Negotiating Sync Fees: Do’s and Don’ts

When it comes to sync licensing, one of the most crucial parts of the process is negotiating the sync fee. A great placement can give your music global exposure, but the financial side matters just as much. Many independent artists and writers either undervalue their work or run into legal and contractual pitfalls when negotiating on their own. Understanding how sync fees work—and having the right support team in your corner—can make all the difference.

Do’s of Negotiating Sync Fees

✅ Do know the value of your music.
Every project has a budget, but your music brings unique creative value. Research industry standards for sync fees in your genre and type of placement (TV, film, commercial, video games, etc.) so you know what’s fair.

✅ Do protect your rights.
The terms of a sync deal often involve not just upfront fees but also backend royalties. Make sure you fully understand what you’re signing away and retain rights where possible.

✅ Do consider exclusivity carefully.
If a brand or production company asks for exclusive rights, the fee should reflect that. Exclusivity limits your ability to license that song elsewhere, so the payout must compensate for the lost opportunities.

✅ Do use a team that has experience.
Having professionals negotiate for you adds leverage and ensures you don’t miss critical legal details. Many opportunities move fast, and being unprepared can mean losing out.

Don’ts of Negotiating Sync Fees

❌ Don’t undersell yourself.
Accepting low-ball offers sets a precedent that your work is cheap. This can hurt your long-term sync career.

❌ Don’t sign without reviewing legal terms.
Sync contracts can include hidden terms around publishing splits, exclusivity, or long-term rights. Skipping a professional legal review could cost you far more than the upfront fee.

❌ Don’t forget about backend royalties.
The upfront fee is only one part of sync income. Publishing royalties can often surpass the initial payment over time. Make sure these are being properly registered and collected with your publisher. Elizabeth Music Group is capable of ensuring composers receive their worldwide publishing royalties for their entire catalog.

❌ Don’t be afraid to walk away.
Not every sync deal is worth it. If the fee doesn’t reflect the value of your music or the terms feel restrictive, passing on the opportunity can open the door for a better one down the line.

How Elizabeth Music Group Helps

At Elizabeth Music Group, we take the stress out of sync negotiations for our roster. Our team handles all negotiations directly with music supervisors, brands, and production companies to ensure our writers and artists receive fair sync fees that reflect the true value of their work.

Unlike many publishers, we also cover all legal fees for sync negotiations. This means you don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket for legal review or contract negotiation—our legal team ensures your deals are airtight and fair.

On top of that, our roster benefits from:

• Direct pitching of songs to high-value sync opportunities.

• Monthly publishing royalty payouts (not quarterly or semi-annual).

• Access to exclusive briefs and industry connections through our Elizabeth Music Group Discord available to all publishing members.

By combining transparency, education, and professional negotiation support, we make sure your music is not only heard but also compensated properly.

👉 Bottom line: Negotiating sync fees isn’t just about getting the highest upfront check—it’s about protecting your rights, maximizing long-term income, and building a sustainable career. With Elizabeth Music Group, you don’t have to do it alone.