What Is a Sync Fee and How Much Can I Earn?

What Does “Sync” Mean?

"Sync" is short for synchronization, referring to the process of matching music to moving images. Sync licenses are required anytime a song is “synced” with video.


 What a Sync Fee Pays For

  • Permission to use your composition (you or your publisher gets paid)
  • If you own the master recording, you may also receive a master use fee
  • The fee is negotiated—there’s no fixed rate


 Typical Sync Fee Ranges

Type of Usage

Estimated Sync Fee

Student film / Indie short

$0 – $500

Indie film (theatrical)

$500 – $5,000

Network TV show

$1,000 – $10,000+

Major commercial (Nike, Apple, etc.)

$25,000 – $500,000+

YouTube creator content

$50 – $500


Fees vary based on the length of use, platform, territory, exclusivity, and the popularity of the song.


 Who Pays the Sync Fee?

  • Music supervisors (for film, TV, games)
  • Brands and ad agencies (for commercials)
  • YouTubers, podcast creators, and app developers


 How to Get a Sync Deal

  • Sign with a music publisher, sync agent, or music library
  • Upload your music to sync platforms (e.g., Songtradr, AudioSocket, Artlist)
  • Make sure your songs are:
    • Fully owned or cleared (no uncleared samples)
    • Properly registered with PROs and MLC
    • Available as both vocal and instrumental versions


 Do You Get More Than the Sync Fee?

Yes! If the media is publicly broadcast (TV, film, ads), you may also earn:

  • Performance royalties from PROs (ASCAP, BMI, etc.)
  • Residual income over time


 Pro Tips

  • Always negotiate both sync and master use fees if you own both
  • Keep instrumental mixes of every track—many sync buyers prefer them
  • Don't give away exclusive rights unless it's a large or long-term deal


Bottom Line:
A sync fee is a lucrative, one-time payment for placing your song in visual content. It’s one of the best income sources for independent songwriters, especially when combined with performance royalties.

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