How To Get Music Video On MTV

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Introduction

Welcome to the world of music videos! They have become an integral part of the music industry, allowing artists to visually express themselves and connect with their audience on a deeper level. In the age of digital media, promoting your music video has never been easier, and one platform that stands out among the rest is MTV.

MTV, short for Music Television, revolutionized the way music is consumed and introduced the concept of music videos to mainstream culture. It continues to be an iconic brand that showcases the hottest music videos and serves as a platform for artists to gain worldwide recognition.

Getting your music video on MTV can be a game-changer for your career, as it provides immense exposure to a vast audience. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of the submission process, as well as strategies to enhance your chances of success.

It’s important to note that while MTV primarily focuses on mainstream genres such as pop, rock, and hip-hop, they also feature a variety of other genres, including electronic, country, and alternative. So, no matter your musical style, MTV presents a valuable opportunity to showcase your talent.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or an established musician looking to expand your fanbase, understanding the submission process and implementing effective strategies are key to getting your music video on MTV. So, let’s dive in and explore the steps you can take to make your music video the next hit on MTV!

Understanding the Submission Process

Before we delve into the strategies to get your music video on MTV, it’s important to understand the submission process. MTV receives countless submissions every day, so it’s essential to stand out from the crowd.

The first step is to research and familiarize yourself with MTV’s submission guidelines. These guidelines can usually be found on their official website or by contacting their programming department. Pay close attention to the technical specifications and formatting requirements for your video. Ensuring that your video meets these criteria will increase the chances of your submission being considered.

It’s vital to note that MTV receives numerous submissions daily and has limited airtime. Therefore, not all submissions can be featured on their television network. However, MTV also has a strong online presence, including their website and social media platforms, which provide additional opportunities for exposure.

When submitting your music video to MTV, always follow their instructions precisely. Attach the necessary files, such as the video file, artist biography, and contact information. Along with the submission, it’s wise to include a compelling pitch or story behind your music video, as this can capture the attention of MTV’s programming department and increase the likelihood of your video being selected.

Ultimately, remember that MTV is looking for high-quality, visually appealing music videos that resonate with their audience. Craft a unique and engaging video that showcases your music and style, as this will significantly improve your chances of success.

It’s worth mentioning that MTV also holds periodic competitions and events that provide a platform for new and upcoming artists. Keep an eye out for these opportunities, as they can be a great way to gain exposure and potentially get your music video aired on MTV.

Now that you have a solid understanding of the submission process, let’s move on to the next step in getting your music video on MTV – creating an impressive music video that will catch the eye of MTV’s programming department.

Creating an Impressive Music Video

In order to increase your chances of getting your music video on MTV, it’s crucial to create a visually impressive and captivating video that stands out among the competition. Here are some tips to help you create an attention-grabbing music video:

1. Conceptualize your vision: Begin by brainstorming ideas that align with the theme and message of your song. Consider the emotions and story you want to convey through visuals. Develop a strong concept that will resonate with viewers.
2. Storyboard and plan the visuals: Once you have a concept in mind, create a storyboard outlining the shots, angles, and sequences you envision. This will help you plan the production process more effectively and ensure a cohesive and engaging video.
3. Hire a professional team: Enlist the help of professionals, such as a cinematographer, director, and editor, who can bring your vision to life. Their expertise can elevate the quality of your video and make it more appealing to MTV’s programming department.
4. Focus on production value: Pay attention to the production design, lighting, and set locations. Invest in high-quality equipment and visual effects if necessary. The production value of your music video plays a significant role in capturing the attention of viewers and MTV.
5. Showcase your unique style: Infuse your video with your own artistic flair and personal style. Be authentic and let your personality shine through. This will help your music video stand out and leave a lasting impression on viewers.
6. Create memorable visuals: Incorporate visually striking elements such as dynamic camera movements, interesting compositions, and vibrant color palettes. Think outside the box and explore unconventional visual techniques that will make your video visually compelling.
7. Consider storytelling: A music video with a compelling narrative can be highly engaging. Weave a story that complements the lyrics and captures the essence of the song. Engaging storytelling can increase the chances of your music video resonating with MTV’s audience.

