You hear sonic branding examples all day, every day, from streaming platforms to payment apps, often without realizing it. From your morning news to your evening Netflix session, brands use sonic logos to build trust and recognition.
Written by Colleen Fahey, Managing Director, US
Everyday Sonic Branding Examples
1. NBC – The Three-Note Classic
Good morning! Chances are, the first sonic branding example you’ll hear today is the sound of your radio or TV station’s ID as you check the news. If it’s an NBC station, you’ll probably recognize the same three notes that your grandfather heard. The instrumentation has evolved, but the tune is still reassuringly familiar — and instantly identifiable.
2. Microsoft / Apple – The Boot-Up Sound
When you boot up your laptop, you’ll hear a carefully crafted audio branding example: the unique branded chime that signals your operating system is ready. These sonic cues are designed to trigger familiarity, productivity, and brand trust.
3. Maybelline – Maybe it sounds familiar
Scrolling through Insta? You may hear a blast from the past. In 2024, Maybelline brought back “Maybe it’s Maybelline,” so prevalent in the 90’s. The company had barely used the jingle since its heyday, but research revealed that the phrase was still part of popular culture. The reinvented jingle soon found its way to Instagram and TikTok and even to the distinctive voice of Miley Cyrus.
By Sixième Son. Read the full case study here.
4. Visa – Transaction Complete
When you pay via your mobile Visa app, you’ll hear a less-than-one-second sound, a sound logo that communicates speed, security, and reliability. This is a textbook sonic branding example, engineered to reassure the user at a key moment of digital interaction.
5. Chase Bank – Here’s your money!
Despite your successful credit card transaction, you still need cash for tips and popsicle vendors. Cleverly, you’ve chosen a bank that plays a familiar mini-tune instead of buzzes or beeps as it delivers your cash.
6. Watch Duty – Safety in Sound
If you’re in the US during fire season, the Watch Duty app may notify you with its short but distinct tone, a sonic identity that doesn’t alarm but calls to action. Since early 2025, Watch Duty has surged in popularity, expanding to cover 50 U.S. states and reaching millions of users. This growth shows how an emotionally calibrated sonic cue can become an essential tool in people’s daily lives, especially when reliability really matters.
By Sixième Son. Learn more about the Watch Duty notification sound
7. Samsung – Pleasant Utility
While you’re eating dinner, your Samsung dryer may tinkle out a melody to let you know the laundry’s done. This light-hearted sound branding example reinforces a positive emotion at a mundane moment, exactly when brand recall is most effective.
8. Netflix – The Ta-Dum
Finally, it’s time to unwind. As you open Netflix, that bold “Ta-Dum” tells you it’s showtime. This is one of the most globally recognized sonic branding examples. That said, its intense repetition during the pandemic means it might be due for a refresh — as Adweek reports, some users now find it grating.
Conclusion
From Maybelline to Netflix, and from Visa to Watch Duty, these sonic branding examples show how brands can make powerful emotional connections through just a few notes. They aren’t just catchy sounds — they’re strategic tools that reinforce trust, signal familiarity, and strengthen brand identity across every touchpoint.
Want to create your own? Discover how to create a successful sonic identity or explore our latest sonic branding news
