Music in film & advertising: recordJet Sync Service

Music is one of the strongest emotional triggers in film, TV and brand communication. It is often the deciding factor to whether a scene is touching or whether a brand becomes memorable. Ultimately, the magic of sync licensing is the unforgettable moments that are created when songs and moving images merge.

RecordJet’s new Sync Service will give you access to this exciting market – and give your music the chance to be placed in films, series or commercials.

What is sync licensing?

“Sync” refers to synchronisation – the combination of music and picture.
Whenever a song is used in a scene, advertisement or trailer, it is called a sync placement.

Why sync is exciting for you

• You can earn sync fees – that is additional revenue from performance rights – when your music is broadcast in ads, movies, or TV series (e.g., via GEMA).
• At the same time, you will reach a new, often worldwide audience that discovers your music through movies or commercials.

• Catalogue leverage: tracks that are already published can be used again.
• Creative opportunities: music is sought after for diverse moods, genres and tempos.

The sync market is difficult for many artists to access.
Music supervisors, advertising agencies and production companies usually do not work in public, but through internal briefings, networks and databases.

This is where recordJet comes in:
our Sync Service gives you access to these structures – even without your own agency, publisher or insider contacts.

The sync market – growing and full of opportunities

The international music market is growing steadily, and sync licensing is one of the most dynamic segments.
According to the IFPI Global Music Report 2024, worldwide sync sales increased by more than 10% last year to around $650 million.

In Germany too, labels and publishers are seeing a sharp increase in demand for licences for films, streaming and advertising, according to the BVMI.

This shows that
brands, series and productions are increasingly looking for authentic, independent music – artists like you.

This is how the recordJet Sync Service places your music in productions

We ensure that your music is represented in the sync market in a way that is professional, easy to find and visible:

We put your music in front of the decision makers

Thanks to our close contacts with music supervisors and creatives from the film and advertising industry, your music will end up right where it is heard. If your song matches a current briefing, we will actively suggest it for productions.

Targeted visibility

We regularly send newsletters to our sync contacts (music supervisors, agencies, advertising productions) where we present selected recordJet artists. So your music ends up with the people who select music every day.

Active networking

We are constantly expanding our network in the film, series and advertising worlds and maintain personal relationships with decision makers. This increases your music’s reach and its chances of being placed.

Professional tools & databases

Your music is listed through our partner Disco – one of the world’s leading platforms for music supervisors.
This makes sure your song is findable, filterable and ready for pitching as soon as a suitable request comes in.

Automatic metadata & organisation

We handle tagging and metadata creation automatically.
The only thing you need to do is fill out our release sheet completely so that we can collate all the information correctly and when your song is added to the sync system, it will be in the best possible shape.

The process in 5 steps

1. Submission: you sign up for the Sync Service and submit your tracks.
2. Screening: we check suitability, quality, metadata and rights. If any data is missing, we will contact you directly and ask you for it.
3. Pitch: matching songs are suggested for specific briefings.
4. Placement & contract: if there is interest, we will clarify the use case, territories, duration and terms and conditions.
5. Billing & reporting: for a TV placement, for example, you will only receive sync fees from GEMA.

Register for the recordJet Sync Service now!

Producing for sync: best practices (checklist)

If you want to produce music specifically for sync uses (movie, TV, advertising, games), follow these tips:

1. Song structure with a view to editing

• Put the most recognisable melody in the foreground.
• Start the vocals as early as possible to make the song feel more direct.
• Combine the vocal melody in later sections with a lead instrument (e.g. synth, saxophone, violin) that picks up the melody.
• This allows the main motif to be recognised even without vocals – ideal for instrumental versions.

2. Multi-use melody lines

• Make the melody and vocals the same so that the song can be recognised when used as an instrumental.
• This technique is perfect for visual media, such as advertising or trailers.

3. Provide stems & instrumental versions

• Provide an instrumental version as well as the full version.
• Even better, offer separate stems (vocals, instrumental, drums, lead instrument, etc.).
  This allows editors to work more flexibly depending on the scene or application area.

4. Technical & content tips

• Be sure to produce clear vocals and high-quality recordings.
• Use universal lyrics (no specific names or locations).
• Give the song clear parts (intro, buildup, chorus, bridge) – this makes editing and customisation easier.

Rights overview

• Master rights: who owns the master? (label/self-release).
• Publishing rights (publishing): composer/author, publisher, if necessary, GEMA/PRO registration.
• Samples/covers: only with valid release/clearing. No placement without clearance.
• Contact and split details: clearly document the percentage breakdown.

Tip: maintain a one-pager rights overview for each track (master, publishing, stakeholder, contact, ISRC/ISWC).

FAQs

Is there exclusivity? We usually work non-exclusively per track, unless a production requires something different. Details will be clarified in advance.

What are the costs or revenue splits? We will communicate the conditions transparently during registration/placement. Important are sync‑fees (one-time) and subsequent royalties, which may accrue in the event of a TV placement via GEMA.

How long until placement? This varies depending on the project. Suitability, timing and briefings are crucial.

Can I submit cover versions? Only with publishing‑approval from the authors/publishers. The song cannot be used without clearance.

What about samples? Samples must be fully cleared (master & publishing). Uncleared samples result in rejection.

Which genres work? Anything will do – from indie, pop and electronica to hip-hop and neo-classical. Mood, dynamics and editability are important.

In summary: your entry into the sync market with recordJet

The sync market is not only lucrative, it also offers artists new creative opportunities and global reach.
With the recordJet Sync Service, you are well positioned to take your music to where it’s really heard – on the silver screen, on TV and in big campaigns.