Think about all the coolest spots on your campus — and all the amazing things your students and faculty are up to every day. Now imagine wrapping that up into an awesome two-minute video you can proudly share everywhere. That’s essentially what a brand anthem video is all about. And today, we’re diving into why it’s a marketing tool you definitely want on your radar.
What Is a Brand Anthem Video?
A brand anthem video is about telling your college or university’s story — highlighting what really matters most to you. It’s a chance to show prospective students, families, employees, and your broader community who you are and what you stand for.
Here’s what a brand anthem video is:
- Length: Usually 1–3 minutes
- Goal: Spark an emotional connection and spotlight what you’re most proud of
- Common elements: Scenic campus visuals, students/faculty/staff in action, shots of classrooms and labs, and voiceover narration
And here’s what a brand anthem video isn’t:
- A promotional ad or hard sell
- A campaign asset tied only to a specific product, initiative, or event
- A call to action — it’s about inspiration and identity, not clicks and conversions
Why it matters to you:
- Brings internal stakeholders together around a shared brand message
- Builds affinity and emotional resonance with audiences early in the sales funnel
- Gives you a foundational piece of content to repurpose across platforms
Why Your College or University Needs a Brand Anthem Video
Video content is more popular than ever, so now’s the perfect time to step up your game. And what better way to do that than by creating an awesome piece of content that tells the story of your institution?
Here’s why a brand anthem video is a must-have:
- It tells your story in a powerful, emotional way. A great brand anthem video does more than share facts — it makes people feel something. Whether it’s excitement, pride, or a deep sense of belonging, it should evoke the emotions that define your campus culture.
- It’s a creative way to demonstrate what makes your institution unique. It’s one thing to talk about why your college or university is so great — it’s another to show it. With full creative control, you can spotlight the people, places, and moments that set you apart.
- It’s a quick-hitting marketing tool with a big impact. This isn’t an hour-long documentary — it’s a highlight video that delivers a serious punch in a short amount of time. That makes it perfect for everything from social media and admissions events to community showcases. Wherever you use it, it leaves a lasting impression.
- It’s a chance to (humbly) brag. If we asked you to name five things you love about your campus and culture, we bet you’d have that list ready in seconds. A brand anthem video gives you the perfect excuse to show off what makes your institution special.
- All the cool colleges and universities are doing it. Okay, we’re not usually ones to say “do what everyone else is doing,” but in this case, it’s worth it. More and more colleges and universities have embraced brand anthem videos — and now, students, parents, and community members expect them.
Top 10 University Brand Anthem Videos
There are definitely more than 10 out there (believe us, we could’ve kept going), but we had to draw the line somewhere. So, in no particular order, here are some standout brand videos that caught our attention.
1. Wesleyan University
This video definitely leans on the dramatic side — think a mashup of historical news clips, artsy montage vibes, and lots of close-ups of people doing cool, meaningful things. You don’t see much of the campus itself, but you do get a sense of the community through shots of students in classrooms, theaters, the library, and just generally being engaged and inspired.
2. Carnegie Mellon University
We love how this video kicks things off with a series of “what if” questions — it instantly pulls you in and gets you thinking. It wraps things up perfectly with the tagline, “Where what if becomes what’s next,” which feels super on-brand. Most of the video focuses on students in action, with a few scenic campus shots sprinkled in. Oh, and the music? Total action movie vibes.
3. New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University’s brand anthem video leans all the way into its metaphor, framing the college experience as a journey — and it works. They use phrases like “stumbling” and “getting lost along the way,” which make it feel real and relatable. The video mixes close-up shots of students with sweeping views of the campus and surrounding landscape, giving you a strong sense of place. Bonus: there’s even a touch of humor woven in, which we loved.
4. Providence College
This one gives all the dramatic, cinematic aesthetic — it opens with a man pulling a book off a library shelf and catching a glimpse of everything the college has to offer behind it (very symbolic). There’s also some text sprinkled throughout, which adds a nice visual break. And it all wraps up with a killer closing line: “For those who seek, seek more.”
5. University of San Diego
This brand anthem video focuses on one message: “lighting the way forward.” You’ll feel a strong sense of place and community throughout, with inspiring phrases and bold, powerful verbs that all tie back to that central theme of light. Visually, it checks all the right boxes with picturesque campus shots and glimpses of global impact. We also love a good memorable ending, and this video delivers. There’s a rhythmic repetition around the use of “we” — such as “we are breaking new ground,” “we are confronting humanity’s challenges” — all building up to that powerful final line: “We are lighting the way forward.”
6. Sam Houston State University
If you’re looking for an example of how to effectively pump up your audience, this brand anthem video is it. Packed with cool visual effects and creative camera angles, it blends fast-paced footage with slower, more cinematic shots — all while building a sense of energy and inspiration. Oh, and it’s only one minute long.
7. Oregon State University
We enjoyed this video for a few reasons. First, it leans hard into a sense of place, showing just how connected the university is to the state itself — and to being an Oregonian. Second, the aerial shots of the campus and surrounding landscape are seriously stunning. And lastly, while most brand anthem videos rely on voiceovers from people you never see, this one features a student-athlete who actually appears on screen partway through, which adds a personal touch.
8. Stony Brook University
Want to build a video around a tagline that sticks with your audience? Stony Brook University nails it with their brand anthem video centered on the phrase “Dare to Be.” The line shows up in different forms throughout the video, paired with footage of classrooms, labs, campus spots, and surrounding landscapes — all reinforcing the message in a way that really hits home and inspires.
9. CU Denver
CU Denver bills itself as a top urban public research university — and its brand anthem video reflects that. The campus is right in the heart of Denver, but still close to the mountains, lakes, and everything the majestic state of Colorado has to offer. The video puts a big emphasis on location and culture, while also giving a solid example of how to get specific about what your school offers. CU Denver highlights its 100+ degree programs, strong research opportunities, and location as one of the best cities for tech-minded folks and entrepreneurs — a subtle nod to life after graduation.
10. The University of California Berkeley
This video opens with a sunrise and closes with a sunset, giving you a full-day glimpse into everything UC Berkeley offers. It highlights the university’s local, national, and global impact through stunning visuals and strong, action-packed language. A catchy tagline — “That’s Berkeley” — is repeated throughout, and close-up shots of students looking directly at the camera add a personal touch. There’s even a nod to the school’s history woven in.
Honorable mentions:
Now that you’ve seen what’s possible, are you ready to bring your brand anthem video to life? Whether you’re just starting to explore this type of marketing tool or you’re ready to start tossing around creative ideas, we’re here for it. Just reach out — we’ll be in touch soon!
