The Pros and Cons of Using Stock Production Music in Advertising

February 10, 2025

Choosing the right music for your advertising campaign can make or break its success. Music sets the tone, evokes emotions, and reinforces the message. Many brands turn to stock production music because of its affordability and convenience, but is it the right choice for every project?

This article explores the pros and cons of using stock production music, how it compares to bespoke compositions, and the growing role of AI-generated music in the advertising landscape.

What Is Stock Production Music?

Stock production music refers to pre-composed tracks that can be licensed for use in projects like advertisements, films, and videos. These tracks are often available in vast online libraries, covering various genres and moods, and are widely used due to their accessibility.

Pros of Using Stock Production Music

  1. Cost-Effective

Stock production music is significantly cheaper than bespoke compositions. Licensing a track from a stock library typically costs a fraction of what it takes to hire a composer or purchase exclusive rights.

  1. Quick and Convenient

Stock music libraries are easy to access, with thousands of tracks available at your fingertips. For tight deadlines or limited budgets, stock music offers a ready-made solution.

  1. Wide Variety

Stock libraries cater to every genre, mood, and theme imaginable. Whether you need upbeat, emotional, or dramatic music, chances are you’ll find a track that fits your needs.

  1. No Collaboration Required

Since the music is pre-composed, there’s no need to engage in lengthy creative discussions or adjustments. This can be an advantage for smaller projects with straightforward requirements.

Cons of Using Stock Production Music

  1. Lack of Uniqueness

Stock music is non-exclusive, meaning the same track could be used by multiple brands—or even competitors. This dilutes your campaign’s distinctiveness and makes it harder to stand out.

  1. Limited Customization

Since stock tracks are pre-made, they can’t be tailored to perfectly fit your campaign’s pacing, emotional shifts, or story. This one-size-fits-all approach often falls short of creating a truly memorable experience.

  1. Overused Tracks

Certain tracks in popular libraries become overused, making them instantly recognizable and potentially undermining your campaign’s originality.

  1. Legal Risks

Licensing terms for stock music can be complex. If not properly understood or followed, you risk legal disputes, especially if the same track is used inappropriately elsewhere.

Stock Music vs. Bespoke Music

Bespoke Music: Tailored for Excellence

Bespoke music is custom-composed for a specific campaign, ensuring a perfect match for the brand’s message and visuals. Here’s how it compares:

  • Customization: Bespoke music is designed to fit every nuance of your campaign, enhancing emotional impact and storytelling.
  • Exclusivity: Custom tracks are unique to your brand, preventing competitors from using the same music.
  • Collaboration: Composers work closely with the creative team, bringing the campaign’s vision to life.
  • Time Investment: Bespoke music can take longer to produce than stock tracks, but this largely depends on the music supplier. For example, Loudbox is notoriously fast in delivering high-quality bespoke music, making it a viable option even under tight deadlines.

While bespoke music is more costly, its impact on brand identity and emotional resonance often makes it worth the investment.

Stock Music vs. AI-Generated Music

AI-Generated Music: The Emerging Trend

AI-generated music offers an intriguing middle ground between stock and bespoke music. Platforms use algorithms to create custom tracks based on user input.

Advantages:

  • Cost: AI music is often cheaper than bespoke compositions.
  • Speed: Tracks can be generated in minutes.
  • Customization: AI tools allow some level of personalization, such as adjusting tempo or mood.

Disadvantages:

  • Quality: AI music often lacks the emotional depth and nuance of human-composed tracks.
  • Copyright Issues: AI music cannot always be copyrighted, and some platforms use copyrighted material for training, exposing advertisers to legal risks.
  • Lack of Originality: While customizable, AI tracks still struggle to capture the unique soul and personality bespoke music offers.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The choice between stock, bespoke, or AI-generated music depends on your campaign’s goals, budget, and timeline:

  • Use Stock Music: For smaller projects with tight budgets or when music plays a secondary role.
  • Choose Bespoke Music: When your campaign requires a unique, emotionally resonant soundtrack that aligns with your brand identity. If speed is a concern, choose a supplier like Loudbox, known for being notoriously fast and delivering exceptional results.
  • Experiment with AI Music: For rapid, low-cost solutions with some level of customization, though it’s best for non-critical projects.

Stock production music offers affordability and convenience, making it a useful tool for certain campaigns. However, its lack of uniqueness and limited customization often make it less effective for brands aiming to stand out.

For campaigns that demand high emotional impact and originality, bespoke music remains the gold standard. And while AI-generated music offers exciting possibilities, it’s not yet a complete substitute for the creativity and soul of human-composed tracks.

Whether you’re choosing stock, bespoke, or AI music, aligning the soundtrack with your campaign’s vision is key to creating an ad that truly resonates.