The Sync License Checklist: Preparing Your Tracks for Licensing

Before you submit your music for licensing, make sure it checks every box on this essential checklist.

✓ Audio Quality

• Professionally mixed and mastered
• WAV format, 24-bit/48kHz minimum
• No clipping, distortion, or technical issues
• Consistent volume levels throughout
• Clean intro and outro (no abrupt cuts)

For more sync preparation tips, visit our Artist Hub.

✓ Rights and Legal

• You own 100% of master and composition rights
• No samples or uncleared interpolations
• Written permission from all co-writers/producers
• No existing exclusive licensing agreements
• Lyrics are appropriate for advertising (no profanity unless explicit)

Understanding your rights in the music industry is critical. Learn how to get your music in ads.

✓ Metadata and Tagging

• Accurate title, artist name, and album info
• Clear genre tags (e.g., "Indie Pop," "Electronic," "Folk")
• Specific mood descriptors (e.g., "Upbeat," "Nostalgic," "Cinematic")
• Tempo in BPM
• ISRC codes for tracking
• Instrumental or vocal version noted

Check out what brands are searching for in our artist trends guide. Update your metadata on Spotify for Artists.

✓ Multiple Versions (Optional but Recommended)

• Full-length version (2-4 minutes)
• 30-second edit for social ads
• 60-second edit for video ads
• Instrumental version (no vocals)

✓ Branding and Presentation

• Professional artist bio (2-3 sentences)
• High-quality album/single artwork
• Links to streaming profiles and social media
• Contact information for licensing inquiries

Learn about diversifying your music income.

About the Author

Samuel Olsson is the Head of Growth at Melody and the Managing Director of Kurve, an award-winning growth marketing agency. With over a decade of experience building scalable growth engines for tech companies, Samuel is now focused on solving the biggest problem in music: connecting the 90% of unheard artists with the brands that need their sound.

View full profile →