Sync income is split into two distinct parts: the Upfront Fee (paid by the production company to license the song) and the Backend Royalties (generated every time the show or film is broadcast or streamed). To collect both, you need to clear two licenses: the Master and the Sync. While a distributor helps with the Master, Audiobulb’s Sync Pitching service and administration ensure you actually capture the backend performance royalties that distributors cannot reach.
1. The Two-Part Paycheck
When your music is “synced” to a visual, you don’t just get paid once. You are entering a two-stage payment cycle:
Part A: The Upfront Sync Fee (The “Buy-In”)
This is a one-time payment made by the film studio, ad agency, or TV network.
- It is usually split 50/50 between the Master owner (the artist/label) and the Composition owner (the songwriter/publisher).
- If you are an independent artist who wrote and recorded the song, you keep 100% of this fee.
Part B: The Backend Royalties (The “Residuals”)
This is where the long-term wealth is built. Every time that TV show airs on a network or is streamed on a platform like Netflix, it generates Performance Royalties.
- These are collected by PROs (like BMI, ASCAP, PRS, or IPRS).
- If your song is the theme for a show that runs for five seasons and is syndicated globally, these royalties can eventually dwarf your original upfront fee.
2. The Licenses That Trigger the Money
To get paid, two “permissions” must be granted. If you don’t have an administrator, these legal hurdles can block your payment.
| License Type | What it Covers | Who Usually Pays? |
| Master License | The actual audio recording. | The Production Company to the Artist/Label. |
| Sync License | The lyrics and melody. | The Production Company to the Songwriter/Publisher. |
3. The “Distribution Trap”: Why You’re Losing the Backend
Most independent artists use a distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, etc.) to get their music on Spotify. They assume this distributor will also handle their sync royalties. This is a $10,000+ mistake.
- Distributors Only Track Streams: They have no system to track TV broadcasts or film screenings.
- The “Publisher’s Share” Leak: PROs split performance royalties into two halves: the Writer’s Share and the Publisher’s Share. If you don’t have a publishing administrator, the “Publisher’s Share” of your sync backend often sits in a “Black Box” or goes to a major label’s pool.
- International Barriers: If your song plays on a TV show in Germany, your US or Indian PRO may never see that money without an active administrator “calling” for those funds.
4. How Audiobulb Completes the Sync Cycle
At Audiobulb, we don’t just help you find the deal; we make sure the deal pays you forever.
- Sync Pitching Service: We actively pitch your music to our network of media partners, helping you land the upfront fee while you retain 100% of your rights.
- 0% Commission: Most sync agents take 20% to 50% of your upfront fee. Audiobulb charges a flat $19.99/year and takes zero commission. You keep every dollar of that sync fee.
- Global Backend Collection: We register your work with the MLC, PRS, IPRS, and other global societies. This ensures that the “Publisher’s Share” of your backend royalties is routed to your bank account, not a black box.
- One-Stop Administration: We make you “Sync-Ready.” Because we manage your publishing, we can help you clear deals instantly, making you the preferred choice for busy Music Supervisors.
5. Summary: The Professional Sync Setup
- Recording: Have a high-quality WAV and Instrumental version.
- Distribution: Use your distributor to get the song on Spotify for “social proof.”
- Audiobulb: Use us to manage the publishing, pitch to supervisors, and collect 100% of the backend royalties worldwide.
Conclusion
Sync royalties are the “gift that keeps on giving,” but only if the pipes are connected. If you rely solely on a distributor, you are effectively leaving half of your career’s potential earnings on the table. Be a professional: own your master’s, but administer your publishing.
Your Next Step: Are you ready to start earning royalties from TV and film? Join Audiobulb for $19.99/year to access our Sync Pitching Service and ensure you capture 100% of your global performance and mechanical royalties.