What are Synchronization Rights?

Synchronization rights, often called sync rights, are the legal permissions required to use a musical composition in combination with visual media. These rights allow a song to be synchronized with content such as films, television shows, commercials, video games, and online videos.

When music is used in visual media, permission is usually needed from the copyright holder of the musical composition, which is typically the songwriter or music publisher. This permission is granted through a synchronization license, which outlines how the music can be used and what compensation will be provided.

If the original recorded version of the song is used, an additional master use license may also be required from the owner of the sound recording. Synchronization rights are an important part of the music licensing industry because they allow music creators to earn revenue when their songs are featured in films, advertisements, and other visual media.