Sync Licensing Companies: How to Choose the Right One

Short answer: Sync licensing companies license music for film, TV, ads, games and online video. For independent artists they fall into four main types: production music libraries, curated sync agencies, open music marketplaces, and sync distributors that place your music into many libraries at once. The best choice depends on whether you want exclusivity, how much curation you want, and how much time you can spend submitting. Most artists use more than one.

The four types of sync licensing companies

1. Production music libraries

Large catalogs built for editors and producers who need music fast. Many own or exclusively control their catalogs, and some accept non-exclusive music. Placements are frequent, and fees vary with the license.

2. Curated sync agencies

Smaller rosters, hand-picked tracks, and active pitching to music supervisors. Agencies are selective and often want exclusivity or at least a clear fit. Fees per placement can be higher, but getting in is harder. See sync agencies.

3. Open marketplaces and subscription platforms

Platforms where creators and brands browse and license tracks directly, often through subscriptions. Acceptance can be easier, each license may pay less, and volume can be high.

4. Sync distributors

Services that take one upload and place your music into many libraries for you, so you don't submit to each one separately. That Pitch is in this category.

What to check before you work with any sync company

Question	Why it matters
Exclusive or non-exclusive?	Exclusive deals lock a track to one company. Non-exclusive lets it live in several places.
What is my share of each fee?	Splits vary a lot between companies and deal types.
Who registers cue sheets?	Without cue sheets, your PRO can't pay you performance royalties.
Do they retitle tracks?	Common in non-exclusive libraries. Make sure you can still track your income.
How long is the term, and how do I leave?	You want a clear removal process.
Do they charge artists?	Be wary of large upfront fees with no clear service in return.
How and when do they pay?	Look for a stated payout schedule and statements you can read.
Do they actually place music like mine?	Check their recent placements and the genres they ask for.

Exclusivity is the biggest decision. Read exclusive vs non-exclusive sync licensing agreements before you sign.

Well-known sync licensing companies by type

This is not a ranking. It shows the kind of company each one is, so you can decide where to look first. Always check current submission rules on each company's own site.

• Production music libraries: Audio Network, APM Music
• Curated agencies and licensing companies: Musicbed, Marmoset, Crucial Music
• Marketplaces and subscription platforms: Artlist, Pond5, Songtradr
• Sync distributor: That Pitch

How to choose: a simple plan

1. Start non-exclusive and wide. Get your catalog into several libraries so different buyers can find it.
2. Pick a few exclusive homes on purpose. If an agency is a clear fit for specific tracks, an exclusive deal can make sense for those tracks.
3. Keep your rights clean. Know every co-writer and owner, and clear any samples.
4. Deliver what libraries need: a professional mix, instrumental versions, and strong metadata.
5. Track your placements and statements. Compare companies by what they actually earn you, not by promises.

Where That Pitch fits

That Pitch gets your music into 100+ sync libraries from one upload. It's non-exclusive, so you stay independent, and That Pitch keeps none of your sync earnings. Tracks are matched to library briefs automatically, and you can set royalty splits with collaborators. Artists in 40+ countries use That Pitch. You can join free with unlimited uploads into one library and upgrade any time for 100+ libraries and briefs.

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FAQ

What is the best sync licensing company for independent artists? There isn't one best company for everyone. Pick by deal type (exclusive or non-exclusive), your genre, and how much time you can spend submitting. Many artists combine a distributor for reach with a few exclusive agency deals.

Do sync licensing companies charge artists? Many make their money from a share of license fees. Some services charge a subscription for tools or wider distribution. Know exactly what you get for any fee.

Can I work with more than one sync company? Yes, as long as none of your deals for a given track are exclusive.

What's the difference between a sync library and a sync agency? Libraries are large searchable catalogs that buyers license from directly. Agencies keep smaller rosters and pitch tracks to supervisors by hand.

How do I get paid by a sync company? You get your share of the sync fee from the company, and performance royalties through your PRO when the placement airs. See how much a sync license costs.

How long does it take to get a placement? It varies widely. See how long it takes to get a sync placement.