Music sync licensing companies in the UK act as the bridge between rights holders and TV, film, advertising, and games. This guide explains how they work, the different types, and what they need from you to place your music.
What sync licensing companies do
A sync licensing company (also called a music licensing company or sync agent) sources music on behalf of music supervisors and production companies who need tracks for TV programmes, films, adverts, trailers, video games, and online content. When a brief comes in (for example, a Netflix series needs upbeat indie tracks for a montage sequence), the sync company pitches tracks from its catalog that fit the brief, negotiates the sync fee and master use fee, and handles the clearance paperwork. For rights holders, a sync placement typically generates an upfront sync fee plus backend royalties each time the finished piece is broadcast.
Types of sync licensing company in the UK
There are three broad types of sync licensing operation in the UK market:
- Music libraries: hold large catalogs of pre-cleared music (often production music or work-for-hire tracks) that music supervisors can licence immediately without negotiation. Examples include Audio Network, Musicbed, and Artlist. Good for getting placed quickly but typically pay lower fees and require exclusive agreements or significant revenue share.
- Sync agencies: represent artist catalogs on a non-exclusive basis and pitch tracks in response to active briefs. They have established relationships with music supervisors at UK broadcasters (BBC, Channel 4, Sky, Netflix UK) and advertising agencies. They take a commission on each placement (typically 25% to 50% of the sync fee).
- Publisher sync teams: major and independent publishers have dedicated in-house sync teams that pitch their signed catalog. If you have a publishing deal, your publisher's sync team is your primary channel. Independent songwriters without a publishing deal use sync agencies instead.
Key UK sync licensing companies and platforms
The UK sync licensing market includes both established agencies and newer platform-based models:
- Audio Network: one of the largest UK-based production music libraries. Strong BBC and ITV relationships. Requires composers to assign rights.
- Musicbed: US-based but widely used by UK production companies and YouTube creators. Non-exclusive agreements available.
- Artlist: subscription model for video creators. Lower per-placement fees but volume-based income.
- Bleep: UK-based sync agency with a boutique catalog. Works with independent artists and focuses on ad agency briefs.
- Syncsupervisor and similar indie agencies: smaller UK boutiques connecting independent artist catalogs with music supervisors on specific briefs.
- Epidemic Sound: Swedish-based but dominant in YouTube and social content. Pays per stream from licensed content creators.
What sync companies need from you
Before approaching any sync licensing company, you need the following in place:
- Clear rights: you must be able to confirm that you own or control both the composition (the song) and the master recording. Any third-party samples, co-writer clearance gaps, or unresolved publishing assignments will block a placement.
- High-quality stems: many sync briefs require stems (individual track elements: vocals, bass, drums, keys) in addition to the full mix. Have 24-bit WAV stems ready for your best sync candidates.
- ISRC and ISWC: each recording should have an ISRC and each composition should have an ISWC. These identifiers are required for the paperwork that accompanies a placement.
- PRS and PPL registration: the composition must be registered at PRS and the recording at PPL so that backend broadcast royalties are collected after the placement airs.
- A short description of the track: sync companies receive hundreds of tracks. A one-sentence descriptor covering tempo, mood, and instrumentation helps them pitch effectively.
If you want to ensure your catalog is sync-ready - cleared, registered, and properly documented - Code Group Music's catalog assessment covers the full picture. Start at codegroupmusic.co.uk/#catalog-assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do music sync companies get paid?
Sync licensing companies typically take a commission on the sync fee (the upfront payment for using the music in a production), usually 25% to 50%. Backend royalties - the ongoing broadcast income generated each time the placed content airs - flow directly to the rights holder through PRS and PPL, typically without a commission deducted.
Do I need a publishing deal to get sync placements in the UK?
No. Many UK sync agencies work with independent rights holders who own their own compositions and recordings. What matters is clear ownership, quality, and being able to respond quickly to briefs. A publishing administrator who handles your PRS registration and clearance can make you sync-ready without you needing a traditional publishing deal.
What is a music supervisor and how do I approach one?
A music supervisor is the person at a production company, broadcaster, or advertising agency responsible for selecting and clearing music. Most music supervisors work through sync agencies and briefs rather than accepting unsolicited approaches from individual artists. The most effective route to a UK music supervisor is through a reputable sync agency that already has an established relationship with them.
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