Remember, MTV seeks music videos that are visually impressive and entertaining. By focusing on creating a high-quality and unique music video, you’ll significantly improve your chances of catching the attention of MTV’s programming department. Now that you have created a remarkable music video, let’s move on to preparing your submission package.

Preparing Your Submission Package

Once you have created an impressive music video, it’s time to prepare your submission package to maximize your chances of getting your video on MTV. Your submission package should include the following elements:

1. The music video: Ensure that your music video meets the technical specifications outlined by MTV. It should be in the appropriate format and resolution for television or online streaming. Double-check for any errors or glitches to maintain a professional appearance.
2. Artist biography: Provide a concise and well-written biography that highlights your musical journey and accomplishments. Include information about your genre, influences, previous releases, and any notable performances or collaborations. This helps MTV’s programming department get to know you as an artist.
3. Professional press photos: Include high-quality press photos that showcase your image as an artist. These photos should be visually appealing and capture your personality and style. Make sure they are in a format that is easy to access and use for promotional purposes.
4. Contact information: Clearly provide your contact information, including your name, email address, phone number, and social media handles. This makes it easy for MTV to reach out to you if they have any questions or if your video is selected for airing.
5. Compelling pitch or story: Craft a persuasive pitch or story behind your music video. Explain the inspiration, concept, and any unique aspects of the video that makes it a standout submission. This helps create intrigue and interest for MTV’s programming department.

Ensure that all elements of your submission package are organized and easily accessible. Consider creating a digital press kit that includes all the necessary materials in a well-structured and visually appealing format. Having a professional and comprehensive submission package increases your chances of making a strong impression and getting your music video noticed.

Additionally, it’s important to keep your submission package up to date. As you release new music or achieve significant milestones, update your artist biography, press photos, and contact information. This demonstrates your growth as an artist and keeps your submission package relevant for future submissions.

Now that you have prepared your submission package, it’s time to approach MTV’s programming department and submit your music video. In the next section, we will discuss the best strategies to catch the attention of MTV’s decision-makers.

Approaching the MTV Programming Department

Once you have your submission package ready, it’s time to approach the MTV programming department. This step is crucial as you want to make sure your music video gets the attention it deserves. Here are some strategies to help you stand out:

1. Follow submission guidelines: Before reaching out, carefully review the submission guidelines provided by MTV. Ensure that you have followed all the specifications and requirements outlined by the network. This shows professionalism and attention to detail.
2. Personalize your approach: Instead of sending generic emails or messages, take the time to personalize your communication. Address the recipient by name and mention specific reasons why your music video would be a good fit for MTV. Personalization demonstrates your genuine interest in working with the network.
3. Use a captivating subject line: Capture the attention of the recipient by crafting a compelling subject line for your email or message. A well-written subject line can increase the likelihood of your communication being opened and read.
4. Be concise and to the point: Keep your message focused and brief. MTV receives numerous submissions, so it’s important to convey your message concisely. Highlight the key aspects of your music video and why it deserves consideration.
5. Highlight your achievements: If you have any notable achievements or accolades related to your music career, mention them in your communication. This adds credibility to your submission and can pique the interest of the MTV programming department.
6. Include a link to your music video: Provide a link to your music video in your communication. Ensure that the link is easily accessible and leads directly to the video. You may also consider embedding the video in your email or message, making it more convenient for the recipient to watch.
7. Follow up: If you don’t hear back from the MTV programming department after a reasonable amount of time, consider sending a polite follow-up email or message. It’s possible that your submission got lost or overlooked, and a follow-up can remind them of your music video.

Remember to maintain a professional tone throughout all your communications with the MTV programming department. Be patient and respectful, understanding that they receive a high volume of submissions.

In addition to direct communication, you can also take advantage of online platforms and collaborations to increase your chances of getting noticed by MTV. In the next sections, we’ll explore these strategies in more detail.

