Every song has two “souls” legally. A Master License permits the use of the specific sound recording (the audio file), while a Sync License permits the use the underlying composition (the lyrics and melody). To place a song in a movie or TV show, the producer must obtain both. Audiobulb simplifies this by acting as your sync administrator and providing a Sync Pitching Service that represents your music directly to supervisors, ensuring you are “One-Stop” and ready to collect 100% of your earnings.
1. The Master License: The Sound
The Master License covers the actual recording of the song. It is the literal airwaves captured in the studio.
- Who Owns It? Usually, the record label or the independent artist who paid for the recording.
- What Does it Grant? Permission to use a specific version of a song (e.g., the studio version vs. a live version).
- Fun Fact: If a filmmaker wants to use a cover of a famous song, they need the Master License from the cover artist and the Sync License from the original songwriter.
2. The Sync License: The Song
The Synchronization (Sync) License covers the composition—the “blueprint” of the song, including the lyrics, melody, and arrangement.
- Who Owns It? The songwriters and their music publishers.
- What Does it Grant? Permission to “sync” the musical idea with visual media.
- The Complexity: If a song has five songwriters, the music supervisor theoretically needs a “Yes” from all five (or their publishers) to clear the sync license.
3. Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Master License | Sync License |
| Protects | The Sound Recording (Audio File) | The Composition (Lyrics/Melody) |
| Owned By | Artist or Label | Songwriter or Publisher |
| Commonly Handled By | Your Music Distributor | Your Publishing Administrator |
| Required for Film? | Yes | Yes |
4. The “Distribution Trap”: Why You’re Losing 50%
Many independent artists believe that because they use a distributor like DistroKid or TuneCore, they are “all set” for sync. This is a costly misunderstanding.
Distributors are built to handle Master rights for streaming platforms. They are not legal publishers. When a TV show licenses your song:
- Your distributor helps you collect the Master Fee.
- Nobody is collecting your Songwriting Share (the Sync fee and the performance royalties) unless you have a publishing administrator.
The Reality: Without publishing administration, you are effectively leaving half of your sync income in a global “Black Box.” Music supervisors are also less likely to work with you if they have to hunt down multiple songwriters to “clear” the sync side of the deal.
5. How Audiobulb Solves the Licensing Puzzle
At Audiobulb, we make you “One-Stop.” This means we handle the administration of your publishing, so a music supervisor only has to talk to us (or you) to clear both sides of the song instantly.
- Sync Pitching Service: We don’t just wait for people to find you. We actively pitch your catalog to our network of music supervisors, ad agencies, and film editors.
- 0% Commission: While sync agents usually take 20% to 50% of your deal, Audiobulb charges a flat $19.99/year. We take zero commission on your royalties.
- Backend Collection: We ensure that every time your song airs on TV—whether in the US or Japan—your “Performance Royalties” are tracked and paid to you, not lost in a black box.
- Rights Protection: Our technology actively scans for unauthorized uses of your composition, ensuring that if someone “syncs” your music without a license, we find it and monetize it for you.
Summary
To succeed in sync, you need to be a professional business. That means owning your Master’s and having an Administrator for your Sync/Publishing rights. If you only have a distributor, you are only half-protected and half-paid. Don’t let your biggest career break become a financial loss because you missed the other half of the copyright.
Your Next Step: Want to be “One-Stop” and ready for Netflix? Join Audiobulb for $19.99/year to access our Sync Pitching Service and ensure you collect 100% of the Master and Sync royalties you deserve.