Sync licensing is one of the most lucrative and overlooked income streams for independent artists. Here's how it works and how to get your music placed. ## What Is Sync Licensing? Sync (synchronization) licensing is when your music is paired with visual media — films, TV shows, commercials, video games, trailers, and online content. When a brand or producer uses your song, they pay a licensing fee. ## Why Sync Is So Valuable - **High payouts** — A single placement can pay far more than thousands of streams. - **Exposure** — Your music reaches new audiences through major productions. - **Two income streams** — You earn from both the recording (master) and the composition (publishing). ## What Makes a Song Sync-Friendly - **Clean, high-quality production** — Supervisors need broadcast-ready audio. - **Clear emotion or mood** — Songs that evoke a feeling are easier to place. - **Instrumental and clean versions** — Many placements need versions without vocals or explicit language. - **One-stop rights** — Deals close faster when you control or can easily clear both the master and publishing. ## How to Get Placements 1. **Own your rights** — Distributing through ORB keeps you in control of your master recording. 2. **Register your publishing** so you can collect sync royalties. 3. **Create alternate versions** (instrumental, clean, shortened) ready to deliver. 4. **Pitch to music libraries and supervisors** or work with a sync agent. 5. **Keep clean metadata and contact info** so opportunities can reach you. ## Start with Ownership Sync deals depend on owning and controlling your music. Distribute with ORB Entertainment to retain 100% ownership of your recordings and keep every door open. Sign up at orbentertainment.live/distribute.