Leveraging Online Platforms

In today’s digital age, online platforms play a crucial role in promoting music and getting your music video noticed. By leveraging these platforms, you can increase your chances of catching the attention of MTV’s programming department. Here are some effective strategies to consider:

1. YouTube: As one of the largest video-sharing platforms, YouTube provides an opportunity to showcase your music video to a global audience. Upload your music video on your YouTube channel and optimize it with relevant tags, descriptions, and engaging thumbnails. Promote your video through social media and collaboration with popular YouTube channels to increase its visibility.
2. Vimeo: Vimeo is another popular video-sharing platform that focuses on quality and artistic content. Consider uploading your music video on Vimeo to reach a community of filmmakers, video enthusiasts, and industry professionals. Vimeo can showcase your video in a more exclusive and professional environment.
3. Social media: Utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to promote your music video. Share snippets, stills, or teaser trailers to generate buzz and curiosity among your followers. Engage with your audience through comments, likes, and shares to gain exposure and increase the chances of your video being shared and discovered.
4. Music streaming platforms: Upload your music video on popular music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Many of these platforms now allow artists to include visual content alongside their songs. This can help increase the visibility of your music video and attract new listeners.
5. Music blogs and online publications: Research and reach out to music blogs and online publications that cater to your genre. Submit your music video for review or request an interview. Positive coverage from influential music websites can attract the attention of MTV’s programming department and increase the chances of your music video being featured.
6. Online music competitions: Participate in online music competitions or challenges that offer exposure and recognition. Platforms like Bandcamp, ReverbNation, and SoundCloud often host competitions where artists can showcase their music videos. Winning or being a finalist in these competitions can significantly boost your credibility and visibility.

When leveraging online platforms, make sure to optimize your content for search engines by incorporating relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags. This will improve your video’s discoverability and increase the likelihood of it being noticed by MTV’s programming department.

By strategically utilizing online platforms and promoting your music video, you can create a buzz around your work and increase your chances of catching the attention of MTV. In the next section, we’ll explore the power of collaborations with influencers in gaining exposure for your music video.

Collaborating with Influencers

In the social media era, influencers have become powerful allies in promoting music videos and reaching a wider audience. By collaborating with influencers who align with your genre and target audience, you can significantly increase the visibility and traction of your music video. Here’s how to approach influencer collaborations:

1. Research relevant influencers: Look for influencers in the music industry who have a substantial following and engage with your target audience. Consider their style, interests, and previous collaborations to ensure they are a good fit for promoting your music video.
2. Reach out with a personalized message: Craft a compelling and personalized message when approaching influencers. Highlight why you believe they would resonate with your music video and the potential benefits of collaborating. Show genuine interest in their content and explain how the collaboration can be mutually beneficial.
3. Offer exclusive content: Provide influencers with exclusive content related to your music video, such as behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews, or unreleased tracks. This not only incentivizes their involvement but also generates excitement and intrigue among their followers.
4. Give creative freedom: Allow influencers to express their creativity and incorporate their personal touch in promoting your music video. This ensures that the content they create feels authentic and genuine to their audience, boosting engagement and interest.
5. Explore various collaboration formats: Consider different collaboration formats with influencers, such as music video reaction videos, reviews, challenges, or live stream discussions. These formats allow influencers to showcase your music video to their audience in an engaging and interactive manner.
6. Encourage social sharing: Request that influencers share your music video across their social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. This amplifies your reach and makes it more likely for your video to be discovered by MTV or their programming department.
7. Establish long-term partnerships: Building long-term relationships with influencers can be highly beneficial for consistent promotion and exposure. Consider working with influencers on multiple projects or collaborating with them on future music releases. This helps to strengthen your brand and expand your fanbase.

Remember to compensate influencers appropriately for their time and effort in promoting your music video. Whether it’s through monetary compensation, cross-promotion, or other mutually beneficial arrangements, valuing their contribution ensures a successful and positive collaboration.

Collaborating with influencers can provide a significant boost to the visibility and exposure of your music video. By leveraging their influence and reach, you can connect with new audiences and increase your chances of catching MTV’s attention. In the next section, we will dive into the importance of promoting your submission on social media.

