For songwriters, producers and music artists of all types, securing sync deals can feel like an impossible task. So, how can you write great music for sync that will raise your chances of securing a sync licensing deal and exposure for your expertly crafted tracks? Let’s take a look at our top tips and things to remember when writing great music for sync!
What Is Sync?
Sync licensing (or ‘sync’ for short) involves using music within TV, advertisements, film, video games and other audiovisual productions.
A sync license forms an agreement between whoever owns the copyrighted piece of music and the user of the music. This agreement means that the user can feature the song in videos – including on YouTube, in film, DVDs and so on.
Music supervisors are those in charge of the music for these projects, and their job centers around finding the best music for the project.
Why Should I Be Interested In Sync?
As an artist, sync deals are incredibly sought after (and for good reason!) Securing a sync licensing deal can provide incredible exposure for your music, reaching tons of people globally in some cases. Sync deals can also prove extremely lucrative, and you can receive payment for the composition as well as the use of the track. Check out our article on music licensing and musical rights to find out more about the different types of royalties.
Licensing deals can range from $10 to hundreds of thousands of dollars (yes, really!) Factors that can affect this amount include:
- Territory
- Length of license
- Media & artist caliber
- Budget
What Makes Great Music For Sync?
Tracks that are perfect for radio or streaming may not necessarily be great for sync, and vice-versa. Here are our top tips for writing music that is perfect for sync!
1. Quality
Your tracks and instrumentals should all be fully mixed and mastered to even be considered for sync. It should have a high quality production value, and your instrumentals should hold up just as well if you remove any vocals.
2. Put Yourself In The Client’s Shoes
Your tracks should be able to fit many scenes, so those with universal lyrics work well. It’s a great idea to approach songwriting for sync as if you are the client. Think about the types of music that are used in different verticals, for example, advertising, trailers, promos, gaming, sports and specific TV shows – and don’t forget to keep on top of sync licensing trends in film & TV!
3. Instrumentals, Stems & Alt Versions
Music supervisors love instrumentals, alternative versions and stems! Therefore, give some of these a go, and don’t forget to export and store the stems from your session. Clients can sometimes request stems with turnarounds as short as an hour, so having them close by and safely stored is a great idea. Lastly, don’t forget to create a clean version for television if your track features explicit lyrics or themes!
4. Mood & Themes
It’s also important to think about themes and moods. Writing a song centered around Black Lives Matter, Female Empowerment or even Christmas is more specific, and will fit perfectly into creations around these topics. Check the mood, also! Upbeat and uplifting songs generally do better than sad breakup songs, but it depends on the type of projects you will be going for.
Sound effects and sound design are also highly requested in the sync world. Audiosocket is also currently building a new feature on our website, which will allow our clients to search for sound design and sound effects.
5. Things To Remember
Lastly, here are some things to think about and remember:
- Your tracks should remain authentic, but be smart about your choices and try to find universal, impactful music that will fit into different categories
- Keep your files organized and ready to go, including any alternative versions, stems and so on. Give them clear titles and in a place that’s easy to locate.
- For more information about sync licensing, music licensing and more, check out Audiosocket’s CEO Jenn Miller’s interview on Ari’s Take.
Final Thoughts
Audiosocket is always here to help with our industry knowledge and passion for helping artists and truly comes out on top when compared to sync licensing companies. You can also submit your music to be part of our family, or check out our catalog of over 80,000 tracks available for licensing!
