Tracksynk is a curated sync licensing platform for independent artists that requires human-made music only and operates on a non-exclusive basis. Artists set their own prices, keep 100% of ownership, and retain 75% of every license fee. The platform serves filmmakers, brands, and content creators with license tiers from $60 YouTube syncs to $10,000 global ad campaigns. Best suited for independent artists who want to control their pricing and retain ownership while accessing sync opportunities.
How Tracksynk Works
Tracksynk operates as a direct-to-buyer marketplace where artists set their own terms. The platform emphasizes human-made music and artist control.
The process works as follows:
- Free submission: Artists submit tracks at no cost through the Tracksynk website. Each submission must include metadata, cover art, and self-set pricing across three license tiers.
- Human-only review: The curation team reviews every submission for quality and human authorship. No AI-generated tracks are accepted. This policy protects the catalog's integrity.
- Catalog listing: Approved tracks go live on the public catalog. Buyers can browse, preview, and license tracks directly.
- Direct-to-buyer licensing: When a buyer licenses a track, the transaction happens directly between buyer and artist. Tracksynk takes 25% and the artist receives 75%.
- Non-exclusive forever: Artists retain all ownership and royalties. They can sell music elsewhere, remove tracks at any time, or stay on the roster indefinitely.
Real-World Example
An independent folk artist uploads a track to Tracksynk and sets three pricing tiers: $60 for a YouTube sync, $300 for a web series use, and $5,000 for a global ad campaign. A filmmaker licenses the track for a web series episode at the $300 tier. The artist receives $225 (75%) and Tracksynk retains $75 (25%). The artist keeps full ownership and can license the same track to other buyers.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
Tracksynk offers a model that puts pricing control in the artist's hands. Most sync libraries take 50% and set prices themselves. Tracksynk takes 25% and lets artists decide what their music is worth.
Consider these points:
- Pricing control: You set your own prices across three tiers. This means you can price competitively for smaller projects while charging premium rates for major campaigns.
- 75% payout: Tracksynk's 25% commission is lower than the industry standard 50% split. You keep more of each fee.
- Full ownership retained: You keep 100% of your royalties and ownership. The non-exclusive model means you can license your music on other platforms too.
- Human-only policy: The ban on AI-generated tracks protects human creators. Your music competes only with other human-made work.
- Free to apply: There is no cost to submit. You only pay (through commission) when you earn.
Drawbacks / Things to Consider
- Newer platform: Founded around 2020, Tracksynk is a relatively young platform. Its buyer base may be smaller than established libraries like Musicbed or Artlist.
- Self-service model: Tracksynk does not actively pitch your music to supervisors. Buyers must find your tracks through the platform's search. This limits proactive placement opportunities.
- No exclusive deals: Because the platform is non-exclusive, your music competes with tracks that may be available elsewhere. Buyers may find the same track on another platform for less.
- Pricing responsibility: Setting your own prices means you must research market rates. Price too high and buyers pass. Price too low and you leave money on the table.
- Limited brand recognition: Tracksynk does not have the industry reputation of boutique agencies like Marmoset or Secret Road. Music supervisors may not think to search it first.
Company Type and Licensing Model
Tracksynk is a curated direct-to-buyer sync licensing marketplace. It is not a production music library, a subscription platform, or a traditional publishing agency. The platform connects independent artists directly with filmmakers, brands, and content creators who need to license music for their projects.
The licensing model is pay-per-track, not subscription. Buyers purchase individual licenses for specific use cases. There is no monthly fee, no recurring plan, and no blanket license. Each track lists its available license tiers upfront, and buyers pay once for perpetual use.
Tracksynk offers four license tiers:
- IndieSynk: Single-project license for non-commercial creators and personal projects. Covers social media, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and personal websites. YouTube AdSense monetization is permitted. Suggested price range: $99 to $350.