Promoting Your Submission on Social Media

Social media has revolutionized the way music is promoted, allowing artists to connect directly with their fans and create a buzz around their work. When trying to get your music video on MTV, leveraging the power of social media is essential. Here are some effective strategies for promoting your submission:

1. Create a social media presence: Establish a strong presence across various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Optimize your profiles with eye-catching visuals, compelling bio, and links to your music video.
2. Teaser trailers and behind-the-scenes content: Build anticipation for your music video by sharing teaser trailers and behind-the-scenes footage on social media. Offer glimpses into the creative process and engage with your audience to generate excitement.
3. Engage with your audience: Interact with your fans, respond to comments, and spark conversations on social media. This fosters a sense of community and helps build loyalty and support for your music video.
4. Create shareable content: Develop creative and shareable content related to your music video, such as GIFs, memes, or lyric graphics. Encourage your followers to share this content, expanding its reach and potential for viral exposure.
5. Organize contests and giveaways: Run social media contests or giveaways that require participants to engage with your music video. This generates excitement and encourages sharing and engagement, potentially catching the attention of MTV and their programming department.
6. Collaborate with fans and influencers: Encourage your fans and influencers to create their own content around your music video, such as covers, dance routines, or reaction videos. Share and promote their content, strengthening your community and increasing visibility.
7. Utilize hashtags: Research and use relevant hashtags in your social media posts to increase discoverability. Include popular music-related hashtags like #musicvideo or #MTV to attract the attention of MTV and their viewers.
8. Promote through live streaming: Live streaming platforms like YouTube Live and Instagram Live provide opportunities to interact with your fans in real-time and promote your music video. Consider hosting live Q&A sessions, performances, or exclusive video premieres.
9. Collaborate with other artists: Collaborate with other artists who have a similar audience or genre. This expands your reach and exposes your music video to new fans and potential viewers of MTV.
10. Track and analyze engagement: Utilize analytics tools available on social media platforms to monitor the performance of your posts and track engagement levels. This helps you understand what resonates with your audience and make data-driven decisions for future promotions.

Consistency is key when promoting your music video on social media. Regularly share updates, engage with your audience, and adapt your strategies based on their responses and interests. By effectively leveraging social media, you can maximize the exposure of your music video and increase your chances of catching the attention of MTV’s programming department.

In the next section, we will discuss the significance of music blogs in getting your music video noticed and how to leverage them for promotion.

Maximizing Exposure through Music Blogs

Music blogs are powerful platforms that can help you gain exposure and increase the visibility of your music video. They have a dedicated audience of music enthusiasts and industry professionals who actively seek out new music and artists. Here’s how you can maximize exposure through music blogs:

1. Research and target relevant music blogs: Identify music blogs that cater to your genre and have a readership aligned with your target audience. Study their content, submission guidelines, and readership demographics to ensure they are a good fit for promoting your music video.
2. Submit your music video for review: Send a well-crafted email or submission directly to the music blogs, introducing yourself and providing a link to your music video. Follow their submission guidelines precisely to increase the chances of your video being reviewed and featured.
3. Personalize your communication: Tailor your email or submission to each music blog, mentioning specific articles or videos they’ve covered in the past that resonate with your music. Personalization shows that you have taken the time to research and understand their platform.
4. Provide intriguing and informative content: Along with your music video, offer additional content that enhances the reader’s experience. This can include an artist bio, the story behind the music video, insights into the creative process, or exclusive interviews. Engaging content makes your music video more appealing to the blog’s readership.
5. Build relationships with bloggers: Engage with the music bloggers by commenting on their articles, sharing their content, and connecting on social media. Building genuine relationships can cultivate long-term partnerships and increase the likelihood of future coverage.
6. Share blog features on social media: Once your music video is featured on a blog, share the article or review on your social media platforms. This not only shows appreciation to the blog but also helps increase the visibility of your music video among your followers.
7. Participate in guest blogging: Offer to write guest blog posts for music blogs, sharing your expertise and insights related to your music video or the industry. This allows you to reach a wider audience and establish yourself as an authority in your genre.
8. Consider paid placements: Some music blogs offer paid placement opportunities that guarantee coverage or featured spots for your music video. While this may require a financial investment, it can provide targeted exposure and increase the likelihood of your video being noticed.
9. Monitor and track coverage: Keep track of the music blogs that feature your music video and monitor the engagement and feedback from their audience. This helps you evaluate the impact of each feature and make data-driven decisions for future promotional efforts.

Remember to approach music blogs respectfully and professionally. Understand that they receive numerous submissions and may not be able to feature every submission they receive. Persistence, patience, and building relationships can go a long way in getting your music video noticed by blog editors and their readers.

Maximizing exposure through music blogs can increase the visibility of your music video and attract the attention of MTV’s programming department. In the final section, we will explore the importance of engaging with potential fans and audience to broaden your reach and enhance your chances of success.

