Top Music Sync Licensing Platforms and Marketplaces for Songwriters in 2024

In the world of music and visual media, a crucial element of both income and visibility for artists often goes unnoticed by the average viewer or listener: synchronization, or “sync” for short. This process involves pairing music (hopefully yours) with visual content, creating a seamless blend that elevates the entire viewer and user’s experience.

From blockbuster films and television shows to video games, commercials, and social media content, synchronization licenses play an absolute vital and critical role, not just in setting the mood, emphasizing emotions, and creating memorable moments for the placement, but also getting those sync fees into your bank account!

On top of that, sync can undoubtedly be a key catalyst for allowing the world to hear and discover (or re-discover) your song.

Key Synchronization Examples (Film)

Consider how different the iconic scene in “Wayne’s World” would have been without the use of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”—a sync that propelled the song to #2 on the US charts in 1992 (even 17 years after its original release).

Or imagine the legendary scene in “Reservoir Dogs” if Quentin Tarantino hadn’t chosen Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle with You.” (The rumor is that Quentin wouldn’t have filmed that scene if he couldn’t get the rights to that song!)

Additionally, Sia became the hottest new artist in the world (and her career was revitalized) after the HBO series “Six Feet Under” used her brilliant, now classic “Breathe Me.” In fact, I seem to remember her label had just dropped her, and then after the overnight success of this sync license, had to sign her back at a premium!

Now, of course, these are just some key and well-known examples. But as a publisher, I get sync license requests nearly every day from television shows (scripted, non-scripted, and performance requests, i.e. “The Today Show” or Jimmy Fallon appearances), internet advertisers, the friend of a friend who wants to use a song for gratis in an indie movie, and more.

Now, if you’re a songwriter or artist, the preceding examples beg the question: How do I get a music synchronization license? How can my music be used like this?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best marketplaces and music sync licensing platforms that can help songwriters and artists maximize their sync placement opportunities.

Sync Marketplaces and Platforms vs Sync Agencies and Firms

Note, that this article will focus solely on the platforms that are directly accessible to YOU (yes, you), right now. I wanted to mention that in particular, as there’s a whole other article coming discussing and showcasing individual firms, key sync executives, sync consultants, and the like, whom you can hire (sometimes on retainer or via a percentage of the sync value coming in). These would be categorized more as “sync agencies” and/or “sync consultants.” These are more individualized firms and people who you would hire, assuming they liked your music in the first place.

To serve the most independent artists and songwriters, this article is focusing solely on these platforms that might help you right now, providing services either for free, for a percentage of the sync, or for a low-cost monthly subscription.

No doubt, navigating the world of sync can be challenging for new artists, but working with such marketplaces, or sending your music (released or unreleased) to those looking to license music, can open doors to lucrative opportunities. Sync placement companies play a crucial role in connecting artists with filmmakers, advertisers, and other content creators seeking the perfect soundtrack for their projects.

To give you a quick overview, here are the leading sync licensing platforms we’ll be examining in detail:

• Chordal
• Mewo
• Tracklib
• GrayV
• TikTok Commercial Music Library (CML)
• Peloton Music
• Marmoset
• Musicbed

Additionally we’ll unpack a great music library management system (that myself and my team use) called Disco. Almost all the key music supervisors use this system. I also highly recommend it, as they’re some amazing library features to unpack further in the article.

What Is Sync Licensing? Understanding the Dynamics of Licensing Your Music

At its core, a sync license, often facilitated by sync licensing agencies, is an agreement between the copyright holder of a musical composition and a party wishing to use that music in conjunction with visual media. This license grants permission for the music to be “synchronized” with the visual content, hence the term. The scope of sync licensing is vast, covering a wide range of media formats and platforms.

Why Should Artists Pursue Opportunities for Sync Placements?

