What is a Synchronization License?

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A synchronization license is an agreement between a music user and the owner of a copyrighted composition (song) that grants permission to release the song in a video format (YouTube, DVDs, Blue-ray discs). This permission is also called synchronization rights, synch rights, or sync rights.

How Do I Get a Synchronization License?

Synchronization licenses are custom-negotiated directly with the copyright holder upfront and can be quite complex. For help with this process, check out our Custom Licensing services or contact us for a free consultation. (Alternatively, you can always attempt to locate the copyright owners yourself and request permission.)

Challenges of Obtaining Synchronization Licenses

Note that synchronization licensing can be challenging because, by law, synchronization rights holders maintain total control of their works when it comes to video. This means they can set any fee, take all the time they need, or reject the license outright. Many factors affect the response, including budget, use, and even the current workload of the copyright holder’s processing department. For this reason, it is important to temper expectations when requesting a synchronization license.

Common Questions About Sync Licenses

Do I Need a Synchronization License?

Who Gets Paid by a Synchronization License?

When Should I Have My Synchronization Licensing in Place?

What Happens if I Don't Get a License?

Common Situations that Require a Sync License

• Licensing for YouTube
• Licensing for Vimeo
• Licensing for TikTok
• Licensing for Instagram
• Licensing for Facebook

Related Music Licenses

Master License

Learn about this music license that is also required (in addition to a synchronization license) any time an existing recording is used, such as samples, karaoke tracks, background tracks, and original recordings.

Print License

Learn about this music license that is also required (in addition to a synchronization license) any time lyrics or music notes are displayed in a video.

Mechanical License

This is like a synchronization license, but for audio-only products. If you are creating an audio-only product, you need a mechanical license instead of a synchronization license.