— 6 minutes — Mark Eckert
Synchronization License: What It Is and What It Contains
Short answer: A synchronization license is the legal document that lets someone use a musical composition in timed relation with moving pictures, such as in a film, TV show, ad, game, or online video. It is granted by the songwriters or their publishers and sets exactly how, where, and for how long the song can be used, and what is paid. To use a specific recording as well, the buyer also needs a master use license from the recording owner.
For a plain-English introduction to sync as a whole, read sync licensing explained.
*This page is general information, not legal advice. For a specific license, talk to a qualified music lawyer.*
What the license grants
A synchronization license grants permission to record the composition into a production and reproduce it as part of that production. It does not transfer ownership of the song. It does not cover public performance, which is licensed separately, usually through performance rights organizations. It does not cover the recording, which needs its own license.
What a synchronization license usually contains
| Term | What it sets |
|---|---|
| Parties | Who grants the license and who receives it |
| Composition | Title, writers, and shares being licensed |
| Production | The named film, show, ad, game, or video |
| Use | Background, featured, vocal, instrumental, and duration |
| Media | Where the production may be shown |
| Territory | Where in the world |
| Term | How long the license lasts |
| Exclusivity | Whether the song can be licensed to others for similar uses |
| Fee | What is paid and when |
| Credit | How the writers are credited, if at all |
| Warranties | The grantor's promise that they control the rights |
Sync licensing contract terms and clauses explains each clause.
Synchronization license vs master use license
| Synchronization license | Master use license | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | The composition | The recording |
| Granted by | Writers or publishers | Recording owner |
| Needed when | Any use of the song with picture | Using an existing recording |
If a buyer re-records the song, they need only the synchronization license plus agreements with the new performers. What master rights mean in sync licensing explains the recording side.
Who signs it
The license is signed by whoever controls the composition: the writers, their publishers, or a library or agent authorized to act for them. If several writers share the song, every share must be covered. Who signs a sync licensing contract goes into detail.
A sample grant, in plain words
This is a made-up example of how a grant might read, followed by what it means:
"Licensor grants Licensee the non-exclusive right to record the Composition in synchronization with the Production, and to reproduce and distribute the Production in all media now known, in the Territory, for the Term."
- Non-exclusive: the song can be licensed to others.
- Record in synchronization with the Production: permission to put the song in this production only.
- All media now known: broad media, so the production can appear in many formats.
- Territory and Term: defined elsewhere in the license.
How it relates to performance royalties
Once the production is broadcast or streamed, a cue sheet lists the music used. Performance rights organizations use it to pay writers and publishers. That income is separate from the synchronization license fee.
Common questions artists have
- Do I need a lawyer to issue one? Simple licenses can be handled by libraries and agents. For large or unusual deals, a music lawyer is worth it.
- Can I write my own license? You can, but templates from libraries and organizations are safer starting points.
- Does the license expire? If it has a fixed term, yes. Some are perpetual.
Synchronization license vs master use license
| Synchronization license | Master use license | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | The composition (melody and lyrics) | The specific recording |
| Granted by | Songwriters and publishers | The master owner, often the artist or label |
| Needed when | Any recording of the song is used with picture | That particular recording is used |
| Re-recording | Still needed for a new recording | Not needed if a new recording is made |
If a production records its own version of a song, it needs a synchronization license but not a master use license for the original recording. If it uses an existing recording, it needs both. What master rights mean in sync licensing explains the recording side.
Common types of use covered
- TV series and films
- Advertising and brand content
- Trailers and promos
- Online video and social media
- Video games and apps
- Corporate and event videos
Each use can come with different terms, so the license should say clearly which use it covers.
Who negotiates the license
Productions often have a music supervisor or producer who handles licensing. On the rights side, it may be the songwriter, a publisher, or a library or agent that represents the track. When a library represents both sides, one agreement can cover the synchronization license and the master use license together.
What artists should check
Before agreeing, check the use, media, territory, term, exclusivity, credit, and fee. Make sure you control the share you are licensing, and that the license does not conflict with any other agreement. If anything is unclear, ask before you sign.
Keeping records
Save every signed license with the track, buyer, use, term, and territory. When the term ends or a buyer asks for an extension, you will have everything in one place. These records also help when you check royalty statements for the production.
Synchronization licenses through libraries
Most independent artists never negotiate a synchronization license directly. When a library represents your track, it issues the license to the buyer under the agreement you signed with it, and pays you your share of the fee. Your job is to make sure the library has accurate ownership details, so that every license it issues is valid.
Renewals and extensions
If a buyer wants to keep using the music after the term ends, or use it in a new territory or medium, they usually need an extension or a new license. Your records make it simple to agree new terms quickly.
Where That Pitch fits
That Pitch places your music in non-exclusive sync libraries, which issue synchronization and master use licenses for your tracks while you keep ownership. One upload can reach 100+ libraries, your tracks are matched to library briefs automatically, and you keep 100% of your sync placement earnings. Join free with unlimited uploads into one library, and upgrade any time for 100+ libraries and briefs.
FAQ
What is a synchronization license?
A legal document that lets someone use a musical composition in timed relation with moving pictures, for a specific use, media, territory, and term.
Who grants a synchronization license?
The songwriters or their publishers, or a library or agent authorized to act for them.
Does a synchronization license cover the recording?
No. Using an existing recording also needs a master use license from the recording owner.
Does a synchronization license transfer ownership?
No. It grants permission for a specific use. The writers keep ownership.
Does a synchronization license cover broadcast royalties?
No. Public performance is licensed separately, and writers are paid through performance rights organizations.
Can a synchronization license be perpetual?
Yes. Many film and series licenses are perpetual, while ads often use fixed terms.
What happens if a co-writer did not sign?
The license may not cover 100% of the song, which can block the use. Every share must be covered.
Is a synchronization license the same as a master use license?
No. The synchronization license covers the composition. The master use license covers the specific recording.
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