This post is about the typical deals you might expect from different types of music libraries. Know which deals are acceptable and which are not. Most libraries offer a 50/50 split on sync fees and backend royalties. Typically you don't want to give up more than half of the earnings from your own musical creations. Check out 4 different types of deals below.
Royalty Free Non-Exclusive
Term - Usually you can upload and delete tracks at your own will, sometimes the term is 1 year.
Split for Sales - 50% is typical, though in the past few years some libraries have gone down to a 35% split for the composer.
Split for Backend - 100% for the composer is typical, though backend royalties from these libraries are rare.
Examples of Libraries - Audiojungle, Pond5, Artlist
Non-Exclusive (Not RF)
Term - Varies, but 1-5 years is common.
Split for Sales - Typically 50%
Split for Backend - Typically 50% and these libraries are more likely to get backend royalties.
Examples of Libraries - Music Supervisor, Crucial, Tunedge
Exclusive (Major Labels or Major Sub-Publishers)
Term - Usually In Perpetuity (Life of copyright, aka forever)
Split for Sync Fees - Typically 50%
Split for Backend - Typically 50% and these libraries are very likely to get backend royalties.
Examples of Libraries - Anything on Warner/Chappell, Universal, APM, etc.
Exclusive (Independent)
Term - 1 to 5 years, or In Perpetuity
Split for Sync Fees - Typically 50%
Split for Backend - Typically 50% and these libraries are very likely to get backend royalties.
Examples of Libraries - Big Score Music, Pink Shark Music, Scorekeepers
I would advise against taking any less than 50% of the income generated from a music library selling your music. This includes backend royalties and library income. If too many composers start accepting lower amounts then that will become the norm. There are some libraries out there trying to give composers only 25% for backend and 0% for upfront fees! Stay firm and know your worth. Happy hunting!
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