Sync licensing—the process of placing music in film, television, advertisements, video games, and other visual media—offers an exciting opportunity for musicians to earn income and gain exposure. However, for those new to the field, navigating this complex industry can be challenging. This blog will outline common pitfalls newcomers face in sync licensing and provide actionable tips to avoid them.

1. Lack of Research and Understanding of the Industry

Many newcomers dive into sync licensing without fully understanding how the industry works. Sync licensing involves legal contracts, rights management, and relationships with supervisors, agencies, and music libraries.

Solution:

• Learn the basics of sync licensing by reading books, studying articles like our blog, attending workshops, or watching webinars.

• Familiarize yourself with key industry terms such as "master rights," "publishing rights," and "performance royalties."

• Study successful sync placements to understand what types of music work well for different media.

2. Ignoring Metadata and File Organization

Music supervisors need easy access to information about your tracks. Poorly labeled files or missing metadata can result in your music being overlooked.

Solution:

• Include complete metadata for each track, such as title, artist name, contact information, BPM, genre, mood, and rights holders.

• Organize your music library with clear file naming conventions (e.g., "Artist_SongName_Version").

3. Failing to Understand Rights Management

A lack of clarity on who owns the rights to your music can cause legal issues or prevent placements.

Solution:

• Ensure you own or have clear agreements regarding both the master and publishing rights of your music.

• If you’ve collaborated with others, secure split agreements detailing the percentage ownership for each party.

4. Pitching Unsuitable Music

Sending music that doesn’t fit the brief or the project’s tone is a common mistake.

Solution:

• Research the project’s style and requirements before submitting music.

• Tailor your pitches to match the mood, tempo, and instrumentation needed.

• Avoid sending large, uncurated playlists; focus on quality over quantity.

5. Overlooking Instrumental Versions

Vocals can clash with dialogue or narration, making instrumental versions of your tracks essential for sync placements.

Solution:

• Always provide instrumental versions of your songs alongside the original versions.

• Consider offering stems (individual track elements like drums, bass, etc.) for additional flexibility.

6. Underestimating the Importance of Networking

Sync licensing is as much about relationships as it is about music. A lack of industry connections can hinder your progress.

Solution:

• Attend music conferences, sync events, and networking meetups.

• Build genuine relationships with music supervisors, sync agents, and fellow musicians.

• Be professional and courteous in all interactions.

7. Failing to Negotiate Fair Deals

Newcomers often accept low fees or give away too many rights without understanding the value of their music.

Solution:

• Research typical sync fees for your type of music and the intended usage.

• Consult with an entertainment attorney or experienced mentor before signing contracts.

8. Ignoring Performance Royalties

Even if you’re paid an upfront sync fee, failing to register your music with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) or publishing admin company like Elizabeth Music Group can mean missing out on additional income from royalties.

Solution:

• Register all your tracks with a PRO (e.g., ASCAP, BMI, PRS).

• Partner with a publishing administrator who can help you register your tracks at all pay sources to ensure global royalty collection.

• Ensure your metadata includes your PRO information and IPI number.

9. Relying Solely on One Avenue

Some newcomers only focus on pitching directly to supervisors or signing up with one library, limiting their chances for success.

Solution:

• Diversify your approach by working with multiple sync agencies, libraries, and supervisors.

• Explore opportunities in lesser-known markets like indie films, YouTube channels, and international projects.

10. Neglecting to Follow Up

Many musicians pitch their music and never follow up, missing the chance to build relationships or secure placements.

Solution:

• Follow up on pitches after a reasonable amount of time (e.g., two weeks).

• Keep your follow-ups polite, professional, and concise.

Conclusion

Success in sync licensing requires more than just great music; it demands attention to detail, strategic planning, and persistence. By understanding and avoiding these common pitfalls, you can position yourself as a professional and reliable partner in the sync licensing world. With the right approach, your music could soon find its way into exciting new projects, reaching audiences around the globe.