For artists and musicians, sync opportunities represent more than just a chance to have their music featured in visual media. They offer a potentially lucrative revenue stream in an era where income sources like streaming (as an example) can be unpredictable and, at worst, just a trickle—especially at the beginning of an artist’s career. To say it another way, synchronization fees and licenses are often the first way I look to recoup a new artist signing.

Of course, sync fees can vary dramatically, from gratis (free), to modest sums for independent productions, to substantial payouts (tens of thousands of dollars) for high-profile placements in major films or popular television series, to hundreds of thousands of dollars for brands and ad campaigns.

Making sure your music is readily accessible (with all the paperwork buttoned up) and ingested in these platforms can significantly increase your chances of securing lucrative sync deals.

Source: IFPI Global Report

Exposure to New Fans via Syncs

Beyond the financial aspect, sync placements can provide invaluable exposure for artists. A well-placed song in a popular show or film can introduce an artist’s music to millions of new listeners, potentially leading to increased streaming numbers, concert attendance, and overall fan base growth. In some cases, sync placements have even revitalized careers or propelled relatively unknown artists into the spotlight overnight. A prime example is Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” which saw a massive resurgence and topped charts after this epic feature in the Netflix series “Stranger Things.”

Similarly, Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” was introduced to a whole new audience after soundtracking that scene in the film “Saltburn,” showcasing the power of a well-placed sync.

What Are Music Sync Licensing Agencies and Marketplaces?

To facilitate connections between music creators and content producers, music sync licensing agencies and marketplaces have emerged as vital intermediaries. These platforms serve as virtual meeting grounds where artists can showcase their work and content creators can discover the perfect soundtrack for their projects. Sync marketplaces typically allow artists or rights holders to upload their music, provide detailed metadata, and make their tracks available for licensing.

On the other side of the equation, music supervisors and content creators use these platforms to search for suitable tracks, often using specific criteria such as genre, mood, tempo, or lyrical themes. This streamlined process has democratized the sync licensing landscape, giving independent artists a chance to compete alongside more established acts for placement opportunities.

Exploring Leading Top Sync Licensing Platforms

As we delve deeper into the world of music sync licensing, we’ll explore some of the leading sync marketplaces and platforms that are shaping this dynamic industry. We’ll examine their unique features, discuss their pros and cons, and provide insights to help artists and content creators navigate this exciting and potentially rewarding aspect of the music business.

Also, you can upload and use all of these platforms—right now! They’re also not mutually exclusive. Think of it as buying more lottery tickets for the chance for you to win.

On that note, if you decide to use these platforms, I would personally recommend to spend an ample amount of time on your metadata and providing as much abundant detail about your music as possible (tempo, style, mood, lyrics, co-writers, instruments used, etc). Remember that people are actively searching for your music—so make sure your metadata has the potential to align with those searches!

Let’s dive in.

Chordal: A Collaborative Network for Sync Licensing Professionals

Chordal positions itself as a professional social network and sync agency, dedicated to growing sync opportunities for artists. Its unique selling point is the emphasis on transparency and collaboration among rights holders.

Pros:

• Collaborative Approach: Chordal allows multiple rights holders to connect to a single master recording, fostering collaboration and transparency.
• Direct Licensing: Rights holders can license their music directly to those who discover it on the platform.
• Networking Potential: As a professional social network, it offers valuable opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
• Advanced Features: Includes powerful tools like collaborative pitch tracking, shared rankings, and catalog analysis.
• Professional Focus: The platform’s design caters to industry professionals, potentially leading to higher-quality connections and opportunities.

Cons:

• Exclusive Membership: The application model for their “creator edition” may limit access for some artists, potentially excluding emerging talent.
• Pricing Structure: At $9.99 per month per user for small teams, it might be costly over a long period of time for new independent artists.
• Learning Curve: The platform’s extensive features may require time to master fully, potentially overwhelming new users.

Chordal’s strength lies in its collaborative approach and professional networking features. It’s particularly well-suited for established artists, labels, and industry professionals who are looking for a high-end, collaborative platform for sync licensing opportunities. However, its exclusivity and pricing may make it less accessible for newcomers or those on a tight budget.

