Music videos are amazingly popular online. Many of the most-watched videos on the web are official music videos. The only other videos that can compete with music for online eyeballs are movie trailers and viral ad campaigns.
The problem is finding these videos, especially if you want to watch HD music videos. And who wouldn’t want to see Lady Gaga strutting her stuff in high-definition? Or watch Beyonce smashing windows with a baseball bat in high-definition?
In order to help you find and watch the latest HD music videos online, we have compiled a list of the best websites to do just that.
1. YouTube
YouTube is, of course, the daddy of online video. Owned by Google, and owning everyone else in the sector, YouTube is the first destination most people will check out when searching for videos of all different kinds.
Once you navigate through the choppy waters filled with cats doing funny things you’ll find a site filled with different sections, one of which, fittingly called the YouTube Music Channel, is wholly dedicated to music.
Here you can browse through countless music videos to watch. You can also build a more personalized recommendation for music videos by logging into the YouTube Music streaming service.
The majority of official music videos on YouTube are available to watch in high-definition. But it’s unlikely to be turned on by default unless you’re signed into the site and have changed the settings.
By clicking Settings > Playback Setup and then ticking “Always play HD when switching to full screen (when available)” you can ensure you get the HD experience (at least when in fullscreen mode).
If you would rather not be signed into YouTube, or would rather pick and choose your settings on a video-by-video basis, just click the Settings button underneath the video and select “720p HD” or above.
2. Vimeo
Vimeo is an online video site with a strong and dedicated community. It’s like the smaller, indie version of YouTube. It has embraced HD video and also provides a platform for content creators to showcase their work. This includes music artists, many of whom share their HD music videos on the site.
The HD Music Video Channel on Vimeo does what it says on the tin. Which means it contains an updating selection of the best HD music videos. These are the cream of high-definition music videos; ones which are deserving of only being watched in HD.
There is also a “Shout Box” which has regular comments added to it, many of which contain links to HD music videos that are often hidden gems.
3. IMVDb
The Internet Music Video Database (IMVDb) is an online host for just music videos. Barely any sites dedicated exclusively to music videos exist (or they’ve become YouTube channels), so IMVDb stands out as a truly unique website. If you miss Vevo prior to its heavy shift over to its YouTube channel, IMVDb will scratches the nostalgia itch.
Of course, it’s nearly impossible to escape YouTube’s hold on music videos. All of IMVDb’s videos are still sourced from YouTube, so you’ll be able to use the same settings to ensure HD playback. However, IMVDb does offer a unique facet: the passion of its singular focus on music videos.
IMVDb offers some of the typical up-to-date music features like other sites. You’ll see the brand new releases and the top new music videos out right now. However, it also loves revisiting past music videos and sharing statistics as well.
You’ll see “best of” playlists from long ago, and IMVDb provides statistics for the top new music videos and top music videos of all time. Plus, IMVDb’s database statistics show the huge amount of music videos, artists, and credits hosted on the site. If you’re craving more, IMVDb provides commentaries and random video options too.
4. MTV UK
Unlike its American equivalent, MTV UK still hosts music videos online. While MTV was originally all about music videos, the network has increasingly departed from them in favor of reality TV.
Thankfully, no region-blocking occurs with these videos. So you won’t have to figure out how to watch region-blocked media, and you can instead enjoy the music videos instantly. With that noted, MTV UK also shows some added love for music videos besides just hosting them on its own video player.
You’ll have the latest music videos, but you’ll also see the likes of the number-one singles of the past year, exclusive music video commentaries, lyric-teaching videos, and music video flashbacks.
Plus, MTV UK also features an exclusive page for its music video playlists. You can then watch all the videos on the week’s rotation for MTV Music, Club MTV, MTV Hits, MTV Base, MTV Rocks, and MTV OMG.
5. Dailymotion
When looking at potential YouTube rivals, Dailymotion tends to top the list. The French video and social site, however, doesn’t spring to mind for music videos as much as YouTube. However, with its huge database of videos, there are many popular music videos on the site.
Plus, if you’re looking for international music, Dailymotion provides many to choose from.
While Dailymotion does boast some music video channels, you’ll have better results searching for official music videos directly via its search function. Once you’ve found the video you want to watch, click the Settings menu in the upper-right of the video. Then click on Quality to adjust playback to HD.
If you’re craving more alternatives to YouTube and Vevo like Dailymotion and MTV, check out how to watch music videos on Apple Music.
A Brief History of Music Videos
Music videos are an artform in their own right, and the best artists and directors work together to forge short slices of genius. Just look at videos such as “This Is America” by Childish Gambino or literally anything by OK Go.
This article provides you with the best websites to watch HD music videos. However, if you’re more interested in the artform itself, check out our brief history of music videos. Which takes us from 1967 right through to today.
Image Credit: David Torcivia/Flickr
Read the full article: Where to Watch HD Music Videos: The 5 Best Sites
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