The top music trends shaping advertising in 2025

Advertising isn’t just about what you see—it’s about what you hear. Audiences expect authenticity and to be moved by a soundtrack, so the days of generic stock music and in-platform audio are over. Whether it’s an ad or a scene, a single song can change everything by setting the tone, shaping emotions and pulling the audience deeper into a moment. For creatives aiming to strengthen that connection, the new 2025 Music in Film Trend Report from Musicbed identifies the key music trends shaping 2025 and how they’re redefining advertising, content creation, film, TV and more. Y2K nostalgia There is a continued resurgence of 2000s-era fashion and design, so more creatives are also turning to early aughts-inspired music and nostalgia to cut through today’s over-polished sound. A recent poll found that six in 10 people are more likely to engage with an ad that feels nostalgic. Nostalgia also builds trust—three in four people say it makes them more likely to connect with a brand. Using punk, indie and alt-pop music inspired by the 2000s airwaves presents a perfect moment to stand out and make content that feels alive. The audience might not actually miss the days of dial-up tones or T9 texting, but music from this era presents creatives with a unique opportunity to instantly link emotion to a story, creating a memory that lasts. Taco Bell recently tapped into this trend, pairing Harvey Danger’s hit “Flagpole Sitta” to announce the return of a menu item. Call it a wildcard or a stroke of brilliance from aware creatives, but the ad struck a chord with audiences and earned praise from the advertising community. Classical drama Classical music can turn a simple ad into something monumental, and now it’s having its moment in the spotlight again. There’s a reason creatives keep coming back to it—it’s timeless, dramatic and gives weight to a story. Nike’s “Winning Isn’t for Everyone” campaign is a perfect example, using Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 to reinforce the intense, almost mythical nature of competition. The result? An ad that doesn’t just celebrate success—it elevates winning to an art form. For film and TV, classical music doesn’t just support a moment—it defines it. A minor key can evoke heartbreak or add unbearable tension, such as in this spot for Toyota. Shift to major, and the moment transforms into one filled with hope and triumph. No other style of music offers this level of emotional control, which is why it has been the gold standard for decades. So, call it a resurgence, a renaissance or just great storytelling done right. But one thing is clear: Classical isn’t going anywhere. ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s revival Everything today—music, design, entire brands—seems built for the algorithm. But songs from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s weren’t made to go viral; they were written because artists had something to say. Brands can use that to their advantage. This music (and more recent music inspired by these decades) feels raw, unfiltered and real in a way that modern, hyper-produced sound can’t touch. But the real power of using vintage music in your creative? It makes a brand feel like it has a soul. Today, the best ads don’t simply sell a product—they create a vibe that sticks with the audience. The right music, such as the Righteous Brothers-esque ballad in this spot for Tesla, instantly makes it feel more human and gives people something they actually want to experience. Authentic music is essential Advertising isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about what leaves a lasting impression. And the difference between a spot that fades away and one that stays with people is often the music soundtracking it. Across the advertising industry, defining creative uses bold, artist-driven music to stand out and make a lasting connection. Creative work is full of compromise, but to truly reach an audience, music must be as intentional as every other creative choice. Musicbed has spent more than a decade curating music that tells stories rather than just filling space. The emerging artists on Musicbed aren’t making stock music—they’re crafting emotionally resonant music that makes an impact. The music trends highlighted here represent a small selection of those that have resonated with audiences this year. Download Musicbed’s free Music in Film Trend Report for the complete list of 16 trends redefining advertising, content creation, film, TV and more. Musicbed, an FM company, is a one-stop licensing platform representing a curated roster of authentic artists, bands and composers for film, TV and advertising. About Musicbed Musicbed, an FM company, is a one-stop licensing platform representing a curated roster of authentic artists, bands and composers for film, TV and advertising. Ad Age Studio 30 Ad Age Studio 30 is the creative content arm of Ad Age. Built on the same bedrock of journalistic integrity, Ad Age Studio 30 specializes in custom and sponsored content that resonates with our audience. To partner with Ad Age Studio 30, email James Palma at jpalma@adage.com.

The top music trends shaping advertising in 2025

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