Brands Can Turn Up The Heat on Summer Campaigns with Pandora

Sun’s out, streams up. It’s almost summertime. As the temperatures rise and the days get longer, we’re heading toward vacations, sunny days, and a boost in listening and engagement on Pandora. It’s time for brands to get in the summer mood by advertising on the hottest stations to engage with listeners all summer long. 

Pandora is #1 in daily ad-supported audio, meaning we’re a direct, high-impact line for brands to reach listeners through audio. 1 And the first-place title doesn't end with ad-supported audio; Pandora is also #1 in brand awareness for online audio brands, with 83% of listeners 12+ knowing our name. 2 And when streaming listeners co-listen, like 83% of listeners who listen to streaming audio with others, your brand messages reach their family and friends. 3

Memorial Day mashups

As the unofficial start to the summer, Memorial Day kicks off fun in the sun, and listening on Pandora spikes as much as volleyballs on beach days. Streaming audio and summer fun go hand-in-hand, and our listeners agree. Over four in 10 of listeners ages 18 and up plan to celebrate Memorial Day, and among those celebrating, 49% plan to listen to music. When it comes to diverse listeners, Latino and Black audiences ages 18 and up over-index for listening to music while celebrating the holiday (120 and 127 index respectively). 4

There’s no better place for listeners to turn to than Pandora for this holiday. Memorial Day had 21% more station adds compared to other Mondays in May, and Memorial Day weekend had 23% more station adds compared to other weekends in May. 5

Top trending summer stations

For brands looking to reach listeners, Pandora is the place to be the week leading up to Memorial Day and following Memorial Day weekend. 

Check out some of last year's hottest trending stations: 5

• Best of American Patriotic Music: +6979% in listeners compared to the previous week 

• Handpicked 100: Summer Shuffle: +1311% in listeners compared to the previous week 

• Summer Now: +786% in listeners compared to the previous week 

And these were the top songs on Best of American Patriotic Music: 5 

• You’re a Grand Ol' Flag - U.S. Army Air Force Band

• The Marines' Hymn - United States Marine Band

• This is My Country - The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band

• Anchors Aweigh - US Navy Band

• My Country 'Tis of Thee - The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band

• Make your brand’s message part of the music to listeners’ ears

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Traveling tunes

Summer means more vacation time, more travel, and more tunes. As Americans are on the move this summer, whether domestically or internationally, they’re taking music along for the ride. Wearing headphones on the train, connecting in the car on road trips, or bumping music through a smart speaker by the pool, digital audio is always a listener's travel partner. In fact, 78% of adult listeners are likely to travel for leisure during the summer months, and 94% of listeners say they listen to any audio while traveling. 6

Pop off for Independence Day

Fire up those grills and lather on the sunscreen; Independence Day festivities last all day, and the summer soundtracks play right along with them even after the sun goes down (hitting pause only for fireworks). Independence Day had a 35% increase in station adds compared to other Thursdays in July, and the holiday weekend as a whole saw a 20% increase in station adds compared to other weekends in July. 5

More trending summer stations 

Whatever their preferred genre or artist, listeners can stream their favorites while hanging on the beach, chilling by the pool, and celebrating Independence Day their way. For brands, this is a huge opportunity to connect with listeners. 

Here are some trending stations advertisers should consider jumping into: 5

• All American Divas: +4541% in listeners and +33126% in station adds compared to the previous week.

• Hipster 4th of July BBQ: +2777% in listeners and +5210% in station adds compared to the previous week.

• Best of American Patriotic Music: +2112% in listeners and +4722% in station adds compared to the previous week.

• Classical Fireworks: +1205% in listeners and +9322% in station adds compared to the previous week.

• 4th of July: +1069% in listeners and +2981% in station adds compared to the previous week.

Curious about some of the hottest songs on the 4th of July station? These were the tracks that filled barbecues, beach hangouts, and festivals: 5

• Please Please Please - Sabrina Carpenter

• Austin (Boots Stop Workin') - Dasha

• BIRDS OF A FEATHER - Billie Eilish

• we can't be friends (wait for your love) - Ariana Grande

• Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter

Music fits any vibe

When they’re not out soaking up the sun, grilling hot dogs, or traveling, listeners still turn to music to be there with them as they complete day-to-day tasks. Through streaming, brands can access listeners anywhere and anytime, even when they’re doing the everyday things like grocery shopping, cleaning, or working out and it helps put them in the right mood to get things done, too. 

Pandora users ages 18 and up turn to audio to set the mood 7

• 78% say it improves their mood

• 75% say it relaxes them

• 73% say it makes them happy

• 59% say it helps pass the time

And this is what users ages 18 and up feel when they’re listening: 7

• 42% say it inspires them

• 34% says it makes them feel creative

• 33% says it allows them to express themselves

• 32% say music is the soundtrack of their life 

Labor Day listening

We can’t forget Labor Day—a time for Americans to sit back, relax, and enjoy the last few moments of summer. Almost four in 10 plan to celebrate Labor Day, and among those celebrating, 45% plan to listen to music. And listen they did, the holiday had a 13% increase in station adds compared to other Mondays in September. 5 

Trending Labor Day stations

Brands can reach listeners as they take a breather from their daily work routines and enjoy a well-deserved break. Whether they’re at the park, tubing down the river, or catching up on chores around the house, listeners are tuned in and ready to hear from you. 

Check out the top trending stations around Labor Day, from nostalgic hits to tunes that get you in the fall spirit:

• Indie Pool Party: +3,518% in listeners and +51,125% in station adds compared to the previous week

• Handpicked 100: Summer Shuffle: +129% in listeners and +4,071% in station adds compared to the previous week

• Lip Sync Road Trip: +55% in listeners and +4,527% in station adds compared to the previous week

Turn up the heat with Pandora 

Summer vibes are unmatched, and music makes them even better. With streaming audio, your brand messages soak up the benefits. SiriusXM Media is here to get you in front of listeners as they have fun, spend time with loved ones, and make lasting memories. 

Ready to boogie into the summer? Let’s chat. 

Kick off this summer’s soundtrack with Pandora