Legally, both are “compositions” protected by copyright. However, instrumentals are the workhorses of the sync world, they are highly versatile and often preferred for background placement because they don’t clash with dialogue. Lyrical works, while harder to place, often command much higher upfront sync fees because they carry the emotional weight of a scene.
1. The Sync Placement Strategy
In the world of TV and Film, the “use case” for your music changes drastically depending on whether there are vocals.
Instrumental Works: The “Background Volume” Strategy
- High Demand: Music supervisors always need “underscore” and background tracks for reality TV, sports highlights, and montages.
- Lower Upfront Fees: A background instrumental cue might only pay $100–$500 upfront.
- High Residuals: The power of instrumentals is in volume. One track can be used in 50 different episodes, leading to a massive stream of backend performance royalties.
- Flexibility: Editors can loop or cut instrumentals easily without “clipping” a vocal line.
Lyrical Works: The “Key Moment” Strategy
- Emotional Impact: Vocals are used for pivotal scenes—the end of an episode, a romantic montage, or a high-stakes trailer.
- Higher Upfront Fees: A featured vocal placement can easily pay $2,000–$10,000+ for a single use.
- Universal Themes: Lyrics that focus on broad emotions (e.g., “Overcoming,” “Heartbreak,” “Celebration”) are more likely to be synced than specific storytelling songs.
2. Royalty Distribution Breakdown
| Feature | Instrumental Works | Lyrical Works |
| Performance Royalties | Collected by PROs (ASCAP/BMI/PRS). | Collected by PROs. |
| Mechanical Royalties | Paid on streams/downloads. | Paid on streams/downloads. |
| Sync Fees | Usually 100% to the Composer/Producer. | Split between Songwriter and Lyricist. |
| Global Appeal | High (No language barrier). | Variable (Limited by language). |
3. The “Distribution Trap”: Missing the B-Side
Most artists only distribute the “Radio Version” (with vocals) through DistroKid or TuneCore.
- The Error: If a music supervisor hears your song and loves it, but the vocals clash with the actor’s dialogue, they will ask for the instrumental.
- The Consequence: If you don’t have the instrumental version registered and ready to deliver, you lose the deal instantly.
4. Summary: The Producer/Artist Workflow
If you want to maximize your publishing income in 2025:
- Always create an instrumental mix of every vocal song.
- Register both as separate “works” or versions with your administrator.
- Upload both to Audiobulb for Publishing and active sync pitching.
- Tag accurately: Instrumentals need “Vibe” tags; Lyrical works need “Emotional Theme” tags.
Conclusion
Instrumentals are about quantity; Lyrical works are about quality. By having both professionally administered and pitched, you aren’t just an artist—you’re a library of solutions for the media industry. Don’t leave your instrumentals on your hard drive; let Audiobulb turn them into passive income.
Your Next Step: Do you have instrumental versions of your best songs sitting in a folder? Join Audiobulb for $19.99/year to centralize your entire catalog, access our Sync Pitching Service, and collect 100% of your global royalties.