Within Publishing
When One Sync Deal Creates More Income
A sync placement can create an upfront payment while also leading to additional royalties from later uses.
On this page
- What a sync licence actually covers
- Why recordings and compositions need approval
- Later broadcasts and secondary royalties
Page outline Jump by section
Introduction
A sync placement can create two very different kinds of income. The first is the sync fee: an upfront payment negotiated when music is licensed for use in a film, television programme, advert, video game or other visual media. The second is a range of ongoing royalties that may arise after the placement is broadcast, streamed, performed publicly or otherwise exploited. Understanding the difference matters because a high-profile placement may generate substantial money long after the original contract is signed, while some placements produce little beyond the initial fee. The key is that a sync deal grants permission for a specific use, whereas later royalty streams depend on how that use reaches audiences and which rights are triggered. [PRS for Music]prsformusic.comPRS for MusicCommercial Music Sync LicensingEach usage enquiry is considered on a case-by-case basis. Fees vary dependent on the use and… [That Pitch Blog]thatpitch.comThat Pitch BlogSync Licensing vs Performance Royalties Explained - ThatPitchSync Licensing: It's like renting out your song for a specifi…
What a Sync Licence Actually Covers
A synchronisation, or sync, licence gives permission to pair music with visual content. This is the legal step required when a song is placed in a television episode, film scene, advertising campaign, trailer or online video. The licence is normally negotiated directly with the rights holders rather than through a blanket performance licence. [musicbed.com]musicbed.comThis type of license is…Read more… [soundcharts]soundcharts.comWhat is a Music Synchronization License?Sync…3 Sept 2019 — A synchronization license, commonly shortened to ”sync,” generally refers to a legal agreement between the copyrigh… The sync fee is typically a one-time negotiated payment. Its value depends on factors such as:
- The prominence of the music in the production.
- The type of media involved.
- Geographic territory.
- Length of use.
- Exclusivity requirements.
- The popularity of the song or recording.
- The budget of the project. [PRS for Music]prsformusic.comPRS for MusicCommercial Music Sync LicensingEach usage enquiry is considered on a case-by-case basis. Fees vary dependent on the use and… [That Pitch Blog]thatpitch.comThat Pitch BlogSync Licensing vs Performance Royalties Explained - ThatPitchSync Licensing: It's like renting out your song for a specifi…
A common misconception is that the sync fee itself is a royalty. In reality, it is a licence payment for permission to use the music in a specific audiovisual context. Once paid, it does not automatically increase because the programme becomes successful or reaches a larger audience than expected unless the agreement includes additional negotiated terms. [That Pitch Blog]thatpitch.comThat Pitch BlogSync Licensing vs Performance Royalties Explained - ThatPitchSync Licensing: It's like renting out your song for a specifi… [2musicbed.com]musicbed.comThis type of license is…Read more…
Why Recordings and Compositions Need Approval
Most commercially released songs involve two separate copyrights:
- The composition (melody, lyrics and underlying musical work).
- The master recording (the specific recorded performance).
When a producer wants to use the original recording of a song, permission is generally needed from both sides. PRS for Music explains that a master use licence covers the recording, while a sync licence for the composition covers the song itself. [PRS for Music]prsformusic.comPRS for MusicCommercial Music Sync LicensingEach usage enquiry is considered on a case-by-case basis. Fees vary dependent on the use and…
This dual-clearance system has important financial consequences. A sync fee may be split between composition and master-rights owners depending on negotiations and ownership structures. For a songwriter who controls publishing as well as recording rights, one placement can generate income from both sides. For writers who do not own the master, the recording-side payment may go elsewhere. [PRS for Music]prsformusic.comPRS for MusicCommercial Music Sync LicensingEach usage enquiry is considered on a case-by-case basis. Fees vary dependent on the use and…
The distinction also explains why a producer cannot rely on a public-performance licence from organisations such as ASCAP or BMI to place music in a film or advert. Performance licences and sync licences cover different rights. BMI explicitly notes that synchronisation licences are obtained from publishers or rights holders rather than through BMI itself. [Copyright Clearance Center]copyright.comClearance Center Music Licensing: The Difference Between PublicCopyright Clearance CenterMusic Licensing: The Difference Between Public…May 16, 2017 — So, if you have the appropriate blanket licens…
Why One Placement Can Lead to More Income
The sync fee is often the beginning rather than the end of the revenue story.
