Industry Info

What is Sync Licensing?

A sync is the synchronization of audio and visual content. Sync licensing refers to obtaining licenses or rights to “sync” music to visual content from the appropriate copyright holders (e.g. master recording owners, writers/composers, and publishers) of the music.

Program Intro

What is UnitedMasters’ Sync Library licensing program?

A library of music that is 100% cleared for usage by UnitedMasters’ sync/brand customers.

Who might want to license my music and where will they use it?

Your music might be used by some of the biggest brands and media companies in the world, including some of UnitedMasters’ brand customers. Your music will be made available for all media opportunities including social media, online, and broadcast TV. Additionally, your music might also be available to independent video creators and small businesses.

What are the advantages of participating in UnitedMasters’ Sync Library licensing program?

UnitedMasters’ Sync Library licensing model intends to drive a higher volume of sync placements, as we hear from brands asking for more music that is quickly cleared for use. We want to get as many opportunities for your music to be heard and used by as many brands as possible.

By hiring UnitedMasters, will I give up ownership of my copyrights?

No, by accepting the terms of UnitedMasters’ Sync Library you will be participating in a non-exclusive licensing engagement and you will retain complete ownership of your copyrights.

Joining The Program

What is needed to include a track in UnitedMasters’ Sync Library?

A signed license agreement from all relevant copyright holders (master recording owners and publishers). We also require lyrics, instrumentals, and clean versions (when applicable) for a track to be considered eligible for pitches. Additionally, please make sure that you have the exclusive rights for any instrumentals purchased or leased online - non-exclusive and unlimited leases will not qualify.

Can I submit a track that is not distributed by UnitedMasters?

All Sync Library tracks must be distributed or set to distribute (on any later date) through UnitedMasters. If you have any questions please email synclibrary@unitedmasters.com.

Can I submit a work that contains a sample, or interpolation, of a copyrighted composition?

Your works can contain royalty-free samples. We do not accept content containing unlicensed samples or interpolations/covers of a copyrighted composition. If your track does contain royalty-free samples, please include any sample licenses or pertinent URLs in your submission.

My song has multiple songwriters/rights holders. What do we do?

We would like all songwriters and rights holders to sign a license agreement. Reach out to synclibrary@unitedmasters.com if any rights holders have not received an agreement directly from UnitedMasters for an invited track.

How do I update the rights holder information for one of my songs?

Please email synclibrary@unitedmasters.com to update rights holder information.

What are shares and how do I figure out my share?

Shares refer to the percentage of participation across the copyright (sound recording owners, writers/composers, and publishers). This is decided between you and all of the songwriters / sound recording participants involved.

Can I add new compositions at a later date?

Yes. Please email synclibrary@unitedmasters.com and we will send a licensing agreement for any new compositions.

Will opting-in for sync licensing affect other licensing arrangements I have in place with other companies?

The UnitedMasters Sync Library license is non-exclusive, which means you’re free to secure syncs via any and all outside opportunities. However, you should not contribute any tracks to the UnitedMasters sync library that are exclusively licensed to someone else. Furthermore, by opting in to the UnitedMasters Sync Marketplace, you will be enabling UnitedMasters to administer and monetize your tracks within YouTube Content ID, Facebook Rights Manager, and other content management systems, which may affect your independent licensing activity.

Getting Paid Through The Program

How will I know if my song is used in a synchronization opportunity?

UnitedMasters will notify you via email and/or the UnitedMasters mobile app if you song has been used in a synchronization opportunity.

Will I be able to choose/approve license requests?

All works submitted to UnitedMaster’s pre-cleared library are automatically made available for sync opportunities. By opting into the program, you are granting full approval for sync placements in advance.

How much will I get paid for synchronization opportunities?

Sync fees will be determined by a variety of factors including the brand partner, media usage, territory and nature of the licensor’s usage, term, and more.

UnitedMasters’ highest fees will come from sync’s for broadcast, TV, film, and one-off customer opportunities, with smaller fees attached to social, online placements.

• Tier 1 opportunities come from big companies (e.g. broadcasters, media companies, digital publishers, recognizable brands) who license many songs for their use in larger mediums, like broadcast, TV, film, in addition to smaller mediums like social media.

• Tier 2 opportunities come from big companies (e.g. broadcasters, media companies, digital publishers, recognizable brands) who license many songs for their use in smaller mediums, like social media.

• Tier 3 opportunities come from small/medium-sized companies (e.g. YouTube creators, freelance videographers).

• One-off opportunities come from big companies (e.g. broadcasters, media companies, digital publishers, recognizable brands) who license your song and not many songs.

• There may be opportunities when syncs will be for promotional use only and will offer a gratis ($0) fee. We will reach out to inform you of such opportunities.  Please note that syncs in connection with UnitedMasters’ own marketing are always gratis.

When will I get paid if my song is used in a synchronization opportunity?

We will pay artists within 30 days after the conclusion of the calendar month for which their song was licensed pending W-9 and any other related information required for payment.  To ensure you are paid promptly, please make sure you have an artist profile and completed wallet setup in the UnitedMasters app.

My tax information/address has changed, how do I resubmit it to UnitedMasters?

You can update your tax information, address, and all other payment details in the Artist Wallet section of the UnitedMasters app.

Leaving The Program

Can I terminate or opt-out of UnitedMasters’ sync library and how would I do that?

Yes. Please email synclibrary@unitedmasters.com. Our opt-out period is 90 days from the point of request. Please note, any copyrights sync’d to or licensed for audiovisual content prior to the opt-out request will still remain licensed for said content in perpetuity.