Sync licensing companies have revolutionized the way artists monetize their music in today’s digital world.
What once required lengthy negotiations with multiple stakeholders can now be done with just a few clicks online.
These platforms help musicians license their work for TV, film, video games, ads, and more, making it easier than ever to turn creative talent into profit.
With the growing demand for fresh, original music across media, sync licensing companies provide artists with exposure, fair compensation, and streamlined legal support.
Based on our research and industry experience, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Sync Licensing Companies in the US that are transforming the landscape for musicians.
These companies not only simplify the licensing process but also offer valuable resources to help artists protect their rights, negotiate competitive deals, and build lasting relationships with media producers.
Whether you’re an independent musician or an established artist, these platforms give you the tools to succeed in the fast-moving world of sync licensing.
Get ready to explore the top names helping artists unlock new income streams and expand their reach in entertainment, advertising, and beyond.
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What is a sync licensing company?
Sync licensing companies are there to bridge the gap between artists and those who need music for their projects.
While they were once associated mostly with TV and advertising, today they cover a wide range of platforms, including streaming services, video games, and even background music in public spaces like shopping malls.
Although technically you can negotiate directly with a music supervisor, in most cases, having a licensing company involved makes the process smoother and more efficient.
These companies handle negotiations, contracts, and placement opportunities, saving artists time and avoiding potential legal headaches.
Additionally, most music supervisors prefer working through trusted intermediaries rather than fielding cold calls or emails from independent musicians.
By working with a sync licensing company, artists not only increase their chances of landing valuable placements but also gain access to a network of industry professionals, boosting both their exposure and potential income streams in today’s music landscape.
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Top 10 Sync Licensing Companies in the US
1. Music Gateway
Music Gateway is widely recognized as one of the best music sync licensing companies for independent artists, offering an excellent platform to get music placed in films, TV shows, ads, and games.
Established with a strong industry reputation, Music Gateway has collaborated with major companies like DreamWorks, Disney, and Universal, helping artists connect with top-tier opportunities.
Artists can easily sign up on the platform and submit their tracks to Music Gateway’s creative licensing team, who work closely with music supervisors to match the right songs with media projects.
What makes Music Gateway especially attractive is its fair payment structure — artists earn 75% of the profits from non-exclusive licensing deals and 80% from exclusive agreements.
Additionally, artists retain 100% of their backend royalties and rights, ensuring they maintain full ownership of their music. For independent musicians looking to monetize their work and expand their reach, Music Gateway is a top choice.
2. PremiumBeat
PremiumBeat is one of the top sync licensing companies in the market, known for its high-quality music catalog and smooth user experience. Created by Shutterstock, PremiumBeat offers a user-friendly platform where clients can quickly find the perfect track for their projects.
Whether you’re working on a web video, TV commercial, radio ad, app, or film, PremiumBeat has a range of licensing options to fit your needs.
Their subscription options include a Standard License, which covers all web-based projects, and a Premium License for broader uses like television, radio, and film.
What sets PremiumBeat apart from many other sync licensing companies is its commitment to quality — they collaborate with talented, award-winning composers and artists, ensuring that every piece of music is crafted to a professional standard.
For creators, agencies, and filmmakers looking for reliable, top-tier tracks, PremiumBeat remains a trusted name in the sync licensing industry.
3. BeatStars
BeatStars is one of the most popular sync licensing companies and digital marketplaces for artists, rappers, singers, and music producers seeking affordable, professional instrumentals online.
This fast-growing platform enables producers to license, sell, or even offer free beats to artists without the need to meet in person or book studio time.
What makes BeatStars stand out among sync licensing companies is its user-friendly app, which streamlines uploading and managing tracks, along with its educational resources that help users succeed in the music industry.
Whether you’re an artist looking to collaborate or a producer aiming to showcase your work, BeatStars makes these connections seamless.
The platform’s success is reflected in its numbers — it has paid out over $85 million to independent creators, and over three million people visit the site monthly. Producers can also set up their own digital storefront, enabling instant payments when beats are purchased.
