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6 Major Types of Music Licenses

Music Licensing:

In order to use a song that is not your own, you will mostly likely have to get a license. Music licenses allow a copyright holders to extend some of their rights to the licensee who will compensate them appropriately. Many licenses have set amounts approved by the copyright holder and Performing Rights Organization. This payment is in the form of royalties which is usually determined by a set fee, per-unit, or per-use. For any and all uses of a song, there is a corresponding license that permits that specific use. 


Below is a list of the six most commonly used music licenses:

Master License

The Master License is owned by the copyright owner. Obtaining this license allow the licensee to use the song for an audio or visual project. This specific license only allows the use of the original/pre-recorded (no covers or editing). It is often paired with a Sync License which offers an additional use (see below).

Use: To use the original song recording with audio or visual projects


Mechanical License

A Mechanical License grants the licensee the ability to physical reproduction of the music. This means the licensee can reproduce the music on a CD, tape, record, etc. The terms of payments are set between the copyright holder and their distributor, publisher, and record label.

Mechanical Licenses also allow for remixes and covers of the original song. This license is required for any amount (music, lyrics, etc.) of the original song that is being use in the new work. 

Use: Physical reproduction or record a cover of the music


Public Performance License

Public Performance License allows for venues to play or broadcast music for a public audience. This can be for any public place, venue, or business. This includes sporting events and concerts all the way to stores and restaurants. These licenses are generally handled by the Performing Rights Organizations (PROs).

Use: Public performance or broadcast of music 


Synchronization (Sync) License

A Sync License allows the licensee to pair the song with any form of visual media. This includes TV shows, films, commercials, video games, etc. This license is similar to the Master License, but also allows the licensee to re-record or edit the pre-recorded song.

Use: Pairing music with visual media/projects


Print Rights License

A Print Rights License pertains to the written sheet music for a song. This license allows the licensee to reproduce and print the written sheet music.

Use: Printing/Reproducing sheet music


Theatrical License

A Theatrical License allows the licensee to perform the music on-stage publicly. It is primarily used for theatrical performances. 

Use: On-stage performance for the public of the music


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