Guide
Music Licensing Explained
A license is permission to use music. Every use needs one. Here is every license that touches your music and what it means for you.
The short version
- A sync license lets a production use your song with picture: TV, film, ads, games.
- A master license covers the recording. A sync license covers the song. A placement needs both.
- A mechanical license covers reproductions: streams, downloads, physical copies.
- A cover song license lets you legally release someone else's song.
- You keep ownership of your music when you license it. A license is permission, not a sale.
The licenses that matter
- Sync license. Permission to pair your song with picture. Negotiated per placement, with a fee and a term. Your distributor or sync service pitches it. Nice Set includes sync submissions.
- Master license. Permission to use your recording. The master owner grants it. If you own your master, that is you.
- Publishing license. Permission to use the song itself, the words and the melody. The songwriter or publisher grants it. A placement needs both the master and the publishing cleared.
- Mechanical license. Permission to reproduce a song. Streaming services and download stores clear these in bulk. If you release a cover, you need one. Distributors usually handle cover licensing as an add-on.
What to check before you license anything
- Know who owns what. The master and the publishing are separate rights. A placement needs both cleared.
- Get splits in writing. Every writer and producer, every share, agreed before the license is signed.
- Read the term. A license runs for a set time, a set territory, and a set use. A national ad costs more than a local one because the term is wider.
- Keep your masters. Licensing your music does not mean giving it away. You grant permission. You keep ownership.
Questions artists ask
What is music licensing?
Music licensing is giving permission to use music. A sync license covers TV, film, and ads. A mechanical license covers reproductions. A cover license covers releasing someone else's song.
What is the difference between a master license and a sync license?
A master license covers the recording. A sync license covers the song paired with picture. A placement needs both.
Do I need a license to release a cover song?
Yes. You need a mechanical license for the song. Most distributors handle cover licensing as an add-on.
Do I lose my rights when I license my music?
No. A license is permission to use your music for a set time, territory, and use. You keep ownership.
Apply for distribution
License your music and keep your masters.