Music Production for Sync and Licensing

Sync licensing — getting your music placed in film, TV, adverts, and video games — is one of the most lucrative revenue streams available to independent artists. A single sync placement can pay more than years of streaming revenue, and it exposes your music to audiences who would never find you on Spotify. But music supervisors receive thousands of submissions, so understanding what they look for gives you a significant advantage.

Sync-friendly music has clear emotional intent. Music supervisors are looking for tracks that enhance a specific mood in a scene: triumph, heartbreak, tension, joy, nostalgia. When you create music for sync, think about what visual scenario your track would accompany. A sparse, atmospheric track with builds and drops works brilliantly under dialogue. An upbeat, positive track with a strong hook suits adverts and lifestyle content. The more specifically you can identify the use case, the better you can tailor your production.

Instrumentals and tracks with clean, licensable vocals are most in demand. Many sync opportunities require instrumental versions, so always export an instrumental alongside your full vocal mix. Keep your lyrics universal rather than hyper-specific — songs about general human experiences (love, freedom, resilience, adventure) are easier to place than songs about very specific personal stories. Avoid brand names, profanity, and references to current events that date the track.