I know how overwhelming sync licensing can feel—there’s so much to learn, and finding reliable, actionable advice can be a challenge. Sure, you could spend hours searching YouTube for free info, but if you don’t know where to start, it can feel like trying to drink from a firehose.

Even with my 10 years of experience, I’m still learning and researching how to succeed in this industry. That’s why I created this playlist from videos I’ve found on YouTube with key takeaways, step by step as if you had your own personal Sync Licensing course. These videos will be compiled of short and long videos that I believe will be valuable on your journey.

And while the videos are great, I’ve learned that having a community of like-minded creators for advice, critiques, and encouragement is a total game-changer. If you want to take things further, I’d love to see you in the Heate Academy!

Getting Started

If you’re here, you probably already know a thing or two about sync licensing. But just to be complete, let’s start with a short introduction.

What Is Sync Licensing?

This video breaks down everything you need to know about sync licensing—pairing music with visual media like TV, film, and commercials. You’ll learn how to get paid through sync deals, why it’s such a powerful opportunity for independent artists, and how companies are increasingly turning to indie music for their projects.

What Is A P.R.O. & How To Sign Up With One

First thing you want to do to assure you get paid, is signing up with a Performing Rights Organization. Understanding Performing Rights Organizations (P.R.O.s) is essential for any songwriter or artist looking to collect royalties when their music is performed publicly. In this section, you’ll learn what P.R.O.s like ASCAP and BMI do, how they work, and the steps to sign up.

What Is A P.R.O.

In this WesTheTechTips video, you’ll get a clear breakdown of what P.R.O.s like BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC do, the types of royalties they collect, and whether signing up for one is necessary for your career.

Performing rights organizations are designed to ensure you get paid when your music is performed publicly, but how do they work? What kind of royalties do they actually collect? This video provides the answers you need to make an informed decision about joining a P.R.O.

By the end of this video, you’ll have a solid understanding of the role P.R.O.s play in the music industry and whether they’re the right fit for your goals. Don’t miss this informative WesTheTechTips episode—it could be the key to unlocking your earning potential as an artist.

ASCAP vs BMI: What's The Difference?

Tarcea Renee breaks down the key differences between ASCAP and BMI for songwriters, offering valuable insights into their features and benefits. She highlights the importance of understanding membership fees, noting that ASCAP allows free registration for songwriters, while BMI requires a fee to sign up.

One critical takeaway is that songwriters cannot hold memberships with both ASCAP and BMI simultaneously. However, you can create publishing accounts with both organizations if needed. Additionally, Tarcea explains payment frequencies for each organization and how to check payout dates, ensuring you stay informed about your royalties.

For Songwriters Outside the U.S.:

• PRS: United Kingdom’s PRO

• APRA: Australia’s PRO

• SOCAN: Canada’s PRO

• GEMA: Germany’s PRO

If your country isn’t listed, search online for "[Your Country] + PRO" to find the relevant organization. Alternatively, you can sign up with BMI, which partners with international sister organizations to represent artists globally.

Here's a list of all P.R.O.'s that have agreements with BMI.

This breakdown simplifies the process of choosing the right performing rights organization and understanding how to manage your royalties effectively, no matter where you’re located.

Music Libraries, Sync Agents, Music Supervisors, and Common Deals

Everything You Need To Know About Music Libraries for Sync

In this video, XJwill breaks down the pivotal role of music libraries in the sync licensing world. If you’re a music producer, indie artist, or composer, this guide is essential for understanding how music libraries can help your tracks land in TV shows, films, ads, and more.

XJwill explores the benefits of collaborating with music libraries, from expanding your audience to creating new opportunities for your music. But it’s not all smooth sailing—he also dives into the challenges you might face and how to navigate potential pitfalls.

You’ll learn the best ways to submit your music, what music libraries look for, and why they’re such an important part of the sync licensing ecosystem. Plus, XJwill shares his top picks for trustworthy music libraries to consider on your journey.

Sync Agent vs Music Library

Another great route, especially for artists, is signing with a sync agency. Check out this great video by K. Sparks and JS aka The Best, where they discuss the differences between music libraries and sync agents, along with the pros and cons of each.

At HEATE Academy we’ve actually started our own Music Catalog, and we’re always looking for new talent. Check out https://suprselectiv.com for more details about submitting.

What Is A Music Supervisor?

Next up let’s talk music supervisor, Music Supervisors are like the A&R’s for TV, Film and other forms of visual media. In this video, Music Supervisor Everton Lewis Jr., who’s worked with big brands like Apple, breaks down the role of a music supervisor, explaining what the job involves and how he approaches his work. He highlights key skills needed for success, including budgeting, research abilities, an open ear for all genres, and a drive to deeply understand songs.

Common Sync Licensing Deals

In this video, Selling The Soundtrack provides a detailed explanation of the various types of sync licensing deals, including non-exclusive, exclusive, and buyout agreements. You’ll learn what each type of deal entails, how they differ, and what they mean for your music career. Whether you’re a music producer, songwriter, or artist looking to license your music, this breakdown will help you understand the pros and cons of each option and how to choose the right type of deal for your goals.

Preparing & Pitching

Pitching your music for sync opportunities requires more than just great tracks—it’s about preparation, strategy, and understanding the industry’s demands. This section dives into everything you need to know, from crafting the perfect pitch and choosing the best platforms to understanding why some musicians get rejected. Whether you’re arranging instrumentals for reality TV or tailoring your songwriting for sync, these videos offer practical tips to help you stand out and succeed.

