Sync placements with music licensing companies are really taking over the music world these days.
Every day, I see a new music licensing company spring up, claiming to be able to connect its creators to placement opportunities that will get them a lot of exposure and revenue.
I’m almost certain that most of these companies don’t know anyone and are just trying to fake it up they make it at this point, but I appreciate the effort in their trying to cash in on one of the latest and greatest ways to make a living from the music business.
Can music licensing be beneficial to your music career? It depends on how involved you are in the creative process for your songs.
Music licensing is the act of getting a song placed in TV, film, games, or a similar business format that needs to have background music as a part of the content that is being promoted.
Songs get licensed to play on a scene in a show. They get licensed to play in the background of your favorite video game. They get licensed when used for a business that has ‘on hold’ music.
Related Post: What Are Song Placements?
Music licensing is very similar to music publishing. A music publisher connects you to placement opportunities to get your original songs into the hands of popular artists and bands who are looking for songs to buy the rights to.
To be successful in music licensing, you must first apply to a reputable music licensing company (also known as music sync companies) by sending a good amount of original material available to be licensed.
You will want to have a huge library of original tunes at your disposal to be taken seriously. The more songs you have, the more opportunity the folks at the company can put your music in the runnings for.
Once you're accepted, music licensing companies usually follow two different contract types: exclusive and non-exclusive. Exclusive contracts require you to submit exclusive content that only that licensing company has access to.
Non-exclusive companies are okay with pitching your songs that you may have submitted through another company before.
Exclusive contract holders usually have a slightly higher chance of success since the licensing company is often more inclined to push harder for their exclusive music creators.
Most licensing companies operate on a 50/50 split of profits whether they enter exclusive or non-exclusive relationships. They take a hefty cut because they are doing all the work for you besides the creation of the music.
These companies are actively craving good, independently created music. Compared to the costs that would be involved in licensing popular songs, unknown creators that are talented, original, and have large portfolios are like gold mines.
If you’re a musician or producer that makes original music, this is for you! This is for you if you’re like me and like singing/rapping, songwriting, and producing!
If you aren’t involved in the creative process of the songs you perform, it may not be a good idea to look into building relationships with these companies. They need 100% original content that won’t be much of a hassle when it comes to rights splitting.
If you are a band recording original tunes, the split amongst the band members only won’t be as bad. Licensing companies often need genres that only bands can cover, so opportunities are definitely there.
Many established artists and bands get their songs licensed all the time, often having the companies come to them instead of having to apply. Still, they won’t see much revenue from the process once the songwriters, producers, and labels take their cut.
To learn more about composers and songwriters making money with sync libraries, check out Music Library Report, where composers like you rate the music libraries they've worked with and share their stores to help one another.
So, to wrap up, sync placements are all the rage these days for musicians and producers looking to get their music out there and earn some money.
But it's not just about submitting any old song and hoping for the best - your music needs to be unique and of high quality, and you should have a decent amount of original material available for licensing.
When you do decide to submit your music to a music sync website, be aware of the different contract types available (exclusive and non-exclusive) and the profit split that typically occurs between you and the licensing company.
While these companies can help you gain valuable exposure and revenue, it's important to understand the fine print before signing on the dotted line.
So, if you're a musician or producer passionate about creating original music, sync placements could be just the thing to take your career to the next level.
Just be prepared to put in the work and build relationships with reputable music licensing companies to make the most of this opportunity!
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As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
