music video credits 1. The evolution of music video credits You might remember the music video credits format — in that classic MTV music video font — in music videos. You know, when MTV and VH1 actually aired music videos. Bring back those old school music videos!

The old school music video credits format

Music videos have mostly migrated from broadcast TV to the web. Now, record labels partner with outlets like YouTube and Vevo to reach music fans on mobile, web and TV-connected devices. Naturally, the standard music video credits format is changing too. Now the title cards appear in a similar fashion to feature film credits. Artists, actors, directors and producers often appear at the beginning or end of music videos (or both).

An artist + title + collaborator + director

Sometimes featured artists get top billing...

Zoey Deutch gets top billing in these music video credits

Although the music video lower third is antiquated, sometimes it’s good to go retro like the old school music videos.

A modern use of the old school music video lower third

That classic MTV music video font sure hits the nostalgia button. If you’re old enough to remember it, that is.

Artist Name in music video credits 2. Where does the artist name go? In the traditional music video lower third order, the artist name would be the first item listed.

The artist name music video title card

Today, you'll find that most video post titles keep that order intact — as on YouTube and Vevo.

Another music video credits with a single artist title card

The artist’s name should include any featured artists (separated by “feat.” "+" or “&”). Because pop music has become so collaborative, featured artists are almost a guarantee. They are also a huge selling point for the song and video so make sure you take advantage of these name drops.

Don’t forget collaborators

Song title music video credits 3. Where does the song title go? In the traditional music video lower third order, the song title would be the second item. You almost always see this in the video’s post title nowadays as well.

The music video opening credits looks like a movie

The artist and song title can combine

music video credits 4. Does the director get credit? The director is often credited as well, although not always. Sometimes the artist is the director, including Grimes, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift.

Director Joseph Kahn’s music video title card

Other credits in music videos 5. Who else should you credit? Traditionally the album title was included. But with streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music replacing album sales, this might not be as important. Whether in the description or video itself, you might also want to include the record label or copyright holders of the song. Of course, a producer should check with the label and be crystal clear on the copyright usage.

A copyright music video title card closes Katy Perry’s “Bon Appetit”

Producers, actors, and even choreographers are also fair game.

Artist + actor + director-choreographers

Some videos even go all out with the end credits, with no less detail than that of a feature film.

Full credits in “Pretty Prizes” by Daniele Luppi

brands in the music video credits 6. Crediting brand partnerships Music videos offer record labels partnership opportunities with brands. This might also impact your music video title format. The video below exemplifies this type of synergy perfectly. OK Go, who are known for their wildly inventive videos, partnered with Double A Paper to create this eye-popping music video. You'll see the partnership credit at the very end of the video.

OK Go’s “Obsession” cross-promoted with Double A Paper.

You can see a similar example is The XX's, "I Dare You." This is a unique example because it's half way between a short film and a music video — the cast is credited at the end, along with the partnership credit for Calvin Klein.

A collaboration with Calvin Klein.