When a television programme, film or advert containing music is later broadcast, additional rights may be triggered. Performing rights organisations collect royalties from broadcasters and other music users and distribute them to songwriters and publishers when qualifying performances occur. PRS for Music, ASCAP and similar organisations operate these systems. [Berkman Klein Center]cyber.harvard.eduBerkman Klein CenterASCAP is a membership association of more than 120000 UASCAP receives payment for public performances of songs and co… [PRS for Music]prsformusic.comPRS for MusicCommercial Music Sync LicensingEach usage enquiry is considered on a case-by-case basis. Fees vary dependent on the use and… [ASCAP]ascap.comASCAPRoyalties and PaymentThe money we receive from radio stations is paid out for radio performances, the money we receive from TV netwo…
A simplified example illustrates the mechanism:
- A television producer pays a sync fee to use a song.
- The completed programme airs on television.
- The broadcaster pays licensing fees covering public performance rights.
- Performing rights organisations track and distribute royalties to eligible songwriters and publishers.
- Additional broadcasts, repeats and international transmissions can create further royalty payments. ASCAP [watershed]watershed.co.ukThey collect payments from music performed in public, for example on a BBC show, and pass that on to…Read more… This is why industry professionals often distinguish betweenfront-end income (the sync fee) and back-end income (later royalties generated by exploitation of the programme). [londonsoundacademy.com]londonsoundacademy.comIntroduction to Sync Licensing: What Every Music Producer…3 Sept 2024 — When a song is “licensed for sync”, the producer (and all of t…
Later Broadcasts and Secondary Royalties
The most common ongoing income after a sync placement comes from performance royalties. A sync licence authorises the pairing of music and picture, but it does not automatically replace the need for performance licensing when that content is broadcast or publicly communicated. PRS for Music specifically notes that synchronisation licences and public-performance rights are separate matters. [PRS for Music]prsformusic.comPRS for MusicCommercial Music Sync LicensingEach usage enquiry is considered on a case-by-case basis. Fees vary dependent on the use and…
Potential sources of continuing income include:
- Television broadcasts and repeats.
- International syndication.
- Certain streaming and on-demand uses where performance royalties are generated.
- Public exhibition and commercial uses covered by performing-rights systems.
- Other licensed uses of the audiovisual work in different territories. [PRS for Music]prsformusic.comPRS for MusicCommercial Music Sync LicensingEach usage enquiry is considered on a case-by-case basis. Fees vary dependent on the use and… [Watershed However]watershed.co.ukThey collect payments from music performed in public, for example on a BBC show, and pass that on to…Read more…, ongoing royalties are not guaranteed to be large. The amount depends heavily on where and how the programme is used, the reporting systems in each territory, audience size and the applicable royalty rules. Some placements generate substantial back-end income over many years, while others earn little beyond the original sync fee. Discussions among working music-rights holders frequently highlight this variability, particularly for online and streaming-focused placements. [Reddit]reddit.comLicensing ASCAP with written musicThese blanket licenses (e.g. from ASCAP) do not cover sync rights or master use rights though…
Why the Balance Between Fees and Royalties Matters
For independent songwriters, the ideal sync placement is often one that provides both a meaningful upfront fee and the possibility of future royalties. Yet there is a trade-off. A major advertising campaign may pay a large licence fee but have a relatively limited royalty tail. Conversely, a television series placement with a modest fee can become valuable if the programme is repeatedly broadcast, distributed internationally or remains available for years. [Horus Music]horusmusic.globalhow sync licensing worksHorus MusicHow Sync Licensing Works10 Jul 2025 — Typical fees can range from £500 for indie projects to £50,000+ for major ad campaigns… [supertape]supertape.comgetting into sync licensing 5 easy stepsGetting into sync licensing: 5 easy steps19 Feb 2025 — Sync Fees: The upfront payments made for using your music in a project. The amount… The practical lesson is that a sync placement should not be evaluated solely by the cheque received on signing. The long-term value depends on the programme’s life after release, the rights retained by the songwriter, and whether later uses trigger performance royalties or other secondary income streams. In successful cases, one synchronisation agreement becomes the starting point for a continuing flow of royalty earnings rather than a single isolated payment. [PRS for Music]prsformusic.comPRS for MusicCommercial Music Sync LicensingEach usage enquiry is considered on a case-by-case basis. Fees vary dependent on the use and… [PRS for]prsformusic.comPRS for MusicCommercial Music Sync LicensingEach usage enquiry is considered on a case-by-case basis. Fees vary dependent on the use and…
Amazon book picks
Further Reading
Books and field guides related to When One Sync Deal Creates More Income. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.