4. EpidemicSound
EpidemicSound is one of the top sync licensing companies offering a subscription-based service designed specifically for content creators who want to enhance their videos, podcasts, and other projects with high-quality music.
Featuring a world-class library of composers, artists, and bands, EpidemicSound provides creators with exceptional tracks that boost both the quality and reach of their work.
What sets EpidemicSound apart from other sync licensing companies is its artist-friendly model. The platform distributes accepted music to streaming platforms and playlists with millions of followers, giving artists significant exposure.
Additionally, artists receive upfront payments when their music is added to the catalog, along with 50% of the streaming revenue.
EpidemicSound operates as a royalty-free platform and is independent of Performance Rights Organizations (PROs). This means the company takes on all financial rights and offers direct licenses, shielding both creators and artists from additional legal or licensing complications, such as copyright claims or strikes.
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5. Musicbed
Musicbed is one of the standout sync licensing companies for creatives seeking top-tier music for their projects. Offering a variety of options, Musicbed allows users to choose from single-song licenses, custom-tailored tracks, or unlimited subscription plans, making it a flexible and reliable choice for a wide range of sync licensing needs.
Musicbed has partnered with major global brands such as Ford, Coca-Cola, Netflix, McDonald’s, and Nike, providing music that elevates advertising campaigns, films, and branded content.
Its platform is designed with filmmakers and creative professionals in mind, helping connect them with both acclaimed composers and talented indie artists.
What makes Musicbed especially appealing is its user-friendly search experience, with over 100 filtering options to help clients find the perfect track quickly and efficiently.
Whether you’re working on a cinematic masterpiece or a commercial, Musicbed delivers high-quality music that brings projects to life.
6. Soundstripe
Soundstripe is one of the top sync licensing companies providing creators with easy access to royalty-free music through a subscription-based platform.
With a Soundstripe membership, creators can license unlimited songs without worrying about extra costs or legal complications, making it a stress-free solution for video editors, YouTubers, podcasters, and other content creators.
Founded by three professional musicians, Soundstripe is deeply committed to offering only high-quality music. The company has issued over 5 million licenses and paid out more than $3.6 million to artists, ensuring its catalog stays fresh with new music added weekly.
One of Soundstripe’s strongest features is its seamless and beautifully designed user interface, which allows creators to find the perfect track quickly and efficiently.
For anyone eager to elevate their creative projects with top-tier music, signing up for a free Soundstripe account is a smart first step into the world of sync licensing.
7. Music Vine
Music Vine is a standout among sync licensing companies, designed specifically for professional video and film creators.
Known for its carefully curated catalog of high-quality music from top artists, Music Vine has become a go-to platform for filmmakers, YouTubers, and content creators seeking the perfect soundtrack for their projects.
With a reputation bolstered by collaborations with many major brands, Music Vine is widely respected in the sync licensing world.
What sets Music Vine apart is its flexible pricing structure. For creators with frequent music needs, the platform offers several affordable monthly subscription options. For those who only need music occasionally, Music Vine also provides a convenient pay-per-use model.
This flexibility makes it accessible to both independent creators and large production teams alike. Whether you need music for a short film, advertisement, or YouTube video, Music Vine offers a professional and user-friendly solution for licensing exceptional music.
8. Artlist
Artlist is a standout among sync licensing companies, offering a unique platform that empowers indie artists while providing creators with access to exceptional music.
One of Artlist’s greatest strengths is its ability to promote independent talent and deliver a diverse catalog of high-quality tracks that cater to a wide range of creative needs.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, YouTuber, or content creator, Artlist makes it easy to find the perfect sound for any project.
The platform operates on a royalty-free music licensing model, allowing artists to retain ownership of their work through non-exclusive rights agreements.
This means creators can use the licensed music across any platform, worldwide, without worrying about additional fees or restrictions.
For indie artists, Artlist offers an exciting opportunity to earn income through sync licensing while reaching new audiences across global media platforms. Overall, Artlist is an excellent choice for both creators and musicians alike.
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9. ASCAP
ASCAP is one of the most well-known sync licensing companies in the music industry, functioning as a professional rights organization (PRO) with nearly one million members, including composers, songwriters, and music publishers.
