Music Videos Go Mainstream: 1981- 91

The U.S video channel launched in 1981, showing the song Video Killed the Radio Star. This began an era of 24/7 music on television. Artists used this to their advantage because of the seductive appeal of their videos. Most notably for this were:

• Madonna


• Adam and the Ants


• and Mylene Farmer.
  

In this period, directors and artists began to explore and expand the form and style of their videos. They added a storyline, a plot or mixed film.

The most successful videos of this era was Michael Jacksons, Thriller. It set a new standard for productions. It cost $500,000 to film.

VH-1 (now known as VH1) was launched in 1985. MTV Europe was launched in 1987 and MTV Asia in 1991.

In 1986, Peter Gabriel's song Sledgehammer used special effects and animation. The video went on to be a success and win 9 MTV Video Music Awards.

Hip Hop music was brought to focus in 1988 when Yo! MTV Raps debuted.