All You Need to Know About the Music Business
Explains sync deals, rights clearance and income flows.
How to make it in the new music business
First published 2017. Subjects: Music trade, Popular music, Music, Vocational guidance, Economic aspects.
Music, money, and success
First published 1994. Subjects: Vocational guidance, Economic aspects of Music, Music, Music trade, Economic aspects.
eBay marketplace picks
Marketplace Samples
Example marketplace items related to this page. Use the search link to explore similar finds on eBay.
Endnotes
-
Source: musicbed.com
Link: https://www.musicbed.com/articles/resources/types-of-music-licenses/Source snippet
This type of license is...Read more...
-
Source: soundcharts.com
Title: What is a Music Synchronization License?
Link: https://soundcharts.com/en/blog/how-music-sync-licensing-worksSource snippet
Sync...3 Sept 2019 — A synchronization license, commonly shortened to ”sync,” generally refers to a legal agreement between the copyrigh...
-
Source: bmi.com
Link: https://www.bmi.com/licensing/entry/business_using_music_bmi_and_performing_rightsSource snippet
BMI and Performing RightsBMI does not offer synchronization licenses. The producer of the audiovisual production usually requests a synch...
-
Source: copyright.com
Title: Clearance Center Music Licensing: The Difference Between Public
Link: https://www.copyright.com/blog/music-licensing-public-performance-license-synchronization/Source snippet
Copyright Clearance CenterMusic Licensing: The Difference Between Public...May 16, 2017 — So, if you have the appropriate blanket licens...
Published: May 16, 2017
-
Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/COPYRIGHT/comments/115luh4/youtube_licensing_ascap_with_written_music/Source snippet
Licensing ASCAP with written musicThese blanket licenses (e.g. from ASCAP) do not cover [sync rights]({{ 'sync-rights/' | relative_url }}) or master use rights though...
-
Source: ascap.com
Link: https://www.ascap.com/help/royalties-and-paymentSource snippet
ASCAPRoyalties and PaymentThe money we receive from radio stations is paid out for radio performances, the money we receive from TV netwo...
-
Source: londonsoundacademy.com
Link: https://www.londonsoundacademy.com/blog/introduction-to-sync-licensing-what-every-music-producer-should-knowSource snippet
Introduction to Sync Licensing: What Every Music Producer...3 Sept 2024 — When a song is “licensed for sync”, the producer (and all of t...
-
Source: reddit.com
Title: BMI synch royalty collection?: r/musicindustry
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/musicindustry/comments/1gh3k78/bmi_synch_royalty_collection/Source snippet
RedditBMI synch royalty collection?: r/musicindustryNovember 1, 2024 — I have a question about royalty collecting as an industry member...
Published: November 1, 2024
-
Source: reddit.com
Title: my song was used in a netflix show in 2022 and my
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/musicmarketing/comments/1fpat4g/my_song_was_used_in_a_netflix_show_in_2022_and_my/Source snippet
was $900 and this performance royalty payment was $22.27 lol... Otherwise performance royalties will eventually go extinct...
-
Source: supertape.com
Title: getting into sync licensing 5 easy steps
Link: https://www.supertape.com/blog/getting-into-sync-licensing-5-easy-stepsSource snippet
Getting into sync licensing: 5 easy steps19 Feb 2025 — Sync Fees: The upfront payments made for using your music in a project. The amount...
-
Source: bmi.com
Title: What is the difference between performing right royalties
Link: https://www.bmi.com/faq/entry/what_is_the_difference_between_performing_right_royalties_mechanical_rSource snippet
BMIQuestion: What is the difference between performing right royalties, [mechanical royalties]({{ 'mechanical-royalties/' | relative_url }}) and sync royalties?...
