The Ultimate Guide to Licensing Indie Music in TV Shows

There has never been a better time for independent musicians to get their music placed in television. With hundreds of shows being produced across networks, streaming platforms, and cable, the demand for fresh, emotionally engaging music is higher than ever.

What’s exciting is that you don’t need a record deal, a massive following, or a high-powered publisher to get placements. What you do need is a clear strategy, a strong catalog, and a basic understanding of how the sync licensing world works.

This guide is here to break it all down for you, step by step. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your sync licensing game to the next level, this is what you need to know about getting your indie music into TV shows.

Why indie music gets placed
You might think most television placements would turn to major label artists or legacy bands, but that isn’t the case. In fact, a huge percentage of songs used in TV shows come from independent artists. That’s because indie music is more affordable to license, often more emotionally raw, and usually easier to clear than music from major acts. Supervisors love working with independent musicians because it allows them to use great music without the legal and financial complications that come with big-name artists.

When you create music that feels authentic, emotionally rich, and professionally produced, you put yourself in a position to be considered for placements. If your song fits the tone of the scene and is ready to go from a legal and technical standpoint, you are already ahead of the majority of artists submitting music.

What music supervisors are actually looking for
Music supervisors aren’t just looking for good songs. They’re looking for songs that serve the story. Every TV show is a series of emotional moments, and supervisors are trying to find music that enhances those moments without distracting from them. That means they are looking for songs with a clear emotional center. Whether the scene calls for heartbreak, tension, triumph, nostalgia, or intimacy, the music needs to match that energy and mood perfectly.

If your song captures a strong feeling and stays consistent with it from beginning to end, you dramatically increase your chances of being placed. It doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the most syncable songs are often the simplest and most emotionally direct.

How to make your music sync-ready
Before your song can be placed, it needs to be fully cleared. That means you either own all the rights yourself, or you have written agreements with all collaborators that clearly outline ownership percentages. If you have co-writers, producers, or session players involved, make sure you have paperwork signed and stored in one place.

You will also need an instrumental version of every track. This is essential. Many TV scenes use instrumental beds under dialogue, and if you don’t have that version ready, you’re limiting your chances of being used. Make sure your files are clearly labeled, easy to access, and include metadata with your name, contact info, and ownership details.

Finally, your production needs to sound professional. This does not mean you need to spend thousands of dollars on a studio. It means your mix should be balanced, your vocals clean, and your track broadcast-ready. A music supervisor will not try to imagine how your song could sound. It either works when they hear it, or they move on.

Where to submit your music
There are several ways to get your music in front of music supervisors. One is to work with music libraries that regularly pitch to television shows. These libraries are often looking for fresh, independent music and are open to submissions. Do your research, find the ones that align with your genre and vibe, and follow their submission guidelines carefully.

You can also pitch directly to music supervisors. This requires more effort and relationship-building, but it can pay off in a big way. Start by researching shows that regularly use music like yours. Watch the credits, take note of the supervisor’s name, and look them up on LinkedIn or IMDB Pro. When you reach out, make it short and respectful. Let them know you are an independent artist and that you have music available that matches the kind of work they are doing. Do not attach files. Share a streaming link with clearly labeled tracks and instrumentals.

There are also sync agents and boutique licensing agencies that specialize in pitching music to television. These companies usually take a percentage of your sync fee in exchange for representing your catalog. Some work exclusively, others are non-exclusive. Either way, make sure you understand the terms before signing anything.

Be consistent and stay in the game
One of the biggest misconceptions about sync licensing is that it is all about getting discovered. In reality, it is about being consistent. Most artists who succeed in television placements are not overnight success stories. They are artists who keep creating, keep pitching, and keep building relationships over time.

When you treat sync licensing like a long game, your chances of success multiply. Every submission is a seed planted. Every connection is a potential opportunity. When your catalog starts to grow and your name becomes more familiar to people in the industry, things begin to happen more frequently and more naturally.

Final thoughts
Licensing your indie music in TV shows is not reserved for the lucky or the famous. It is about preparation, professionalism, and understanding how the world of sync works. If your music is emotionally resonant, legally clear, and professionally presented, there is no reason you cannot land placements in television.

Free Course: The Ultimate Music Licensing Guide
If you want a clear roadmap for how to get started, organize your catalog, pitch your songs, and actually get placed, I created a completely free course that walks you through it step by step. It is called The Ultimate Music Licensing Guide, and it is helped hundreds of indie artists take control of their music licensing journey.
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TV is always hungry for great music. If you are ready to take your songs out of the bedroom studio and into living rooms around the world, sync licensing might be the exact next step you need.