Viral Commercial Sounds on TikTok: The Secrets Behind Their Success

TikTok has become a powerhouse in digital marketing, with millions of users consuming content daily. Among the most effective strategies for brands looking to capture attention is the use of viral commercial sounds. These sounds have a unique ability to engage users, encouraging them to participate in trends, and ultimately boosting a brand's visibility. But what makes a commercial sound go viral on TikTok? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the phenomenon of viral commercial sounds, exploring how they are created, why they work, and how brands can leverage them for maximum impact.

Understanding Viral Commercial Sounds

Viral commercial sounds on TikTok are audio clips used in videos that gain widespread popularity. These can range from catchy music tracks to snippets of dialogue or sound effects that resonate with a broad audience. When a sound goes viral, it becomes the soundtrack for thousands, sometimes millions, of TikTok videos, spreading the brand message far and wide.

The Anatomy of a Viral Sound

To understand why certain sounds go viral, it's essential to break down their components:

1. Catchiness: The sound needs to be catchy enough to stick in people's minds. This could be due to a repetitive hook, a memorable melody, or a striking phrase.

2. Emotional Resonance: Sounds that evoke strong emotions—whether it's humor, nostalgia, or excitement—are more likely to be shared and used by others.

3. Versatility: A viral sound often works across various contexts. It should be flexible enough to be adapted by users for different types of content, from funny skits to inspirational messages.

4. Simplicity: The sound should be straightforward and easy to use. Complex audio clips with too many layers might confuse users, leading to less engagement.

Case Studies of Successful Viral Commercial Sounds

Let’s explore some of the most successful viral commercial sounds and what made them stand out:

1. Ocean Spray’s “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac

One of the most iconic examples of a viral commercial sound is the use of Fleetwood Mac's “Dreams” in a TikTok video by Nathan Apodaca. This video, featuring Apodaca skateboarding while sipping Ocean Spray cranberry juice, quickly went viral, and the sound became associated with the brand.

• Why It Worked: The song “Dreams” has a timeless, nostalgic quality that resonated with both younger and older audiences. Additionally, the video itself was simple, relatable, and had a feel-good vibe, making it easy for others to replicate.

• Impact: Ocean Spray saw a significant boost in sales and brand visibility, with thousands of TikTok users creating their own versions of the video using the same sound.

2. The McDonald’s “Bada Ba Ba Bah, I’m Lovin’ It” Jingle

McDonald's has long used its famous jingle in commercials, but its resurgence on TikTok as a viral sound highlights the platform's power.

• Why It Worked: The jingle is short, memorable, and instantly recognizable. It’s also versatile, with users applying it to a wide range of video content, from food reviews to funny skits.

• Impact: The resurgence of this jingle on TikTok led to increased brand engagement, with users often linking their content directly to McDonald's, further enhancing brand recognition.

3. “Savage Love” by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo

This song became a massive hit on TikTok, thanks in part to its catchy beat and the dance challenges it inspired.

• Why It Worked: The beat of “Savage Love” is infectious, and the song's lyrics are easy to lip-sync. The song’s popularity was also boosted by influencers and celebrities participating in the trend.

• Impact: The sound became one of the most used on TikTok, with millions of videos created around it. Brands that used the sound in their marketing saw increased engagement and visibility.

How Brands Can Leverage Viral Commercial Sounds

Brands looking to capitalize on the power of viral commercial sounds need to be strategic. Here’s how they can effectively leverage these sounds:

1. Create Original Sounds

One way brands can stand out is by creating their own original sounds. This could be a catchy jingle, a memorable slogan, or even a unique sound effect. The key is to ensure that the sound is something that TikTok users will want to use in their content.

• Example: Chipotle created an original sound that became a hit on TikTok. The sound featured a catchy beat and lyrics that encouraged users to create their own content around their favorite Chipotle orders.

2. Collaborate with Influencers

Influencers play a crucial role in making sounds go viral. Brands can collaborate with popular TikTok creators to use their commercial sounds in videos. When these influencers use a sound, their followers are more likely to adopt it, leading to a ripple effect.

• Example: Fashion brand Guess collaborated with influencers to promote their #InMyDenim campaign using a specific sound. The campaign was a massive success, with thousands of users participating and using the sound in their videos.

3. Tap into Existing Trends

Sometimes, the best strategy is to ride the wave of an existing trend. Brands can identify sounds that are already gaining traction on TikTok and find creative ways to incorporate them into their marketing.

• Example: When the “Renegade” dance trend was at its peak, several brands, including Chipotle and e.l.f. Cosmetics, used the associated sound in their content. This allowed them to tap into the trend’s popularity and reach a wider audience.

4. Monitor Analytics and Feedback

To understand what works and what doesn’t, brands should regularly monitor their TikTok analytics. This includes tracking the performance of their sounds, engagement rates, and user feedback. By analyzing this data, brands can refine their strategies and focus on sounds that are driving the most engagement.

• Example: A beauty brand might notice that a particular sound is leading to higher engagement rates on makeup tutorials. They could then double down on that sound, using it in more of their content or even creating variations of it.

5. Encourage User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for amplifying viral sounds. Brands can encourage their followers to create content using their commercial sounds by launching challenges or offering incentives.

• Example: Nike launched a challenge on TikTok, encouraging users to create videos using a specific sound and hashtag. The challenge went viral, with thousands of users participating and creating content, further spreading the brand’s message.

The Future of Viral Commercial Sounds on TikTok

As TikTok continues to grow, the use of viral commercial sounds will only become more critical for brands. However, the landscape is constantly evolving, and brands will need to stay agile and creative to keep up with trends.

Predictions for the Future

1. Increased Use of AI and Data Analytics: Brands will increasingly use AI to analyze trends and predict which sounds are likely to go viral. This will allow them to be more proactive in their sound strategy.

2. More Interactive and Immersive Sounds: With advancements in technology, we may see the rise of more interactive sounds that can change based on user interaction, making the content more engaging.

3. Greater Collaboration Between Brands and Artists: We can expect to see more collaborations between brands and musicians or sound creators, leading to the creation of custom sounds tailored specifically for viral potential on TikTok.

Conclusion

Viral commercial sounds are an integral part of TikTok’s ecosystem, offering brands a unique way to engage with their audience. By understanding the elements that make a sound go viral, and by strategically leveraging these sounds, brands can significantly boost their visibility and engagement on the platform. As TikTok continues to evolve, so too will the strategies around viral sounds, making this an exciting area to watch in the coming years.