When it comes to commercials and corporate videos, music isn’t just an accessory, it’s an essential part of the storytelling toolkit. It shapes tone, evokes emotion, and often determines whether a viewer simply watches or actually connects with what they’re seeing.

Music can turn a technically well-made video into something memorable and moving. It can also undermine your message if it’s chosen poorly. That’s why selecting the right soundtrack is one of the most important and most strategic creative decisions in video production.

Why Music Matters in Brand Storytelling

In the first few seconds of a video, music has the power to establish an emotional baseline, whether that’s hopeful, energetic, calm, bold, or reflective. While visuals provide structure and narrative, music gives that narrative its heartbeat. It guides pacing, influences how scenes are interpreted, and reinforces key emotional beats.

Beyond emotion, music also contributes to brand identity. Just as a brand has a visual language, it can also have a sonic identity. Over time, consistent musical choices help audiences develop an intuitive understanding of your tone and values. Think about how major brands use recurring themes or musical styles to create immediate recognition and emotional familiarity.

Importantly, music also supports audience retention and recall. A well-scored video doesn’t just keep people watching, it helps them remember the message long after it ends.

Choosing the Right Kind of Music for Your Video

There are several routes to consider when selecting music for your commercial or corporate video. Stock music, available through licensed libraries, is a popular option thanks to its affordability and ease of access. These tracks are often searchable by mood or genre, making it easier to find something that fits the tone of your video. However, stock music can sometimes feel impersonal or overused, especially if it’s recognizable from other campaigns.

Custom-composed music offers an alternative with more precision and emotional impact. It’s built specifically for your brand or project, meaning it aligns perfectly with your message and is uniquely yours. This route involves higher production costs and timelines, but for many brands, the long-term value and creative control are well worth it.

Another option is licensing commercial music, songs your audience may already know. This can create instant emotional resonance and cultural relevance, especially if the song aligns with your brand values or demographic. However, it comes with significant licensing fees and potential restrictions on usage, which can be limiting for ongoing or wide-reaching campaigns.

A more recent development is AI-generated music. These tools allow for the creation of royalty-free tracks on demand. While this approach is fast and affordable, it can lack the emotional nuance and human touch that comes from more traditional sources.

At Lens Head Media, we’ve worked with each of these approaches depending on the project’s needs, from dynamic ad campaigns to thoughtful corporate narratives — always with the same goal: making sure the music supports and elevates the message.

How to Make the Right Music Choice

Start by defining the emotional goal of your video. Is the tone meant to be inspiring, reassuring, energetic, or contemplative? From there, consider how the music will function: will it stay in the background and support the story, or will it take a more central, narrative-driving role?

It’s also important to make sure the music aligns with your brand. A financial services firm, for example, might lean toward clean, minimal instrumentation that conveys trust and stability, whereas a lifestyle brand might opt for something more bold, rhythmic, or trend-driven.

And finally, think about longevity. Will the music still feel relevant in a year or two? Some popular styles age quickly, so unless you’re working on a very specific short-term campaign, it’s wise to choose music that feels timeless.

Testing music options with others can also be valuable. What feels motivational to one person may feel dramatic or even somber to another. Getting a range of reactions helps ensure your track lands as intended with your broader audience.

Music That Transforms Stories

We’ve seen firsthand how music can change the entire feel of a video. In one case, a healthcare client initially wanted an upbeat, commercial-style track for a campaign about resilience and recovery. It felt too polished. Once we introduced a softer, more grounded piano piece, the video immediately took on a more sincere and emotionally honest tone.

In another example, we helped a company targeting Gen Z with a recruitment video. A bold, percussion-heavy indie track paired perfectly with fast-paced visuals and drove a noticeable uptick in applications. For a luxury electric vehicle brand, a minimal electronic score gave the spot a sophisticated edge — one that no dialogue could have achieved on its own.

Treat Music Like a Creative Priority

Too often, music is added at the last minute, a decision made after the visuals are locked and the story is already told. But when music is treated as a foundational element from the start, it shapes the entire production process and elevates the final result.

At Lens Head Media, we believe in building sound strategy into every stage of production. From sourcing and licensing to original composition and final mix, we treat music as integral to storytelling not just an afterthought. Whether you’re creating a high-energy promo or a heartfelt corporate piece, we’ll help you find the sound that makes your message resonate.

Need help finding the right music for your next project?

Let’s talk about how we can bring your brand’s story to life with music that moves your audience and makes your message unforgettable.