18 TV Jingles That Are Total Ear Worms

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So it’s Saturday night, and here I am sitting in front of my computer screen with Netflix and a fast-food burger and fries, and you’re like, “Ba da ba ba ba, I’m lovin’ it.”

Question: How did you know I had McDonald’s with my Netflix? 

Answer: Jingles. And brand publishing. Well, brand publishing jingles. 

Let me explain. Brand publishing is self-created content a brand distributes, usually focusing on informative or educational content, such as thought leadership in its industry. Or catchy, entertaining jingles. 

Before the interwebs, blogs, and social media, companies had to snatch the audience’s attention through nifty jingles that ear-warmed their way into their brains. These earworms are so wormy that brands still use jingles today. “Remember it starts with a Double-A: A-A-R-D-V-A-R-K.” Or give “You should be driving a Kia” a spin if that’s more your speed. 

Image Credit: iStock/ito:jacktheflipper.

So, How Do Jingles Work for Brand Publishing?

Good question, me. Let me tell you. Jingles, like all good brand publishing, serve as an auditorial—and sometimes also visual—form of brand storytelling. They tell a specific message about the brand, its products, or its values. Related, they help form an emotional connection between the audience and the brand. By using catchy melodies and memorable lyrics, jingles can evoke strong emotions and create a lasting connection with the audience. 

Additionally, like all good brand publishing, jingles are inherently memorable. A well-crafted jingle could stick in viewers’ minds for years, increasing brand recall and recognition. Likewise, they build brand identity and help establish a strong brand identity by associating a particular sound or melody with a specific brand. These jingles are essential for brands to reach a mass audience and build brand awareness.  

While the digital age has brought about new forms of brand publishing, such as content marketing and social media, the principles of compelling brand storytelling established by early TV jingles remain relevant today.

These classic TV commercials are prime examples of how brands can effectively communicate their message and build brand loyalty through concise, memorable content.

Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.

1. Alka-Seltzer: “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh, what a relief it is!”

The simplicity of this jingle, combined with its onomatopoeic sound effects, creates a strong association between the product and the relief it provides. It’s a memorable and effective way to communicate the brand’s benefit.

Image Credit: Navigide / YouTube.

2. Burger King: “Have it Your Way”

This iconic slogan emphasizes customization and personalization, positioning Burger King as a brand that caters to individual preferences. The jingle reinforces this message, making it memorable and impactful.

Image Credit: RBLXMario5422 / YouTube.

3. Chili’s: “I Want My Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back…”

The catchy melody and repetitive lyrics of this jingle create a strong craving for Chili’s signature dish. It’s a prime example of using music to drive consumer desire.

Image Credit: Old Skool Analog / YouTube.

4. Coca-Cola: “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”

This iconic jingle promotes a sense of unity and togetherness, associating Coca-Cola with positive emotions and shared experiences. It’s a classic example of using music to create a strong brand identity.

Image Credit: Shelly Kiss / YouTube.

5. Folgers: “The Best Part of Waking Up is Folgers in Your Cup!”

This jingle creates a strong association between Folgers coffee and the morning routine, positioning it as a comforting and essential part of the day. The simple, repetitive lyrics make it easy to remember.

Image Credit: Betamax King / YouTube.

6. Freecreditreport.com: “F-R-E-E, that spells free, credit report dot com baby…”

This catchy jingle emphasizes the core benefit of the service: free credit reports. The repetitive lyrics and upbeat tone make it memorable and effective.

Image Credit: FreeCreditReportAds / YouTube.

7. Huggies: “Mommy Wow! I’m a Big Kid Now”

This jingle uses a heartwarming message to connect with parents and celebrate the milestones of childhood. It positions Huggies as a brand that understands and supports parents.

Image Credit: The TV Madman / YouTube.

8. Kit Kat: “Gimme a Break”

This iconic jingle positions Kit Kat as the perfect treat for a quick break or moment of relaxation. The simple, catchy phrase and the visual of someone taking a break with a Kit Kat create a strong association between the product and a brief respite from daily stresses.

Image Credit: Ewjxn / YouTube.

9. Klondike Bar: “What Would You Do for a Klondike Bar?”

This jingle uses a rhetorical question to create a sense of desire and craving for the product. It positions the Klondike Bar as a highly desirable treat, almost a luxury item.

Image Credit: Ewjxn / YouTube.

10. Liberty Mutual: “Liberty, Liberty”

By repeating the brand name in a catchy jingle, Liberty Mutual reinforces brand recognition and creates a sense of familiarity. The simple, repetitive nature of the jingle makes it highly memorable.

Image Credit: Reagan Ducey / YouTube.

11. Lucky Charms: “They’re Magically Delicious”

This jingle uses a playful and whimsical tone to associate Lucky Charms with fun, magic, and childhood wonder. The phrase “magically delicious” creates a sense of enchantment and excitement.

Image Credit: Mass Clipper / YouTube.

12. M&M’s: “Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hand”

This iconic jingle highlights the unique quality of M&M’s, making it a distinctive and desirable product. The simple, rhyming phrase is easy to remember and reinforces the brand’s key selling point.

Image Credit: ADSchoolUK / YouTube.

13. McDonald’s: “Ba da ba ba ba, I’m lovin’ it”

This global jingle is a simple, catchy phrase that evokes positive emotions and a sense of fun, associating McDonald’s with a happy dining experience. It’s a great example of using a simple, repetitive phrase to create a strong brand identity.

Image Credit: Ronald McDonald / YouTube.

14. Nationwide: “Nationwide is on Your Side”

This jingle positions Nationwide as a reliable and supportive insurance company, emphasizing its commitment to customer satisfaction. The phrase is simple and memorable, and it conveys a message of trust and security.

Image Credit: Josh Lopez / YouTube.

15. Oscar Mayer: “I Wish I Was an Oscar Mayer Weiner”

This playful jingle creates a memorable and humorous image of the product, making it a fun and iconic brand. The song’s catchy tune and whimsical lyrics make it a classic.

Image Credit: NostalgicWizard / YouTube.

16. State Farm: “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there”

This jingle positions State Farm as a friendly and reliable insurance company, emphasizing its commitment to customer service. The use of the familiar phrase “good neighbor” creates a sense of trust and connection.

Image Credit: CommercialsUSA / YouTube.

17. Subway: “Five Dollar Footlong”

This jingle highlights a specific product offering and its value proposition, making it a memorable and effective marketing tool. It’s a simple, direct message that resonates with consumers.

Image Credit: CommercialsinUSA / YouTube.

18. Toys “R” Us: “I Don’t Want to Grow Up”

This nostalgic jingle evokes feelings of childhood wonder and excitement, associating the brand with fun and imagination. It taps into a universal desire to hold onto childhood innocence and playfulness.

This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.us.

Image Credit: Ewjxn / YouTube.

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Kaitlyn Farley

Kaitlyn is MediaFeed’s senior editor. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, specializing in social justice and investigative reporting. She has worked at various radio stations and newsrooms, covering higher-education, local politics, natural disasters and investigative and watchdog stories related to Title IX and transparency issues.