Mastercard once more finds itself as the top-ranking brand for the fourth year running. Mastercard continues to lead the way with its holistic sonic identity used in almost every touchpoint, from a special payment confirmation sound at checkout to special sonic watermarking of all brand audio and video content. With the flexibility of its sonic identity, Mastercard is able to emotionally connect with its customers at all points of contact.

Shell continues its sonic dominance with another year of using its sonic identity in the majority of its content. Each year it appears Shell remains dedicated to implementing and improving their sonic strategy. They do not just use its sonic identity in classic areas but in all forms of content, such as webinars, financial reports, and documentary-style content. Shell was one of just four brands this year to use its sonic logo in 100% of its content.

Aviva is one of the best newcomers this year. Aviva’s new sonic identity, created in June of 2021, is all over its content. In fact, its owned music percentage rose 77% in just a single year. Aviva not only uses its sonic logo frequently but made it flexible enough to match the mood of all types of content. Aviva’s dedication to its new sonic strategy has made it a new heavy hitter in the world of sonic.

Old Spice enters the top 10 this year with its well-established sonic logo. Old Spice is one of the four brands that used its sonic logo 100% of video content this past year. Old Spice’s emphasis on humor attracts many to its content and has led the brand's sonic logo to be used as a trending TikTok meme this past year.

The mood of musical selection is vital to a brand’s sonic strategy and that is where Colgate shines. Colgate continues to match its upbeat and positive messaging with its musical choices leading to a coherent sonic strategy and brand voice. Colgate’s sonic logo and owned music usage are both consistent and match its content extremely well.

Only missing by one spot last year, ranking 11, AutoZone has entered the top 10 in the rankings. AutoZone’s impressive use of owned music in 39% of content has shot it up even higher from its impressive ranking last year. AutoZone not only uses its sonic assets consistently but are thoughtful about different markets and musical styles.

This past year was a major turning point for Lieferando’s sonic strategy. Lieferando (Just Eat) partnered with Katy Perry to create a track that infused their sonic identity into the track. The track is featured in almost every piece of released content over the past year. Lieferando also used no-stock music this past year, which means it attempted to maximize its sonic assets.

Sony has its hands in all things technology, which provides it with sonic branding opportunities across many touchpoints. Sony’s regular use of its short but sweet iconic sonic logo propels it into the top 10. Additionally, Sony has a sonic logo for one specific device, the Alpha camera, which demonstrates a larger sonic awareness.

Nintendo is one of three brands that stayed within the top 10 in back-to-back years and has been present in this elite group since 2020. Nintendo uses sonic in all aspects of its games and devices to enhance the user experience. Nintendo continues to impress by using mostly custom music in its content, often partnered with their non-melodic sonic logo.

OBI’s year of sonic branding was one for the books as it now enters the top 10. OBI not only uses its sonic assets in crucial content but appears to use it as background music in low-stakes videos. OBI’s use of owned music, featuring versions of its sonic logo, in well over half of its content vaults it to the final spot in the top 10.