Quick answer: Sync licensing allows a composition to be paired with visual media. Using an existing sound recording also requires master-use permission, so a sync-ready song needs clear ownership on both sides.
U.S. sync context. The fictional request is a review exercise, not a proposed license or standard deal terms.
Identify the song, recording, and requested use
A synchronization permission concerns the composition used with visuals. Use of an existing recording also generally requires master-use permission. Start with the exact recording and the rights needed for this request.
This page helps review the request. Use the sync-ready guide to assemble the files and metadata, and the one-stop guide to check who has authority.
Clear ownership before you pitch
- Signed composition splits totaling 100%.
- Current publisher and administrator information.
- Confirmed master owner and authorized contact.
- Written sample and interpolation clearances.
- Agreement on who may approve and quote the use.
- No unresolved contributor disputes.
Do not call a track one-stop unless one authorized contact can truly clear the relevant rights.
Build a supervisor-ready metadata package
Use a consistent title, alternate title, artist, writers, publishers, PROs, IPIs, ISWC when assigned, ISRC, release status, explicit flag, genre, mood, tempo, themes, and contacts.
Metadata should answer three questions fast: What is this track? Who controls it? How can approval be obtained?
Prepare useful audio deliverables
Keep a high-quality full mix and instrumental ready. Depending on the opportunity, clean versions, vocal-up or vocal-down mixes, stems, cutdowns, and alternate endings can help editors.
Name files consistently. A music supervisor should not have to guess whether “FINAL_mix_7_REAL.wav” matches the metadata sheet.
Ask for the use details before quoting
- Production and scene or advertisement description.
- Media and platforms, including any separate promotional use.
- Territory, term, start date, and proposed duration of music.
- Recording version, edits, lyric changes, or stems requested.
- Exclusivity, restricted categories, options, and any renewal terms.
- Budget, fee structure, response deadline, and contracting parties.
Do not quote a limited permission while allowing the discussion to imply a broader grant.
Read the gap in a fictional request
Fictional request: “Glass Morning”
A producer asks for 30 seconds in a North American online film for one year. The email adds, “We may also use it for worldwide paid social promotion.” A $500 budget is mentioned without saying whether it covers both rights.
Before approving, confirm the advertising use, territory, term, edit, exclusivity, and whether the budget is total or per rights side. Send the clarified use to the authorized composition and master contacts. Do not treat the online-film description as permission for the additional worldwide campaign.
Record the approval and final license
- Confirm the complete use description and any negotiation limits.
- Identify every required authorized approval route and outstanding permission.
- Record approvals against the exact terms and recording version.
- Have the relevant parties complete the actual license and agreed payment process.
- Deliver the approved assets under those terms and keep the final license and usage records.
Identify who supplies cue-sheet information when needed. A completed ownership split or a sent file does not replace the license.
Check for unanswered questions
Before saying yes, confirm: what use, which version, who can approve, what terms and fee, what restrictions, and which files are required? If the answer depends on another owner or publisher, keep that approval pending.
An organized catalog helps respond quickly. No particular time limit or checklist score proves a song is legally cleared.
Frequently asked questions
What does sync licensing mean?
Sync licensing is permission to pair a musical composition with visual media such as film, television, advertising, games, trailers, or online video.
Do I also need a master use license?
If a production wants to use a particular sound recording, it generally needs permission for that master in addition to the composition.
What does one-stop mean in sync licensing?
One-stop commonly means a single authorized party can approve both composition and master rights. Confirm the exact scope before representing a song that way.
Can an uncleared sample block a sync placement?
Yes. Samples and interpolations can introduce more rights owners and approvals, so disclose and clear them before pitching.