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Tools 4 Music StaffJanuary 3, 202616 min read
MarketingTool Guide
Sync Licensing for Independent Musicians: Complete Guide
Learn how to get your music placed in TV, film, and advertising without a major label or publisher.
Tools 4 Music StaffJanuary 3, 202616 min readSync licensing can be incredibly lucrative for independent artists. A single TV placement can pay more than years of streaming royalties.
What is Sync Licensing?
Sync (synchronization) licensing is permission to use music alongside visual media:
Sync Fees
Typical ranges (highly variable):
| Placement | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Major film trailer | $50,000-500,000 |
| Network TV show | $5,000-50,000 |
| National commercial | $25,000-500,000 |
| Streaming series | $3,000-25,000 |
| Indie film | $500-5,000 |
Getting Started
Use our [Streaming Royalty Calculator](/calculators/streaming-royalty) to compare sync income against streaming projections.
Tools 4 Music Staff
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