needle drops

A needle drop is the use of a pre-existing recorded song in a film, television show, or other media production, as opposed to an original score.

The term evokes the physical act of placing a record player's needle onto vinyl.

Needle drops are often licensed at significant cost, and a well-chosen one can define a scene: The needle drop during that chase sequence was perfect.

In contract negotiations, needle drop can also refer to a per-use licensing fee structure.