Calculators
Music Sync Licensing Fee Calculator
Build a music synchronisation licence quote from a base fee adjusted for media, use, duration and territory, for master and publishing sides.
- Runs in your browser
- Nothing uploaded
The tool
Enter your numbers below. Results update as you type, and nothing leaves your browser.
Everything you enter stays on your own machine. Nothing is sent to us or to anyone else, which you can confirm in your browser network tab.
What people use it for
- Quoting sync requests
- Budgeting music for productions
- Pricing a production music catalogue
- Negotiating with music supervisors
About this tool
What the Music Sync Licensing Fee Calculator does
Placing music in film, TV, games or ads needs a sync licence for the composition (publishing) and a master use licence for the recording. Fees vary enormously; they rise with the prominence of the use, the media, the licence term and the territory. Both sides are usually paid equally.
Formula
- Fee per side = base × media × use × term × territory
- Total = fee per side × 2 when licensing both master and publishing
Worked example
Using the starting values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Base fee per side | $1,500 |
| Media | Online video or podcast |
| Type of use | Background |
| Term | 1 year |
| Territory | Single country |
| Licensing both master and publishing | Yes |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Total sync fee | $3,000 |
| Fee per side | $1,500 |
| Overall multiplier | 1.00x |
How to read the result
“Most favoured nations” clauses mean each side gets the same fee, which is why quotes are usually doubled.
Independent artists who control both sides can quote one simple all-in price, which music supervisors appreciate.
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Questions
Questions about this tool
The things clients actually want to know — costs, timelines, ownership and what happens after launch.
Permission to synchronise a musical composition with visual media.
Permission to use a specific recording, granted by its owner, usually the label or artist.
From very little for indie projects to large sums for national advertising campaigns.
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