Mewo: A Comprehensive Suite for Sync Music Success

Mewo offers a comprehensive suite of tools for the music industry, combining elements of a traditional sync licensing agency with cutting-edge technology via three main components: Meta (a music directory), Modo (a customizable platform), and Maia (an AI-powered tool for metadata enrichment).

Pros:

• Versatile Toolkit: Offers a range of services from catalog management to AI-powered tagging and custom website creation, providing a one-stop solution for many sync-related needs.
• Networking Opportunities: Connects users with music supervisors and other industry professionals, potentially opening doors to new sync opportunities.
• Flexible Pricing: Offers a free tier and pay-per-track options, potentially more accessible for independent artists and smaller organizations.
• AI Integration: Leverages artificial intelligence for auto-tagging and similarity searches, streamlining the process of categorizing and finding appropriate tracks.

Cons:

• Complex System: The three-part structure (Meta, Modo, Maia) may be confusing for new users, requiring time to understand and navigate effectively.
• Potential Costs: While there’s a free tier, some features like auto-tagging come at an additional cost per track, which could add up for larger catalogs.
• Focus on Sync: While beneficial for those seeking sync opportunities, it may not be as versatile for other music industry needs, potentially limiting its usefulness for some users.

Mewo shines with its comprehensive toolkit and AI integration. It’s particularly well-suited for users who want a wide range of features and are comfortable with technology. The platform’s flexibility in pricing and features makes it accessible to a broader range of users, from independent artists to larger organizations. However, its complexity might be overwhelming for those seeking a simpler solution.

Tracklib: Sampling and Sync Licensing Opportunities

Tracklib is a unique platform primarily focused on allowing producers to sample and clear original recordings. However, it has notable limitations for artists looking to submit their own music for sync licensing.

Pros:

• Potential Exposure: If your music is accepted, it could be sampled by major artists, potentially leading to significant exposure and royalties.
• Clear Legal Framework: Offers a straightforward system for rights management and royalties if your music is sampled.
• Diverse Catalog: Your music could be part of a catalog that includes works from renowned artists across various genres.

Cons:

• Limited Submission Options: Currently works primarily with labels and publishers.
• Narrow Focus: As a platform centered on sampling, it may not provide as many sync licensing opportunities as other services.
• Competitive Space: With tracks from established artists, it may be challenging for new artists to stand out.

For artists looking to submit music for sync licensing, Tracklib presents a unique but limited opportunity. Unless you’re signed to a label or publisher, or have self-released tracks with all publishing rights, it may be challenging to get your music onto the platform. However, if you can secure a spot, it could lead to interesting sampling opportunities and potential exposure. If your tracks are self-released, email labels@tracklib.com with all the publishing and release info for your track.

GrayV: Curated Playlists and Sync Supervision

GrayV is a bespoke music curation service that creates playlists for businesses and offers music supervision for various media projects. While it’s not a traditional sync licensing platform, it could potentially offer opportunities for artists.

Pros:

• Direct Use in Businesses: If selected, your music could be played in high-end establishments, potentially leading to wider exposure.
• Sync Opportunities: Their music supervision services for film, television, and advertising could lead to valuable sync placements.
• Expert Curation: Your music would be hand-picked by professionals, potentially leading to quality placements.

Cons:

• No Direct Submission Process: There’s no clear pathway for artists to submit their music for consideration.
• Limited Transparency: The selection process and criteria for choosing music aren’t publicly detailed.
• Potentially Exclusive: As a bespoke service, they may work with a limited number of artists or tracks.

For artists seeking sync licensing opportunities, GrayV presents an intriguing but somewhat opaque option. While they don’t offer a direct submission process, reaching out to their contact email (info@grayv.com) could potentially open doors. If your music aligns with their clients’ needs, it could lead to placements in various businesses and media projects. However, the lack of a clear submission process means it may require more proactive effort on the artist’s part to get their music considered.

