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# Musical Back-to-School Ads
Old Navy's Back to School Commercial Triumphs Self-Doubt with Song

By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-08-19 | Life-Stages
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/back-to-school-commercial
References: [ifitshipitshere](http://www.ifitshipitshere.com/unlimited-old-navys-online-back-school-film-starring-isabel-balbi/) & [oldnavy](http://oldnavy.com)

This year, [Old Navy's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-navy-x-anna) [back to school commercial](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backtoschool-shopping) stars Isabel Balbi, a 14-year-old singer and actress who plays a student facing all the start-of-school jitters that many kids get.

Balbi's fears are not helped any by Womp Womp, a big purple creature that personifies all of her self-doubt. Fortunately, things pick up pretty quickly and instead of being paralyzed with fear, the young student starts imagining all of the possibilities that the new school year could bring. This includes everything from patenting appliances that will change the world to becoming the president or a superstar athlete.

The [musical-style commercial](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silk-ad) is called 'Unlimited' and it's being paired with the #BeUnlimited tag. Sales from the downloadable iTunes song will go towards supporting kids through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America programs.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.0/10
- Popularity: 6% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Musical-style Commercials:** Creating engaging and uplifting musical-style commercials to connect with consumers and evoke positive emotions.
- **Youth Empowerment:** Empowering young students to overcome self-doubt and embrace their potential through creative and inspiring marketing campaigns.
- **Cause Marketing:** Using marketing efforts to support charitable organizations and make a positive impact in the community.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Retail:** Retailers can leverage musical-style commercials to attract and engage young consumers during back-to-school seasons.
- **Entertainment:** Entertainment companies can create inspiring commercials that resonate with young audiences and promote positive messages.
- **Non-profit:** Non-profit organizations can collaborate with brands to generate funds for their initiatives through cause marketing campaigns.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Back-To-School Fashion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backtoit-campaign.md)
- [Music-Inspired Retail Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summers-greatest-hits.md)
- [Choreographed Retailer-Backed Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gap-and-parker-posey.md)
- [Affordable Back-to-School Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-backtoschool.md)
- [Rapper-Inspired Easter Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nova-starr.md)
- [Iconic Commercial Reboots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oscar-mayer-brings-back.md)
- [Supportive Back-to-School Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-backtoschool-campaign.md)
- [80s-Style Actress-Approved Activewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-navy-active.md)
- [Low-Cost Back-to-School Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-backtoschoolidays.md)