-
Source: bmi.com
Link: https://www.bmi.com/licensingSource snippet
Music LicensingBMI offers more than 60 different music licenses to fit your business needs. See our complete list of licenses, rates and...
-
Source: bmi.com
Link: https://www.bmi.com/licensing/faqsSource snippet
Music Licensing FAQs | BMI.comBMI only licenses performing rights and does not license mechanical or synchronization rights. For more inf...
-
Source: ascap.com
Link: https://www.ascap.com/help/ascap-licensingSource snippet
ASCAP Music Licensing FAQsASCAP licenses the public performances of its members' musical works. A public performance is one that occurs e...
-
Source: ascap.com
Link: https://www.ascap.com/helpSource snippet
Help CenterWhen ASCAP distributes royalties for a performance of your music, 50% goes to the writer(s), and 50% to the publisher(s). If y...
-
Source: ascap.com
Link: https://www.ascap.com/help/career-development/How-To-Acquire-Music-For-FilmsSource snippet
How To Acquire Music For FilmsASCAP works with film composers and composer agents at every level of experience and can help you find a co...
-
Source: ascap.com
Link: https://www.ascap.com/help/royalties-and-payment/payment/royaltiesSource snippet
How ASCAP Calculates RoyaltiesThe money we receive from radio stations is paid out for radio performances, the money we receive from TV n...
-
Source: reddit.com
Title: Not 51%, not 99%, but 100%.Read more
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/advertising/comments/1oto89a/a_comprehensive_overview_of_sync_music_licensing/Source snippet
A comprehensive overview of sync (music) licensing, plus...In order to legally 'synchronise' any existing recording, 100% of all parties...
-
Source: prsformusic.com
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/licences/releasing-music-products/commercial-music-sync-licensingSource snippet
PRS for MusicCommercial Music Sync LicensingEach usage enquiry is considered on a case-by-case basis. Fees vary dependent on the use and...
-
Source: thatpitch.com
Link: https://thatpitch.com/blog/sync-licensing-vs-performance-royalties-explained/Source snippet
That Pitch BlogSync Licensing vs Performance Royalties Explained - ThatPitchSync Licensing: It's like renting out your song for a specifi...
-
Source: thatpitch.com
Link: https://thatpitch.com/blog/what-performance-royalties-are-in-sync-licensing/Source snippet
They get paid out when your song is heard in public places or broadcast. These are...Read more...
-
Source: thatpitch.com
Title: That Pitch Blog Sync Licensing Fees Explained for Artists
Link: https://thatpitch.com/blog/sync-licensing-fees-explained-for-artists/Source snippet
That Pitch BlogSync Licensing Fees Explained for Artists - ThatPitchSync licensing fees are typically negotiated based on factors such as...
-
Source: horusmusic.global
Title: how sync licensing works
Link: https://www.horusmusic.global/how-sync-licensing-works/Source snippet
Horus MusicHow Sync Licensing Works10 Jul 2025 — Typical fees can range from £500 for indie projects to £50,000+ for major ad campaigns...
-
Source: prsformusic.com
Title: get up to speed with sync tips prs connects succeeding in sync
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/business-and-money/get-up-to-speed-with-sync-tips-prs-connects-succeeding-in-syncSource snippet
PRS for MusicGet up to speed with sync with PRS Connects | M Magazine1 Mar 2024 — A Master Use Licence is negotiated for the usage of a s...
-
Source: thatpitch.com
Title: That Pitch Blog What [Master Rights]({{ ‘master-rights/’ | relative_url }}) Mean in Sync Licensing
Link: https://thatpitch.com/blog/what-master-rights-mean-in-sync-licensing/Source snippet
That Pitch BlogWhat Master Rights Mean in Sync Licensing - That PitchIn sync licensing, obtaining master rights means securing permission...
-
Source: prsformusic.com
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/Source snippet
PRS for MusicPRS for Music: royalties, music copyright and licensingWe protect the value of music by licensing music usage and collecting...
-
Source: watershed.co.uk
Link: https://watershed.co.uk/filmhub/guides-resources/a-short-guide-to-music-licensing-with-prsformusic-2/Source snippet
They collect payments from music performed in public, for example on a BBC show, and pass that on to...Read more...
