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The "first" music video was filmed at Thomas Edison's studio
The oldest known film with music in the background showed two men and a man playing a violin. The video was made for the Kinetophone which was a device showing moving pictures. -
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Illustrated songs
Illustrated songs with photographic images painted in colour were projected in the cinema to promote sheet music. Pianists and vocalists would play corresponding music which took place before the silent films started or during reel changes. -
Sing-a-long videos
Brothers Max and David Fleischer released a cartoon featuring lyrics on screen with a bouncing ball above the word being sang to encourage a sing-a-long. -
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Soundies were created
Soundies were the first step towards the music video, these were three minute long films featuring music and dance performances. -
The Big Bopper coins the term 'music video'
Singer Jiles Perry Richards was the first recorded person to use the term 'music video' in an interview. The singer also made some of the earliest rock videos in 1958. -
The Beatles
The Beatles used film to market their records. As well as full length films such as "Help", they also made short promotional clips with narratives. -
Australia launches 'Countdown' and 'Sounds'
Australia released two teen music shows featuring music videos. These shows earned a large following and paved the way for MTV's launch in 1975.