Synchronization License

A synchronization license, or sync license, is a legal agreement permitting music to be paired with visual media, enabling a song or composition to be synced to films, television shows, advertisements, video games, or online videos; when such a license is granted, the rights holder of the composition—typically the songwriter or music publisher—authorizes the pairing, ensuring the track can legally accompany scenes, dialogue, or visual storytelling within the production, and these licenses are frequently required across a variety of media projects—including movies, TV programs, commercials, YouTube videos, and games—with terms usually specifying usage parameters, duration, territorial reach, and platform coverage, while also serving as an essential revenue stream for creators, as rights holders receive synchronization fees plus possible additional royalties depending on the specific contractual arrangement.