TikTok Commercial Music Library (CML): A Gateway to Viral Sync Exposure

TikTok’s Commercial Music Library (CML) is a pre-cleared global music library designed to provide businesses and content creators with music for their TikTok content. For artists, it offers an opportunity to have their music used in branded content and ads on the platform. TikTok’s distribution platform, SoundOn, provides a direct pathway for artists to submit their music to the CML.

Pros:

• Exposure Potential: Significant visibility if your track is used by popular brands and influencers on TikTok.
• New Revenue Stream: Monetize your music through brand usage on the platform.
• Global Reach: Opportunity to reach new markets worldwide.
• Direct Upload Option: Through SoundOn, artists can directly upload their music to the CML.
• Success Stories: Some emerging artists have seen substantial growth through the CML.

Cons:

• Limited Access: Not all distributors have partnerships with TikTok for CML, restricting entry for some artists.
• Reduced Control: Once in the CML, any brand can use your music royalty-free in their TikTok content.
• Competitive Space: With over 1 million tracks available, standing out can be challenging.
• Potential Rights Conflicts: Existing publishing deals or administration agreements may complicate participation in the CML.

TikTok’s Commercial Music Library (CML) presents a unique opportunity for independent artists, particularly those just starting out, to gain exposure and generate income through brand usage. SoundOn offers one of the most accessible ways for artists to get their music into the CML. However, the lack of control over music usage may be a drawback. Artists should carefully consider whether this aligns with their overall career strategy before pursuing this option through SoundOn or other eligible distributors.

Peloton Music: Syncing Tunes with Fitness

This might not be an obvious one, but Peloton Music offers an opportunity for artists to have their music featured in the popular fitness platform’s workouts and classes. As one of the largest audiovisual connected fitness music catalogs in the world, it provides significant exposure potential for both emerging and established artists.

Pros:

• High Payout Rates: Reportedly one of the highest per-stream payouts among digital platforms.
• Massive Audience: Access to millions of active Peloton users.
• Cross-Platform Promotion: Potential for social media exposure.
• Unique Context: Music is integral to the workout experience, potentially creating strong connections with listeners.
• Artist Series Feature: Opportunities for exclusive collaborations and featured content.

Cons:

• Limited Control: Artists can’t control which classes or workouts their music is used in.
• Competitive Space: With millions of songs available, standing out can be challenging.
• Rights Verification: Content is screened for 100% publishing rights, which may exclude some artists.
• Limited Availability: Currently only available in select countries (US, Canada, UK, and Germany).

Peloton Music represents an exciting opportunity for artists to reach a dedicated and engaged audience in a unique context. Distribution through partners like CD Baby, TuneCore, and Ditto Music can help artists get their music onto the platform. However, artists should be aware of the competitive nature of the platform and ensure they have full control of their publishing rights before pursuing this opportunity.

Marmoset: Connecting Artists with Media Opportunities via Sync Licensing

Marmoset is a music sync licensing company that connects artists and composers with brands, filmmakers, and content creators. It offers opportunities for musicians to have their work featured in various media projects, from commercials to films.

Pros:

• Fair Compensation: Marmoset has paid over $22 million to artists since 2017, indicating a commitment to fair pay.
• Diverse Opportunities: Music can be licensed for a wide range of projects, potentially increasing exposure.
• Curated Roster: Being accepted can lend credibility to an artist’s work.
• Potential for Custom Work: Some artists may have opportunities to create custom music for specific projects.
• Support for Independent Artists: Marmoset emphasizes supporting “real artists” doing what they love.

Cons:

• Highly Selective: The submission process is competitive, and not all artists who apply will be accepted.
• Exclusive Licensing: May require exclusivity, potentially limiting opportunities on other platforms.
• Niche Focus: Emphasis on licensing for commercial use may not align with all artists’ goals.

