Skip to content
SM Blueprint
Step 2 of 10 in this module#72 of 1,000

2. The Dual Nature of a Sync License: Composition and Master

Part 1 • Synchronization (Sync) Royalty Defined

Unlike performance and mechanical royalties, which are tied to either the composition or the master, a Sync License typically requires permission from both copyright holders:

<ul> <li><strong>Composition Owner:</strong> The songwriter(s) and their publisher must grant permission for the use of the underlying musical work.</li> <li><strong>Master Recording Owner:</strong> The artist or record label (owner of the master recording) must grant permission for the use of that specific recorded version of the song.</li> </ul> If you are an independent artist who writes and records your own music, you own both copyrights, simplifying the licensing process considerably.

See a way to improve this point?

Community Driven

Help us keep this 1,000-point curriculum sharp for all creators. Suggest a wording tweak, report a changed tool, or share your thoughts.

Loading user progress & flight station...
In this module: Synchronization (Sync) Royalty Defined10 steps
  1. 1Defining Synchronization: Music to Picture
  2. 2The Dual Nature of a Sync License: Composition and Master
  3. 3Why Sync is Different: Direct Negotiation and Upfront Fee
  4. 4Strategic Value: High-Value, Decoupled Revenue
  5. 5The Role of Music Supervisors and Sync Agencies
  6. 6What Music Supervisors Look For
  7. 7The Impact of a Sync Placement: Beyond the Money
  8. 8Building Your "Sync-Friendly" Catalog
  9. 9The "Metadata" of Sync: Searchability
  10. 10Your Actionable Sync Royalty Strategy