Synchronization (sync) royalties are payments made to the copyright holder(s) of a musical work for the use of their music in a visual medium, such as a film, television show, commercial, video game, or online video. Sync royalties are one of the three main types of music royalties, along with performance royalties and mechanical royalties.
To obtain a sync license, the producer of the visual medium must negotiate a fee with the copyright holder(s) of the music. The fee is typically a one-time, upfront payment, but it can also be structured as a royalty percentage of the profits from the visual medium.
Sync royalties are paid to both the songwriter(s) and the recording artist(s) of the music. The songwriter(s) receive royalties for the use of the composition, while the recording artist(s) receive royalties for the use of the master recording.
Sync royalties can be a significant source of income for musicians, especially those with songs that are popular in film and television. For example, the song "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor has earned over $20 million in sync royalties since its release in 1982.
How are sync royalties generated?
Sync royalties are generated when a visual medium containing synchronized music is broadcast, streamed, or sold. The amount of royalties generated depends on a number of factors, including the type of visual medium, the length of time the music is used, and the popularity of the visual medium.
Here are some examples of visual media that may generate sync royalties:
How do I get sync royalties?
If you are a songwriter or recording artist, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of earning sync royalties: