tagline
Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈæɡlaɪn/
US
- /ˈtæˌɡlaɪn/
Description
- Catchy phrase
- Brand slogan
- Memorable hook
- Identifying line
A tagline is a short, punchy line you remember after seeing an advertisement or hearing about a company. Think of it as a brand's main message packed into just a few words. It is meant to capture what makes something stand out and stay in your mind. Nike's "Just Do It" is a famous example. It does not talk about shoes directly; it points to a feeling and a way of thinking. Taglines are not limited to advertising, though. A movie might use one to hint at its theme ("In space, no one can hear you scream" - Alien), and political campaigns use them too.
A tagline is a short, memorable phrase used in marketing and branding to summarize the essence of a product, service, company, or idea. It is designed to be instantly recognizable and create a lasting impression on consumers. While often used interchangeably with "slogan," a tagline tends to be more enduring—a core message that stays consistent over many years, while slogans might change to fit specific seasonal campaigns.
Think of it as the personality of a brand packed into a few powerful words. A good tagline isn't just descriptive; it is evocative and emotionally resonant. It should communicate the core benefits and values of a brand, or highlight what sets it apart from its competitors.
You'll find taglines everywhere: in television commercials, on print ads, across websites, on product packaging, and at the end of radio spots. They aren't limited to commercial ventures, either. Films use taglines to create anticipation or set a mood (e.g., "You'll never go in the water again" – Jaws), and political campaigns rely heavily on them to consolidate a candidate's platform into a single, digestible thought.
A truly effective tagline becomes synonymous with the brand itself, instantly triggering recognition and association. It is a powerful tool for building identity and fostering long-term customer loyalty. So next time you hear a phrase that sticks with you long after the commercial ends, chances are, it's a well-crafted tagline at work!
Examples
- 1
Brand writing
We need a short, memorable tagline for the new brand.
- 2
Product clarity
Their old tagline sounded catchy, but no one knew what the app actually did.
- 3
Film marketing
The film's tagline appeared under the title on every poster.
- 4
Customer testing
The agency tested several taglines with customers before the launch.
- 5
Promise vs reality
The hotel promised "luxury without stress," but the experience didn't match the tagline.
Phrase
match the tagline
be as good as the slogan promises
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- tagline