The history and evolution of music videos from the late 19th century to present day is summarized. Early music videos were called "filmed inserts" or "promotional films". MTV launched in 1981 and played a pivotal role in popularizing the music video format. Technological advances like cheaper cameras and online platforms like YouTube have allowed more artists to produce higher quality videos with lower budgets and find audiences. Certain videos from artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna have become iconic and helped define their careers.

1. The History of the Music Video Katie McAvelia ‘ A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes’.

2. Early Advances in the Music Video Although the origins of music videos date back much further, they came into prominence in the 1980s, when MTV or Music Television based their format around the medium. Prior to the 80s, these works were described by various terms including filmed insert, promotional film, or film clip. The year 1884 first saw the roots of the Music video develop with the production of a Magic Lantern to promote sales of sheet music for the song Little Lost Child. This was known as the ‘illustrated song’. ‘ Musical films’ were another important precursor to the music video. One of the most famous examples is Madonna’s , Material Girl . This was based on Marylyn Monroe's performance of ‘Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend’ in the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes . In 1964 The Beatles stared in their first feature film, A Hard Days Night . The musical mock documentary became the template for which countless videos were to be modelled on. 1981 was arguably the birth of the music video as we know it today. The year saw the launch of MTV, premiering their first video The Bugles, Video Killed the Radio Star. It was the beginning of an era of 24-hour-a-day music on television. With this new outlet for material, the music video would, by the mid-1980s, grow to play a central role in popular music marketing.

3. Technological Changes and Advances in Music Videos A music video is one of the most critical marketing tools an artist can use to promote themselves. Artists have even been defined by their music videos, for example Michael Jackson with Thriller or Madonna with Like A Prayer. In the beginning however, the technology available was significantly more limited. It took time for the music video technology to reach to the ‘MTV’ stage. Nowadays there are better quality cameras for much cheaper prices as the costs to produce them have decreased as the technology has developed. Artists such as Lady Gaga have even use hand held cameras like the Canon 60d in there videos. Editing at home has become popular with the technology being made available on personal computers. This has also led to a new wave of artists being recognized without the help of major music videos. Internet Exposure on sites such as YouTube have also allowed for the discovery of fresh musical talent.

4. Development on Television MTV, an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs. MTV had a profound impact on the music industry and popular culture. Slogans such as "I want my MTV" and "MTV is here" became embedded in public thought, the concept of the VJ was popularized, the idea of a dedicated video-based outlet for music was introduced, and both artists and fans found a central location for concert music events, news, and promotion. The first music video shown on MTV was The Buggles' ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’. The second video shown was Pat Benatar's ‘You Better Run’. ‘ Carouselambra’ by Led Zeppelin was played as the closing credits rolled when MTV was first broadcast.

5. Groundbreaking and Influential Videos a-ha, Take on Me Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Don’t Come Around Here No More 1980s Nirvana, Heat Shaped Box 1990s 2000s The Chemical Brothers, Let Forever Be Kanye West, Runaway Beyonce, Single Ladies