History & Evolution of Music Videos

Music videos are such a normal part of life now that it’s easy to forget they weren’t always around.

Before the term “music video” even existed, visual music storytelling was already in motion. In the 1930s, musical short films were screened in theaters—one example being Bessie Smith’s performance in St. Louis Blues (1929), where she acted out the song’s story. These early shorts helped shape the idea that music could be visual.

In the 1940s and '50s, Hollywood musicals like Singin' in the Rain showed the power of combining performance, music, and storytelling on screen—even though they weren’t technically “music videos,” the format inspired many later artists.

When TV took over in the 1950s and '60s, music performances were suddenly beamed into people's living rooms. Shows like American Bandstand and Top of the Pops showcased artists miming (or actually singing) to their tracks. Performances from stars like James Brown or The Supremes turned into iconic visual moments—even if they were just singing into a mic, the attitude and energy left a mark.

But it was Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody in 1975 that many credit as the first true modern music video. It used layered visuals, effects, and editing techniques that were way ahead of its time. The band didn’t want to lip-sync on Top of the Pops—so they made a video instead. That move changed everything.

Enter the '80s. In 1981, MTV launched, and the way we consumed music changed forever. One of the most groundbreaking videos of the decade? Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1983). Directed by John Landis, it was more like a horror short film than a promo. With choreography, story, costumes, and a runtime over 13 minutes, it became a cultural milestone.

Suddenly, music videos were not just about the song—they were an art form.

By the 1990s, music videos became glossier, more expensive, and even more creative. Directors like Hype Williams, Spike Jonze, and Mark Romanek turned music videos into stylish, story-driven productions. Think of Missy Elliott’s The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) (1997), with its futuristic visuals and iconic inflated suit—totally unforgettable.

At the same time, music channels like MTV and VH1 made music videos mainstream. Videos by Nirvana, Madonna, and Britney Spears helped define the image of a generation.

The 2000s brought big change. As MTV pivoted to reality TV, people turned to the internet. YouTube launched in 2005, and everything shifted. Now, artists didn’t need a label or a network—just an upload button.

One of the biggest early viral hits? OK Go’s Here It Goes Again (2006), famously choreographed on treadmills. It became a blueprint for the DIY, low-budget video that wins the internet.

Then came the 2010s, where music videos turned cinematic again. Beyoncé’s Lemonade (2016) redefined the genre, presenting her entire album as a visual film. Music videos weren’t just videos anymore—they were art statements, fashion showcases, cultural commentaries.

Now, platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are changing the game again. Songs like Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road blew up because of TikTok before a video was even made. 

Still, when he dropped the video for Montero (Call Me By Your Name) in 2021, it sparked global conversation with its bold visuals and unapologetic creativity.

Music videos continue to evolve—some are made on phones, others are backed by million-dollar budgets. Either way, they remain one of the most powerful ways for artists to express themselves.