Music videos have come a long way since their inception. From simple performance-based videos to elaborate cinematic productions, the evolution of music videos showcases the industry's creativity and innovation. Technological advancements have allowed artists to push boundaries and create visually stunning narratives that fascinate audiences worldwide.
The First Music Video Ever Released (1957)
The first music video ever released is often credited to "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. It premiered on August 1, 1981, on MTV (Music Television), marking the launch of the music video channel. The song was chosen as the first music video to air on MTV, symbolizing the shift from radio to television as the primary medium for music consumption.
Although technically that was not the first music video, it was the first music video to be featured on MTV but music videos did exist prior to 1981. So, what was the first music video? To find out the answer to that, we have to travel to the year 1957 to watch the promotional clip from the western TV show "Have Gun - Will Travel to discover the music video for the song "the Ballad of paladin"
But what quality can you expect from these times? The black and white music video has a duration of approximately 2 minutes and 5 seconds. The clips are scenes from the TV show and the cuts were surprisingly good. Ranging from 3s-9s per cut with occasional crossfades synchronised with the audio, basic storytelling that was difficult to follow at times with a slight air of randomness,. The video starts with a knight chess piece on a gun holster, this is when we see the classic mom in and zoom out which focusses on paladins holster and gun.
Music videos from the 1950s
The 1950s music videos were simple, performance-driven recordings, often captured in a single take, resembling filmed concerts rather than conceptual productions. Some artists experimented with low-budget promotional films, while short musical clips played on coin-operated jukeboxes. Editing was minimal, with long takes and few effects.
Influences from Hollywood musicals added theatrical elements, but most videos were televised performances, such as those on The Ed Sullivan Show, featuring artists like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. These early videos laid the foundation for the more stylised productions of later decades.
Music videos from the 1960s
Music videos from the 1960s saw a shift from simple performance recordings to more creative and conceptual productions, with increased experimentation in abstract imagery, storytelling, and symbolism. Editing techniques like jump cuts, overlays, and visual effects became more common, while on-location shooting replaced studio performances.
Promotional films by bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones served as early versions of modern music videos, and television shows like Top of the Pops helped popularise them. A standout example was Strawberry Fields Forever (1967) by The Beatles, filmed in colour and featuring surreal visuals, reversed footage, and psychedelic effects, making it a landmark in music video history.
Music videos from the 1970s
In the 1970s, music videos evolved significantly, building on the 1960s' creative foundations while pushing the boundaries of style, technique, and storytelling. Music videos became a key promotional tool for artists, laying the groundwork for television channels like MTV in the 1980s. Production values increased, with higher budgets leading to more elaborate sets, costumes, and lighting, reflecting the rise of glam rock, disco, and progressive rock.
There was a shift from performance-based to narrative-driven videos, often with conceptual or artistic elements. Influences from glam rock (e.g., David Bowie) and disco (e.g., The Bee Gees) introduced flashy, vibrant visuals. Videos like David Bowie's Space Oddity (1979) and Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody (1975) showcased groundbreaking visual storytelling. By the end of the decade, the number of music videos skyrocketed as television became a major platform for music consumption.
Music videos from the 1980s
In the 1980s, music videos became crucial to the music industry, shaping artist promotion and branding. The decade saw the introduction of advanced video effects like CGI, fast editing, and innovative camera angles. MTV, launched in 1981, revolutionised the industry by broadcasting music videos 24/7, establishing them as essential promotional tools.
Pop music, driven by artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince, dominated the scene, with their visually attractive videos matching the era's love for glamour. Michael Jackson's Thriller (1983) is considered the best music video of the decade, setting new standards with its elaborate choreography, cinematic narrative, and groundbreaking effects. The 1980s saw a massive increase in music video production, with MTV airing over 1,000 videos in its first year, marking a transformative period in music video history.
Music videos from the 1990s
In the 1990s, music videos evolved with diverse genres and creative techniques, building on the 1980s while embracing experimental and alternative styles. The rise of MTV and VH1 led to a surge in music video production, with artists like Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Janet Jackson, and Mariah Carey focusing on performance and storytelling over complex spectacle.
A standout video of the decade was Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991), marking a cultural shift with its raw energy and lo-fi aesthetic. Smells Like Teen Spirit, I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston, and ...Baby One More Time by Britney Spears had a major impact, redefining aesthetics and setting new standards—Nirvana popularized grunge, Whitney emphasized emotional depth, and Britney's polished video set the tone for future pop productions.
Music videos from the 2000s
In the 2000s, music videos transformed with the rise of digital technology, YouTube, and high-budget productions. The use of CGI, special effects, and innovative camera techniques like 360-degree shots reshaped the industry, with viral videos reaching global audiences.
Beyoncé’s "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008) became for its choreography and minimalist visuals, setting a new standard. This era also saw artists like Lady Gaga, whose "Poker Face" (2008) and "Bad Romance" (2009) introduced high-concept visuals, Kanye West pushing creative boundaries with "Stronger" (2007), and Missy Elliott reimagining effects with "Work It" (2002) and "Get Ur Freak On" (2001). OutKast’s "Hey Ya!" (2003) broke conventions with its vintage aesthetic, while Justin Timberlake’s "SexyBack" (2006) shifted pop aesthetics with sleek, industrial visuals.
Music videos from the 2010s
The 2010s saw a major transformation in music videos, driven by the rise of social media, streaming platforms like YouTube, and smartphones, which redefined how artists engaged with audiences. New technologies such as drone shots, VR, augmented reality, and advanced CGI allowed for immersive, visually stunning experiences. Social media became crucial for promoting viral moments, allowing artists to connect directly with fans. Beyoncé’s "Formation" (2016) stood out as a milestone, blending political messaging with bold visuals, while Kendrick Lamar’s "HUMBLE." (2017) combined striking visuals and social commentary.
Justin Bieber’s "Baby" (2010), one of the first YouTube videos to reach a billion views, helped define the digital era of viral music videos, establishing him as a global pop sensation. The decade also saw the introduction of innovative filmmaking techniques like 360-degree videos, VR experiences, and one-shot takes, pushing the boundaries of what music videos could achieve. The 2010s democratized music video creation, with thousands of videos released across platforms, giving artists a powerful tool to share personal stories and comment on social issues, making it an exciting and transformative period in music video history.
Music videos from the 2020s
The 2020s have brought a significant shift in music videos, marked by the rise of AI-driven technologies and the changing nature of content creation. AI is revolutionizing the production process with advancements like realistic visual effects, deepfakes, and motion capture, allowing for unprecedented creative possibilities. Furthermore, the use of AI is personalizing content to cater to individual tastes, accelerating production times, and raising new questions about the authenticity of creative ownership.
Groundbreaking music videos like Lil Nas X’s Montero and Billie Eilish's bury a friend reflect a shift, merging bold visuals with themes of self-expression and boundary-pushing narratives. As AI continues to play a role, it’s exciting to think about where the music video industry could go. Will artists revisit older techniques, or continue pushing the envelope with even more innovative approaches? The future is wide open, and the possibilities are endless.
