What is a Sync License?
A sync (synchronization) license is permission to use your music with visual media: film, TV, ads, trailers, games, apps, YouTube, TikTok, brand content, and more.
A single sync can generate:
- Upfront fee (sync fee) for the master + composition.
- Backend performance royalties when the content airs/broadcasts.
- Extra exposure that drives streams, followers, and future deals.
Below are sync libraries, marketplaces, and companies that place music into visual media.
Major Sync Libraries & Marketplaces
Musicbed
Model: Curated library for film, ads, weddings, branded content.
Pays: Upfront license fees + potential backend via PROs.
Good for: Cinematic, emotional, indie, worship, and cinematic pop.
Artlist
Model: Subscription library for creators and filmmakers.
Pays: Revenue share to artists based on usage.
Good for: YouTube creators, filmmakers, commercial content.
Epidemic Sound
Model: Buyout-style deals + subscription library.
Pays: Upfront payments + streaming royalties + bonuses.
Note: Often requires giving up some rights; read terms carefully.
Audio Network
Model: Large catalog used by TV networks, brands, and film.
Pays: License fees + backend via PROs.
Pond5
Model: Marketplace for music, SFX, and video.
Pays: Percentage of each license sale.
Good for: Instrumentals, cinematic cues, sound design.
PremiumBeat (Shutterstock)
Model: Curated library with fixed license fees.
Pays: Royalties from license sales.
AudioJungle (Envato)
Model: Marketplace for royalty-free tracks.
Pays: Per-license sales, Envato takes a cut.
Motion Array
Model: Subscription platform for video creators.
Pays: Monthly contributor pool based on downloads.
TV, Film & Trailer-Focused Companies
Position Music
Model: Sync-focused label/publisher.
Pays: Sync fees + backend via PROs.
Good for: Trailers, games, film, TV.
Extreme Music (Sony)
Model: Production music for TV/film.
Pays: License fees + backend.
Universal Production Music
Model: Global production music catalog.
Pays: License fees + backend.
Warner Chappell Production Music
Model: Production music for TV, film, ads.
Pays: License fees + backend.
APM Music
Model: Large production music library.
Pays: License fees + backend.
Direct-to-Brand & Creator Marketplaces
Songtradr
Model: Marketplace for sync opportunities.
Pays: Sync fees + backend.
Good for: Indie artists pitching directly to briefs.
Music Vine
Model: Curated library for filmmakers and brands.
Pays: License fees + contributor share.
Soundstripe
Model: Subscription for creators.
Pays: Contributor pool based on usage.
Jingle Punks
Model: Custom music + catalog for TV and brands.
Pays: Custom fees + backend.
BeatStars Sync / Licensing
Model: Beat licensing + sync opportunities.
Pays: License fees, splits, backend if placed in media.
Game, App & Interactive Sync
Game Audio via Libraries
Many libraries (Musicbed, Artlist, AudioJungle, etc.) license music into games and apps.
Pays: License fees + backend if tracked.
Direct Game Deals
Developers may license tracks directly from you or your publisher.
Pays: Flat fees, rev share, or both.
Mobile Apps & Startups
Fitness apps, meditation apps, and social apps often license music.
Pays: Sync fees + sometimes backend.