How to Get Your Music Placed in TV, Film, and Ads (Sync Licensing)

by RMG EMPIRE STAFF February 27, 2026

Sync licensing means placing your music in TV shows, films, commercials, trailers, video games, and online content. Sync can pay well, introduce you to huge audiences, and create lasting income from your catalog.

RMG Empire insight: Great music still needs a plan. Roots Music Group builds release and marketing strategies for RMG Empire artists. See how we work.

Understand the Two Sides of a Sync

A sync placement usually requires permission for both the recording, known as the master, and the composition. If you own both, you can approve a placement quickly, which makes you more attractive to music supervisors. Learn more in music royalties explained.

Prepare Your Catalog

• Have high-quality masters ready
• Create instrumental and clean versions
• Keep stems available when possible
• Clear every sample and beat
• Document splits for every song

Get Your Metadata Right

Music supervisors need to know who owns the song and how to contact them. Include writers, publishers, ownership, mood, genre, and tempo. Read our metadata guide.

Make Music That Works for Sync

Songs with strong emotion, clear themes, and memorable hooks often work well. Lyrics that are universal rather than overly specific can fit more scenes.

Find the Right Path

Artists can pitch music supervisors directly, work with sync agencies or libraries, or partner with a publisher. Research every company and read agreements carefully, especially any that ask for exclusive rights.

Register for Performance Royalties

When a placement airs, performance royalties may be paid. Make sure your songs are registered with your performing rights organization.

How RMG Empire Can Help

Doing all of this alone is hard. That is exactly why artists work with RMG Empire. Through our RMG Artist Development & Release Partnership, our team can help you with:

• Publishing education so you understand your rights before a sync deal
• Metadata and catalog organization so your music is easy to license
• Career planning that includes sync as an income stream
• Professional presentation that makes your catalog easier to pitch

It is the difference between guessing and moving with a plan. See what is included.

Join the RMG Empire

Sync placements can change an artist’s career overnight. RMG Empire is the artist family of Roots Music Group Inc., built to help independent artists grow with professional structure while keeping their voice and ownership at the center.

• Explore RMG Empire release and marketing services
• Submit your music for review
• Meet the RMG Empire artists

Ready when you are. Submit your music today.