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:
- 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.
- Artists submit tracks: Broadjam members browse open briefs and submit songs that fit the description. Each brief typically receives dozens or hundreds of submissions.
- 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.
- 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.
Company Type and Licensing Model
Broadjam is a submission-based music licensing platform. The company does not build a searchable catalog that supervisors browse. Instead, it operates on an opportunity-driven system where music supervisors, film productions, TV networks, and advertising agencies post specific music requests called "briefs."
The licensing model is non-exclusive. Artists retain ownership of their music and can submit the same tracks to other licensing opportunities simultaneously. Broadjam operates on a membership model with multiple tiers:
- Primo Membership: Includes free licensing opportunity submissions with monthly membership
- Film/TV Membership: $9.95 per month, $5 submissions to Film/TV opportunities, $10 to others
- Mini Membership: Free, $20 per submission to all opportunities
The platform also takes a commission on successful placements. Specific commission rates vary by opportunity and provider. Broadjam guarantees that all submissions are heard by the provider or the submission fee is refunded.
Catalog and Clients
Broadjam does not maintain a traditional catalog. Instead, it facilitates brief-based submissions. Over 16,000 songs have been selected by Broadjam Music Licensing Opportunity Providers to date. Approximately 79 to 87 songs are selected every 90 days.
The platform currently hosts 65 to 76 active opportunities at any given time. Opportunities come from music supervisors, publishers, song pluggers, record labels, ad agencies, and radio programmers.
Notable clients and placements include:
- Discovery Network
- NFL
- NBA
- MTV
- WE TV
- Music supervisors across film, TV, and advertising
- Independent filmmakers and content creators
Broadjam was founded in 2000 by Roy Elkins and is based in Madison, Wisconsin. The platform also offers Pro Reviews (professional song critique service), website hosting for artists, song contests, and MetaJam software tools for music management.
Payment Structure
Broadjam operates on a dual revenue model: membership fees and submission fees. Artists pay a monthly membership fee to access the platform. They also pay per-submission fees ranging from $5 to $20 depending on their membership tier.
When a placement occurs, the licensing fee is negotiated between the artist and the opportunity provider. Broadjam facilitates the connection but does not set the fee. The platform takes a commission on successful placements, though the exact percentage varies by provider and opportunity.
Artists retain all rights to their music. By submitting to a Film/TV opportunity, artists grant the provider the right to represent their song and administer license agreements if selected. Artists do not forfeit rights simply by submitting. Selected artists may be asked to sign subsequent licensing agreements with the provider.
Artists also earn performance royalties through their PRO when placements air on broadcast television. Broadjam does not collect or administer performance royalties.
Comparison: Broadjam vs Other Sync Licensing Companies
| Company | Company type | Licensing model | Catalog size | Exclusivity | Artist payout | Typical fee range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadjam | Submission platform | Brief-based, membership | 16,000+ songs selected | Non-exclusive | Negotiated with provider | $500 to $5,000 |
| Music Gateway | Music licensing platform | Opportunity-based | Not disclosed | Non-exclusive | Split of licensing fees | $500 to $5,000 |
| Songtradr | Music licensing marketplace | Per-use + subscription | Not disclosed | Mixed | Split of licensing fees | $50 to $10,000 |
| Audiosocket | Sync agency + micro-licensing | Non-exclusive + subscription | Not disclosed | Mixed | Split of licensing fees | $50 to $10,000 |
| TuneCore Sync | Sync licensing service | Per-use | Not disclosed | Non-exclusive | Split of licensing fees | $500 to $5,000 |
Videos
Similar Sync Licensing Companies
- Music Gateway - Music licensing platform with opportunity-based submissions
- Songtradr - Music licensing marketplace for sync placements
- Audiosocket - Sync agency with micro-licensing platform
- TuneCore Sync - Sync licensing service for independent artists
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
