How to Get Your Music "Deal-Ready"

Getting your music ready for sync licensing opportunities requires more than just great songs. Music supervisors and licensing companies expect certain technical and administrative standards to make their jobs easier. Here's everything you need to know to prepare your music for sync licensing success.

Professional Recording Quality

Your recordings must meet professional standards to be considered for sync opportunities. This means:

• Clean, properly mixed tracks with no distortion or background noise

• Well-balanced frequency spectrum

• Peak levels around -3dB to allow for mastering

• High-quality audio files (minimum 24-bit/48kHz WAV format)

• No phase issues that could cause problems in mono playback

Essential Alternate Versions

Always prepare multiple versions of your tracks:

• Full mix with vocals

• Instrumental version (crucial for dialogue scenes)

• 30-second and 60-second edits

• Stems (separate tracks for vocals, drums, bass, etc.)

• Alternative mixes (e.g., without certain instruments)

Metadata and Documentation

Proper documentation is critical. Prepare:

• Accurate song titles and writer information

• Complete ownership details and split sheets

• ISRC codes for all recordings

• Publisher information (if applicable)

• PRO affiliation and song registration numbers

• BPM and key information

• Genre tags and mood descriptions

• Lyrics (if applicable)

Rights and Clearances

Before submitting music for sync:

• Ensure you own or have cleared all samples

• Verify you have rights to both master and composition

• Get signed agreements from all contributors

• Clear any third-party content

• Document any cover songs or public domain material

File Organization

Create an organized system for your sync-ready tracks:

• Use consistent file naming conventions

• Maintain a spreadsheet with track details

• Keep separate folders for different versions

• Back up all files in multiple locations

• Create easily accessible preview links

Technical Specifications

Follow these technical guidelines:

• File format: WAV (uncompressed)

• Sample rate: 48kHz minimum

• Bit depth: 24-bit

• No MP3s for final delivery

• Clean starts and ends with no fade-ins/outs

• Keep files under 20MB when possible for easy sharing

Delivery Preparation

Be ready to deliver your music in various formats:

• Private streaming links for previews

• Download links for high-quality files

• Organized folders with all versions

• Clearly labeled metadata

• Professional one-sheet with track information

Final Quality Check

Before submission, verify:

• All files play correctly

• Metadata is complete and accurate

• No copyright conflicts exist

• All documentation is current

• Files meet technical specifications

Remember, music supervisors often need tracks quickly. Having your music properly prepared means you can respond to opportunities immediately, increasing your chances of securing sync placements. Keep your sync catalog organized, updated, and readily available, and you'll be well-positioned for success in the sync licensing world.