Does this sound ring a bell? It's normal, it was designed for that! They are short, they are discreet and they are impactful... 🤓 We are obviously talking about brand jingles.
But what are the secrets behind our favorite jingles? How are brands using music to create an emotional connection? 🔔 La We Are COM team reveals the secrets of the most unforgettable sound identities.
#1 – SNCF
Do – sol – la – mi! 🚂 With a 98% recognition rate, this jingle is one of the most powerful in France. It was in 2005 that these few notes established themselves as an invitation to travel and escape, while projecting an image of modernity and innovation. Ultimately, it is an ascending and airy sound signature that reassures and transports. Isn't that the Holy Grail for a transport company?
What does this jingle secretly tell us? "Come on, let's get a ticket somewhere else. I'm modern, a bit of a dreamer, and always on time."
What you may not know? It inspired the artist David Gilmour, the guitarist of Pink Floyd, who made a real song out of it, "Rattle that lock," no less! Shall we listen?
#2 – Intel
“Bong…” Composed in 1994, these electronic percussion notes were designed to suggest rigor, efficiency and reliability. 💡 This simple and memorable sound signature reinforces brand awareness and proves thata sound can also become a guarantee of quality.
What does this jingle secretly tell us? “I’m straightforward, fast and reliable, quite simply!”
What you may not know? It is one of the most widely broadcast sounds in the world, across all media.
#3 – McDonald's
Why is this a good idea? Because the fast-food brand has managed to design an international jingle with positive and inclusive tones. 🍔 For over 20 years, these five well-turned notes have been making the whole world hungry.
What does this jingle secretly tell us? "Admit it, you're hungry and you really don't want to cook. Come on, we'll make you happy."
What you may not know? This jingle was performed by Justin Timberlake! Proof in pictures.
#4 – Netflix
The famous "Tudum" and presto, we're in the mood! 🍿 It's almost a reflex for the spectator, who instantly feels pleasure and excitement thanks to a low resonance, a symbol of anticipation. This minimalist and almost solemn sound elevates Netflix to the rank of cultural authority, almost competing with the biggest film productions.
What does this jingle secretly tell us? "Is the popcorn ready? Great, make yourself comfortable, it's about to begin."
What you may not know? This jingle only lasts 3 seconds, so as not to bother impatient viewers.
#5 – Canal +
The Canal + jingle evokes the "clapperboard" of filming. 🎬 Thus, in just a few notes, the brand positions itself as an accomplice of the 7th art. This sound identity, raw, direct and a little " arty » perfectly represents the brand’s editorial line.
What does this jingle secretly tell us? “I’m a movie buff, sometimes a bit of a snob, but always intense. Go action!”
What you may not know? The “tchi-tcha” that announces the films was whispered by Michel Jonasz.
#6 – Apple
Apple is the epitome of sonic elegance. Its refined, intuitive jingle suggests without ever imposing. The light, crystal-clear sounds emitted by our Macs are a perfect match for the company's products. 🍏 In fact, it is the art of the ultra-significant invisible.
What does this jingle secretly tell us? “Zen, clean and bright… You don't have to go overboard to be perfect."
What you may not know? The C major chord, the so-called "startup chime," was specifically created to symbolize the proper functioning of the system.
#7 – CIC
This original composition seems to have been taken directly from a Yann Tiersen album. 🎹 CIC plays on poetry and sensitivity to stand out in a banking sector often perceived as coldThese few simple, repetitive piano notes create a gentle and reassuring atmosphere. What does it evoke? Closeness, trust, and humanity.
What does this jingle secretly tell us? « Have you seen Amélie Poulain? I'm the same, gentle, reassuring, a little melancholic... but very solid. »
What you may not know? Several versions of this jingle exist. The notes remain the same, but can take on a more jazzy, classical, or even electro style, to adapt to the brand's different campaigns.
#8 – Burger King
The " Mmm… Burger King » which makes you hungry just hearing it! 🍔 A vocal sigh, suave and greedy, which acts as an auditory madeleine for fast food lovers. Minimalist but incredibly effective, this jingle plays the card of immediate pleasure, embodying the brand's sensory experience on its own.
What does this jingle secretly tell us? « You know you want to. Come on, it's allowed. »
What you may not know? This signature sound made its grand return in 2023 in the You Rule campaign, with a musical reorchestration that further reinforces its addictive potential.
#9 – Carglass
« Carglass repairs, Carglass »…And your brain fills in the rest on its own. 🧠 This catchy vocal jingle has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. 🎶 Whether we love it or fear it, it functions like a Pavlovian advertising reflex.Each spot, each radio or TV broadcast, becomes an ultra-effective reminder.
What does this jingle secretly tell us? « We're here, everywhere, all the time. You can't forget us! »
What you may not know? It's one of the few jingles to have been little or not changed since its creation, proof that effectiveness, when it's there, doesn't budge one iota. And in all languages!
#10 – IKEA
🎵 " Bye yes da daaaa »: a cheerful, almost naive instrumental jingle, which fits perfectly with the accessible and clever universe of the Swedish brand. A few notes of flute and glockenspiel, and we already feel like we are in a bright, functional and joyful interior.It's simple, it's clear, it's IKEA.
What does this jingle secretly tell us? « You set it up, but we set the right mood. »
What you may not know? This jingle is identical in every country, with only slight variations in tempo depending on the campaign. A well-thought-out way of speaking the universal language of the house.
Want more? Here are the We Are COM team's two favorite musical anecdotes!
🛒 Monoprix
Did you know that Monoprix deliberately created the worst song in the world? Clever to make us remember their delivery service. Ready to hum that annoying tune all day?
🚗 Peugeot
Peugeot holds a record, that of having created the very first car piece on the world's greatest score ! An operation to highlight the precision of the Peugeot 508.
Bonus: 35 jingles in less than 5 minutes? Challenge accepted! 🎹
If this article has triggered an avalanche of advertising memories… prepare to experience them in fast motion! The duo French Fuse, known for their brilliant and wacky mashups, has created a musical composition from 35 advertising jingles – all in less than 5 minutes flat. The result? A concentration of collective memory, combining humor, virtuosity, and pop nostalgia.
