Ten years ago, the entertainment industry was dominated by Hollywood studios and a handful of big TV networks. Today, content creation is happening everywhere. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, and Amazon Prime are investing billions into
productions with global distribution.
This rise of global content production has massive implications for the sync licensing world. More shows, films, ads, and video games are being produced internationally than ever before - and every single one needs music.
Why Global Content Production Is Booming
Streaming Wars Fuel Expansion
Platforms are competing for subscribers worldwide. To grow, they must produce stories in multiple languages and regions.
Netflix alone invested heavily in non-English programming, producing hits like Squid Game (South Korea) and Money Heist (Spain).
Government Incentives
Many countries (Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) offer tax breaks and grants to attract international productions.
This decentralizes content creation, pulling productions outside of Los Angeles.
Audience Demand
Viewers crave authenticity. A French drama resonates more when produced locally than when adapted in Hollywood.
The global audience has shown it will happily watch subtitled or dubbed shows — opening new doors for non-U.S. producers.
What This Means for Sync Licensing
More Productions = More Music Needs
Every new series, ad campaign, or film means opportunities for sync placements. With global content booming, there are now
more doors for artists to knock on than ever before.
Diversity in Music Styles
Local productions often want music that reflects their culture and audience:
- Nordic noir dramas may favor electronic, minimalist, or orchestral tracks.
- Latin American shows often lean into rhythmic, upbeat styles.
- Korean dramas (K-dramas) are famous for integrating heartfelt ballads and indie pop.
This means artists across genres and languages are in demand.
Wider Music Supervisor Networks
Music supervisors aren't just clustered in L.A. anymore.
You'll find key decision-makers in London, Toronto, Sydney, and beyond. Expanding your music supervisor contact base outside the USA is no longer optional-it's essential.
How Rights Holders Can Tap Into Global Sync Opportunities
Think Beyond Hollywood
Don't only chase U.S.A music supervisor contacts. Actively research who is producing content in Canada, Europe, and Australia.
Stay Genre-Aware
Match your catalog to regional content trends. (Example: Dark synths for European thrillers, acoustic folk for Australian dramas.)
Focus on One-Stop Ready Catalogs
Music Supervisors worldwide still value clarity: clean splits, instrumentals, and metadata are critical.
Use Real-Time Resources
Outdated lists won't help you track global projects. Platforms like theSYNCreport update daily, showing who's working on what - across TV, film, trailers, video games, and ads worldwide.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Go Global
The entertainment world is no longer centralized. Hollywood is still powerful, but
global content production is shaping the future. For artists and catalog owners, this shift means:
- More productions across more territories.
- Broader demand for diverse genres.
- Greater opportunity to build lasting sync relationships outside of the U.S. market.
If you're only looking for placements in New York or Los Angeles, you're limiting yourself. The next big sync for your song may come from the UK or Canada.
The rise of global content production is transforming the sync licensing industry. Streaming platforms, local film and TV studios, and international brands are all creating more content than ever — and that content needs music.
For artists, publishers, and labels, the takeaway is clear:
- Stop thinking locally.
- Start thinking globally.
- Position your catalog to serve productions worldwide.
👉 Ready to see which productions and music supervisors are active right now — in the U.S. and globally? Take a tour of theSYNCreport, the trusted sync licensing resource for publishers, indie labels, managers and artists worldwide.