Music Vine is a curated music licensing platform based in London, founded in 2012, that connects composers with filmmakers, agencies, brands, and digital content creators. The platform accepts less than 10% of artist submissions and focuses on cinematic, emotional, and narrative-driven music rather than volume-driven catalog growth.
How Music Vine Works
Music Vine operates a curated review model, not an open marketplace. Composers must apply through an artist application form, submitting links to their five best tracks and specifying whether they want an exclusive or mixed (non-exclusive) agreement. Music Vine takes up to eight weeks to review each application. Every track is scored across six categories: production quality, musicianship, arrangement cohesiveness, instrument or sample quality, emotive power, and commercial viability. Each category is scored out of 10 for a maximum of 60 points. Tracks need at least 50 points to be accepted.
Once accepted, artists join the Music Vine roster. The platform requires that at least 50% of an artist's catalog must consist of exclusive material. For non-exclusive tracks, artists can also license those songs through other platforms. Music Vine helps register exclusive songs in YouTube's Content ID system, generating additional revenue when those tracks are used in YouTube videos.
On the licensing side, Music Vine uses a pick-list approach. Buyers only pay for the coverage they need, selecting from options that include web, social media, film festivals, broadcast, and more. The platform also offers specialized licenses for YouTubers, wedding filmmakers, nonprofits, and students, making the catalog accessible at different price points. Both individual track licenses and subscription plans are available.
Real-World Example
A composer producing cinematic ambient tracks applies to Music Vine with five tracks. After a six-week review, three tracks pass the 50-point threshold. The composer signs a mixed agreement: two tracks exclusive (earning 60% of licensing revenue) and one track non-exclusive (earning 35%). Over the next year, the two exclusive tracks generate $4,000 in licensing fees across documentary and advertising placements. The composer earns $2,400 from those exclusive tracks. The non-exclusive track earns $1,200 in placements, netting the composer $420. YouTube Content ID claims on the exclusive tracks generate an additional $600, split 50/50, adding $300 to the composer's total. Combined earnings: $3,120 for the first year.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
Music Vine rewards composers who write cinematic, emotionally driven music with strong production quality. The curated model means accepted tracks get higher visibility than they would on volume-driven platforms with hundreds of thousands of tracks. The 60/40 exclusive split is favorable compared to many non-exclusive libraries that pay 30% or less.
Consider these factors before applying:
- Acceptance is competitive: Less than 10% of submissions are accepted. If your production quality is not broadcast-ready, your tracks will not pass review.
- Non-exclusive splits are low: At 35%, the non-exclusive rate is significantly lower than the exclusive rate. Prioritize exclusive submissions if you want to maximize per-track earnings.
- Digital-first focus: Music Vine prioritizes upfront sync fees over long-term broadcast PRO income. If your strategy depends on backend PRO royalties from television placements, use Music Vine as a complementary channel, not your primary one.
- Catalog requirements: The 50% exclusive minimum means you cannot simply dump your entire non-exclusive catalog here. Plan which tracks you want to commit exclusively.
Read our guide to music licensing agreements to understand what exclusive and non-exclusive contracts mean for your rights before applying.
Platform Features
- Curated catalog: Less than 10% acceptance rate ensures quality control and higher per-track visibility
- Flexible licensing: Pick-list coverage model lets buyers pay only for what they need
- Specialized licenses: Dedicated tiers for YouTubers, wedding films, nonprofits, and students
- YouTube Content ID: Music Vine registers exclusive tracks and splits Content ID revenue 50/50
- Weekly additions: New music added every week, curated by the Music Vine team
- Subscription and individual licenses: Buyers can choose between per-track purchases or subscription plans
Company Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company type | Curated music licensing platform (B2B and B2C) |
| Founded | 2015 (platform launched; company established 2012) |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Catalog size | Curated (acceptance rate below 10%) |
| Genre coverage | Cinematic, classical, electronic, ambient, emotional, narrative-driven |
| Licensing model | Pay-per-use (pick-list) and subscription plans |
| Artist payment | 60% exclusive / 35% non-exclusive sync splits; 50% Content ID split |
| Open submissions | Yes (application form with 5 best tracks) |
| Review period | Up to 8 weeks |
| Minimum payout | $50 (monthly via PayPal) |
What Music Vine Does
Music Vine is a curated music licensing platform. The company connects composers with filmmakers, agencies, brands, and digital content creators. Unlike open-upload marketplaces, Music Vine reviews every submission before accepting it. The platform accepts less than 10% of artist submissions.
The platform focuses on cinematic, emotional, and narrative-driven music rather than volume-driven catalog growth. Music Vine positions itself between traditional production music libraries and modern subscription ecosystems. It serves both professional producers and digital-first creators.
Music Vine launched in 2015. The company is based in London and operates globally.
Licensing Model
Music Vine offers two licensing approaches:
Pay-Per-Use Licensing
Buyers license individual tracks with a pick-list coverage model. They select only the coverage they need from options including web, social media, film festivals, broadcast, and more. Prices vary based on track length, coverage type, usage type, and project budget or audience size.
