Over the last few years, I’ve landed hundreds of placements on shows and networks like FOX Sports, ABC Nightly News, The Young & The Restless, The BBC, Animal Planet, Speed TV, ABC’s The Middle and many more. 

I’ve also helped literally thousands of musicians get started in sync licensing. What follows is a step-by-step walkthrough of how the sync world really works and how you can start landing placements, even if you’re just starting out.
 

This isn’t just theory. This is based on actual experience from artists I’ve worked with and real placements we’ve helped make happen.

Step One: Create Music That Works for Sync

Your music needs to be sync-ready from the start. That doesn’t just mean well-produced. It means created specifically with sync licensing in mind.
 

Focus on universal themes like resilience, love, heartbreak, triumph, freedom, and change. Avoid anything too specific, dated, or with heavy profanity unless you’re targeting a niche genre that demands it.
 

Write lyrics that are visual and emotional. Think in scenes. Ask yourself what scene this song might accompany.

Every track should have:

• A clean mix and master
• A full-length version
• An instrumental version
• Optional: 60s, 30s, 15s cutdowns and stems (Sometimes you’ll be asked for these, sometimes you won’t)
   

Make it easy for supervisors and editors to use your track. One great song in five formats is better than five average songs with nothing prepped.

Step Two: Protect and Register Your Music

Before you pitch anything, make sure your music is protected. Register with a performing rights organization. In the U.S., that’s ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Outside the U.S., it could be SOCAN, PRS, APRA, or another equivalent.

You also have the option of registering with the U.S. Copyright Office for added legal protection. This isn’t a pre-requisite per se, since by default when you write a song you own the copyright. But it’s a good idea to register your tracks with the copyright office in case you ever need to prove authorship.
 

Most importantly, make sure you control all the rights. That means you either wrote the track 100 percent or have signed agreements from all co-writers allowing you to pitch and license the track. You need to be able to offer one-stop clearance, meaning you have authority to license both the master and the publishing.

Step Three: Get Organized

Create a master spreadsheet with all your tracks and key info. Include:

• Track title
• Style and genre
• Mood and emotion
• BPM and key
• Instruments used
• Writers and publishers
• PRO info
• Metadata used
• Submission status
• Notes and follow-up dates
   

Use a folder system on Google Drive, Dropbox, or Disco.ac. Each track should have its own folder with the full mix, instrumental, lyrics, and metadata file.
 

Being organized helps you pitch quickly when opportunities come in. It also shows that you’re a pro.

Step Four: Research the Right Companies

Don’t just blast out emails. Target the right partners.
 

There are hundreds of sync libraries, music supervisors, and boutique agencies that specialize in different genres. Some want vocal songs, others want instrumentals. Some focus on reality TV, others on indie films or advertising.
 

To make this easier, I created the 2025 Music Licensing Directory. It’s updated for this year and includes real contacts, submission links, and detailed info about what each company is looking for. For a limited time, it’s 60 percent off.

Skip the guesswork. Use what works.

Step Five: Create the Perfect Submission

When you reach out, keep it short and professional. Don’t write a novel. They’re busy. Just give them a taste and make it easy to listen.
 

Here’s a template you can adapt to fit your situation:

Subject: Sync Submission: [Song Title] by [Your Name]
 

Hi [First Name],

I’m an independent songwriter with a growing catalog of sync-friendly music. I wanted to share a few tracks that might be a good fit for your roster.

Streaming link: [Dropbox or Disco link here]
 

These are all one-stop, cleared, and available in both full and instrumental versions. Let me know if you’d like download links or more details.
 

Thanks for taking a listen,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Website or Linktree if you have one]

Avoid attachments. Always use streaming links. If they reply, follow their lead. If not, follow up once after a couple weeks, then move on.

Step Six: Track Results and Build Relationships

Every submission is a chance to build a real relationship. Be professional, courteous, and persistent.
 

If someone replies and doesn’t offer a deal, don’t get discouraged. It might not be the right fit for now, but the door is open.
 

If they do offer a deal, read the contract carefully. You can use my Music Licensing Contract Bundle if you need customizable templates or want to understand the fine print.
 

Track everything in your spreadsheet. Set reminders to follow up, and don’t take anything personally. Rejection is part of the game.

The Sync Tank

Sync is a long game. Most people quit too soon. The artists who stick with it, keep improving, and stay visible are the ones who get placed.

You don’t need to be famous. You just need the right music, the right mindset, and the right system.

If you want help building that system, my flagship mentorship program The Sync Tank is starting October 6, and includes:

• Twice-weekly video lessons and in-depth tutorials
• 90 real, handpicked leads tailored specifically to your music
• Three Hour Long One-on-one Zoom coaching sessions with me
• Feedback on your tracks, emails, and pitches
• A full year of access to The Sync Lab membership
• Lifetime access to How To License Your Music Premium
• I will personally pitch your tracks to 90 additional leads (First five artists only)
   

I only open this three times per year, and I work directly with every student. If you're one of the first five people who sign up I'll even personally help you pitch your tracks to my network of connections.

If you’re serious about licensing your music, check out the program below. (This is the last time the program will be offered in 2025)
 

👉 Learn More About The Sync Tank:

https://www.htlympremium.com/sync_tank.html

Final Thoughts

You can absolutely license your music. I’ve done it. I’ve helped thousands of others do it. And if you take the time to apply these steps consistently, you’ll start seeing results too.

Keep writing. Keep learning. And keep going.

If you want more guidance, get started with the 2025 Music Licensing Directory while it’s still on sale.

And if you’re ready to go deeper, I’ll see you inside The Sync Tank.

Best,

Aaron Davison
HTLYM Premium
The Sync Lab