Rights & Services
Sync License
A sync license is permission to synchronize a composition with visual media. Using a commercial recording in a video needs this plus a master-use license.
Where this sits
Sync License
- Distribution
- Broadcast
- Publishing
- Performance
A synchronization ("sync") license grants permission to pair a composition with visual media: film, TV, ads, games, trailers, lyric videos. It comes from the songwriter and publisher and is freely negotiated; there is no compulsory rate.
Good to know
Sync License: common questions
- What's the difference between a sync license and a sync royalty?
- The license is the permission to use the music in video; the royalty is the money that use pays. One sync deal involves a license up front and can generate performance royalties when the placement airs.
- Do I need a sync license for a lyric video of my cover?
- Yes. Any video use needs a negotiated sync license on the composition, because the §115 compulsory license is audio-only.
Sync LicenseHover a connected term to see how it relates.
Where you'll see it
