Sync Licensing FAQ
Everything you need to handle sync inquiries confidently — from first reply to getting paid.
Due Diligence — Read Before You Sign
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You own and control the rights. You confirm you own or control 100% of both the sound recording (master) and the underlying composition (publishing) for any track you opt in, list, or sign away. If anyone else contributed — co-writers, producers, featured artists, or a label/publisher — get their written permission and a split agreement first. Do not list a track you cannot fully clear.
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Clear every sample and interpolation. Any uncleared sample, interpolation, or borrowed melody makes a track un-syncable and exposes you to copyright claims. You are solely responsible for clearing third-party material before a deal is made.
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Verify the supervisor and the project. Confirm the requester is who they claim to be and that the project, budget, and usage they describe are legitimate. Watch for red flags — urgency, refusal to use a written contract, payment only "after release," or asks to skip clearance. Never hand over stems or files until a signed agreement and payment terms are in place.
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Read and negotiate the agreement. Review every term before signing — scope of use, media, territory, term/duration, exclusivity, fees, credit, and what happens to your rights if the deal falls through or the project changes. If a deal involves real money, exclusivity, or anything beyond a simple non-exclusive license, get it reviewed by a qualified music lawyer.
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Not legal advice. FatMusic provides this guide and template as general information only — not legal, financial, or professional advice, and not a substitute for counsel. We do not vet supervisors, guarantee deals, or guarantee any outcome. Any agreement you sign is solely between you and the other party.
Reply promptly — within a day or two. Supervisors move fast and often contact several artists for the same spot.
Confirm the basics: which track, what project, how it’ll be used, the territory, and the timeline.
Find out if they have their own contract (larger productions usually do) or if you’ll need to provide one. For small deals you can start from the FatMusic Sync License Template.
Don’t send full uncompressed audio until you’ve agreed on a fee and have a signed agreement or at least written confirmation.