The Future of Audio in Business: Trends Brands Can’t Ignore

Audio is quietly taking over the business world. From in-store music to podcasts and immersive ASMR experiences, brands are realizing sound isn’t just decoration - it’s a growth driver. Here’s how audio is shaping the next wave of business trends.

1. ASMR Marketing Isn’t a Fad

Brands are leaning into audio that makes people feel… tingly. ASMR-style campaigns create a deep emotional connection without shouting at customers.

Real-world examples:

• IKEA’s “Oddly IKEA” 25-minute ASMR digital ad featured sheet-smoothing, tapping hangers, and whispering commentary to promote its dorm-room line.

• foodpanda ran Spotify campaigns with rainforest sounds and soft whispers to promote meal orders, achieving click-through rates far above the platform’s benchmark.

The lesson? Calm, satisfying audio keeps audiences engaged and builds brand association.

2. AI-Powered Playlists for Retail & Hospitality

Curated music in stores or hotels isn’t new, but AI is making it smarter. Businesses can now generate playlists that match brand identity, time of day, or customer mood.

Real-world example:

• Soundtrack Your Brand launched an AI Playlist Generator that taps into over 100 million licensed songs, letting companies create custom audio experiences for stores, hotels, and public spaces.

Personalized playlists keep customers in the moment longer - and that translates to higher sales.

3. Podcasts: The New Advertising Goldmine

Podcasts offer brands a unique way to speak directly into consumers’ ears, often with a trusted host as the messenger.

Real-world example:

• Liquid I.V., the hydration brand, sponsored multiple podcasts using host-read ads, targeting Gen Z and Millennials. This approach blends entertainment with advertising in a natural, non-intrusive way.

Podcast ads combine intimacy, trust, and captive attention - making them one of the fastest-growing audio ad channels.

4. Streaming as a Data Tool

Music streaming isn’t just for listeners. Brands are mining streaming data to understand trends, moods, and demographics.

Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music offer advertisers insights into listener habits, letting brands target audio campaigns with surgical precision.

5. The Takeaway: Sound Sells

From ASMR to AI playlists to podcasts, audio is no longer an afterthought. Businesses that use sound strategically - not just as background noise - can increase engagement, loyalty, and sales.

Audio isn’t just a trend; it’s the invisible hand guiding modern consumer behavior.