What is the difference between a sync and a master license?

A sync (synchronisation) licence covers the underlying composition — the melody and lyrics — usually controlled by the publisher. A master licence covers the specific sound recording, usually controlled by the label. To use a commercial song in video you normally need both.

What is a blanket license?

A blanket licence in this builder grants both the composition and the master in one agreement, so you do not have to clear them separately. It only works when a single licensor controls both rights, which is common for independent artists.

Why do I need to clear two sets of rights?

Recorded music has two separate copyrights: the song itself and the recording of it. Clearing only one leaves you exposed to a claim from the other rights holder. The agreement reminds you to confirm both before use.

What does exclusivity cost?

Exclusivity stops the licensor from licensing the same track for the same use to anyone else during the term, so it is more valuable and usually carries a higher fee. Non-exclusive licences are cheaper and the norm for most projects.

Is a flat fee or royalty better?

This template uses a one-time flat licence fee, which is simplest for short-form media and ads. Larger productions sometimes negotiate royalties or step-ups, which you would add as a custom clause and have a lawyer review.

Music Licensing Agreement Builder

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Using a piece of music in video or media means clearing rights — and recorded music carries two separate copyrights. This builder drafts a licence covering the parties, the track, the licence type, scope, term, and fee, with wording that distinguishes the composition from the master recording.

How it works

The generator assembles a numbered agreement from your inputs. The licence-granted clause changes with the type you choose: a sync licence clears the underlying composition, a master licence clears the specific recording, and a blanket licence clears both at once when one party controls them. Territory, term, fee, and exclusivity each become their own clause.

The key concept is that every commercial recording has two rights: the composition (controlled by the publisher) and the master (controlled by the label). Using a song in video normally requires clearing both, which is why the agreement warns you to confirm both before signing.

Tips and notes

For an independent artist who wrote and recorded their own track, a blanket licence from that one person can clear everything. For a major-label song you will usually need separate sync and master clearances.
Set the territory and term to what you actually need — a perpetual worldwide grant costs far more than a 3-year, single-country licence.
This is a starting template, not legal advice. Music rights are complex and vary by country; have a music lawyer review any significant licence.