Being Prepared Before Pitching

In this video I break down how to build out your professional resume to prepare your pitch by setting up a professional email, getting feedback for music, understanding the context of your music, how to provide value, and researching like a professional. There’s also a free resource included in the video on how to study music in sync licensing.

Here’s another video by me where I break down unconvential tips about cold emailing and submissions, including the best subject lines, best days to pitch, and more insightful information to craft the best pitch when submitting to sync licensing companies.

Preparing Your Pitch

This great panel by the Guild of Music Supervisors shows a discussion about the best way to pitch music as well as submitting to briefs requested by music supervisors, for ads, tv shows, and films. The music supervisors share their perspectives on what they’re looking for and expect when trying to serve their client.

Understanding Songwriting For Sync

Lindsay Tomasic, a top songwriter in sync licensing, leads a team of musicians and believes simplicity is key. She emphasizes how sync music differs and her process for writing for sync which leads to more success. She also shares her creative process and tips for staying disciplined as a musician.

Arranging Instrumentals for Reality TV

In this video I break down how to arrange music for reality tv from start to finish composing a ‘comedy/dramedy’ cue for sync licensing.

What we go over:

• Sound Selection

• Common BPM

• Industry tricks for TV

• What is a Sting

• Structure music for TV

Which Platform is the Best for Pitching

When sending a streaming and downloadable link it’s important to use the correct platform that is client-friendly for your pitches. I reccomend Disco.AC, ReelCrafter, Box.com, or Dropbox. I don’t recommend services like Soundcloud unless instructed by the music library. In this short video, Clint Music explains why he prefers Disco.

Why Most Musicians Get Rejected

In this video, we’ll help you get a handle on industry lingo, draft a solid email, and stand out when pitching your music. We’ve even included an email template in the video description to make it easier for you to kickstart your pitching process.

The Future Of Sync Licensing

The world of music and sync licensing is changing at an unprecedented pace. With technology advancing rapidly, it’s hard not to wonder: where are we headed? How will AI, automation, and other emerging tools shape the way music is created, discovered, and used in visual media?

As the lines between human creativity and machine innovation continue to blur, we’re entering uncharted territory. Could AI tools revolutionize music production and sync placement, or will they introduce new challenges for creators and the industry?

Thoughts on AI in Sync Licensing

In this video, Drew Silverstein Is a guest in Niclas Jeppsson's podcast. They talk about AI’s influence on sync licensing. They agree that AI music will not remove humans from the art form of music. It may cause you to move upstream in the sync licensing space. For example: if you focus on stock licensing, this might force you to create music that is for high quality projects like advertisements.

They also talk about how technology has effected music creation historically and gives great insight on how to adapt.

Music Supervisors

Let’s get a deeper dive of understanding how to pitch to music supervisors. Understanding the role of music supervisors and how to effectively engage with them is essential for success in sync licensing. Music supervisors are the gatekeepers of the sync world, responsible for selecting and pairing music with film, TV shows, advertisements, and other media projects. Knowing what they do, their priorities, and how to approach them can make all the difference in landing your music in the right projects. Building professional relationships with music supervisors requires a strategic approach—being respectful of their time, understanding their creative needs, and presenting your music in a way that solves their problems. A deep understanding of their role not only helps you pitch effectively but also positions you as a reliable and professional partner.

How to Approach a Music Supervisor

Amanda Krieg Thomas is a renowned music supervisor behind some of the biggest shows on television. She is also the author of Thinking In Sync, widely regarded as one of the best resources on sync licensing. In this video by Mubu TV, Amanda shares invaluable insights into the mindset of music supervisors and the key strategies for building meaningful relationships with them. Her expertise offers a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the sync licensing world, making this a must-watch for aspiring and seasoned creators alike.

Pitching Music to Music Supervisors

Jen Malone, the music supervisor behind acclaimed projects like Euphoria, Atlanta, Creed 2, and The Resident, joins Ari Herstand to share her expertise on sync licensing. With over a decade of experience, Jen has worked on countless high-profile productions and offers valuable insights into the role of a music supervisor. In this episode, she explains how independent artists can effectively pitch their music, what supervisors look for, and how to prepare for the best chance of success. She also provides practical advice on navigating contracts, handling quote requests, and avoiding unfavorable deal terms. Additionally, Jen discusses how she selects music for scenes and offers tips on positioning yourself in the competitive sync space. This conversation is an informative resource for anyone looking to break into or excel in sync licensing.

Conclusion

Sync licensing is a powerful way to get your music placed in TV, film, ads, and beyond—but like any industry, success comes with knowledge, preparation, and persistence. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and provide you with reliable, actionable insights to help you navigate the sync world with confidence.

Whether you're learning the fundamentals, refining your pitching strategy, or staying ahead of industry trends, these videos offer the insights you need to move forward. But remember, sync isn’t just about having great music—it’s about understanding the business, building relationships, and positioning yourself for success.

If you’re looking for a like minded sync licensing community where you can grow and stay accountable, we invite you to join the HEATE Academy. I’m the head of Sync Licensing and I have a deep passion about being transparent and sharing my insights from my ten years in the Sync Licensing Industry. Let’s build together!