What Are Sync Fees?

Keep the potential income sources coming with Songtrust.

Synchronization (“sync”) fees are paid for the use of copyrighted music in audiovisual productions such as DVDs, television shows, films, advertisements, and video games.

A video producer must get permission to use your music along with moving images of any kind. The permission is granted via a sync license, which you or your publishing administrator (Songtrust) negotiates with the video producer.

Generally, you’ll negotiate an upfront sync licensing fee in addition to any royalties generated from residual use (e.g., whenever the audiovisual work with your song is aired or streamed). For example, if your song is used in a commercial, you could get an upfront payment of $5000 and earn additional royalties each time the commercial is played or viewed.

Songtrust does not pitch or pursue sync deals, giving our clients the power to manage their works however they prefer - and to keep 100% ownership of their copyright, at our standard 15% administrative fee.

You can find more information on when to consider a sync deal on our blog!

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