How to Submit Music to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Shows

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have completely reshaped the entertainment industry. They’re producing more original content than ever before, and with that comes a growing demand for music. This is a massive opportunity for independent artists. But the big question is: how do you actually submit your music to these platforms?

The truth is you can’t just send your tracks to Netflix and expect them to land in a show. There’s a process, and knowing how it works will save you time and help you focus on the right doors.

How Music Gets Placed on Streaming Platforms

Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime don’t license music directly from independent musicians. Instead, they work through music supervisors, production companies, and trusted music libraries.

A music supervisor is hired for each show or film. Their job is to find music that fits the scenes, negotiate licensing fees, and handle the clearance process. Music supervisors rarely deal with unsolicited submissions from unknown artists. Instead, they rely on relationships with libraries, publishers, and trusted contacts to source songs.

This means your best path into Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime is to connect with the people and companies that supervisors already trust.

Why Music Supervisors Are the Gatekeepers

Music supervisors hold the keys to getting placed. They know the creative direction of a show, they understand the licensing budget, and they’re the ones who present options to the directors and producers. If your music gets into their hands at the right time and it fits the project, you can land a placement.

The catch is that supervisors get bombarded with music daily. That’s why many prefer going through libraries and catalogs they already work with. To stand out, you either need to build a personal relationship or have your music represented by a library that feeds directly into their workflow.

The Role of Music Libraries and Publishers

Libraries are often the most realistic entry point for independent musicians. These companies have catalogs of pre-cleared music and maintain active relationships with supervisors working on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon projects. Supervisors know they can get music from these sources quickly, legally, and within budget.

For artists, this often means splitting income with the library, but the trade-off is access to opportunities you’d never get on your own. If you want to submit music for streaming shows, targeting the right libraries is one of the smartest strategies you can use.

Libraries to Start With

Here are a few established music libraries that actively license music for TV and film. These are good places to begin your research and submissions:
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• APM Music – One of the largest production music catalogs in the world, widely used in television, film, and streaming projects.
• Audio Network – A global music company supplying tracks to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and beyond.
• ALIBI Music – Known for high-quality tracks and stems, frequently used in trailers, promos, and shows.
• Extreme Music – A Sony-owned catalog that places music across major TV networks and streaming platforms.
• Universal Production Music – Formerly Killer Tracks, a huge library trusted by supervisors worldwide.
  
  

Before submitting, always review their submission guidelines. Some are open to independent artists, while others work selectively with composers.

Steps to Prepare Your Music

Step one is to make sure your songs are ready for sync. This means professional production, proper mastering, and no uncleared samples. Supervisors and libraries need music they can license immediately without legal headaches.

Step two is to prepare alternate versions. Always have instrumental mixes and stems ready. Often the vocal might clash with dialogue, and having an instrumental available can make your track more licensable.

Step three is to handle your metadata. Make sure every track has your name, contact info, songwriting splits, and publishing information embedded. Metadata is how supervisors and libraries keep track of who owns what.

Step four is to reach out with professionalism. Whether you’re contacting a supervisor directly or submitting to a library, keep your message short and focused. Share a link to a streaming playlist, not attachments. Make it as easy as possible for them to listen.

What Kind of Music Works Best on Streaming Shows

Shows on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime use a wide range of music, but some patterns emerge. Emotional ballads, atmospheric instrumentals, and high-energy tracks are always in demand. Songs that create a vibe quickly and can play under dialogue without overpowering the scene tend to be more sync-friendly.

Lyrics can work, but they need to match the tone of the scene. Often, supervisors look for universal themes like love, struggle, empowerment, or change. The best way to understand what works is to study the shows you want to target and listen closely to how music is being used.

Final Thoughts

Submitting music to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime isn’t about knocking on their doors directly. It’s about putting your music where supervisors are already looking. Music libraries, publishers, and established relationships are the real access points. If you prepare your catalog, follow professional standards, and connect with the right people, your chances of landing a placement go up dramatically.

Free Resource to Get Started
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If you’re serious about getting placements, I’ve created a free resource to guide you. At The Sync Lab you can download a free music licensing directory of supervisors and libraries, along with a free four-hour audio and video course that explains exactly how artists can make money licensing their music in TV and films.

And if you want to go even deeper, there’s also an option to join our premium program. Inside, you’ll get access to in-depth courses, a weekly mastermind with award-winning producer Gary Gray, daily leads, tutorials, and much more. You can learn more here: The Sync Lab Premium.