Engaging with Potential Fans and Audience

Engaging with your potential fans and audience is a vital aspect of promoting your music video and increasing your chances of catching the attention of MTV’s programming department. By connecting with your target audience and building genuine relationships, you can expand your reach and generate buzz around your music video. Here are some strategies to help you engage with potential fans and audience:

1. Utilize social media platforms: Leverage the power of social media to directly interact with your fans and audience. Respond to comments, messages, and mentions, and show appreciation for their support. Engage in conversations, ask for their feedback, and make them feel part of your journey.
2. Show behind-the-scenes moments: Share exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from your music video production, rehearsals, or recording sessions. These glimpses into your creative process make your fans feel involved and excited about your music.
3. Organize listening parties or online watch parties: Host virtual listening parties or online watch parties where you can interact with fans in real-time while they enjoy your music video. Create a sense of community and encourage discussion around your video, building a closer bond with your audience.
4. Create interactive content: Encourage audience participation through interactive content such as polls, quizzes, or challenges related to your music video. This not only boosts engagement but also generates user-generated content that can be shared on social media.
5. Share user-generated content: Showcase and share content created by your fans related to your music video. This can include covers, dance routines, artwork, or fan-made music videos. Recognizing and appreciating your fans’ creativity strengthens the connection between you and your audience.
6. Attend live events and concerts: When possible, perform live shows, attend concerts, and meet-and-greets. Interact with your audience face-to-face, give them an unforgettable experience, and encourage them to spread the word about your music and music video.
7. Run contests and giveaways: Organize contests or giveaways that require fans to engage with your music video or share it with others. This not only boosts visibility but also rewards your loyal fans and encourages them to become ambassadors for your music video.
8. Collaborate with your fans: Involve your fans in your creative process by seeking their input or featuring them in your music video. This sense of co-creation deepens the connection between you and your audience, making them feel invested in your success.
9. Respond to feedback: Listen to feedback from your fans and audience, whether positive or constructive. Engage in meaningful conversations and show that you value their opinions. This helps you better understand your audience’s preferences and tailor your future content accordingly.

Remember, building an engaged and supportive fan base takes time and effort. Consistency, authenticity, and genuine interactions are key to nurturing these relationships. By engaging with your potential fans and audience, you not only increase the chances of your music video being noticed but also create a loyal following that can propel your career forward.

Now you have a comprehensive understanding of the strategies to get your music video on MTV. By following these steps, creating an impressive music video, preparing a compelling submission package, approaching the MTV programming department, leveraging online platforms and influencers, promoting through social media, utilizing music blogs, and engaging with your potential fans and audience, you can enhance your visibility and increase your chances of success in getting your music video aired on MTV.

Good luck on your journey to MTV stardom!

Conclusion

Congratulations on taking the first steps towards getting your music video on MTV! The music video industry continues to evolve, and with the right strategies and approach, you can increase your chances of catching the attention of MTV’s programming department. Remember that patience, persistence, and perseverance are key in this competitive landscape.

We started by understanding the submission process and the importance of adhering to MTV’s guidelines. Then, we explored the process of creating an impressive music video that stands out and engages viewers. Preparing a comprehensive submission package, personalizing your approach when approaching the MTV programming department, and leveraging online platforms such as YouTube, social media, and music blogs are crucial for maximizing exposure.

Collaborating with influencers, running contests and giveaways, and engaging with your potential fans and audience help create a strong presence and generate buzz around your music video. These actions not only increase the visibility of your video but also develop a loyal and engaged fan base.

Remember, success does not come overnight. It takes time to build a solid foundation and gain recognition. Embrace the journey and continue improving your craft. Learn from each experience, adapt your strategies, and capitalize on the opportunities that come your way.

Lastly, don’t limit yourself to MTV. While MTV remains an iconic platform, there are several other avenues available for promoting your music video and gaining exposure. Explore other music video platforms, collaborate with emerging artists, and take advantage of the digital landscape to reach a wider audience.

So, go out there, create impactful music videos, engage with your audience, and promote your work through various channels. With dedication, creativity, and persistence, you can increase your chances of getting your music video on MTV and achieving the recognition and success you deserve.

Best of luck on your journey to MTV stardom!