Music Video

Music Video, song-length film or videotape production that combines the music of a particular musician or musical group with complementary visual images. Most music videos are broadcast on television. Some are sold in stores on videotape or on laser disc.

In the 1960s and 1970s, rock musicians such as the British group the Beatles produced what were called songfilms. There was little opportunity to broadcast such films, however, until the late 1970s, when rock musicians began to use music videos to promote their new recordings. With the expansion of cable television channels in the 1980s and the introduction of Music Television (MTV) in 1981, music videos gained wide popularity. Within a short time, almost every major rock artist—recognizing that a video could reach large audiences quickly—was producing music videos that were released along with their new recordings.

The broadcasting of music videos has expanded rapidly to include other popular styles of music, such as country and gospel. Some networks limit their music-video programming to a single type of music. The network Video Hits 1 (VH-1), for example, broadcasts only popular hits. Certain late-night television shows also broadcast videos only for certain types of music. MTV, VH-1, and other networks now broadcast worldwide, giving musicians even greater access to consumers.

The style of music videos varies greatly. Wealthier artists—such as American performers Michael Jackson and Madonna—produce videos that include elaborate choreography, sets, costumes, and sometimes special effects. Other musicians use simpler formats, such as filming a performance with basic lighting and sets. Some musicians release a number of music videos, linked by continuing story lines or themes, with a new album.

Music videos play an important role in shaping public perceptions of musicians. Imagery, special effects, and editing have become defining elements of music videos. The style of music videos has strongly influenced advertising, motion pictures, and television shows.