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Writer's pictureOutlandish Music

The Ultimate Guide to Music Licensing: How to Make Money with Your Tracks

So you’ve got some killer tracks, but now you’re wondering how to actually make money with them. The answer? Music licensing. Licensing your music for use in films, TV shows, video games, and ads is a fantastic way to generate income and gain exposure. But how does it work, and what do you need to get started?


This guide will walk you through the process of music licensing and show you exactly how you can get your music out there—and how to start earning money doing what you love.


Plus, we’ve included some top-tier tools and services that can help you make the most out of this journey!

Male musician with guitar wearing sunshades
Male musician with guitar wearing sunshades

What is Music Licensing?

In simple terms, music licensing is the process of allowing someone else to use your music in exchange for payment. Whether it’s a major Hollywood film, a TV commercial, or even a YouTuber’s video, companies pay musicians for the right to use their tracks.

The best part? You retain ownership of your music, while generating revenue every time it gets used!


 

Types of Music Licences:

Understanding the different types of music licences is key to maximising your earnings. Here are the most common:

  1. Synchronisation Licence (Sync Licence): This allows your music to be used in a visual medium like a film, TV show, or commercial. Sync deals can be very lucrative, especially for popular tracks.

  2. Mechanical Licence: This licence is needed when your song is reproduced physically or digitally (like streaming services or CDs).

  3. Performance Licence: Whenever your song is played in public, you’re owed royalties. This includes radio, live venues, or even restaurant background music.

  4. Master Licence: Similar to a sync licence, but this covers the actual recording itself, not just the song.


If you’re serious about getting your music licensed, having professional-quality recordings is essential. Invest in the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface for high-quality recordings from your home studio.


 

How to Get Your Music Licensed:

Now that you understand the basics, how do you actually get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide:


1. Build a High-Quality Music Catalogue

Before you can license your tracks, you need to ensure they’re polished and professional. A well-mixed and mastered song is much more likely to get picked up for licensing than a rough demo.


Use LANDR to master your tracks with AI-powered technology. Their platform offers instant mastering, making it easier than ever to achieve studio-quality sound from home.


2. Join a Music Licensing Platform

To get your music in front of potential buyers, you need to be on the right platforms. Licensing agencies and marketplaces are designed to connect musicians with media producers looking for tracks to license.

Here are a few popular platforms:

  • Artlist

  • Musicbed

  • AudioJungle

  • Songtradr


By uploading your music to these platforms, you’ll be giving producers, content creators, and advertisers access to your catalogue.


Check out DistroKid, which not only distributes your music to streaming platforms but also offers a music licensing service through their partnership with platforms like Songtradr.


3. Network with Music Supervisors

Music supervisors are the gatekeepers when it comes to sync licensing. These individuals are hired by TV shows, films, and ad agencies to find the perfect tracks for their projects. Building relationships with these professionals is a great way to get your music heard.

You can find music supervisors on social media platforms like LinkedIn, or attend industry conferences like SyncSummit to meet them in person.


Use Fiverr to create a professional electronic press kit (EPK) to send to music supervisors. A well-designed EPK makes it easier for them to understand your style and how your music fits into their projects.


4. Use a PRO (Performance Rights Organisation)

A Performance Rights Organisation (PRO) ensures you get paid royalties when your music is played in public. Examples include PRS for Music (UK), PPL, and ASCAP or BMI (US). When your song is used on TV, radio, or a live venue, these organisations collect the royalties on your behalf.


Pro Tip: Be sure to register your music with a PRO as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on royalties.


5. Understand Sync Fees and Royalties

Licensing your music can lead to two primary income streams: Sync Fees and Royalties.

  • Sync Fees: This is the upfront payment you receive when someone licenses your track for a project (e.g., a film or ad).

  • Royalties: These are ongoing payments collected whenever your licensed music is broadcast or performed.


The more your track gets used, the more money you can potentially earn, so focus on building a wide catalogue of tracks that can fit various projects.


6. Write for Licensing Opportunities

One of the best ways to break into music licensing is to write specifically for opportunities. For example, if you notice a trend in upbeat, fun songs being used in adverts, tailor your next few tracks to fit that vibe.

Keep an eye on trends within the film, TV, and commercial industries to better understand what type of music is in demand.


Use Splice to access royalty-free samples and loops to help you quickly create tracks for these licensing opportunities.


7. Stay Organised with Metadata

When you submit your music to licensing platforms or music supervisors, it’s crucial to include accurate metadata. Metadata includes the track title, genre, composer information, and contact details, making it easier for buyers to find and license your music.

Pro Tip: Many licensing platforms allow you to include a brief description or keywords, so make sure to tag your tracks appropriately. For example, if you have an upbeat, summer-vibe track, use keywords like “fun,” “upbeat,” “summer,” and “happy.”


8. Create Alternate Versions of Your Songs

Having alternate versions of your songs can increase your chances of landing a licensing deal. For example, create an instrumental version, a 30-second cut, or a vocal-only version of your tracks. This gives the buyer more options and flexibility when deciding how to use your music.


Use Ableton Live to easily create alternate mixes and versions of your tracks.


Conclusion: Your Path to Licensing Success

Music licensing is a fantastic way to make money with your tracks, but it requires dedication and the right tools. By building a high-quality catalogue, registering with a PRO, and submitting your tracks to licensing platforms, you can start earning from your music while still retaining ownership.

With the right approach, the world of sync licensing can be a lucrative path for any musician.


Wrap-Up:

  • Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface

  • LANDR AI Mastering Platform

  • DistroKid for Music Distribution and Licensing

  • Fiverr for EPK Creation

  • Splice for Royalty-Free Samples and Loops

  • Ableton Live for Alternate Mixes


Female Musician with Guitar
Female musician with guitar

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