What is a Master Use License?

A master use license is a legal agreement that grants permission to use a specific sound recording in a project such as a film, television show, advertisement, video game, or online video. It allows the licensee to use the original recorded version of a song.

This license is obtained from the owner of the master recording, which is often a record label or sometimes the recording artist if they control their own recordings. The license specifies how the recording can be used, where it can appear, and how long the permission lasts.

When music is used in visual media, a master use license is typically required in addition to a synchronization license, which covers the underlying musical composition. Both licenses are usually needed if the original recorded version of the song is included in the project.