Six license types are available:
- Film, documentary, show, and programming
- Personal, vlog, indie channel, and podcast
- Promotional, advertisement, and branded content
- Weddings and life moments
- Non-profit organizations
- Student projects
Subscription Plans
Music Vine offers Pro subscription plans for unlimited music licensing:
| Plan | Price (annual billing) | Target user |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Lite | $19.99/month ($239.88/year) | Corporate videos, wedding films, content marketing, indie films |
| Pro Standard | Starting at $35.99/month ($431.88/year) | Marketing, advertising, entertainment, informative content |
Pro Standard can be extended for larger production budgets (above $10,000) and for All Media distribution. Each license generated within a subscription provides perpetual legal clearance for a single production.
A Creator tier is also available starting at $13.99/month (with attribution required) for YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram creators generating up to $75,000 per year.
All Music Vine licenses are pre-cleared sync licenses. No case-by-case consultation is needed between the platform and the artist.
Catalog Size and Genre Coverage
Music Vine maintains a intentionally limited catalog through its curated review model. The platform accepts less than 10% of submissions. Every track is scored across six categories: production quality, musicianship, arrangement cohesiveness, instrument or sample quality, emotive power, and commercial viability. Each category is scored out of 10 for a maximum of 60 points. Tracks need at least 50 points to be accepted.
Genre coverage focuses on cinematic, classical, electronic, ambient, and emotional music. The platform adds new music every week, curated by the Music Vine team.
The smaller catalog size means individual tracks have higher visibility than on volume-driven platforms with hundreds of thousands of tracks. However, this visibility only works if the music fits the platform's aesthetic.
Who Their Clients Are
Music Vine serves a diverse client base:
- Brands and agencies: Amazon, Adidas, Dell, DJI, LG, Audible (listed as trusted partners on the Music Vine website)
- TV networks: BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Netflix
- YouTube creators: Individual creators licensing music for vlogs, podcasts, and indie channels
- Wedding filmmakers: Specialized license tiers for wedding and life moment videos
- Nonprofits: Dedicated license type for non-profit organizations
- Students: Dedicated license type for student projects
- Production companies: Commercial production companies licensing for branded content
How Music Vine Pays Artists
Music Vine offers two agreement types with different payment structures:
Exclusive Agreements (60% to artist)
Artists receive 60% of licensing revenue for exclusive tracks. At least 50% of an artist's catalog must consist of exclusive material. Music Vine registers exclusive songs in YouTube's Content ID system, generating additional revenue when those tracks are used in YouTube videos. Content ID revenue is split 50/50.
Non-Exclusive Agreements (35% to artist)
Artists receive 35% of licensing revenue for non-exclusive tracks. Artists can also license these tracks through other platforms. The non-exclusive rate is lower because Music Vine has less control over the track.
Additional Payment Details
- Payout schedule: Monthly via PayPal. Minimum payout threshold is $50.
- Discounts: Music Vine may offer time-limited discounts (usually no more than 20%). When discounted purchases are made, earnings are calculated from the discounted total. The discount impact is shared between the artist and Music Vine.
- Referral program: Artists can refer new artists. For each successfully referred artist (who submits a track that is accepted), the referring artist can increase their cut on one track by 5%. Limits apply per track.
- No upfront fees: Music Vine does not pay upfront fees for track creation. Artists earn only from placements.
Video: Sync Licensing Full Guide
This video provides a comprehensive guide to getting music placed in TV and film through sync licensing. It covers how music libraries work, how music supervisors select tracks, and how artists get paid. This is relevant for any composer considering applying to Music Vine or similar platforms.
Comparison: Music Vine vs Other Music Licensing Platforms
| Feature | Music Vine | Artlist | Musicbed | Epidemic Sound | Soundstripe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company type | Curated licensing platform | Subscription licensing platform | Curated licensing platform | Subscription licensing platform | Subscription licensing platform |
| Founded | 2015 | 2015 | 2011 | 2009 | 2016 |
| Acceptance rate | Below 10% | Curated | Curated | Open to contributors | Curated |
| Exclusive split | 60% to artist | Varies | 50/50 | 50/50 | Varies |
| Non-exclusive split | 35% to artist | N/A (exclusive only) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Content ID revenue | 50/50 split | N/A | N/A | Yes (variable) | N/A |
| Subscription pricing | From $13.99/month | From $10.49/month | From $14.99/month | From $9.99/month | From $11.99/month |
| Pay-per-use | Yes (pick-list model) | No | Yes | No | No |
| Genre focus | Cinematic, emotional, narrative | Broad | Indie, cinematic, emotional | Broad | Broad |
| Open submissions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Similar Sync Licensing Companies
- Artlist - Subscription-based music licensing platform with a curated catalog
- Musicbed - Curated licensing platform with a similar focus on quality over quantity
- Epidemic Sound - Subscription-based platform with a large catalog and direct artist payments
- Soundstripe - Subscription-based music licensing platform for creators
- Marmoset - Curated music licensing agency with a focus on indie and authentic music
- AudioSocket - Music licensing platform with both curated catalog and custom scoring services
Related Resources
- Sync Licensing Companies Directory - Browse more sync licensing companies
- Sync Licensing Fee Calculator - Estimate licensing fees for your projects
- Music Licensing Agreements: Types, Terms, and Red Flags - Understand exclusive vs non-exclusive contracts
- Sync License Glossary Term - Learn what a sync license covers
- Visit Music Vine for submission details and current pricing
