Broadjam

Broadjam is a music licensing platform founded in 2000 in Madison, Wisconsin, that connects independent artists with sync placement opportunities through a brief-based submission system. Music supervisors, film productions, TV networks, and advertising agencies post specific music requests (called "briefs") on the platform, and artists submit tracks that match the described criteria.

How Broadjam Works

Broadjam flips the traditional licensing model. Instead of building a searchable catalog that supervisors browse, the platform operates on an opportunity-driven system. Here is how the process works:

1. Music supervisors post briefs: A supervisor working on a TV show, film, or ad campaign creates a brief describing what they need. The brief includes details like genre, mood, tempo, lyrics or instrumental, and usage context.
2. Artists submit tracks: Broadjam members browse open briefs and submit songs that fit the description. Each brief typically receives dozens or hundreds of submissions.
3. Supervisor reviews and selects: The supervisor listens to submissions and shortlists tracks for their project. If your song is chosen, Broadjam facilitates the licensing process.
4. Licensing and payment: The supervisor negotiates terms directly or through the platform. Fees vary widely depending on the production type, usage scope, and territory.

Broadjam also offers song review services, website hosting for artists, and music delivery tools for supervisors who need to receive and organize large volumes of submissions.

Real-World Example

A music supervisor working on a network drama needs a melancholic indie folk song for a montage scene. They post a brief on Broadjam describing the mood, tempo (slow, 70 to 90 BPM), and lyrical theme (loss or longing). The brief specifies a budget of $2,000 for a 45-second background use, all media, worldwide, in perpetuity.

An independent artist with a matching track submits their song through the platform. The supervisor narrows 200 submissions down to 10 finalists, then selects the artist's track. The artist receives the licensing fee, and their song plays in a primetime television episode. They also earn performance royalties through their PRO when the episode airs on broadcast television.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

Broadjam gives independent artists direct access to real sync opportunities without needing a publisher or agent. The brief-based system means you are submitting music for specific, active needs rather than hoping a supervisor stumbles across your catalog.

However, competition is high. A single brief can attract hundreds of submissions, so quality and precision matter. Follow these practices to improve your chances:

• Read the brief carefully: Submit only tracks that match the described mood, genre, and tempo. Supervisors ignore off-brief submissions.
• Send clean, mastered audio: Your track should sound broadcast-ready. Learn how in our guide to creating music for sync licensing.
• Include metadata: Songwriter credits, publisher info, contact details, and ISRC codes should be embedded in the file.
• Have instrumental versions ready: Many briefs request instrumentals or stems. If you cannot deliver them quickly, you will lose the placement.
• Clear all rights beforehand: Confirm that all co-writers and producers have agreed to ownership splits. Use a split sheet to document everything in writing.

Broadjam's Fee Structure

Broadjam operates on a membership model. Artists pay a subscription fee to access briefs and submit music. The platform also takes a commission on successful placements. Specific pricing changes over time, so check the Broadjam website for current rates.

Compared to exclusive library deals, Broadjam's non-exclusive approach lets artists retain ownership of their music while pursuing individual placements. This means you can submit the same tracks to other licensing opportunities simultaneously. Read more about the differences in our guide to sync licensing companies vs music libraries.

Limitations to Consider

Broadjam's brief-based system has trade-offs. The platform has been operating since 2000, making it one of the older sync licensing services. Some users report that placement volume has decreased in recent years as newer platforms and direct supervisor relationships have grown. The platform scores moderately in third-party reviews, with a 5 out of 10 rating on one independent review site.

Artists should treat Broadjam as one tool in a broader sync strategy, not a sole source of placements. Combine it with direct outreach to supervisors, other licensing platforms, and library deals. Our complete guide to getting your first sync license covers multiple approaches.

Related Resources

• How to Get Your First Sync License - Complete walkthrough for beginners
• Sync Licensing Companies vs Music Libraries - Which model fits your music
• Music Licensing Agreements: Types, Terms, and Red Flags - What to watch for in any licensing deal
• Sync License Glossary Definition - Core concept explained
• Broadjam Official Website - Current briefs and membership pricing