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Commercial Music Sync Licensing

Using commercially released tracks in your content

(e.g. music you may have heard on the radio, streaming services, on CD or vinyl)

Whether you’re seeking a powerful score, a catchy soundtrack, or a timeless classic, we’ll help you find the perfect musical accompaniment to complement your vision. If you’re interested in using a commercial track to boost your production, check out our helpful guide on how to go about it.


  • Audio-visual productions
  • User Generated Content - music you’re sharing with other people as part of a project  
  • Online audio-video streaming or download
  • Business use or corporate videos
  • Films / documentaries / programmes 
  • Adverts / branded content / PR
  • Computer games / apps
  • Podcasts / audio books
  • The composition/publishing rights (the words and melody that make up the song) are owned by writers/composers/arrangers/publishers.
  • The recording/master rights (the specific recording of the song you’d like to use) are owned by recording artists/musicians/producers/record companies.

A composition may have more than one owner involved that you would need to gain approval from.  The same composition, may have been recorded by various artists and you would need to approach the owners of the specific recording you’d like to use.

  1. Ascertain who the rights owners are
  2. Outline the project information and music usage details to them
  3. Request permission (approval/clearance), discuss fee and terms
  4. If the use is approved by the rights owners (clearance granted), contract and make payment

    5. Each usage enquiry is considered on a case-by-case basis. Fees vary dependent on the use and the popularity of the track. Bear in mind the size of your project and its budget when considering the track you’d like to use. Allow plenty of time to research and approach the rights holders and consider more than one option in case the track you’d like is not available for use.

If you are hosting content containing music on your own website, you may also require an additional licence to cover the communication to the public of our members work through digital services. Head to our main licensing page to find the right licence for you.


Here to help

PRS and MCPS work in relation to the publishing rights of a song. We can help connect you with the right contacts to explore the possibilities.  

See below for next steps and how to reach out to our licensing team if you need additional assistance. We may be able to provide further details on who to contact in relation to your sync enquiry.  In some instances we directly represent publishing owners in this area.  When this is the case, you’ll be able to send your approval request directly to us. Our team of music and media experts will manage the entire process, from initial enquiry through to license and payment. Our strong relationships allow us to streamline the process, saving you time and effort so you can focus on what you do best.

Remember, if you’re using an original recording, you will also need to approach the recording rights owners. For more guidance on recording rights head to PPL 

Next steps 

Have a specific track in mind?

Register for our song search database to find the publishing rights owners

Register

Additional assistance

Contact us for additional help finding the rights owners or for further support.

Email us

Request approval

Submit a usage enquiry to our licensing team where we represent the track for sync

Submit enquiry

Looking for another route?

Try our production music: high-quality tracks, pre-approved and ready to licence

Find out more

< If you haven't found what you're looking for, search for more licensing options that fit your needs.

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