The best trailers don’t just tease a story, they sell an emotion. Whether it’s the pulse of a thriller, the sweep of a drama, or the drum roll before a superhero’s entrance, music in a trailer does the emotional lifting. It sets the stakes, defines the tone, and often determines whether the audience leans in or tunes out.
Music is often the first thing viewers feel even before they register what they’re seeing. That’s why trailer editors spend hours auditioning tracks before landing on the perfect one. But finding that track isn’t always simple or cheap. Between copyright laws, licensing jargon, and platform restrictions, the process can quickly get overwhelming. Fortunately, there are smart ways to navigate it. Where exactly do filmmakers find this kind of music? What licenses do you need? And how do you strike the perfect balance between legal clarity and creative control?
Let’s break down everything you need to know to find and license the right music for your film trailer.
How music licensing works for trailers
Before you start your search, get familiar with the different kinds of music licences you may need:
- Sync License: Required when pairing music with visual media (like trailers)
- Master License: Grants rights to the actual recording of a song (not just the composition)
- Public Performance License: Needed if your trailer will screen in public spaces.
Licensing isn’t one size fits all. The type of license you need depends on where and how your trailer will be shared. A trailer posted online might only require a sync license, while something intended for theatrical release, TV broadcast, or international distribution could need additional clearances.
Music licensing can feel intimidating, but understanding the basics saves you time, money, and stress. Always read the fine print and know exactly what you're paying for. The key is to plan early and be specific. Ambiguity in your licensing terms can cause delays or even legal issues down the line. For a deeper dive into the different license types and how they apply, check out our article on Music Licensing Types.
Custom Composers & Sound Designers
If you want a truly unique sound, hiring a composer ensures your trailer has an original score tailored specifically to your film. Collaborating with a composer allows you to work with an expert to craft music that perfectly aligns with your film’s tone, pacing, and emotional beats. You might consider reaching out to local film composers for a more collaborative, community based approach. This route is best for filmmakers seeking a one-of-a-kind soundtrack that elevates their story from the ground up.
Direct Licensing vs Alternatives
If you have a specific song in mind, whether it's a chart topper or a cult classic, you can pursue direct licensing. This means identifying the copyright holder of the track and negotiating a license to use it. While this gives your film the chance to feature iconic, recognizable music that enhances its emotional impact, it’s often an expensive process. Some copyright holders may be unresponsive, and fees for popular songs can be prohibitively high. However, if budget and time allow, direct licensing can result in a powerful musical moment that connects deeply with audiences.
For filmmakers creating digital-only trailers looking for a smarter, more efficient licensing experience, Track Club offers a compelling alternative. With a curated library of high quality music, Track Club makes it easy to find and create songs that match the mood, genre, or energy of your trailer. What sets Track Club apart is MixLab, a tool that lets you customize tracks by adjusting individual stems, volume, tempo, and more. This gives you the flexibility of a custom score without the high cost or long turnaround times. It’s a best-of-both-worlds solution that balances creative control with speed and affordability.
For larger scale productions or films headed for a wider release, Marmoset is a strong choice. Known for its boutique catalog and hands-on licensing support, Marmoset has experience in providing tailored music for film projects. Their music has been featured in a range of acclaimed films, including The Roses (2025), Anora (2024), Look into My Eyes (2024), Suze (2023), 80 for Brady (2023), My Dead Friend Zoe (2024), and It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023).
How to license music for your trailer
If you’re not using a platform like Track Club (which includes licensing), the traditional process for licensing music involves a few critical steps, each as important as the next.
- Find the Rights Holder: Start by identifying who owns the rights to the track. This could be the artist, the label, or a music publisher. Tools like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC databases or international databases like SOCAN can help you locate the relevant rights holders.
- Make an Inquiry: Reach out with a clear description of how you plan to use the song. Be specific – are you using it in a teaser or a full trailer? Will it be released online, in theaters, or at festivals? Include expected territories, usage length, and any potential edits to the song.
- Negotiate Terms: You’ll negotiate the scope of usage, including the type of media, territories, length of usage, exclusivity, and fee. These details will influence the cost significantly.
- Sign a Sync License Agreement: Once you agree on terms, you’ll sign a sync license agreement that makes it all official.
Be meticulous. Any missed detail like international rights or online use can come back to bite you. Plan licensing early, the sooner you budget for music, the smoother your post-production process will be.
Always remember to watch your pacing, hit your trailer beats, always double check your licensing before release and don’t settle on the first track, explore alternatives and cut demos.
Why Trailer Music Matters
Music in a trailer isn’t just a background layer, it’s a storytelling tool. When done right, it invites viewers into your film’s world. When done wrong, it pulls them right out. The right track deepens emotional impact and elevates the narrative. The build ups, drops, and musical stings can mirror your trailer's edits while a score becomes the fingerprint of your film. In a world of endless scrolling, sound is your first impression.
Great trailer music grabs attention in seconds and holds it through the final frame. It creates rhythm and anticipation even if the audience doesn’t know why. Think of it as emotional shorthand, a shortcut to setting expectations. A haunting piano can signal heartbreak, a rising synth can cue impending chaos. These choices shape perception before a single line of dialogue is heard. That’s why music isn't an afterthought, it’s the foundation.
It also helps signal your film’s genre and stakes. Is this a grounded drama or an adrenaline-fueled blockbuster? The music answers that before any visuals do. A slow burn score might suggest psychological tension, while heavy percussion and bold brass can pass as an epic scale. When synced tightly with picture, music drives the pacing, each beat pushing the trailer forward.
Conclusion
At its core, finding music for a trailer is about more than just filling space, it’s about building momentum, stirring emotion, and signaling exactly what kind of ride your audience is in for. Whether you’re tapping into a curated library, working with a composer, or licensing a well known track, the music you choose becomes the heartbeat of your trailer. In today’s fast moving content landscape, that heartbeat needs to hit fast and hit hard.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate the process alone. With platforms like Marmoset and Track Club, clear licensing strategies, and a growing network of tools, music supervision is no longer reserved for blockbuster studios. Indie filmmakers, content creators, and agencies alike can now access high quality, licensable music with speed and flexibility.
For large scale projects, Marmoset brings an expert approach. Their catalog is carefully curated for emotional impact, and their creative services team provides support for music supervision and licensing. Trusted by brands like A24, Apple, CBS and Patagonia, Marmoset is a go to for filmmakers who want music that feels as intentional as the visuals it supports.
Still, the best results come from planning ahead. Understand your licensing needs before you fall in love with a song. Consider your budget, timeline, and distribution plans early in the process. Be thoughtful about how your music supports the story. The right song can draw someone in before the visuals even start. So treat your music search like part of the creative process, not an afterthought. Explore widely, cut fearlessly, and always make sure the paperwork matches your passion.
