Universal Music Publishing Sync (UMPG)

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is the music publishing arm of Universal Music Group, representing one of the largest songwriter and catalog rosters in the world. Its sync licensing division places music across film, television, advertising, video games, trailers, and streaming media. UMPG is best suited for established songwriters and producers who have a proven track record or an existing catalog with commercial sync potential.

How UMPG Sync Works

UMPG is not a production music library or self-service platform. It is a full-service music publisher that administers copyrights, pitches catalogs to music supervisors, and negotiates sync licenses on behalf of its signed writers. The company operates creative sync offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, and Nashville, each focused on their respective markets.

The sync division works proactively. UMPG's creative team maintains relationships with music supervisors at studios, networks, ad agencies, and gaming companies. They pitch specific catalogs against incoming briefs, arrange custom writes when a supervisor needs something original, and negotiate fees and terms on behalf of their writers.

UMPG also administers catalogs it does not own. Through administration deals, the company collects royalties and pitches catalogs globally in exchange for an administration percentage. This means the sync division has access to a massive pool of music spanning decades and genres, from classic rock catalogs to contemporary pop and hip-hop.

Real-World Example

A pop songwriter signed to UMPG has a catalog of 40 songs across three albums. A music supervisor at a streaming platform needs a specific track for a scene in a scripted series. UMPG's sync team negotiates a $15,000 sync fee for the use, clears both the publishing and master sides (if the master is also controlled by a Universal label), and ensures the writer receives their share per their publishing agreement.

For an advertising placement, the same songwriter's track might generate $75,000 to $150,000 in sync fees for a national campaign. UMPG handles all clearance, negotiation, and paperwork. The writer receives their negotiated percentage of the sync fee plus backend PRO royalties when the ad airs on television.

Use our sync licensing fee calculator to estimate potential sync fees across different media types.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

UMPG is not an entry point for independent artists. The company signs writers who already have commercial releases, streaming traction, or established industry relationships. For independent artists, understanding UMPG matters for three reasons:

• It sets the ceiling for publishing deals: UMPG represents the top tier of music publishing. If your goal is a major publishing deal, you need to build a catalog and audience that attracts A&R attention. Focus on streaming numbers, co-writes with established writers, and placements with mid-tier sync libraries first.
• Administration deals are a stepping stone: UMPG administers catalogs it does not own. If you build a valuable catalog, an administration deal with a major publisher like UMPG can provide global royalty collection and sync pitching without transferring ownership. These deals typically require a minimum catalog size and revenue threshold.
• Custom writes require relationships: Music supervisors often ask publishers for custom original music. UMPG's sync team assigns these briefs to signed writers. To access these opportunities, you need to be on the roster.

If you are seeking your first sync placement, start with platforms that accept open submissions. Read our guide on how to get your first sync license and our comparison of sync licensing companies vs music libraries to understand where your music fits.

Platform Features

• Global creative sync offices: Los Angeles, New York, London, and Nashville
• Proactive pitching: Dedicated sync teams targeting film, TV, advertising, gaming, and trailers
• Catalog administration: Manages royalties and pitching for owned and administered catalogs
• Custom write capabilities: Assigns signed writers to create original music for specific briefs
• Cross-label clearance: When master rights are also with a Universal label, UMPG can clear both sides in one deal
• Acquisition strategy: Grows catalog through strategic publishing acquisitions of songwriter catalogs and independent publishers

Potential Drawbacks / Things to Consider

• No open submissions: UMPG does not accept unsolicited music. You cannot upload tracks or email demos for consideration.
• Publishing deals transfer rights: Signing a publishing deal with UMPG typically involves transferring ownership or administration of your compositions. Read the deal terms carefully. Learn more in our guide to music licensing agreements.
• Exclusivity is standard: UMPG deals are exclusive. You cannot pitch the same compositions to other publishers or libraries while under contract.
• Revenue splits vary: Sync fees and royalties are split per your individual agreement. Standard splits range from 50/50 to 75/25 in the writer's favor, depending on your leverage and catalog value. Negotiate before signing.
• Slow decision-making: As a large corporate publisher, UMPG's A&R and sync teams process many catalogs. Response times can be slow compared to independent libraries.

Company Type and Licensing Model

UMPG is a full-service music publisher, not a production music library or self-service platform. The company administers copyrights, pitches catalogs to music supervisors, and negotiates sync licenses on behalf of its signed writers. The sync licensing division operates on a traditional publishing model with no subscription or per-track pricing. Sync fees are negotiated per placement and vary by usage type, territory, and term.

Catalog Size and Genre Coverage

According to Universal Music Group's 2024 annual report, UMPG's publishing catalog contains approximately 5 million owned and administered titles. This figure grew by approximately 500,000 songs compared to 2023 and by 1 million songs compared to 2022. UMPG's website references a catalog of over 3 million songs in its Film, TV, and Media division. The catalog spans all major genres including pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, country, electronic, orchestral, and Latin.

In 2024, UMPG's annual revenues reached USD $2.30 billion (EUR 2.12 billion), growing 9.0% year over year at constant currency. The company spent USD $288 million (EUR 266 million) on catalog acquisitions in 2024, up from USD $193 million in 2023.

Client Base

UMPG's sync division serves:

• Major film studios (including Universal Pictures and other major studios)
• TV networks and streaming platforms (including Netflix, FX, and others)
• Global advertising agencies (placing music in Super Bowl ads and national campaigns)
• Video game publishers
• Trailer houses
• YouTube creators (through partnerships with platforms like Lickd)

Notable sync placements include music in Netflix series such as Baby Reindeer, Geek Girl, and The Bear (Season 3), as well as Christmas adverts for John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Boots, KFC, and Coca-Cola in the UK market.

How They Pay Artists

UMPG operates on a traditional publishing and sync licensing model:

• Sync fees: Negotiated per placement. Advertising placements can reach six figures. Film and TV placements range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. Trailer placements depend on campaign scope.
• Revenue splits: Standard splits range from 50/50 to 75/25 in the writer's favor, depending on the writer's leverage and catalog value.
• Performance royalties: Writers receive their writer's share of PRO royalties when music airs on television or is performed publicly. UMPG collects the publisher's share.
• Advances: Major publishing deals with UMPG typically include advances against future royalties. These are recoupable from the writer's share of earnings.
• No upfront cost to writers: UMPG does not charge writers for pitching or administration. The company earns its revenue from the publisher's share of royalties and sync fees.

Comparison Table

Videos

Similar Sync Licensing Companies

• Sony Music Publishing Sync - Major music publisher with sync division for film, TV, and advertising
• Warner Chappell Sync - Major music publisher with global sync licensing operations
• Concord Music Publishing Sync - Independent music publisher with sync licensing division
• BMG Production Music - Production music division of BMG Rights Management

Related Resources

• Sync Licensing Companies Directory - Browse more sync licensing companies
• Sync Licensing Fee Calculator - Estimate licensing fees for your projects
• PRO Directory - Find your performing rights organization
• How to Get Your First Sync License - Step-by-step guide for independent artists
• Sync Licensing Companies vs Music Libraries - Understanding the difference
• Visit Universal Music Publishing Group for roster info and company details