When a music library describes itself as “royalty-free,” it’s mostly a marketing term — and it can be confusing at first.
Here’s what it actually means in the sync world, especially when your music is distributed through That Pitch.
What “royalty-free” usually refers to
In most cases, “royalty-free” means the customer pays once for a license and can use the music without ongoing licensing negotiations. It does not mean artists don’t get paid.
Typically, it signals:
Simple, upfront licensing for buyers
No recurring fees for the end user
Easy clearance for creators and brands
It doesn’t mean artists earn nothing
Even when a library uses the term “royalty-free,” artists still earn money.
Libraries we work with:
Pay artists for licenses
Track usage and placements
Generate income through sync opportunities
The term is meant to simplify things for customers — not remove artist compensation.
Why the term exists
“Royalty-free” helps buyers understand that:
They won’t face copyright strikes
They won’t need ongoing permissions
They can safely use the music across projects
It’s about convenience and clarity for the customer.
The important takeaway
When your music is placed through That Pitch:
You still receive earnings from licenses
You maintain your rights
Your music can continue generating royalties over time
So while the term can sound misleading at first, it does not mean your music is being used for free.
Simple version: “royalty-free” describes how buyers license music — not how artists get paid.