Music licensing complete, guide
Music licensing determines who can use your songs and how you get paid. From mechanical licenses for streaming to sync licenses for film — understanding the different license types is essential for any songwriter who wants to maximize their income.
Types of music licenses
Every use of a musical composition requires a specific type of license. Here are the six primary license types songwriters need to understand.
Mechanical License
Grants the right to reproduce and distribute a musical composition. Required for cover songs, samples, and any physical or digital reproduction. In the US, mechanical licenses for covers are compulsory — anyone can obtain one at the statutory rate.
- Licensed to
- DSPs, Labels, Cover Artists
- Statutory rate?
- Yes ($0.12/copy or streaming formula)
Synchronization License
Grants the right to pair a musical composition with visual media — film, TV, commercials, video games, and online content. Sync licenses are negotiated case-by-case with no statutory rate.
- Licensed to
- Film/TV Producers, Ad Agencies, Game Studios
- Statutory rate?
- No — freely negotiated
Master Use License
Grants the right to use a specific sound recording in visual media. Required alongside a sync license when using an existing recording (vs. re-recording the composition).
- Licensed to
- Same as sync — paired together
- Statutory rate?
- No — freely negotiated
Performance License
Grants the right to publicly perform a composition. Issued as blanket licenses by PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) to venues, broadcasters, streaming services, and businesses.
- Licensed to
- Venues, Radio, TV, Streaming Services
- Statutory rate?
- Consent decree (ASCAP/BMI)
Print License
Grants the right to reproduce a composition in printed or digital sheet music form. Required for songbooks, educational materials, and lyric websites.
- Licensed to
- Sheet Music Publishers, Lyric Sites, Educators
- Statutory rate?
- No — negotiated
Grand Rights License
Grants the right to use a composition in a dramatic performance — musicals, operas, ballet. Distinguished from 'small rights' (non-dramatic performances handled by PROs).
- Licensed to
- Theater Producers, Opera Companies
- Statutory rate?
- No — negotiated directly
Real-world licensing scenarios
Here are common situations songwriters encounter and which licenses apply.
"I want to release a cover song on Spotify"
Licenses needed: Mechanical License
How it works: Your distributor typically handles this through the Harry Fox Agency or MLC. Some require you to obtain it yourself. Services like DistroKid and TuneCore include mechanical licensing.
"A TV show wants to use my original song"
Licenses needed: Sync License + Master Use License
How it works: The music supervisor contacts your publisher (for sync) and your label/distributor (for master). As an independent artist-songwriter, you can grant both. Your publisher negotiates terms.
"I want to sample another artist's song"
Licenses needed: Sync/Mechanical License (composition) + Master Use License (recording)
How it works: You must clear both copyrights before release. Contact the publisher for the composition clearance and the label for the master clearance. Both parties must agree to terms.
"My song is playing in a restaurant chain"
Licenses needed: Performance License
How it works: The restaurant pays blanket license fees to ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Your PRO distributes your share based on their tracking data. You don't need to do anything — but registration is essential.
"A YouTube creator used my song in a video"
Licenses needed: Sync License + Mechanical License
How it works: YouTube's Content ID system can identify your music and either block, mute, or monetize the video on your behalf. Your publisher or admin should have your songs registered in Content ID.
"A teacher wants to print my lyrics for a class"
Licenses needed: Print License
How it works: Educational use has limited fair use protections, but commercial reproduction of lyrics requires a print license. Contact your publisher or the Harry Fox Agency.
How JukeHouse handles licensing
As your publishing administrator, JukeHouse manages the licensing side of your compositions — so you earn from every authorized use.
Mechanical Licensing
We register your songs with the MLC and international mechanical rights organizations to ensure streaming platforms are properly licensed.
Performance Registration
We register your works globally so PROs and collection societies can accurately track performances and distribute royalties.
Sync Readiness
Proper metadata, clean ownership records, and global registration make your catalog ready for sync opportunities when they arise.
Get your music properly licensed
JukeHouse registers and administers your compositions globally — ensuring you earn from every stream, broadcast, and placement.