How Independent Artists Can Get Their Music on TV & in Movies

Written By 28 ENT

If you've ever watched a show or movie and thought, “My song would’ve been perfect in that scene,”—you’re absolutely right. Music supervisors are constantly looking for fresh, original music, and independent artists are often the first stop.

Here’s how to get your foot in the door.

1. Understand What Music Supervisors Want

Music supervisors are responsible for choosing the songs you hear in shows, movies, trailers, commercials, and more. They're looking for:

  • Emotionally impactful music that matches a scene

  • High-quality recordings (even if you recorded it at home)

  • Clear licensing rights (more on this below)

2. Own All Your Rights

If you want your music to be licensed, you must control:

  • Master rights – You own the recording.

  • Publishing rights – You wrote the song (or have permission from all co-writers).
    If you co-wrote with anyone, you’ll need split sheets signed and ready.

3. Get Your Music Synced-Ready

  • Make instrumental versions of every song

  • Remove samples you don’t own or can’t legally clear

  • Tag your music properly (metadata: title, genre, mood, contact info)

  • Save in both .WAV and MP3 formats

4. Build a Sync Catalog

Organize your best songs into a small, curated catalog (start with 5-10 tracks). Group by genre, mood, or tempo. Music supervisors don’t have time to dig through 50 songs—make it easy for them.

5. Submit to Music Libraries & Sync Agencies

Here are a few sync licensing platforms that accept independent artists:

  • Musicbed

  • Artlist

  • Songtradr

  • AudioSocket

  • Pond5

  • Marmoset

  • Crucial Music

Note: Always read the terms. Some want exclusive rights, others are non-exclusive.

6. Pitch Directly to Music Supervisors

  • Find the credits for shows or films you like and Google the music supervisor

  • Use LinkedIn or IMDb Pro to research and reach out professionally

  • Send short, polite emails with links (not attachments) to your best, sync-ready music

  • Never send mass spam—build relationships

7. Register with a PRO

You need to be registered with BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC to collect performance royalties when your music is aired on TV or in theaters.

8. Be Patient but Consistent

Sync placements are competitive, but they’re happening every day—independent music is used all the time. Keep submitting, networking, and building your catalog.

Bonus Tip:
A great way to learn what sync-ready music sounds like? Study shows, trailers, and ads. Shazam the songs. Listen to what they use and why it works.

Final Words:
Your music deserves a screen moment. With the right strategy, you can land that next Netflix scene, commercial, or film credit—even without a label.

28 ENT

Marlon "28" Evins is a highly skilled audio engineer with over 12 years of experience in the industry. He is a graduate of Full Sail University and has a passion for music and sound that is evident in every project he works on.

Originally from Spartanburg, South Carolina, Marlon now calls Raleigh, North Carolina his home. Throughout his career, he has worked with a variety of artists and production companies, honing his skills and developing a unique style and approach to audio engineering.

With a strong technical background and a keen ear for detail, Marlon is committed to delivering the highest quality sound for every project. He is always looking for new ways to push the boundaries and take his work to the next level.

As a forward-thinking audio engineer, Marlon is constantly striving to build a bright future for himself and the industry as a whole. With his experience, passion, and commitment to excellence, he is poised to make a significant impact in the world of music and sound.

Previous

Top Studio Gear For Indie Musicians On A Budget
Next

🎤 How to Start Monetizing Your Music Early — Even With No Budget