Publishing / synchronisation
Permission for the underlying composition, generally approached through its publisher or other controlling rights holders. Multiple owners or territorial splits can require more than one approval.
MUSIC RIGHTS · PRACTICAL BUYER GUIDE
Music clearance costs and timelines: what actually affects a quote?
There is no fixed price or guaranteed turnaround for licensing a famous song. The useful starting point is a clear request that describes the recording, the rights, the exact use and your deadline.
General information only. Availability, fees and conditions depend on the rights holders and the actual use. This is not a price quote or legal advice.
Why there is no standard licensing fee
Two requests for the same track can have different commercial terms. A short use in an independent programme is not automatically priced like a worldwide advertising campaign. Rights holders consider the context, audience, creative placement and permissions being requested.
Even with a generous budget, a rights holder may decline. Do not assume a reference track is cleared until all relevant approvals and signed terms are confirmed.
What changes the cost?
Use this checklist when discussing a music budget. Not every factor applies to every deal.
| Factor | What to specify | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Recording and song | Exact artist, track, version, remix or cover | The composition and the chosen master recording may have different controllers and terms. |
| Production and context | Film, television, trailer, brand, game or other use; description of scene | Rights holders may review editorial or brand context. |
| Media and distribution | Broadcast, streaming, cinema, paid social, online, in-store or combinations | Permission for one medium does not necessarily extend to another. |
| Territory | UK, named countries or worldwide | Geographic scope affects permissions and commercial negotiation. |
| Term | Fixed months/years or requested perpetual use | Longer use can change the agreed fee and contractual restrictions. |
| Usage and prominence | Duration of music, lyrics, foreground/background, opening or end credits | The nature of the use can affect approvals, pricing and cue documentation. |
| Exclusivity and edits | Exclusivity, re-edits, cutdowns and derivative versions | Extra permissions and restrictions may be negotiated. |
| Deadline and alternatives | Final launch date and whether another track is acceptable | Research and multi-party approval may not fit a locked edit or rush date. |
One song may mean two separate negotiations
Master recording
Permission to use the actual sound recording, commonly controlled by a label or owner. A re-recording changes the master question but does not automatically remove the composition permission.
Additional approvals
A specific use may involve performer or brand sensitivities, restrictions on editing, sample history, approval of creative context or agreed licence language. Ask early.
Some negotiations propose matching commercial terms across the publishing and master sides, sometimes referred to as most-favoured-nations (MFN) terms. That is a negotiation concept, not a universal requirement. Always review what the actual written offer says.
What affects clearance timing?
Clearance is not an automated checkout. Identifying the correct controllers, obtaining the brief or creative for approval, negotiating terms and receiving all signatures can be separate steps. A co-written song, unclear metadata, territories requiring different owners, or late creative changes can extend the process.
There is no guaranteed number of days. Send the request as early as possible, flag any immovable broadcast or campaign dates and hold a music alternative if the schedule is tight.
01
Confirm version
Track title, recording and composition details, ISRC when known.
02
Define permission
Exact usage, platforms, region, licence period and budget.
03
Approach controllers
Identify relevant parties and request terms with a usable brief.
04
Agree and document
Confirm approvals, restrictions, payment and written licences before using the track.
Questions to ask before approving a quote
Does the quoted figure cover both master and publishing?
Do not assume so. Ask the sender to identify which rights and shares their quotation covers, and whether any additional controllers must approve.
Can a production use a song while negotiations are ongoing?
Do not treat a proposed fee or a verbal conversation as a licence. Confirm the required rights and written permissions before the planned use.
Can I use the same song in the main film, trailer and paid social clips?
Only when the licences grant that scope. Trailers, cutdowns, promotional placements, paid media and extra territories may need to be expressly included.
Would a cover version avoid the original master fee?
An independently produced cover may not require permission to use the earlier sound recording, but use of the underlying composition with picture can still require synchronisation consent. New recording and performer rights must also be managed.
What if one rights holder says no?
You may need another recording or composition. A partial approval does not make the entire intended use safe. Original music or an appropriately licensed catalogue alternative may offer a different route.
What to send for a meaningful clearance quote
Include the exact recording, intended production, the scene or campaign context, where and for how long the music appears, media, territories, requested term, planned release date, approximate budget and a contact person. If available, include a reference cut or storyboard through an agreed secure route.
Our music clearance brief planner lets you organise those details locally before sending an enquiry. It is not a fee calculator and does not automatically submit your information.
Independent reference
The Musicians' Union specimen sync-licence guidance outlines practical matters such as territory and licence terms. It is a useful source for further reading, not an endorsement of Audio Motion Music. Actual deals should be reviewed on their own terms.
Have a song in mind?
Tell Audio Motion Music what you want to use and where. We can help identify the relevant rights route and coordinate a clearance enquiry. Availability and fees remain subject to the rights holders.