Top 10 Mistakes Musicians Make When Trying to License Their Music

I've been in the music licensing game for over 20 years, and during that time, I've seen countless musicians make the same mistakes over and over again when trying to license their music. It's easy to get lost in the weeds when you're trying to break into the world of sync licensing—there's a lot of information out there, and it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start.

But after helping hundreds of clients get their music placed in TV shows, films, and commercials, I’ve seen a lot of the same patterns play out over and over. I can tell you with confidence and experience what not to do.

Here are the top 10 mistakes I see musicians make when trying to license their music:

Not Understanding the Business Side of Licensing
Let's start with the basics. Many musicians think that all they need to do is make great music, send it to a few places, and the licensing deals will come rolling in. But the truth is, music licensing is as much about business as it is about creativity and music.

You need to have a good understanding of how the business works, how to cultivate relationships in the business, how to write music that works in the context of licensing and so on.  It’s not enough to just write great music.  That’s of course a great start but becoming successful in the licensing business is about much more than just writing great music.

Which leads me to…

Focusing Too Much on Art and Not Enough on Function
We musicians are artists at heart, and it's easy to get wrapped up in the creative process. But when it comes to licensing, your music needs to serve a purpose. Music supervisors are looking for tracks that fit specific moods, scenes, and narratives. If your song is too abstract or doesn’t fit the mold of what they need, it won’t get placed, no matter how good it is. It’s really that simple.

You have to find the balance between artistic expression and commercial viability. I always encourage artists to write from the heart and write music they’re inspired to make.  After all, if you’re not enjoying the process of creating music and writing music you’re inspired to write, then what’s the point?  But, if you goal is to make money licensing your tracks, then it’s important to be mindful of why songs are licensed and strike a balance between inspiration and commercial viability. You can do both!  You can both write songs that you’re inspired to write and create music that works for licensing. 

Ignoring the Importance of Metadata
It might sound boring, but metadata is crucial in the world of music licensing. When you submit your tracks to music libraries or directly to music supervisors, they need to be able to find your song quickly and easily. If your track doesn’t have the correct metadata—like the genre, mood, tempo, and instrumentation—there’s a good chance it will get lost in the shuffle. Think of metadata as the roadmap that leads your music to its next destination.

Not Tailoring Your Music for Licensing Opportunities
Every licensing opportunity is unique, and so is the music that fits it. Too many musicians make the mistake of submitting generic tracks that don’t align with the specific needs of a project, or the specific needs of a music library.

Take the time to research the show, film, or music library you’re pitching to. What kind of music have they used in the past? Do you know what kind of music they’re specifically looking for? Tailoring your submissions to fit those criteria will dramatically increase your chances of success. Think of it like dating.  If you’re approaching prospective partners that you’re not fundamentally compatible with, it’s not going to work.  It’s the same when it comes to licensing your music.

Overlooking the Power of Relationships
Licensing is a relationship-driven business. While it's important to have great music, it’s just as important to build strong relationships with music supervisors, sync agents, and other industry professionals. Networking might not come naturally to all musicians, but it’s a skill worth developing. A personal connection can sometimes be the deciding factor between your track and someone else’s. Humans are social creatures and we like to work with people we know and feel comfortable with.

Being Impatient
One of the biggest misconceptions about music licensing is that it's a quick way to make money. In reality, the process can take months or even years. Patience is key. You might have to pitch the same track dozens of times before it gets placed. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. The musicians who succeed in licensing are the ones who stick with it for the long haul.  I’ve had many tracks get picked up years after I initially signed them to my publisher.

Neglecting the Importance of High-Quality Production
In today’s competitive market, your tracks need to sound as polished and professional as possible. A great song can easily be overlooked if it’s poorly produced or mixed. Invest in high-quality production, or work with someone who can help you achieve that. Remember, your music is competing with thousands of other tracks, and first impressions matter. Listen to tracks that are being licensed to see how your music compares relative to production.  Make sure you are only pitching material that is actually ready to be licensed.

Not Having Your Paperwork in Order
When a licensing opportunity arises, you need to be ready to move quickly. That means having all your paperwork in order—split sheets, licensing agreements, and any other relevant documents. If you’re not organized, you could miss out on opportunities simply because you weren’t prepared. Make sure you have everything you need before you start pitching your music.

See my new resource, “The Ultimate Music Licensing Contract Bundle” for sample contract templates you can use when licensing your music directly to supervisors, production companies, etc.

Failing to Promote Yourself
You could have the best music in the world, but if no one knows about it, it’s not going to get placed. Promotion is a critical part of the licensing process. Build a strong online presence, share your music on social media, and make sure your website is up to date with your latest tracks and contact information. The more visible you are, the more likely it is that someone will discover your music and want to license it.

This will also help make a good impression when music supervisors are considering whether or not to use your music. Supervisors like to work with artists who are well established and have a strong online presence, so be sure not to overlook this part of promoting your music.

Giving Up Too Soon
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, don’t give up. Licensing is a challenging and competitive field, as is the music business in general, and it’s easy to get discouraged. But the musicians who succeed are the ones who keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem stacked against them. Keep creating music, keep pitching, and keep refining your approach. Success might not come overnight, but it will come if you stay the course.

If you're ready to take your music licensing career to the next level, now is the perfect time to join HTLYM Premium. By becoming a member, you'll gain access to an incredible array of resources designed to accelerate your success, including daily leads, in-depth courses, and exclusive industry directories. With tools like Spotify resources, contract templates, submission tracking, and more, you'll have everything you need to navigate the music licensing world with confidence. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow your career—sign up today at HTLYM Premium and unlock the full potential of your music licensing journey.