The History of Music Videos

50's and 60's

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• Presley and The Beatles were amongst the first big artists to produce short films for TV
• These movies helped to promote their albums
• Audience could seem their favourite artists

1970's

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• Top of the pops was introduced- created competition to get on the show as it massively increase sales and popularity
• Some artists gained publicity if they got their music banned from top of the pops and more people wanted to listen to it, for instance The prodigy - Smack my bitch up.

1980's

• MTV launched - became a popular promotional tool for artists
• Artists began investing more into their music videos and using special effects to create a story line.
• The major problem with this is that it meant only major artists could be included on the show because smaller artists had a smaller budget and couldn't afford to make as high quality videos.

2005
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLexgOxsZu0

• YouTube was created which allowed anyone to create videos and promote themselves
• Allows people to be more creative, with less restrictions like Gangnam Style
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Functions and purpose of a music video

What does a music video do?

Music videos have a big part to play when it comes to making revenue, they play as part of the marketing strategy to help promote the artist or band. Creating a music video gives the artist a chance to develop the song into a story and communicate with their audience.  Watching music videos can also be entertaining as it adds a face to go with the song. It also increases sales as it allows fans to experience an artists music in a different way. 

Labels also benefit from music videos as they help to promote the company and feeds them more income. Watching music videos can also be entertaining as it adds a face to go with the song.


Purpose of a music video

• To raise awareness of the artist and the music track 
• Promote the artists other talents i.e. dancing or playing an instrument.
• Help share the narrative of the song
• Promote the artists style and image