How to split sync licensing income

How sync fees work

A sync placement generates two fees: the master use fee (paid to the master owner) and the sync fee (paid to the composition owners). The composition owners split the sync fee according to their ownership percentages. These percentages come from the split sheet or co-writer agreement.

Why music supervisors require split sheets

Before placing a song, a music supervisor needs to clear both the master and the composition. If the composition has multiple owners, the supervisor needs written proof of who owns what. A signed split sheet or co-writer agreement is that proof. Without it, the placement doesn’t happen.

How to split the sync fee

Sync fees follow ownership percentages. If you own 40% of the composition, you receive 40% of the sync fee. Use the music split calculator to determine fair ownership percentages before any placements come in.

When publishers are involved

If any songwriter has a publisher, the publisher typically negotiates and collects the sync fee on their behalf, taking a percentage (usually 10–25%). This doesn’t change the ownership split — it changes who handles the negotiation and collection. Include publishing administration terms in your co-writer agreement.

How to document it

Create a split sheet for every co-written song — even songs you don’t think will get sync placements. Opportunities come unexpectedly, and you can’t clear a song without ownership documentation. For songs with publishing or licensing complexity, use the co-writer agreement generator to include sync-specific terms.

Related guides

For the basics of ownership splits, read how to split song ownership. For publishing-specific details, see how to split publishing rights. To understand how royalties flow from all sources (not just sync), read how to split royalties.