Skip to content
English
Create Free Account
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

What Are Cue Sheets and Why Do They Matter?

Cue sheets are the music industry's way of tracking what music was used so composers and publishers get paid.

What You'll Learn Here

  • What a cue sheet is and what it contains
  • How this works at Soundstripe

A cue sheet is a detailed log of every piece of music used in a film, TV show, advertisement, or other audiovisual production. Here's how the process works:

What information goes on a cue sheet?
  • Track title 
  • Writer(s) and publisher(s) information
  • PRO affiliation (which Performing Rights Organization each party is registered with)
  • Type Usage (Background Instrumental, Theme, Visual Vocal, etc.)
  • Actual Use Time (how long the cue runs in the production)

Where to find artist and publisher information:

You can locate the required writer, artist, and publisher details for any Soundstripe track on that track's page within the Soundstripe library. The PRO affiliation for each party is also listed there. If you need additional metadata (such as IPI/CAE numbers), contact broadcast@soundstripe.com with the track name and we will provide the full details.


  • When music from our library is used in broadcast, such as network television, cable television, OTT, or streaming broadcast platforms, the artist and publisher needs to be listed on the cue sheet.
  • This is how artists and publishers receive broadcast royalties.

Tips & Tricks

Submit your completed cue sheet to broadcast@soundstripe.com within 30 days of airing. Follow these steps to prepare your submission:

  1. Verify timing accuracy for each cue: confirm the actual use time matches the exact duration the track plays in the final production, down to the nearest second.
  2. Submit your completed cue sheet to broadcast@soundstripe.com within 30 days of airing.

Still have questions about cue sheets or how your music usage is being tracked? Our support team is happy to help!