January 2025 Product Placement: Brands, Categories & Examples

The first month of 2025 featured a strong presence of brands in movies and TV shows, with 2,287 visual appearances and 365 verbal mentions registered, all of which have been added to our product placement database.

Product Placement in January 2025: Key Observations

• Apple had the highest number of visual placements, appearing in 261 scenes across movies and TV shows. Microsoft and Dell followed, showing a strong presence for technology brands.
• Alcoholic drinks were the most featured product category, with 295 placements. Non-alcoholic beverages and food were close behind, making them some of the most visible consumer goods.
• Clothing and footwear brands maintained a steady presence, with Nike and Adidas among the most frequently seen brands.
• Technology and online services dominated verbal mentions, with Google, Meta, and Apple leading the list. Social media platforms, search engines, and payment apps were often referenced in dialogue.
• Restaurants and fast food chains were among the most mentioned categories, showing that food-related brands continue to be part of on-screen conversations.
• Ride-hailing services were frequently referenced, with Uber leading in mentions. Transportation services remained a common topic in scripted dialogue.

The following data highlights brand appearances across movies and TV shows released from January 1 to January 31, 2025.

Visual Brand Appearances

Brands continued to secure strategic placements, particularly in technology, apparel, and food & beverage sectors. Apple led the way with 261 instances, followed by Microsoft and Dell.

Most Prominent Product Categories by Visual Appearances

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, food, and consumer electronics were frequently featured. Laptops and clothing also appeared often in films and shows.

Leading Brands by Verbal Mentions

Technology companies dominated verbal references, with Google, Meta, and Apple leading. Ride-hailing and payment platforms like Uber and Venmo were also frequently mentioned.

Top Product Categories by Verbal Mentions

Online services and digital platforms were the most referenced, followed by food and retail industries.

Product Placement Examples (January 2025)

January 2025 showcased notable product placement examples across movies and TV shows. Brands appeared in both visual and verbal mentions, highlighting key trends in consumer visibility. This section covers standout placements, showing how brands integrated into on-screen storytelling.

Skye P. Marshall, as Olympia Lawrence, and Jason Ritter, as Julian, are seen using a MacBook.

Omar Dorsey, as Rayfield “Ray” Ballard, is seen wearing a Sergio Tacchini tracksuit and Nike Air Jordans in Bookie S02E07. Throughout the series, his character frequently wears Sergio Tacchini apparel, and he is almost always seen in Air Jordans.

Will Ferrell, as Jim, is seen using Google Search (Alphabet Inc.) on an iPhone (Apple Inc.) in You’re Cordially Invited.

In Will Trent Season 3 Episode 2, Gina Rodriguez, playing Marion Alba, verbally mentions Uber during a conversation. Another character in the episode also references Uber, reinforcing the brand’s presence in the dialogue.

A Samsung TV is prominently featured in an office setting during Season 2 of The Recruit.

In Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, Gerard Butler, playing Nicholas “Big Nick” O’Brien, is seen drinking Budweiser in a bar scene. A Don Julio bottle is also visible nearby.

In Happy’s Place S01 E11, the bar setting features a variety of recognizable liquor brands in the background, reinforcing the authenticity of the environment. As the sitcom revolves around a family-owned bar, these placements contribute to the atmosphere of the show. The series, starring Reba McEntire, Melissa Peterman, Belissa Escobedo, and Rex Linn, follows two half-sisters navigating the challenges of running the establishment after inheriting it.

In The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 3 Ep. 7, a character references Venmo in dialogue, saying, “Terry, my Venmo notifications are turned off.” This verbal mention integrates the PayPal-owned payment app naturally into the scene, reflecting its common use among college students for financial transactions.

In The Upshaws S06E06, a bar scene prominently features Budweiser, Miller High Life, Schlitz, and Coors Banquet through neon signs and bottle displays. These brands blend into the setting, reinforcing the atmosphere of a classic American bar.

In The Agency S01E10, Michael Fassbender, playing Brandon Colby, codename “Martian,” is seen in a luxury bar. Once a covert CIA operative in Africa for six years, now a senior case officer, he is ordered to leave his undercover life and return to London Station. In this scene, the upscale setting reflects the world of high-stakes espionage, with premium spirits featured prominently in the background.

In Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 11, Ice-T, playing Fin Tutuola, is seen wearing Adidas sneakers. In the same scene, an LG TV is visible in the background, and a bottle of Fiji Water can be seen in the fridge.

In The Night Agent Season 2 Episode 1, a close-up shot of a smartphone screen displays multiple social media and shopping apps.

In Ghosts S04E10, a package delivery scene features a branded box and uniformed courier.

In The Pitt S01E05, a character makes a verbal reference to McDonald’s, saying, “Yeah, they must, um, have some pretty fancy McDonald’s.” The series, set in a Pittsburgh hospital, explores the challenges faced by healthcare professionals as they navigate personal and professional struggles.

In Goosebumps S02E02, a refrigerator in a dimly lit store scene is stocked with a variety of recognizable beverages.

In Paradise Season 1 Episode 2, a convoy of Jeep Wrangler vehicles is seen driving through a rugged, mountainous landscape.

In The Sex Lives of College Girls S03E10, a dorm room scene features various snack and kitchen items.

In St. Denis Medical S01E08, a break room scene in the hospital shows staff gathered around a Keurig coffee maker, with Bigelow Tea, Hills Bros. Coffee Single Cups, and an Apple Watch also visible. The mockumentary sitcom, created by Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin, premiered on NBC in November 2024 and follows the staff as they balance patient care with the challenges of their workplace.

In Bookie S02E08, an outdoor gathering scene includes Miller Lite, Heinz Ketchup, and ORIGIN Peach Flavored Sparkling Water on the table.

In The Upshaws season 6 episode 3, a vending machine in an auto repair shop is stocked with Takis, Trolli, Nerds, UTZ Snacks, Skittles, and Nabisco products.

Seann William Scott, playing Gabriel, is seen wearing a Carhartt blue t-shirt in a casual style during this scene. Throughout the series, Carhartt apparel appears in multiple episodes, worn by various characters as both casual wear and work attire. The brand’s presence aligns with the show’s setting in an auto shop, reinforcing its connection to durable and practical clothing.

In The Sex Lives of College Girls season 3 episode 8, the main characters are shown drinking Aquafina, Bubly, and Pepsi during a social scene, integrating these beverages into their conversation and interactions.

In You’re Cordially Invited (2025), White Claw Hard Seltzer (Mark Anthony Brands International) appears in a celebratory wedding scene. As the two wedding parties navigate the unexpected double booking, guests can be seen enjoying cans of White Claw, adding to the lively and festive atmosphere.

Patrick John Flueger, portraying Officer Adam Ruzek in Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 10, references TikTok (ByteDance Ltd.) in dialogue.

Sony Headphones are worn by Damon Wayans in his role as Poppa, a well-known New York City radio DJ.