top of page

The Harmonic Symphony of Advertising: A Unique Approach to Music Selection

The Harmonic Symphony of Advertising: A Unique Approach to Music Selection

POLAR

January 15, 2024 at 8:00:00 PM

Choosing the right soundtrack for an advertisement is crucial, as it can dramatically alter the scene's emotional tone. The perfect melody has the potential to evoke strong feelings, reinforce the message, and etch your brand into the memory of viewers. On the flip side, a misstep in musical selection can leave the audience with an entirely different perception than intended. Let's delve into the fascinating world of music in advertising, exploring various genres such as well-known tracks, stock music, and specially crafted compositions.

The Symphony of Stock Music
Stock music, a pre-recorded treasure trove available for anyone to license and use, has become the go-to choice for many advertisers. Its popularity stems from being both cost-effective and diverse. However, the drawback lies in its lack of exclusivity. Purchasing stock music means non-exclusive rights, allowing multiple buyers to use the same track simultaneously. The convenience and affordability of stock music make it a prevalent choice, but it comes with the risk of seeing your chosen soundtrack in a completely different context — perhaps even in a tutorial on dog nail clipping.

Harmonizing with Famous Tunes
Featuring well-known songs in advertisements is a common strategy to garner attention and associate the brand with positive sentiments. A familiar tune can trigger recognition, providing the advertisement with a nostalgic or trendy flair. However, using a renowned song can be a pricey affair, involving permissions from copyright holders and, potentially, music publishers. An emerging tactic is commissioning songwriters to create reinterpretations of famous tracks, offering a clever workaround to some of the existing regulations.

Crafting Unique Melodies
Opting for specially composed music is another avenue. This approach allows for the creation of a unique soundtrack tailored to the advertisement's message and brand identity. Every beat, string section, or bass note can be finely tuned, resulting in an unparalleled, bespoke solution. However, this path may be more intricate and costly than other alternatives, as each project is unique, and licensing conditions vary accordingly.

Rights and Licenses for Music in Advertisements

Regardless of the type of music used in an advertisement, it is important to understand and respect copyright and licenses. Typically, the copyright to the music is owned by the songwriter or music publisher, and permission is required to use the music in commercial contexts. By purchasing a license or negotiating an agreement, you can obtain the rights to use the music under specified conditions, such as time limitations or geographical restrictions. It is crucial to carefully adhere to these rights and avoid unauthorized use of music, as it can lead to legal consequences.

So, what should you choose for the music in your advertisement?

As mentioned, music plays a crucial role in advertisements. It can influence viewers' emotions, shape their memory of the brand, and create a more effective campaign. In not all projects is there the budget, time, or ambition to incorporate a well-known song or have a composer craft something tailored for a project. In such cases, it's fantastic that there are other alternatives, such as stock music, to consider.


Whether you're inclined to utilize the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of stock music, captivate attention with a well-known song, or seek the unparalleled customization of a unique composition, Polar stands ready to craft the perfect musical backdrop for your project. With expertise in tailoring soundscapes to seamlessly align with your brand identity and advertisement message, Polar offers a range of musical solutions to meet your specific needs. From navigating the diverse realm of stock music to securing licenses for famous tunes or engaging composers for custom-written pieces, Polar streamlines the process, ensuring that your advertisement is not just seen but heard in a way that resonates profoundly with your audience.

Check out our work

bottom of page