How to License Your Music: A Producer's Guide to Earning Royalties

Music licensing represents one of the most sustainable income streams available to producers and composers. When your track gets placed in a TV show, commercial, video game, or film, you earn money both upfront and through ongoing royalties.

What is Music Licensing?

Music licensing is the legal process of granting permission to use a musical composition or sound recording in exchange for compensation. When a company wants to use your music, they need to obtain the proper licenses.

There are two main types of rights involved:

Master Rights - These cover the actual sound recording. If you produced and own your track, you control the master rights.

Publishing Rights - These cover the underlying composition (melody, lyrics, arrangement). As the songwriter or composer, you hold these rights.

Types of Music Licenses

Sync License

A synchronization license allows music to be paired with visual media. This is what you need when your track appears in:

• Television shows and series
• Films and documentaries
• Commercials and advertisements
• Video games
• YouTube videos and online content
• Podcasts

Sync fees vary dramatically based on the placement. A local TV ad might pay a few hundred dollars, while a national campaign or major film placement can reach six figures.

Mechanical License

This covers the reproduction of music in physical or digital formats. Streaming platforms, CD manufacturers, and vinyl pressers need mechanical licenses to distribute music.

Performance License

When music is performed publicly—whether on radio, in a venue, or streamed online—performance royalties are generated. These are collected by Performance Rights Organizations (PROs).

Performance Rights Organizations

PROs collect performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers. The major PROs include:

• ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)
• BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
• SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers)
• PRS (UK-based Performing Right Society)

Registering with a PRO ensures you get paid when your music is played on radio, TV, streaming services, or in public venues. Choose one PRO and register your works with them.

How to Get Your Music Licensed

Build a Catalog

Create a diverse library of tracks across different genres, moods, and tempos. Supervisors often need specific vibes for specific scenes. Having variety increases your chances of placement.

Focus on Production Quality

Licensed music needs to meet broadcast standards. Ensure your mixes are clean, properly mastered, and free of technical issues. Clicks, pops, or muddy frequencies will get your track rejected.

Create Different Versions

For each track, consider creating:

• Full version
• 30-second edit
• 60-second edit
• Instrumental version
• Stems (separated elements)

This flexibility makes your music more attractive to music supervisors who need specific durations.

Register Your Works

Before pitching your music:

1. Register with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC)
2. Consider registering copyrights with the U.S. Copyright Office
3. Keep detailed records of who wrote and produced each track
4. Document any samples or collaborators with proper splits

Submit to Music Libraries

Music libraries act as intermediaries between composers and media companies. Some options include:

• Exclusive libraries - They represent your music exclusively and handle all licensing
• Non-exclusive libraries - You retain rights to license the same track elsewhere
• Production music libraries - Focus on background and underscore music

Research libraries carefully. Read contracts thoroughly. Understand what rights you're granting and what percentage of fees you'll receive.

Network with Music Supervisors

Music supervisors curate soundtracks for productions. Building relationships with them can lead to direct placements. Attend industry events, engage professionally on social media, and always be respectful of their time.

Pricing Your Music

Licensing fees depend on several factors:

• Media type - Film pays differently than web content
• Placement prominence - Featured use vs. background
• Territory - Local vs. national vs. worldwide
• Duration - How long the license lasts
• Exclusivity - Whether others can also license the track

For sync placements, you might negotiate:

• Sync fee - One-time payment for the placement
• Backend royalties - Ongoing payments when the content airs

Never undervalue your work, but be realistic about where you are in your career. Building relationships and credits early can lead to larger opportunities later.

Protect Your Rights

Keep organized records of:

• Copyright registrations
• PRO registrations
• Contracts and agreements
• Collaboration splits
• License grants

Consider working with an entertainment attorney for significant deals. The upfront cost can prevent costly disputes down the road.

Start Today

Music licensing rewards those who consistently create quality work and actively pursue placements. Build your catalog, register your rights, submit to libraries, and network within the industry.

The path takes time, but sync placements can provide meaningful income while exposing your music to new audiences. Every track you create is a potential asset that could generate revenue for years to come.