# Sync license: using music in a video ad > A sync license is permission to pair a song's composition with video. When an ad needs one, what it covers, and how an original jingle avoids it. Source: https://singingads.com/glossary/sync-license # What is a sync license? A sync license (synchronization license) is permission from whoever owns a song's composition, usually the songwriter or publisher, to pair that music with moving pictures such as a video ad. Using an existing recording of the song also needs a master use license from whoever owns that recording, usually the label or the artist. Updated 17 Oct 2026 ## How it applies to small-business video ads If you want a known song in a paid ad, you normally need two permissions: sync for the composition and master use for the specific recording. Each owner sets its own fee and terms, which can cover the length of the campaign, the countries, the platforms and whether the use is paid advertising. For a popular track that can mean weeks of email and a fee out of reach for most small shops. Do not assume that a sound you can add to a personal post is cleared for a paid ad. Read each platform's music rules for business accounts before you run anything. ## How an original jingle changes this A song written for you has no outside publisher or label to ask, so the question becomes what the tool's terms allow. On SingingAds you may use what you make in ads and on social media, websites, radio and podcasts, for your own business or a client's, with no royalties. The jingle does not imitate real singers, bands or songs, so it borrows nothing from anyone else's track. ## An illustrative example Illustrative example: a made-up surf school, Saltline Lessons, wants a famous summer hit under its spring promo. The publisher answers after three weeks with a quote and a 90-day limit; the label has not answered yet. The school runs an original 30-second jingle about first waves instead, and keeps the song for its radio spot in the fall without asking anyone. ## Common mistakes - Clearing the composition and forgetting the recording, or the other way round. - Believing a few seconds of a song is fine. Length on its own does not give permission. - Recording a cover and thinking that removes the need for a sync license. The composition still belongs to its writers. - Letting a license expire while the ad keeps running. Put the end date in your calendar. This is general information, not legal advice; for a specific song, ask a music lawyer or the rights holder. ## Related terms For the wider picture, read [music licensing for video ads](https://singingads.com/guides/music-licensing-for-video-ads) and [original jingle vs stock music](https://singingads.com/compare/original-jingle-vs-stock-music). An original [jingle](https://singingads.com/glossary/jingle) sidesteps the sync question; see [a Reels ad with original music](https://singingads.com/use-cases/instagram-reels-ad-with-original-music) and the [example ads](https://singingads.com/examples) for how that looks in practice. ## What it can’t do - This page explains the term in general and is not legal advice for any specific song or country. Paste your product page. SingingAds writes a jingle about it, sings it and cuts a vertical video ad, using only claims your page makes. From $15 for one ad, or $59 for about 6 thirty-second video ads. Credits never expire. Made with AI; you approve every word before anything is sung. ## What it costs From $15 for one ad, or $59 for about 6 thirty-second video ads. Credits never expire. A jingle take costs 4 credits; a typical 30-second video ad about 26. There is no free tier and no free sample. One-time packs ### One ad **$15** once 40 credits, about 1 thirty-second video ad ### Five ads **$59** once 180 credits, about 6 thirty-second video ads [Full pricing, credits and refunds](https://singingads.com/pricing) ## Questions **What is the difference between a sync license and a master license?** A sync license covers the composition, meaning the melody and lyrics. A master use license covers a particular recording of it. Using a released track in an ad usually needs both. **Do I need a sync license for royalty-free stock music?** Stock libraries bundle the needed rights in their license, but the terms vary. Check that paid advertising is included for the platforms you plan to use. **Who do I contact for a sync license?** The music publisher that controls the song, which is often listed in performing rights organization databases. For the recording, contact the label or the artist. **Does an AI-made jingle need a sync license?** Not from an outside publisher, since the song is new. What you may do with it depends on the terms of the tool that made it. ## Related - [GlossaryWhat is a jingle?](https://singingads.com/glossary/jingle) - [GlossaryWhat is 9:16 vertical video?](https://singingads.com/glossary/vertical-video-9-16) - [GlossaryWhat is a sonic logo?](https://singingads.com/glossary/sonic-logo) - [GlossaryWhat is ROAS?](https://singingads.com/glossary/roas) - [GuideAI jingle generators in 2026, compared honestly](https://singingads.com/guides/best-ai-jingle-generators) - [Use caseA jingle for your ice cream shop](https://singingads.com/use-cases/jingle-for-an-ice-cream-shop) - [AllGlossary](https://singingads.com/glossary)