- StudioSynk: Single-project license for monetised, sponsored, and indie-commercial work. Covers paid social campaigns up to $25,000 in ad spend, podcast themes for life, independent streaming platforms, and festival films. Suggested price range: $450 to $3,500.
- PersonalUse: Platform-fixed at $1.99 for personal listening only.
- CustomSynk: Bespoke licensing for broadcast, theatrical release, video games, and exclusive deals. Quoted within 1 to 2 business days.
Buyers pay the track price plus a 5% service fee. The artist sets the price for IndieSynk and StudioSynk tiers.
Catalog Size and Genre Coverage
Tracksynk does not publicly disclose its total catalog size. The platform describes its roster as a "small roster of independent artists" rather than a large stock library. The catalog is intentionally curated rather than voluminous, with every track reviewed by hand for quality and human authorship.
Genres represented on the platform include:
- Indie
- Pop
- Rock
- Electronic
- Folk
- Hip-Hop
The platform does not accept AI-generated tracks, sample-pack filler, or work-for-hire mill productions. Every track must be written, performed, and recorded by a named human artist who can be found on Spotify.
Client Base
Tracksynk serves the following client categories:
- Filmmakers: Independent and short-form filmmakers who need real songs for their projects.
- Brands: Companies running social campaigns, branded content, and digital advertising.
- Content creators: YouTubers, podcasters, TikTok creators, and social media producers.
- Student filmmakers: Non-commercial creators working on passion projects and portfolio pieces.
- Freelancers: Video editors and content producers who need licensed music for client work.
The platform is not targeted at major TV networks, film studios, or large ad agencies. CustomSynk deals can accommodate broadcast and theatrical use, but the primary customer base consists of independent and mid-tier creators.
How They Pay Artists
Tracksynk uses a straightforward 75/25 split model:
- Artist receives 75% of every license fee. Payouts go directly to the artist's Stripe Express account on Stripe's standard payout schedule.
- Tracksynk retains 25% of every license fee as its commission.
- Buyers pay a 5% service fee on top of the track price. This fee is paid by the buyer, not deducted from the artist's share.
- No upfront fees: Submission is free. Artists only pay (through commission) when they earn.
- No buyouts: All deals are non-exclusive. Artists retain 100% of ownership and royalties. They can license the same track elsewhere or remove it from the platform at any time.
- Stripe Express required: Artists must connect a Stripe Express account to receive payouts. There is no check or bank transfer option.
For a $300 StudioSynk license, the artist receives $225 and Tracksynk retains $75. The buyer pays $315 total ($300 plus the 5% service fee).
Comparison Table
| Feature | Tracksynk | Musicbed | Artlist | Music Vine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company type | Direct-to-buyer marketplace | Subscription + per-use platform | Subscription platform | Curated sync agency |
| Catalog size | Small (curated, undisclosed) | 10,000+ tracks | 15,000+ tracks | Curated (undisclosed) |
| Artist payout | 75% of license fee | 50% of license fee | Varies by plan | 50% of license fee |
| Licensing model | Pay-per-track | Subscription + per-use | Subscription only | Per-placement negotiation |
| AI music policy | No AI accepted | No AI accepted | No AI accepted | No AI accepted |
| Open submissions | Yes (free, curated) | Yes (curated) | Yes (curated) | Yes (curated) |
| Non-exclusive | Yes (always) | Yes and exclusive options | Exclusive only | Both options |
| Founded | 2020 | 2011 | 2015 | 2013 |
Videos
Similar Sync Licensing Companies
- Musicbed - Subscription and per-use licensing platform with a curated catalog of indie and electronic music
- Artlist - Subscription-based royalty-free music platform for filmmakers and content creators
- Music Vine - Curated sync licensing platform connecting independent artists with brands and filmmakers
- Audiio - Royalty-free music licensing platform for content creators and filmmakers
Related Resources
- Sync Licensing Companies Directory
- Sync License Glossary Term
- Visit Tracksynk for submissions
