What sync licensing actually covers
A sync licence covers two underlying rights: the master recording (controlled by the label or artist) and the underlying composition (controlled by the publisher and songwriters). Both must be cleared for a synchronization to be lawful.
- Master use — clears the specific recording you'll hear in the visual
- Synchronization — clears the composition's pairing with moving image
- Optional rider rights — territory, term, exclusivity, and media scope
The modern sync workflow
Ten years ago, sync clearance was email tag and PDF contracts. Today most agencies expect a structured workflow:
- Supervisor submits a brief — mood, tempo, lyric content, budget, term
- Rights holders return cleared options with one-line clearance status
- Both sides agree on the licence rider before the spot ships
- Cue sheets are filed for performance royalties downstream
What OneKindMedia automates
Inside OneKindMedia, every track in your catalogue carries its own clearance flag — so when a brief lands, your team filters in seconds instead of chasing publishers.
How sync fees are typically structured
Sync fees vary wildly. The same track can earn $500 for a small indie film and $50,000 for a national auto spot. Most deals are split:
- An upfront sync fee (one-time)
- Backend performance royalties from PROs once the work airs
- Optional renewal fees if the spot is extended in term or territory
Supervisor-ready catalogue checklist
- Master + publishing splits documented per track
- One-stop clearance flag (a single signature can clear)
- Instrumental and stem versions available on request
- Mood, key, BPM, and lyric tags for fast filtering
- Direct point of contact with response SLAs