Licensing your music for commercial use can be a significant revenue stream and exposure opportunity. This guide explains the different types of licenses and how SeemDistro can help you secure licensing deals.
Types of Music Licenses
Synchronization (Sync) License
- Allows music to be synchronized with visual media
- Used for TV shows, films, commercials, video games, etc.
- Negotiated as a one-time fee or royalty arrangement
- Involves both composition and master rights
Master Use License
- Permission to use a specific recording
- Works in conjunction with sync license
- Controlled by the sound recording copyright owner
Performance License
- Covers public performance of music
- Collected by Performance Rights Organizations (PROs)
- Generated when licensed content is broadcast
Mechanical License
- Permission to reproduce and distribute compositions
- Required for cover songs and physical/digital distribution
- Often handled through distribution platforms
Commercial Use License
- For business use (stores, restaurants, etc.)
- Often managed through PROs and licensing platforms
- Rates vary based on business size and usage
Licensing Opportunities
Film and Television
- Feature films and documentaries
- TV shows and series
- Streaming original content
- Commercials and trailers
Digital Media
- YouTube videos
- Social media content
- Podcasts
- Mobile apps and games
Advertising
- TV commercials
- Radio spots
- Internet/social media ads
- In-store promotional videos
Video Games
- Background music
- Theme songs
- Interactive game elements
- Trailers and promotional content
Business Use
- Retail background music
- Corporate videos
- Hold music
- Training materials
How SeemDistro Helps with Licensing
SeemDistro Sync Licensing Program
- Opt-in program for all distributed artists
- Music is pitched to music supervisors, producers, and content creators
- Our team actively promotes your catalog to licensing opportunities
- No exclusive commitment required
Revenue Split
- 80% to the artist
- 20% to SeemDistro for facilitation and administration
- Paid through your regular royalty payments
- Transparent tracking through your dashboard
Enhanced Licensing Profile
- Complete the licensing questionnaire in your dashboard
- Add instrumental versions of your tracks
- Provide 15, 30, and 60-second cut versions
- Tag your music with moods, themes, and keywords
- Add stems when possible for maximum flexibility
Getting Your Music License-Ready
Technical Requirements
- High-quality master recordings (WAV format)
- Instrumental versions of vocal tracks
- Clean versions of explicit tracks
- Clear edit points for potential cuts
- Proper copyright registration and metadata
Artistic Considerations
- Universal emotional themes often license well
- Consider creating purpose-specific music
- Authentic, genuine music performs better than "stock music" attempts
- High production quality is essential
Legal Requirements
- Clear chain of title (documented ownership)
- All collaborators need to approve licensing
- Split sheets for all contributors
- Rights must be fully cleared (including samples)
Setting Your Licensing Terms
As the copyright owner, you can set parameters:
Exclusivity
- Non-exclusive: Most common, allows multiple licenses
- Exclusive: Higher paying but restricted to one licensee
- Limited exclusivity: Exclusive within specific industries
Territory
- Worldwide
- Regional (North America, Europe, etc.)
- Country-specific
Duration
- Perpetuity (forever)
- Fixed term (1, 3, 5 years)
- Single-use
Media Limitations
- All media
- Specific platforms only
- With or without modification rights
Pricing Guidelines
While rates vary widely based on many factors, general ranges include:
- Student/Independent Films: $50-500
- Online Content: $100-1,000
- TV Show: $500-5,000
- Major Film: $10,000-500,000+
- National Commercial: $10,000-1,000,000+
Licensing Success Strategies
- Create Licensable Music
- Write with universal themes
- Produce high-quality recordings
- Create various versions and edits
- Build Your Catalog
- More music means more opportunities
- Diversity in style and mood increases potential uses
- Network
- Connect with music supervisors
- Attend industry events
- Join licensing-focused organizations
- Optimize Metadata
- Use descriptive keywords
- Tag with accurate genres and moods
- Make your music easily searchable
- Be Business-Ready
- Understand contract terms
- Respond quickly to opportunities
- Have all paperwork organized and ready
For more information or to discuss specific licensing opportunities, contact our sync licensing team at licensing@seemdistro.com.