Definition
A short film or visual presentation set to a song, created as a promotional tool for recording artists to showcase their music visually and enhance its commercial appeal.
Example Usage
Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' music video was so elaborate and well-produced that it became as famous as the song itself.
Origin
The format emerged in the 1950s with promotional clips for songs, but was revolutionized by MTV in the 1980s, which made music videos the primary medium for promoting new music.
Fun Fact
Some of the most expensive music videos ever made cost millions of dollars and featured cinematic production values rivaling short films.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “music video” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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