He helped popularize opera in the United States.

One of the interesting facts about P. T. Barnum is that he helped popularize opera in the United States and earned him over $500,000 from advertising for an opera soprano. Although connected to sideshow acts like Zip the Pinhead and the Nova Scotia Giantess, Barnum is also credited with introducing many Americans to high culture. He committed to touring Jenny Lind, an opera singer from Europe, around several American cities in 1850. Before meeting Barnum, Lind was hardly known; he had never heard of a soprano, but he helped her become well-known through the media and a national competition to have a song written for her to perform on stage. He made "Swedish Nightingale" into an instant classic. During the tour, Barnum reportedly made an astounding $500,000, and Lind's fame contributed to the opera becoming a staple in American theaters.

Barnum wants to progress from showcasing freaks to attracting more artists. This transition was originally attempted by him in an ad for an opera singer. He made her a $1,000 per show deal for 150 performances in Canada and the US. Lind used every strategy possible, including media articles and competitions, to advertise his show. It was a sign advertising effort.