-
Source: cyber.harvard.edu
Link: https://cyber.harvard.edu/is02/readings/ascap.htmlSource snippet
Berkman Klein CenterASCAP is a membership association of more than 120000 UASCAP receives payment for public performances of songs and co...
-
Source: prsformusic.com
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/licences/using-music-online/otherSource snippet
PRS for MusicOther LicencesYou will need a separate synchronisation licence. No public performing rights are granted via this licence and...
-
Source: prsformusic.com
Title: how can prs for music support your sync opportunities
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/business-and-money/how-can-prs-for-music-support-your-sync-opportunitiesSource snippet
PRS for MusicHow can PRS for Music support your sync opportunities?28 Aug 2024 — We operate a full synchronisation licensing service wher...
-
Source: prsformusic.com
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/licences/using-music-online/digital-music-licence/digital-music-licence-faqsSource snippet
Digital Music Licence FAQsYour licence fee will be calculated automatically based on the music usage estimates you provide. You can follo...
-
Source: prsformusic.com
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/licences -
Source: prsformusic.com
Title: how to understanding publishing rights
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/how-to/how-to-understanding-publishing-rightsSource snippet
How to... understanding publishing rights14 May 2021 — We asked Simon to give us insights on copyright, publishing specialities, publishi...
Published: May 2021
-
Source: prsformusic.com
Title: digital music services licence commercial terms
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/-/media/files/prs-for-music/licensing/online-licensing/2025/digital-music-services-licence-commercial-terms.pdfSource snippet
1 Oct 2025 — The Digital Music Services Licence covers the use of PRS for Music repertoire and MCPS Commercial Music repertoire in servic...
-
Source: newmusicreview.co.uk
Link: https://newmusicreview.co.uk/sync-licensing-the-guide-from-phil-loutsis/Source snippet
Sync Licensing - An Artists Guide with Phil Loutsis24 Dec 2025 — These can pay £1,000–£25,000, depending on usage and territories...
Additional References
-
Source: aristake.com
Title: sync agents
Link: https://aristake.com/sync-agents/Source snippet
How To Get Your Music Synced on TV, Video Games and...Jun 26, 2025 — Music supervisors don't work with indie artists anymore in sync lic...
-
Source: bartdaylaw.com
Title: Licensing Music For Films
Link: https://bartdaylaw.com/licensing-music-for-films/Source snippet
Here's What You Need to KnowThis permission which must be obtained for the underlying song is called a “synchronization license.” Here we...
-
Source: berklee.edu
Link: https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/music-licensing-101-how-to-sync-your-musicSource snippet
Music Licensing 101: How to Sync Your MusicLearn how to create syncable music, stand out to music supervisors, and negotiate sync deals w...
-
Source: mi.edu
Title: music licensing agreements film tv
Link: https://www.mi.edu/in-the-know/music-licensing-agreements-film-tv/Source snippet
Music Licensing Agreements Explained: How to Get Your...Sep 24, 2025 — Want to get your music into film and TV? Learn the key types of m...
-
Source: us.moodmedia.com
Title: music licensing
Link: https://us.moodmedia.com/music-for-business/music-licensing/Source snippet
| Can I Play Music in My Business?Public Performance License: The legal permission needed to play music in any public or commercial space...
-
Source: moodmedia.com
Title: Music Licensing
Link: https://moodmedia.com/gb/sound/music-licensing/Source snippet
What You Need to Know & Legal SolutionsDetermine the type of licence you need: There are various types of licences for music, including s...
-
Source: musiciansunion.org.uk
Link: https://musiciansunion.org.uk/newuseSource snippet
rces and template licences for TV, film and advertising companies...
-
Source: orphiq.com
Title: music licensing types explained
Link: https://orphiq.com/resources/music-licensing-types-explainedSource snippet
Music Licensing Types: Master, Sync, Mechanical15 Mar 2026 — Music licensing includes master, sync, mechanical, and performance licenses...
-
Source: ppluk.com
Link: https://www.ppluk.com/licensing/Source snippet
rvices, as well as services that supply music for use in businesses.Read more...
-
Source: royaltyexchange.com
Title: bmi royalties
Link: https://royaltyexchange.com/blog/bmi-royaltiesSource snippet
How They Work, What's Collected, and...Apr 27, 2026 — If you have a catalog earning BMI performance royalties, you can sell a portion of...
Topic Tree