Artists interested in joining Marmoset can apply through their online submission form, where they can share links to their music on streaming platforms. Marmoset looks for diverse styles, from hip-hop to orchestral, and emphasizes quality and authenticity. While the platform offers promising opportunities for exposure and fair compensation, artists should carefully consider whether the licensing-focused model aligns with their career goals before applying.

Musicbed: A Selective Gateway to High-Profile Sync Placements

Musicbed positions itself as a premium music licensing platform, connecting a carefully curated roster of musicians with major clients in the film and advertising industries. For artists seeking to place their music in high-profile productions, Musicbed offers a tantalizing yet exclusive opportunity.

Pros:

• Prestigious Placements: Chance to have music featured in projects by renowned brands and entertainment companies.
• Comprehensive Licensing Options: Opportunities for sync, custom compositions, and cover arrangements.
• Frequent Catalog Refreshes: Weekly content updates, potentially increasing exposure for featured artists.
• Dedicated Support: Access to Licensing Specialists who facilitate deals and placements.
• Industry Recognition: Being accepted can significantly boost an artist’s credibility in the sync world.

Cons:

• Highly Restrictive Entry: Currently closed to unsolicited submissions, creating a significant barrier for new artists.
• Intense Competition: Elite roster means vying for placements against established, high-quality artists.
• Narrow Focus: Emphasis on film and advertising may limit opportunities in other media formats.
• Potential Creative Constraints: Custom work may require adapting to specific client demands.

For the select few artists who make it onto Musicbed’s roster, the platform offers access to prestigious clients and potentially lucrative sync deals. However, the platform’s extremely selective nature and current closed submission policy present formidable challenges for most artists seeking to break into this elite sync marketplace.

BONUS TOOL: Disco: A Comprehensive Music Management and Library Tool for Sync Licensing

Disco presents itself as an all-in-one music management platform for your music, offering artists and songwriters a powerful tool to organize, share, and promote their music for sync opportunities. With its focus on streamlining workflows and enhancing music discovery, Disco aims to bridge the gap between creators and music supervisors.

Pros:

• AI-Powered Discovery: Innovative feature allowing music supervisors to find similar songs in your library based on YouTube links. (Personally, myself and my team LOVE this feature. We use it all the time to help generate ideas from our catalog.)
• Centralized Asset Management: Ability to store and organize all music-related files, including videos and press materials.
• Professional Presentation: Customizable sharing options and branded playlists for a polished look.
• Detailed Analytics: Insights into how recipients interact with shared music, aiding in strategy refinement.
• Flexible Pricing: Options for different needs, from $10 per month for small businesses to $12 per month for artists with unlimited tracks.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: The comprehensive nature of the platform may require time to master fully.
• Potential Overwhelm: Extensive features might be more than some artists need, especially when starting out.

Disco offers a robust solution for artists serious about organizing their music for sync opportunities. Its AI-powered discovery tool and comprehensive management features can significantly enhance an artist’s ability to present their work professionally to music supervisors. The pricing structure, ranging from $10 per month for the Lite plan to $12 per month for the Artist plan with unlimited tracks, provides options for different needs and budgets. However, artists should carefully consider whether the platform’s extensive capabilities align with their current requirements and financial situation.

An additional feature that has recently been rolled out (especially helpful for those with larger catalogs) is the ability to allow access to other people, especially music supervisors in our case. Yes, this means you can easily allow access to your library and catalog at a few clicks of the button. Once shared, people can easily search your library via keywords, moods, or even by dropping a YouTube link in the search field, whereby individual song results from your catalog will appear. Neat, huh?

A Final Note on the Logistics of Licensing and the Benefit of “One-Stops”

As a final helpful note in licensing your music, the actual navigation and clearance (getting permission for use and negotiation) of music licensing is crucial.

Organizing your paperwork and striving for “one-stop” status can significantly simplify the process and improve your chances of landing lucrative deals with sync licensing companies.

