How to Get Your Music Placed in TV and Film in 2025
Music in television and film is always evolving. What was in demand last year might not work today. The trends shaping sync licensing in 2025 are driven by changes in storytelling, audience preferences, and emerging technologies. Understanding these trends can give musicians a competitive edge and increase their chances of landing placements.
Authenticity Over Perfection
Audiences are craving realness. In the past, highly polished, commercial-style music dominated sync placements. Now, there’s a shift toward raw, intimate, and organic sounds. This means lo-fi recordings, live instrumentation, and unpolished vocals can sometimes work better than pristine studio productions.
For example, in a recent episode of The Bear, a raw, stripped-down folk song underscored a high-tension kitchen scene, making the moment feel more vulnerable and real. Music supervisors are seeking tracks that enhance storytelling with genuine emotion rather than just sounding “big” or radio-ready.
Nostalgia and Retro Revival
TV and film continue to lean into nostalgia, whether it’s a throwback to the ’80s, ’90s, or early 2000s. With the success of projects like Stranger Things bringing back synth-heavy soundscapes and Daisy Jones & The Six reviving classic rock influences, there’s a growing need for music that feels like it belongs to a different era.
A great example is how Euphoria seamlessly blends modern electronic music with nostalgic ’90s R&B to create a unique soundscape. If you can authentically capture the sonic qualities of a specific time period, your music has a strong chance of standing out.
Genre Blending is More Popular Than Ever
Traditional genre boundaries are disappearing. Music supervisors are looking for unique hybrids that combine multiple influences. Think hip-hop infused with orchestral strings, jazz elements in electronic beats, or folk melodies layered over trap drums.
Shows like Atlanta and Reservation Dogs frequently use unconventional genre blends, making their soundtracks feel fresh and distinctive. If your music defies easy categorization, it could be exactly what music supervisors are looking for.
Cinematic Instrumentals Are in High Demand
Instrumental music continues to be a sync goldmine, especially for emotionally heavy or introspective scenes. In 2025, there is a growing demand for cinematic piano, ambient soundscapes, and hybrid orchestral elements.
An example of this is The Last of Us, which heavily features hauntingly beautiful solo guitar and string compositions that enhance the storytelling. If you create instrumental music, focus on mood and dynamics to align with different emotional beats in film and TV.
AI-Generated and Hybrid Music is Gaining Interest
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into music production, some shows and films are experimenting with AI-generated compositions. While fully AI-produced tracks may not be widely accepted yet, hybrid compositions where human musicians collaborate with AI tools are becoming more common.
A recent short film scored by AI-assisted music composition tools caught attention at film festivals for its eerie, futuristic soundtrack. If you’re open to experimenting with AI in your music, you could be ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry.
How to Position Yourself for More Placements
Adapting to these trends doesn’t mean changing your entire sound. Instead, think about how your existing music can align with what’s in demand. Here are a few ways to increase your chances of getting placements:
Want to Learn More About Sync Licensing?
If you’re serious about licensing your music in TV and films, check out my free four-hour course, The Ultimate Music Licensing Guide. It covers everything you need to know about getting started, submitting your music, and securing placements.