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# Sync Rights Explained
- URL: https://blog.nexatunes.com/sync-rights-explained/
- Published: 2025-05-19T09:30:28.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-23T06:33:01.000Z
- Description: “Sync” (short for synchronization) refers to the right to use music in connection with visual media. Every time a track appears in a film, series, advertisement, trailer, video game, or YouTube video – the sync rights must be licensed.
- Author: NexaTunes Distribution
- Tags: Rights & Publishing

**How Your Music Can End Up in Films, Ads, and Games – and What You Need to Know**

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## **What Are Sync Rights?**

“Sync” (short for synchronization) refers to the right to use music **in connection with visual media**.

Every time a track appears in a film, series, advertisement, trailer, video game, or YouTube video – the sync rights must be licensed.

> 👉 *Not sure how this works with YouTube videos?* Read the YouTube & Content ID Guide here

It doesn’t matter if the song is used for 30 seconds or just as background in a scene – it always requires permission.

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## **Two Rights – One Use**

Sync licensing always involves two separate components:

1. **The master right** – connected to the actual sound recording
2. **The publishing right** – connected to the composition (melody, lyrics, structure)

To legally use a song in sync, both rights must be cleared.

Even if someone owns the master, they cannot approve a sync if they don’t own or control the composition.

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## **Who Has to Approve a Sync Deal?**

That depends on the setup:

- If you’re an independent artist and wrote the song yourself: you can approve both master and publishing sides.
- If you’re signed to a label or have a publisher, they may hold one or both rights – so you need their approval.
- If you use co-writers, producers, or beats: you need approval from **everyone** who holds a share of the song.
- If your song was created through a collaboration and you never agreed on splits: the situation can get complicated quickly.

In short: **never sign a sync deal unless all relevant parties have explicitly agreed.**

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## **How Much Can You Earn?**

There are no standard sync fees – it always depends on:

- Where and how the music will be used
- How long it plays
- Whether it’s background, main theme, or focus
- The size of the platform, campaign, or brand
- Whether it’s an exclusive or non-exclusive use

Small indie uses (like YouTube or student films) might pay under €100, while major brands or global films can pay tens of thousands.

Some sync deals also include **backend royalties**, depending on performance and territory.

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## **What to Watch Out For**

Many artists are excited to get their first sync request – but that doesn’t mean every offer is good.

Before you say yes, make sure you know:

- Who is requesting the license?
- What will your music be used for exactly?
- Will it be exclusive?
- Is this a one-time buyout, or are future royalties involved?
- Who owns and approves the master and the publishing?

Never grant sync rights inside a general distribution contract or licensing deal unless the terms are clear and you trust the setup.

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## **Summary**

Sync licensing is one of the most powerful ways for independent music to reach a wider audience – and generate real revenue.

But it requires clarity, rights control, and professional communication.

You don’t need a big publisher to get syncs. But you do need to understand:

- Who owns what
- Who can say yes
- And what exactly you’re agreeing to

 Just clean rights = real opportunities.

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