Easy Ways to Get Your Music Into Movies and TV

If you’re a musician or producer, you’ve probably dreamed of hearing your music in a movie or TV show. It’s a great way to gain exposure, build your reputation, and even earn money through licensing. But how do you actually get your music placed in film or television—especially if you’re just starting out and don’t have a big budget?

Don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of submitting your music for TV and film—for free.

1. Understand What Music Supervisors Want

Music supervisors are the people responsible for choosing and licensing music for movies, TV shows, and even ads. They’re always looking for tracks that:

• Fit the mood or scene

• Are professionally mixed and mastered

• Come with the right licensing rights (meaning you own all the elements or have permission to use them)

They want music that adds emotion, builds atmosphere, or drives a scene forward.

So the first step is to make sure your music sounds good, fits a vibe, and is cleared for sync licensing. That means no uncleared samples or beats you don’t fully own.

2. Get Your Tracks Organized

Before you submit anything, have your music ready in a clean format. This includes:

• High-quality MP3 or WAV files

• Instrumental versions (these are often preferred)

• Metadata like your name, contact info, and song details

• A short bio or artist description

Also, create a spreadsheet or list with all your songs, tempos, moods, and lyrics if needed. It helps to stay organized when sending out multiple tracks.

3. Start Submitting Your Music (for Free)

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to submit your music. Here are a few free ways to start:

• Email Music Supervisors: Find their contact info on LinkedIn or IMDB. Keep your emails short and respectful. Don’t spam.

• Use Free Submission Sites: Some platforms let you upload tracks for consideration without charging fees. Always read the terms and make sure you keep your rights.

• Film Student Projects: Offer your music to students making short films or documentaries. It’s a great way to start building credits.

• Social Media Networking: Connect with indie filmmakers and producers on Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter. Many are open to using independent music.

Consistency is key. Submit often, follow up politely, and build relationships over time.

4. Learn the Basics of Licensing

To get paid or credited, your music must be "cleared for sync." That means you own the:

• Master rights (the actual recording)

• Publishing rights (the songwriting)

If you created everything yourself, great—you own both. If not, you’ll need permission from all co-creators or rights holders.

When your music is used in film or TV, you usually get paid in two ways:

1. Sync fee – a one-time payment for using your music

2. Royalties – ongoing payments from performance rights organizations (like ASCAP or BMI)

5. Be Patient, Keep Creating

Getting your first placement can take time. Don’t get discouraged. Keep improving your sound, learning about the industry, and making new connections. Each submission is a step forward.

The more music you make—and the more you put yourself out there—the better your chances of landing a placement.

Conclusion

Getting your music into movies and TV doesn’t require a big budget or fancy connections—it starts with good music, a bit of knowledge, and persistence. By understanding what music supervisors are looking for, preparing your tracks the right way, and using free submission methods, you can start building your path into the world of sync licensing.

It might take time, but every placement is a step forward for your music career. Keep creating, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to reach out and share your sound.

If you’re serious about getting your music heard, One Night Stand is a great place to begin. They support independent artists and make the process easier, especially if you’re just getting started.