“Publishing” is the umbrella term for managing your song’s copyright and collecting royalties from all sources (streaming, radio, live). “Sync Licensing” is a specific type of publishing income. It happens when your music is “synchronized” with visual media (TV, ads, movies, games). While standard publishing pays pennies over a long period, Sync Licensing often pays a large, one-time upfront fee.
Every independent artist has the same dream: hearing their song in a Netflix show or a Nike commercial.
That dream is called Sync (short for Synchronization). But many artists confuse “getting a Sync deal” with “having a Publisher.” While they are related, they are two different business functions.
Here is how to tell them apart and why you need both.
1. What is Music Publishing? (The “Long Game”)
Music Publishing is the day-to-day management of your song’s copyright.
- The Goal: To collect royalties every time your song is used.
- The Income: Small amounts of money (micropayments) adding up over time.
- The Source: Spotify streams, radio play, live performances at venues, lyrics display on Instagram.
- Who handles it: Your Publishing Administrator (like Audiobulb) or PRO (ASCAP/BMI).
Think of Publishing like “Rent”: You own a building (the song), and you collect rent every month from tenants (listeners).
2. What is Sync Licensing? (The “Jackpot”)
Sync Licensing is a specific transaction where a music supervisor (the person picking music for a show) pays you for the right to use your song in that specific scene.
- The Goal: To land a placement in visual media.
- The Income: Usually a Sync Fee (upfront lump sum) + Performance Royalties (backend).
- Example: A TV show might pay you $5,000 upfront to use the song. Then, every time that episode airs on TV, you earn extra performance royalties via ASCAP/BMI.
- Who handles it: A Sync Agent or a Publisher with a creative department.
Think of Sync like “Selling a Lease”: You are giving a company exclusive permission to use your property for a specific purpose for a set amount of time.
The Comparison: Publishing vs. Sync
| Features | Standard Publishing | Sync Licensing |
| Primary Action | Collecting royalties for usage | Pitching music for visuals |
| Payment Type | Recurring Micropayments | Upfront Fee + Backend Royalties |
| Timeframe | Forever (Life of Copyright) | Term-based (e.g., “1 Year License”) |
| Who Pays You? | PROs, MLC, Spotify | The Production Studio / Brand |
| Difficulty | Automatic (if registered) | Competitive (must be pitched) |
Do I Need a Publisher to Get a Sync?
This is a tricky question. Technically, no. If a director finds your song on Spotify and emails you directly, you can sign the deal yourself.
However, in reality, YES. Most music supervisors do not browse Spotify at random. They go to trusted sources (Publishers and Sync Libraries) because they need to clear the rights fast.
- If a supervisor wants your song, they need to know who owns the Master and who owns the Publishing.
- If you have a Publisher, the supervisor knows the paperwork is clean.
- If you are an unknown DIY artist with messy metadata, the supervisor will likely skip you to avoid legal headaches.
The “One-Stop” Advantage
To get more syncs, you want to be “One-Stop.” This means one person controls both the Master (Recording) and the Publishing (Composition).
- The Scenario: A commercial needs a song in 24 hours.
- Difficult Song: They have to call a Record Label for the master and a Publisher for the song. Two phone calls. Two contracts. Too slow.
- One-Stop Song: They call You (or your rep). You control both sides. One phone call. One signature. You get the deal.
FAQ: Sync & Publishing
Does my distributor (DistroKid) pitch me for sync?
Generally, no. Distributors are automated technology platforms. Some have “Sync Libraries” you can opt-in to, but they rarely actively pitch your specific song to directors. That requires a human connection.
How much does a Sync pay?
It varies wildly.
- Reality TV background music: $100 – $500
- TV Show featured song: $2,000 – $10,000
- Commercial (Ad) Campaign: $10,000 – $100,000+
- Movie Trailer: $20,000 – $50,000+
If I get a sync, do I still get publishing royalties?
Yes! This is the best part. If your song plays on a TV show, you get the upfront fee, AND you get paid “Performance Royalties” by your PRO (ASCAP/BMI) every time that episode is broadcast on TV.
Summary
Publishing is your salary; Sync is your bonus. You need a solid publishing foundation to be “clearable” for sync opportunities.
Your Next Step: Before you start emailing music supervisors, make sure your house is in order. Ensure your songs are registered properly so when the big opportunity comes, you are ready to sign. Learn how to prepare your catalog here.
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