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.