Music videos began as "filmed inserts" and "promotional films" in the 1980s to promote songs and artists. They provided additional income for record labels and artists by broadcasting on music channels, helping audiences remember songs purely based on the visuals. Music videos now use various styles like narrative, animation, pastiche, and homage to showcase genres like pop, R&B, hip-hop, rock, and dance music to further promote songs and extend the revenue of major record labels.