If a sync brief asks for a 30-second track, submit a track that is exactly 30 seconds long.
This might seem like a small detail, but following the instructions in a sync brief can make a major difference in whether your music is considered for a placement.
Sync Briefs Are Specific for a Reason
When a music supervisor, agency, production company, or client creates a sync brief, they usually have a specific project and use in mind.
They may be looking for:
A specific genre
A certain mood
A particular tempo
Specific lyrics or themes
Instrumental or vocal music
A particular song structure
A specific track length
If the brief says 30 seconds, that requirement is part of the creative direction.
Your job as a producer or songwriter is to deliver music that fits the request as closely as possible.
Don't Submit a 45-Second Track to a 30-Second Brief
Imagine a supervisor receives 100 submissions for a brief.
The brief asks for 30-second tracks.
You submit a 45-second track because you think, "They can just cut it down."
Technically, they might be able to.
But you're creating additional work for the person reviewing your music.
Instead of immediately hearing exactly what they requested, they now have to figure out:
Where should we cut this?
Does the important part fit inside 30 seconds?
Will the ending work?
Do we need to edit it ourselves?
The easier you make the process for the person reviewing your music, the better.
Think Like the Person Using the Music
A sync brief isn't just asking, "Do you have a good song?"
It's often asking:
"Do you have a piece of music that can work for this specific use?"
If a production needs a 30-second piece of music for an advertisement, social media campaign, trailer, television segment, or other piece of content, the client may already know approximately how much time they have available.
A track that is exactly 30 seconds gives them something much closer to what they need.
The Details Can Separate Your Submission
Sync licensing is highly competitive.
You might have an incredible track, but if your submission doesn't follow the brief, another producer's track that follows the instructions may be easier for the client to use.
Following instructions demonstrates professionalism.
It shows that you:
Read the brief
Understand the client's needs
Can work within creative restrictions
Pay attention to detail
Can deliver music in a usable format
These qualities matter in the music business.
What Does "Exactly 30 Seconds" Mean?
If the brief specifically requests a 30-second track, don't aim for 29 seconds or 31 seconds.
Aim for:
00:30.000
Of course, always follow the specific instructions of the individual brief. Some briefs may allow a range, such as 25–30 seconds. In that situation, you have more flexibility.
But if the brief says 30 seconds, treat 30 seconds as the target.
Make the 30 Seconds Count
Creating a short sync track doesn't mean simply cutting 30 seconds out of an existing song.
Think about the musical experience from beginning to end.
You want the track to communicate its idea quickly.
For example, you might structure a 30-second instrumental like:
0:00–0:05 — Introduction
0:05–0:15 — Main musical idea
0:15–0:25 — Build or development
0:25–0:30 — Strong ending
The exact structure will depend on the brief.
The important thing is that the music feels complete and intentional within the requested timeframe.
Don't Make the Client Do the Editing
One of the biggest lessons for producers submitting sync music is:
Make the music as easy to use as possible.
If a client asks for 30 seconds, give them 30 seconds.
If they ask for an instrumental, don't submit a vocal version as your primary submission.
If they request a specific mood, make sure the track actually fits that mood.
If they request a certain format, follow that format.
Every unnecessary adjustment creates another reason for your track to be passed over.
Read the Entire Brief
The 30-second requirement is just one example.
Before submitting to any sync opportunity, carefully read the entire brief.
Look for information about:
Length: How long should the track be?
Genre: What style of music are they looking for?
Mood: What emotion should the music create?
Lyrics: Are there specific lyrical requirements?
Vocals: Do they want instrumental or vocal music?
Tempo: Is there a BPM requirement or preference?
Structure: Do they need a specific musical format?
Stems: Are stems required?
File format: How should you deliver the music?
The more closely your submission follows the brief, the more useful your music becomes to the person looking for it.
Sync Is About More Than Making Great Music
Being a great producer is important.
But sync also requires you to understand how music is used.
A producer who can create excellent music and deliver exactly what a client requests is extremely valuable.
Think of every sync brief as an assignment.
The brief gives you the requirements.
Your job is to create the best possible music while staying inside those requirements.
The Bottom Line
If a sync brief asks for 30 seconds, submit 30 seconds.
Don't assume the client will edit your track.
Don't assume the length requirement is a suggestion.
Don't make the person reviewing hundreds of submissions do extra work.
Read the sync brief. Follow the instructions. Make the music easy to use.
Those small details can make a big difference in your sync career.
At Elizabeth Music Group, we encourage our publishing roster to treat every sync brief professionally.
