Sync Placement Net Payout Calculator

Enter your deal details to see exactly what you'll pocket — after agency commission, co-writer splits, publishing admin cuts, and US self-employment tax.

Deal Structure

One-stop: you wrote and recorded it — collect both fees. Master only: own the recording, not the composition. Sync only: own the composition, not the recording.

Library / Agent Commission

Sync libraries typically retain 25–50% of the placed fee.

Writer & Publishing Splits

Enter combined share for all co-writers. Leave 0 if sole writer.

e.g. DistroKid Publishing, Songtrust (~15–25%) or your pub admin deal. Leave 0 if self-administered.

Producer splits, featured artist, or co-owner of the recording. Leave 0 if you own 100%.

Tax & Backend Royalties

SE tax is 15.3% applied to 92.35% of net earnings (IRS Schedule SE). Does not include income tax.

Backend royalties via ASCAP/BMI/SESAC etc. Not subject to library commission. Enter 0 to skip.

How to Use This Calculator

This tool walks through every layer a sync deal actually touches before money lands in your bank account. Here's what each section does:

When Would You Use This?

The Two Licenses Every Sync Deal Requires

Every music placement legally requires two separate licenses regardless of how the deal is structured:

If you wrote and recorded the song yourself (a "one-stop"), you own both sides and collect both fees — a significant advantage that makes you faster and easier to license than a major-label act where two separate entities must each sign off.

Understanding Library Commission Structures

Most sync libraries operate on a commission model, retaining a percentage of each placed fee. Ranges from industry research:

Crucially: in most standard library agreements, PRO performance royalties flow directly to your PRO registration and are not subject to library commission. Only the upfront sync fee is split.

US Self-Employment Tax on Sync Income

Sync licensing fees are ordinary self-employment income in the US. The IRS Schedule SE calculation is: net earnings × 92.35% × 15.3%. The 92.35% factor mimics the employer deduction that salaried workers receive. You can deduct 50% of the resulting SE tax from your adjusted gross income when filing. Note: this is only SE tax — federal and state income tax is calculated separately on your total taxable income for the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a sync fee and a master use fee?
Every sync placement requires two licenses. The sync fee covers the composition (melody and lyrics) — paid to the songwriter/publisher. The master use fee covers the specific recording — paid to whoever owns that recording. If you write and record your own music, you own both and collect both fees, making you a "one-stop."
How much commission does a sync library or agent typically take?
Sync libraries typically retain 25–50% as commission, with the artist keeping 50–75%. Sync agents who pitch directly to supervisors usually charge 15–35%. Higher-end curated libraries often take 40–50% but provide greater access to premium TV/film placements. Always confirm the commission structure before signing.
Are PRO performance royalties subject to library commission?
In most standard sync library deals, performance royalties collected via your PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) flow directly to you and are NOT subject to the library's commission. Only the upfront sync fee is split. However, some publishing administration deals take a separate cut (10–25%) of backend royalties — check both agreements carefully.
Do I owe self-employment tax on sync income?
Yes. Sync fees are self-employment income in the US. The SE tax is 15.3% applied to 92.35% of your net earnings (after business expenses). You can deduct 50% of that SE tax from your adjusted gross income. Income tax is additional and varies by your total taxable income and filing status. Consult a tax professional for your full liability.
What does "one-stop" mean in sync licensing?
A one-stop track is one where you — as an independent artist who both wrote and recorded the song — control 100% of both the master and composition rights. This makes licensing faster (no separate negotiations with a label and a publisher) and is highly attractive to music supervisors on tight deadlines. As a one-stop, you collect both the sync fee and the master use fee.
What are typical sync fee ranges for indie artists?
Ranges vary enormously by media type and production budget. For indie films and small YouTube creators: $50–$3,000. Cable TV shows and documentaries: $1,000–$10,000. Streaming platform shows (Netflix, Amazon): $3,000–$40,000. National commercials: $10,000–$250,000. Video games: $500–$20,000. Initial placements for newer indie artists on digital/social content typically land in the $250–$3,000 range for background use.

This tool provides estimates for guidance only, not professional financial, legal, or tax advice. Formula: SE tax = net earnings × 0.9235 × 0.153 (IRS Schedule SE, 2025–2026 rate). Library commission rates cited from Chartlex, Orphiq, and That Pitch industry research (2025–2026). Consult a qualified tax professional and entertainment attorney for your specific situation.