It’s the growing trend that emerged from sub-communities on Tumblr and Reddit to spread optimism and good vibes to social feeds around the world. We are of course talking about Hopecore, the new go-to for creators looking to share positive messages, put the feeling back into short-form content, and to truly connect with viewers on an emotional level.
Even if you’re not familiar with Hopecore, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen it across your feed. Hopecore’s defining blend of visuals, sounds and storytelling have helped it evolve from an internet subculture to a content style that keeps growing in popularity.
In this article we’ll break down what Hopecore is, so you can recreate it for yourself. You’ll hear examples of tracks that have helped define this trend and discover how to pair the music with your footage to create the perfect Hopecore vibe.
- What is Hopecore?
- Where did Hopecore come from?
- What does Hopecore music sound like (with examples)?
- How to use Hopecore music in your content
- Where to find Hopecore music for your content
What is Hopecore?
Hopecore is a rising content trend that blends emotional storytelling with a soft, cinematic aesthetic. It’s defined by reflective or emotive visuals – think sunlit landscapes or text overlays about growth or healing – paired with uplifting or cinematic music. These elements work together to create a sense of optimism and quiet connection. Hence Hopecore!
You’ll recognise Hopecore content by its tone as much as its look. It’s the kind of video that makes your viewers pause mid-scroll – not because it’s loud or viral, but because it feels honest and emotionally grounding.
Hopecore-style videos are a reaction to the noise and negativity often found online. It’s about creating space on people’s feeds for softness, hope, and meaningful reflection, which is a big part of why it resonates with creators and audiences alike.
Where did Hopecore come from?
Hopecore first gained traction in early 2023 on platforms like Tumblr, Reddit and TikTok. It emerged as a softer, more hopeful counterpoint to corecore – a viral aesthetic known for its chaotic edits and commentary on digital disconnection. Where corecore highlighted the existential dread of internet culture, Hopecore offered the antidote with slow builds, subtle beauty, and an invitation to feel something real.
Over time, Hopecore has grown into a content style of its own, featuring across everything from TikTok edits to YouTube playlists and storytelling formats on Reels. Its focus on sharing hopeful or emotive stories means that all types of creators are able to make Hopecore content, no matter their niche.
What adds to Hopecore’s universal appeal is that it reflects a conscious shift away from doomscrolling and digital burnout. It’s a way for creators to share joy, vulnerability, and meaning – and for viewers to find small moments of light in the chaos of their feed.
What does Hopecore music sound like (with examples)?
The music used in Hopecore content is chosen to stir something deeper in your audience. Creators opt for slow-building, cinematic soundtracks to add emotional weight without overpowering the visuals. Typically you’re likely to hear a blend of:
- Cinematic pop and ambient music for emotional weight
- Lofi or post-rock for nostalgic depth
- Indie folk and acoustic instrumentals for warmth and intimacy
It’s the kind of music that transforms everyday clips into something deeply moving. Take The Beginning by Flawed Mangoes, which turns a playful clip of a bear tumbling through the woods into a moment of quiet wonder. Or Outro by M83, used over a view in the Swiss mountains to heighten the feeling of grandeur.
Other tracks tap into more human storytelling. Evergreen by Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners brings tenderness to a video of a college football team rallying around a cheerleader with leukemia. And Holocene by Bon Iver adds raw, aching emotion to a clip of someone finding a wedding ring in the ashes of their fire-ravaged home. It’s proof that the right song can turn even a short video into something that lingers.
Remember, using the wrong track in your video can leave you at risk of copyright issues. Play it safe by getting Hopecore music from copyright-free music libraries like Uppbeat.
How to use Hopecore music in your content
Hopecore music is a powerful storytelling tool. The right track can add layers of meaning to your video, whether you’re romanticising everyday life or highlighting a moment of quiet emotion.
Typically Hopecore music is cinematic, slow-building, and emotionally resonant. This means it pairs beautifully with visuals that are reflective, personal, or just beautiful in their simplicity. Here are some examples of how you might use Hopecore music in your edits:
🏔️ Aesthetic b-roll and transitions – Turn ordinary footage into something cinematic with a dreamy Hopecore soundtrack.
🤳 Daily vlogs or life updates – Layer Hopecore music under your narration or text overlays to give content more emotional impact.
📖 Storytelling through on-screen text – Let your words carry the message while the music creates a suitably emotive vibe. And don’t sleep on finding the right transitions and text animations to complete your Hopecore aesthetic.
🪴 Self-growth, wellness, or mental health content – Use Hopecore to create a soft, safe space for reflection and connection.
🌎 Travel and landscape edits – Elevate scenic footage with music that complements the beauty of your visuals.
The key to using Hopecore music effectively is to choose tracks that build with your story, heighten the emotions your viewers feel, and allow your message to land.
Where to find Hopecore music for your content
Many tracks featured in Hopecore edits – like those from Bon Iver or M83 – are copyright-protected. This can be a major headache, putting your content at risk of takedowns or demonetisation.
If you want to find Hopecore music that’s safe to use in your content, no matter the platform, your best bet is a copyright-free music library like Uppbeat. Try searching for keywords like uplifting, dreamy, or cinematic build to find the right fit. And consider layers of ambient sound effects like birdsong or gentle textures – they’ll enhance the sense of calm and optimism that defines hopecore content.
Discover Hopecore
Find tracks to give your content that signature Hopecore style 🤗
Create content that connects with Hopecore music
Hopecore has become more than just a trend – it’s a tool for creating content that connects on a deeper level. Now you know what defines the sound and feeling behind Hopecore content, you’re ready to explore its creative opportunities and start weaving it into your own uploads.
Hopecore music helps turn your vision into something that sticks with people. Whether you’re creating a video that shares a personal story, romanticises the everyday, or just sets a mood, head over to Uppbeat’s Hopecore playlist to find the soundtrack that brings your next idea to life.
