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It’s a half century, our golden jubilee 💃💃

This is the 50th edition today, a landmark edition. About a year ago when I started this quest here, I never knew whether we’ll reach here or not. So it’s feels like a milestone to be here ❣️

Thank you for being with me on this journey and making it all worth it. Here’s to the next 50 and hopefully beyond 🥂🥂

Today is a fitting wrap to our Gen Z Marketing series by our guest author, Ankit Singh Chauhan. In this follow-up article today, Ankit continues to explore marketing lessons from popular culture and entertainment, and how brands can learn to use those strategies in their campaigns for Gen Z.

Let’s get this thing going then, shall we?

Marketing Strategies in Popular Music

Do you ever wonder why your favorite music video suddenly makes you crave a specific soda?

Or why that awesome concert you went to was plastered with logos?

Welcome to the rockin' world of music marketing!

In this section, we’ll see how brands can effectively use music videos, concerts, merchandising, and cross-promotions to connect with consumers.

By integrating into the world of music, brands can enhance their visibility, create emotional connections, and stay relevant in the fast-paced entertainment landscape.

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1. Music Videos and Concerts : Brand Integrations

Music videos aren't just about cool dance moves and catchy tunes anymore. They're like mini-movies where brands can strut their stuff:

• Visibility and Reach: We're talking millions of views here, folks. It's like a Super Bowl ad that keeps on giving!

• Cultural Relevance: When a brand pops up in the hottest new video, it's like sitting at the cool kids' table. Instant street cred!

• Emotional Connection: Music hits us right in the feels, and smart brands are riding that emotional wave all the way to the bank.

Successful Brand Integrations in Music Tours and Concerts

A. Coca-Cola Music Experience & Coke Studio

Imagine sipping an ice-cold Coke while your favorite band plays. That's the Coca-Cola Music Experience in a nutshell.

It's not just a concert; it's a Coca-Cola wonderland with a killer soundtrack!

Closer home, we also have Coke Studio editions bringing artists from all walks of life to create a complete musical experience for the fans.

B. Pepsi and Beyoncé’s Tours

Pepsi isn't just sponsoring Beyoncé's tours; they're practically part of her entourage. Exclusive backstage passes, anyone?

When Queen Bey takes the stage, Pepsi is right there, basking in her glow.

C. Budweiser and Made in America Festival

Jay-Z curates it, Budweiser sponsors it, and music fans go wild for it. It's like the ultimate backyard BBQ, but with chart-topping artists and rivers of beer. 'Merica!

2. Merchandising and Cross-Promotions

Ever bought a t-shirt at a concert and realized it's cooler than anything in your closet? Or snagged a limited-edition sneaker that's part art, part footwear?

Welcome to the wild world of music merchandising and cross-promotions, where brands and artists team up to create marketing magic!

How Brands Use Merchandise and Cross-Promotions with Artists?

Gone are the days when band merch meant a black t-shirt with a tour schedule on the back. Now, it's a full-blown fashion extravaganza.

• Co-Branded Merchandise: Imagine your favorite brand had a creative rendezvous with your favorite artist. That's co-branded merch in a nutshell. It's not just stuff; it's wearable art. It’s whimsical and it’s very Gen Z.

• Cross-Promotions: These campaigns are like marketing on steroids. Contests, special offers, ads that make you wonder if you're buying music or mayonnaise – it's all part of the fun!

Successful Brand-Artist Collaborations

A. Adidas and Kanye West (Yeezy)

Kanye + Adidas = Yeezy, and suddenly everyone's dying to drop hundreds on sneakers. Because after all, it's not footwear; it's a lifestyle, people!

B. IVY Park by H&M and Beyoncé

Queen Bey graced H&M with her Ivy Park line, and suddenly athleisure became haute couture. Who knew you could look this good at the gym?

C. Pepsi and Michael Jackson

Remember when Michael moonwalked his way into our hearts... and our soda choices? Pepsi wasn't just a drink; it was a ticket to the Thriller era.

D. Doritos and Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga and Doritos teamed up for SXSW, creating the #BoldStage.

It was part concert, part snack ad, and 100% Gaga. Talk about a tasty collaboration!

Marketing Strategies in TV Shows/ Series

Ever catch yourself craving a specific snack while binge-watching your favorite show?

Or suddenly wanting to buy a gadget that your favorite character uses?

Congratulations, you've just experienced the sneaky genius of TV marketing!