of music

• Watch new episodes and understand their musical direction

• Follow supervisors, editors, and shows on social media

• Build relationships politely and with patience

A well-researched pitch stands out immediately.

6. Consider Working With Sync Agents or Publishing Companies

If you want more support, a professional team can help you:

• Pitch your songs directly to music supervisors

• Submit to upcoming opportunities

• Handle licensing paperwork

• Advise on catalog strategy

• Increase the chances that your music is heard

Many successful placements come through trusted companies supervisors already work with.

7. Be Ready for Fast Turnaround

When a supervisor likes your song, they might need:

• Approval within hours or a few days

• A contract signed quickly

• Multiple versions of the track

• Stems for editing

Responding quickly increases the chances of landing the placement.

8. Stay Consistent and Keep Writing

Sync is a long-term game. Many artists get their first placement months or years after beginning the journey. Keep improving your catalog, evolving your sound, and collaborating with others. Every new song increases your odds.

Final Thoughts

Getting your songs placed in TV shows requires creativity, business understanding, strategy, and persistence. The more intentional you are with your music, your catalog, and your relationships, the more likely your songs will find the perfect scene.

If you are looking for a publishing team that champions creators and helps musicians break into sync, Elizabeth Music Group supports artists worldwide through catalog administration, sync pitching through opportunities available in our exclusive Discord community, and royalty collection.