First and foremost, ensure all your paperwork with collaborators is in order. This means clearly defining and documenting songwriting splits and master recording splits. Having these details in writing is essential. If you haven’t sorted out this paperwork yet, it’s time to get it done. Make sure all agreements are documented and signed by all parties involved.

Even if this is done on a napkin—or with a few sentences on a piece of paper—it’s much better to sort these details out now with everyone in agreement than to have differences of opinion and disagreement at the 11th hour of licensing.

But as we were talking about—a “one-stop” in music licensing refers to a situation where a music supervisor can obtain all necessary approvals to use a track from a single entity. This streamlines the licensing process and makes your music more attractive to potential licensees and sync platforms. For instance:

• A solo artist who handles everything themselves and holds all the rights to the music, making it a one-stop.
• An artist working with collaborators can achieve this by having all parties agree that the primary artist or a point of contact can authorize sync licenses via one centralized point of approval.

The major benefit of a “one-stop” is the ease it provides to music supervisors. They can quickly get the necessary permissions without navigating through multiple contacts and approvals. This can make the difference between securing a sync deal or losing it to a more straightforward option when working with sync music platforms.

As mentioned before, the last thing you want is a situation where a music supervisor wants to use your music, but there’s a disagreement among your creative collaborators and the song can’t get cleared for use.

To avoid licensing nightmares, where you can’t reach collaborators or resolve disputes over splits or ownership:

• Ensure all collaborators agree about splits.
• Provide written authorization for one person to handle sync licenses, if possible.
• Maintain open communication about licensing intentions and processes.
• Draft simple, clear agreements outlining splits and authorization.

A straightforward agreement can typically be documented in a few paragraphs on a single piece of paper, without requiring a lawyer (in my opinion). This agreement should specify percentage splits for songwriting and master rights and clearly state who’s authorized to clear the master and publishing rights. Consider including a clause that allows collaborators to exit the agreement in writing at any time, providing reassurance and adaptability.

By making it easy for music supervisors to license your tracks, you increase your chances of successful placements with top sync licensing companies and, ultimately, boost your career through valuable sync deals in the music industry.

Lastly, having your music be a “one-stop” is not a requirement at all. But it is nice to make your song easily licensable for the supervisor—and yes, this is also something you can promote when pitching to the supervisor or platforms as a bonus.

Conclusion: Navigating the Sync Music Platform Landscape

As we’ve seen, the world of sync licensing offers a diverse array of opportunities for artists and songwriters to showcase their work and unlock new revenue streams. From collaborative networks like Chordal to comprehensive management tools like Disco, each platform brings its own unique strengths and challenges to the table.

When choosing a sync licensing platform, consider factors such as their track record, client list, the expanse of each platform’s use and the types of media they typically work with.

While the landscape may seem daunting, especially for newcomers, it’s important to remember that these platforms are ultimately tools to amplify your creative work. The key is to find the right fit for your specific needs, goals, and stage in your career. Whether you’re looking for high-profile placements, niche opportunities, or simply a better way to manage and present your music, there’s likely a platform that aligns with your objectives. Should you choose to work with established sync licensing agents or explore innovative sync music platforms, the key is to find partners that align with your artistic vision and career goals.

As the sync licensing industry continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be crucial. Keep exploring, networking, and refining your approach. Remember, every sync placement has the potential to open doors and connect your music with new audiences. With persistence, creativity, and strategic use of these platforms, you can navigate the exciting world of sync licensing and potentially transform your musical journey.

Looking Forward: The Future of Music Sync Licensing

Whether you are an emerging artist trying to break into the industry or an established musician seeking new opportunities, sync licensing can play a pivotal role in your career. By leveraging the right platforms and staying proactive in your approach, you can maximize your chances of success in this competitive but rewarding field.

Keep exploring the vast array of sync licensing opportunities available and continue to refine your craft. With the right strategy and tools, your music can find its place in the world of visual media, reaching new audiences and creating lasting impacts.

Looking forward to hearing (and seeing) your music on the big (or small) screen!