How to Write Lyrics That Get Licensed for TV and Film

Lyrics play a crucial role in sync licensing, often determining whether a song gets placed in a film, TV show, or commercial. While a song’s melody and production are important, the words need to enhance the emotion and narrative of the scene rather than distract from it. Music supervisors carefully select songs that match the mood, message, and pacing of a particular moment. Understanding how lyrics influence sync opportunities can help you craft music that has a higher chance of being licensed.

Why Lyrics Matter in Sync Licensing

A song’s lyrics need to seamlessly blend with the story being told on screen. Music supervisors are not just looking for a catchy tune. They are looking for songs that enhance a scene’s emotional depth and reinforce its message. If the lyrics are too specific or dominant, they can clash with the dialogue or visuals instead of complementing them.

For example, in a dramatic breakup scene, a song with vague and poetic lyrics about heartache will likely work better than a song that explicitly describes a failed relationship with specific details. The reason is simple. Vague lyrics allow the audience to project their own emotions onto the scene, while overly detailed lyrics risk limiting how the song can be used.

Music supervisors often choose songs with lyrics that evoke emotion without being too obvious. A song about freedom and new beginnings might work well for a character stepping into a new phase of life. A song about resilience and overcoming struggle could be perfect for a sports montage or an inspiring commercial. The key is to write lyrics that capture emotions in a way that leaves room for interpretation.

The Power of Universal Themes

One of the biggest factors in whether a song gets placed in a sync opportunity is the universality of its lyrics. Songs that explore broad and relatable themes tend to perform well. This is because universal themes allow a song to work in multiple contexts.

Themes like love, heartbreak, adventure, perseverance, nostalgia, and self-discovery are commonly featured in TV shows, films, and commercials. Advertisers, in particular, look for songs that reflect positive emotions such as joy, empowerment, and togetherness, as they want to create an emotional connection with their audience.

For instance, a song about missing someone can work in a variety of settings. It might fit a film about long-distance relationships, a commercial about military homecomings, or a TV show featuring a character grieving a loss. On the other hand, a song that tells a detailed story about a specific couple’s relationship will likely be harder to place.

If your goal is to license music for sync, consider how your lyrics can resonate with a broad audience. Instead of writing about a specific person or event in your life, frame your lyrics in a way that allows listeners to connect with their own experiences.

Avoiding Overly Specific Lyrics

One of the biggest mistakes musicians make when writing for sync is being too specific in their lyrics. Songs that mention exact names, locations, brands, or overly detailed events can limit how and where they can be used. A song that says “Driving through the streets of Brooklyn with Sarah” is far less likely to get placed than a song that says “Driving through the city thinking of you.” The latter keeps the scene open-ended, allowing it to work in a variety of storytelling settings.

Keeping lyrics general but emotionally powerful helps make a song more sync-friendly. Think about the emotions you want to convey rather than specific details that could narrow its use. Even if the song is personal to you, try to phrase your lyrics in a way that makes them relatable to a wide audience.

Matching the Right Mood and Energy

Lyrics need to match the tone of the scene they are paired with. An uplifting chorus can elevate a triumphant moment, while a melancholic verse can add depth to a reflective montage. Many sync placements use songs with dynamic shifts, where the mood builds or changes, making them perfect for storytelling. Writing lyrics that reflect a build-up or emotional arc can increase the chances of placement.

Music supervisors often seek lyrics that enhance a scene’s atmosphere without overpowering it. Lyrics that are too wordy or complex can be difficult to fit into a scene, especially if they compete with dialogue. Repeating key phrases and using simple yet powerful wording can make a song more suitable for sync.

The Role of Instrumental Versions

Even if a song has strong lyrics, music supervisors often request instrumental versions. Sometimes, the melody and emotion of a song fit perfectly, but the lyrics compete with dialogue. Having an instrumental version available increases a song’s usability and potential for placement. If a song has a strong instrumental hook, it may work well for background scenes where lyrics might otherwise be distracting.

Writing for Sync Without Sacrificing Creativity

Writing with sync in mind does not mean sacrificing authenticity. The best sync songs come from genuine emotion and storytelling rather than a forced attempt to fit a formula. Artists who balance personal expression with broad themes often create songs that connect with audiences and fit a variety of placements.

Many artists worry that writing with sync licensing in mind will compromise their creative vision, but this is not necessarily true. The goal is not to change your songwriting process completely but to be mindful of how lyrics are structured and how they can be interpreted. By focusing on emotions rather than specifics, you can create songs that are both authentic to you and appealing to music supervisors.

Learn How to License Your Music for TV and Film

If you want to learn more about getting your songs placed in TV shows, films, and commercials, check out my free course, The Ultimate Music Licensing Guide. It walks you through everything you need to know to start making money with sync licensing.