Before there was social media content, there were TV shows and movies, When it comes to certain decades, the same music would always pop up in media, right? Like in the 1990s and early 2000s, it was always No Doubt, for anything targeting any older audience (mainly boomers), it’s always classic rock like ELO’s Mr. Blue Sky. But nowadays? Well, it’s not different, even when it comes to social media, it’s always the same repeated songs.
As everyone knows, content creators are always chasing the next big thing, be it starting up music festivals, doing TikTok dances, vlogs on YouTube, you name it. Basically, staying relevant often feels like running on a treadmill set to “trending.” But there’s one thing holding a lot of creators back: the music. Yes, seriously, it is, it’s always the same stuff, always the trendy stuff too.
But here’s the thing; older music is an untapped goldmine. Just think about it; not only does it help creators stand out, but it also adds depth, character, and something fresh to their content. If the same playlists are making everything feel stale, why not turn to the classics?
Not Every Video Needs the Same Beat Drop
Most TikTokers and Reels creators stick to whatever’s trending on the platform. And while that might give the algorithm a nudge, it also makes everything blend together. For example, people are sick of that song that goes “Oh No, oh no no no no no”, everyone has heard that at least a hundred times, even if you don’t go on TikTok or IG, you’ve still heard it elsewhere. Seriously, how many times can someone hear the same song paired with slightly different transitions before it all starts feeling… meh?
But older music shakes things up. Besides, throwing a retro track into a TikTok or Reel can make people stop scrolling just because it’s unexpected. Do you remember when Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams became a TikTok sensation back in 2020? It wasn’t a new track; it was a decades-old classic that suddenly felt fresh.
Well, that’s the power of dipping into older music, it surprises people and stands out in a sea of sameness.
Nobody Wants to Hear the Same Playlist Forever
Pretty much, Twitch streamers are no strangers to background music. It fills the gaps during gameplay, chatting, or those “technical difficulties” moments. But having the same few songs on repeat is like serving viewers lukewarm coffee, dull, uninspired, and not worth sticking around for. So why not consider some older tunes for your viewers to vibe to?
Just Say Goodbye to Stock Music
Indie films, web series, and skits often have one glaring problem, for the most part, the music is bland. Yes, it’s understandable you want to stretch your budget with the music. But at the same time, stock libraries and royalty-free tracks are overused to the point where they all sound the same.
It’s hard to create an emotional impact when the music feels like it was plucked out of a generic advert. There are more than enough videos and books out there that will tell you that you need the right song in order to create the right “vibe” that you were trying to go for.
Besides, older music can fix that. For example, a soulful ballad from the 60s just might be able to elevate a scene in ways stock music never could (and literally would never be able to do). Legendary producers like Clive Davis had a pretty big understanding of that. He understood the power of music in storytelling. He didn’t just find songs; he found moments.
Now, modern music can do it too (granted it depends of course), but older music was less manufactured, it was able to create those moments that linger long after the screen goes dark.
Enough with the Lofi
Do you go on YouTube often? Watch vlogs or other content often? Well, lofi hip-hop has been the soundtrack of YouTube for years. It’s fine, it’s chill, but it’s also everywhere. Now, that’s the problem, sure a decade ago, it slapped hard, and people loved it. But that’s the problem at the same time. Just think about it; travel vlogs, cooking tutorials, study streams… all blending into one endless loop of the same 200 lofi tracks.
However, switching things up with older music can give content a much-needed refresh. Nowadays, it’s possible too without getting copyright strikes (the YT library has expanded massively). So, just imagine pairing a heartfelt vlog with an emotional 80s ballad or matching a high-energy montage with a punk rock classic. It makes you feel like a true filmmaker, right?