What sets ASCAP apart is that it’s owned and operated by its members, creating more of a community-driven atmosphere rather than just a commercial business.
Unlike many other music licensing platforms, ASCAP focuses specifically on licensing public performances of its members’ works.
This includes any situation where music is played in a public setting, such as restaurants, gyms, venues, radio stations, TV broadcasts, airlines, and retail stores. Essentially, if music is heard by a public audience beyond a private circle, ASCAP plays a role in managing those licenses.
For business owners, working with ASCAP is often a necessary part of legally playing music in their establishments.
The organization offers a range of license types to suit various needs, making it easier for businesses to comply with copyright laws while supporting artists and songwriters.
10. Pond5
Pond5 is one of the most versatile sync licensing companies, offering a wide range of royalty-free media, including music, sound effects, stock images, and videos.
Since its launch in 2006, Pond5 has become a one-stop shop for creators looking for high-quality media to enhance their projects. What sets Pond5 apart is its vast library of exclusive content that can only be accessed through its website and membership plans.
For artists, Pond5 is especially attractive due to its industry-leading royalty rates. Musicians and creators who offer their work exclusively on Pond5 can earn a royalty cut of 50–60%, making it one of the most artist-friendly platforms in the stock media space.
With over 25 million royalty-free stock videos, Pond5 is now the world’s largest stock footage platform, providing creative solutions for everything from advertising and film to online content.
Its commitment to helping users maximize the value of their work has cemented its reputation as a leader in the sync licensing world.
Criteria To Consider When Selecting the best Company
When selecting a sync licensing library, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you choose the best platform for your project.
1. Quality of Music
The quality of the music available on the platform is the most crucial factor. Low-quality music can detract from the overall production of your project. Ensure the platform offers well-composed tracks that align with the mood and tone you want to convey.
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2. User Interface
A user-friendly interface is essential for a smooth browsing and licensing experience. The easier it is to navigate through the library, the less time you’ll spend searching for the perfect track. Look for platforms with robust search filters and sorting options to help you find music quickly and efficiently.
3. Cost
Cost is another significant consideration, particularly if you’re working within a tight budget. Assess your needs—whether it’s licensing a single song for a short video or multiple tracks over time—and determine which platforms offer the best value for your specific requirements. Comparing pricing models will ensure that you select an option that fits your budget while meeting your project’s needs.
FAQs
What is a sync licensing company?
A sync licensing company helps artists license their music for use in TV shows, films, commercials, video games, and other media. They act as a bridge between musicians and media producers, handling contracts, fees, and legal rights.
How do sync licensing companies make money?
Sync licensing companies typically take a percentage of the licensing fee or royalties paid to the artist when a track is used. Some may also charge upfront fees or offer subscription plans for artists to submit their music.
Do I retain ownership of my music with a sync deal?
Yes, in most cases, you retain ownership of your music. Sync licensing gives media producers the right to use your track for a specific purpose, but you still hold the underlying rights unless you sign them away (so always read your contracts carefully).
Can independent artists work with sync licensing companies?
Absolutely! Many sync licensing companies welcome independent artists and even specialize in representing emerging talent to help them reach film, TV, and ad projects.
How can I improve my chances of getting placements?
Make sure your music is professionally recorded, properly tagged with metadata, and fits common sync needs (like instrumental versions). Being flexible and responsive to briefs also helps increase placement opportunities.
Conclusion
Sync licensing companies have opened up exciting new opportunities for artists to monetize their music by placing it in films, TV shows, ads, and video games.
These companies simplify the complex licensing process, making it easier for both independent and established musicians to reach media producers and land valuable sync deals.
By working with a reputable sync licensing company, artists can expand their audience, earn income, and build long-term industry connections.
With the right approach, quality music, and a strong partnership, sync licensing can become a powerful revenue stream and a rewarding part of an artist’s career.
References
- 10 Best Music Sync Licensing Companies That Actually Deliver
- 10 Best Music Sync Licensing Companies in 2025
