Sync License vs. Master Use License: What's the Difference?
Every recorded song is really two pieces of property, and using it in a show, film or ad takes permission for both.
The composition (Side A)
The words and melody of the song. It's owned by the songwriters and their publishers. Permission to use the composition with picture is called a sync license.
The master (Side B)
The actual recording. It's owned by whoever owns the recording: often the artist for independent releases, or a record label. Permission to use the recording is called a master use license.
Why it matters
A TV show using your recording needs both licenses. If you wrote the song, produced it, and own the recording yourself, you control both sides and can say yes in one email. That's called being "one-stop," and music supervisors love it because it saves time.
If you have co-writers, a producer with a share, or a label that owns your masters, each of them may need to approve the deal. Sorting that out ahead of time (with a signed split sheet) makes your music much easier to place.
Quick comparison
| Sync license | Master use license | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | The composition (lyrics and melody) | The recording |
| Owned by | Songwriters and publishers | Master owner (artist or label) |
| Needed for TV/film use | Yes | Yes, when the original recording is used |