The demand for original music in TV shows, films, and commercials has never been higher.

Placement in media is an excellent promotional tool, a significant source of revenue, and an opportunity to gain exposure and expand their reach. For many artists, getting a song placed in a high-profile project can be a game-changer.

Composing original music for a film or documentary is often a long-term career goal for composers.

But how do you break into this competitive field? Let’s explore the core steps to getting your songs featured in media projects.

Understanding Sync Licensing

What is Sync Licensing

Music sync licensing is basically placing one of your songs in a YouTube video, on a TV show, in a film or even in a video game.

In exchange, you get paid a synchronization fee upfront and, depending on where and how often the track is played in public, you also get paid royalties.

Why Sync Licensing Matters for Musicians

There are two main reasons why do you need to sync license your music:

• Revenue Potential: Sync licensing can generate substantial income through upfront fees and royalties.

• Exposure: A song placed in a commercial or TV show can introduce your music to new audiences and boost your career credibility.

How to Get Your Music Prepared for Sync Opportunities

We often hear that this or that artist was unknown before their music appeared in the background on Netflix. But for a music supervisor to take the risk of putting your music behind two whole minutes of film, it can take a lot of work.

The most important component is your pre-existing composition.

Ensure that your music meets the key qualities of sync-friendly music:

• Universal Appeal. When writing music for sync licensing, focusing on universal themes can greatly increase the chances of your music being selected. Themes like love, heartbreak, joy, and struggle are universally relatable and frequently used in TV and film.

• Multiple Versions. Offering multiple versions of your tracks can make them more appealing to music supervisors. Instrumental versions, shorter edits, and alternate mixes increase the versatility and usability of your music.

• High-Quality Production. High production quality is a must for sync licensing. Ensure your recordings are clean, well-mixed, and professionally mastered.

Getting Noticed: Promoting your Music

When your music is ready, next comes promotion. Music supervisors have to strike a balance between budget (often tight) and recommendations (often many).

That’s why they’re on the lookout for the next big thing for background tracks: an emerging, but not unknown artist, who has a distinct style, ready to blow up, but still not too expensive.

Network with Music Supervisors and Industry Professionals

Building relationships is always crucial in the music industry. Music supervisors, filmmakers, and advertisers are key decision-makers. You can get yourself noticed and connect directly with all the music industry professionals by simply joining the input.fm community.

Attend Music Industry Events

All the music industry events provide excellent networking opportunities. Discover and book relevant industry events through input.fm to expand your network and get yourself a sync deal. Learn more about insiders’ methods for networking at music industry events here.

What is Sync Library

Sync libraries are digital hubs for music licensing. These platforms offer a broad collection of songs from diverse artists and composers.

Once you’ve set up your tracks in music libraries, the income you get from these platforms is passive. There’s no extra work.

input.fm offers an edge by providing direct connections to professionals who might otherwise be unreachable.

How To Get Started With Sync Licensing

Reach Out to Music Supervisors

To get your music used, you have to find music supervisors. These are the gatekeepers to sync opportunities.

input.fm can connect you with a wide variety of music industry professionals, including music supervisors, music publishers, and even filmmakers.

Be careful to have a good legal basis if you decide to sell your music for placement yourself. For this case, we advise hiring a lawyer specialized in sync licensing through the input.fm community.

Ensure Accurate Metadata

Metadata is a critical component in the sync process.

When pitching your music for sync opportunities, provide up-to-date and accurate metadata. This includes ISRCs, artist names, album titles, release dates, and barcodes.

Learn more about the best practices in our guide on mastering music metadata.

Start small

Sure, you can go ahead and try to get an internship with Hans Zimmer, it never hurts to try! But be prepared for a lot of rejection.

By starting small, you’re giving yourself a chance to experiment and make mistakes without big consequences.

Make good music, work hard, and above all, surround yourself with the right people.

Negotiating and Finalizing Sync Deals

When negotiating, discuss licensing fees, royalties, and exclusivity terms upfront. Be prepared to advocate for your rights while accommodating the budget and requirements.

Learn more about how to negotiate a music contract in our step-by-step guide.

Contracts can be complex, but input.fm simplifies this process. Use the input.fm platform to create clear and comprehensive agreements, including sync deals, that cover your rights, payment terms, and conditions.

Conclusion

Sync licensing is a powerful way to grow your music career, but navigating the industry can be challenging.

With input.fm, you have the right tools to expand your network, pitch your music, and manage contracts seamlessly. Start building your sync licensing portfolio today — join input.fm and take your first step toward getting your songs featured in TV shows, films, and commercials.

Sign up for input.fm now and unlock new opportunities to share your music with the world.