Start a sync licensing music catalogue business

Production companies, ad agencies, game studios, podcasters, brands and independent filmmakers who need music cleared for their projects.

You charge a licence fee per use, and split it with the composer as agreed. Some deals are one-off fees, while others bring ongoing royalties.

• Organising and tagging music so it is easy to search
• Pitching to producers and music supervisors
• Understanding licence terms
• Good ear for what suits a brief

• Make sure every track is cleared, with no uncleared samples and everyone who wrote or recorded it agreeing in writing
• Check exclusive and non-exclusive terms with a lawyer before promising anything to a client
• Check how your deals interact with collecting society membership such as APRA AMCOS
• Check whether you need professional indemnity or public liability insurance
• Winning briefs can take months, so plan for a slow start
• Register for GST once you reach the turnover threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how large a catalogue you build and how you set up your business. Use it as a rough guide when planning your own budget.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of around $300 to $1,500, depending on the tracks you hold and the briefs you win. Winning briefs can take months, so plan for a slow start.

Check that every track is cleared, with no uncleared samples and all writers and performers agreeing in writing. Have a lawyer review exclusive and non-exclusive terms, check how deals interact with APRA AMCOS membership, and consider insurance and GST registration.