The Complete Guide to Music Video Credits: What to Include and Why

Have you ever watched a music video and wondered about the names that appear in the credits? Well, you’re not alone! The credits of a music video play a crucial role in acknowledging the creative contributions and giving proper recognition to everyone involved in its production. From the director to the hair and makeup artists, each person’s effort deserves to be acknowledged.

In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what should be included in the credits of a music video. Whether you’re a musician about to release your first music video or simply curious about the intricacies of the production process, this guide has got you covered. We’ll also address common concerns such as copyright issues and how to properly credit video owners.

So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of music video credits and gain a deeper understanding of their importance, let’s get started!

What do you put in the credits of a music video?

What Goes in the Credits of a Music Video?

So, you’ve just finished shooting an epic music video for your latest earworm and now it’s time to give credit where credit is due. The credits of a music video are like the end credits to a movie, but with a lot more creativity and swag. In this section, we’ll break down the essential elements that should be included in the credits of your music video.

Director: The Maestro Behind the Lens

First up, we have the director – the creative genius who brought your musical vision to life. This is the person who deserves a big round of applause for their artistic flair and ability to capture your essence on camera. Whether they’re a big shot Hollywood director or your talented friend with a knack for storytelling, make sure their name is front and center in the credits.

Cinematographer: The Visual Virtuoso

Next, we have the cinematographer – the magician who made your visuals pop and sparkle. From setting up the perfect lighting to choosing the right angles, they brought your performance to life on screen. Give a shoutout to this wizard with a lens and make sure their name shines bright in the credits.

Editor: The Master of Post-Production

Now it’s time to recognize the unsung hero behind the scenes – the editor. This wizard of the editing room transformed hours of raw footage into a polished masterpiece. They added the right effects, synced the beats, and made sure every frame was on point. Don’t forget to credit this sorcerer of post-production in the credits, because without them, your music video might have ended up in the cutting room floor.

Art Director: The Stylistic Sorcerer

Let’s not forget about the art director – the creative mind who brought the set and props to life. From designing stunning visuals to selecting the perfect costumes, they added that extra wow factor to your video. Give a round of applause and a spot in the credits to this stylistic sorcerer who sprinkled their magic dust on your visual feast.

Cast and Crew: The Supporting Stars

Last but not least, it’s time to give credit to the incredible cast and crew who worked tirelessly to make your music video a reality. From backup dancers to makeup artists, every person on set played a vital role in bringing your vision to life. Make sure you mention them by name and give a special shoutout to all their hard work in the credits.

So there you have it – a breakdown of what goes in the credits of a music video. Remember, giving credit is not just about the names on the screen, it’s about recognizing the talent and dedication that went into creating your visual masterpiece. So give credit where credit is due, and let the world know who made your music video shine like a diamond.


Remember, when creating your credits, always follow any legal requirements and industry standards. This blog post is meant to provide general guidelines and a touch of humor, but make sure to do your due diligence and consult with professionals if needed.

What do you put in the credits of a music video?

FAQ: What do you put in the credits of a music video?

So, you’ve just finished creating an awesome music video that is destined to make waves in the industry. Congratulations! But before you release it to the world, there’s a little thing called “credits” that you need to take care of. In this FAQ-style guide, we’ll answer all your burning questions about what to put in the credits of a music video. Let’s dive in!

What do you write in movie credits

Movie credits serve as a way to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of everyone involved in the making of a film. When it comes to writing movie credits, you typically include the following information:

  • Cast: List the names of all the actors who appeared in your music video. If you have any special guest appearances, make sure to give them a shout-out too.

  • Crew: Acknowledge the hard work of your crew members such as the director, producer, cinematographer, editor, sound engineer, and all the other talented folks who made your music video come to life.

  • Soundtrack: If your music video features any songs or background music, make sure to credit the artists and songs used. This helps avoid any copyright issues and gives credit where credit is due.

How do I get opening credits

Ah, opening credits! They’re like the flashy entrance that sets the tone for your music video. To get opening credits, you can follow these steps:

  1. Plan it out: Decide on the desired style for your opening credits. Do you want them to be bold and attention-grabbing or simple and elegant? It’s all up to your creative vision.

  2. Create a storyboard: Visualize how you want your opening credits to appear on screen. Sketch out the scenes and the placement of text or any graphics you’ll be using.

  3. Design your credits: Use video editing software to add the text and effects to your opening credits. Experiment with fonts, colors, and animations to make it visually appealing.

  4. Time it right: Make sure to time your opening credits appropriately, so they don’t drag on for too long. You want to capture your audience’s attention without making them impatient.

How do I check if something is copyrighted

Before using any material in your music video, it’s important to check if it’s copyrighted. Here’s a simple way to do it:

  1. Research: Look up the material you want to use online and find its source.

  2. Copyright date: Check if the material has a copyright notice or an indication of the year it was copyrighted. If it’s recent, it’s likely protected by copyright.

  3. Public domain: Determine if the material is in the public domain. This means it’s no longer protected by copyright and can be used without permission.

  4. Fair use: Understand the concept of fair use. If you’re using a small portion of copyrighted material for criticism, commentary, or educational purposes, it may be considered fair use.

How do you check if your video is copyrighted

To check if your video is copyrighted, follow these steps:

  1. Conduct a thorough search: Look for any copyrighted material used in your video, such as music, images, or video clips.

  2. Obtain permission: If you find any copyrighted material, reach out to the copyright holders and request permission to use it in your video. This ensures you’re on the right side of the law and avoids any legal complications down the road.

  3. Use royalty-free content: Consider using royalty-free music, images, and videos from reputable sources. These are typically licensed for use in creative projects, such as music videos, without needing explicit permission.

What do you put in the credits of a music video

When it comes to crediting the people and elements in your music video, consider the following:

  • Director: Give credit to the person who directed the video and brought your creative vision to life.

  • Artists: List the names of the musicians or bands associated with the music in the video.

  • Producer: Acknowledge the individual who managed the production of your music video.

  • Editor: Credit the person responsible for editing and post-production work.

  • Cinematographer: Recognize the genius behind capturing stunning visuals on camera.

  • Cast and Crew: Show appreciation by listing the names of all the individuals who contributed their time and talent to your music video.

What form does the work have to be in to be copyrighted

In order for your work to be copyrighted, it must be in a tangible form. This means it should exist in some physical or digital format that can be perceived, reproduced, or communicated. The form could be a written document, a recorded video, a recorded song, or any other medium that captures your creative expression.

What does the copyright law say

Copyright law protects original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium. It grants the creator of a work exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, and perform the work. This means that others cannot use your work without your permission, except in certain situations, such as fair use.

How do you credit a video owner

Crediting the video owner is essential to show respect for their intellectual property rights and to avoid any copyright infringement. To credit a video owner, follow these steps:

  • Include the video owner’s name or their preferred pseudonym.

  • Provide the source from which you obtained the video. This could be a website, social media platform, or any other platform where the video was originally posted.

  • If possible, include a link to the video owner’s website or social media profile to help promote their work.

It’s always a good practice to reach out to the video owner beforehand to confirm how they prefer to be credited.

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on what to put in the credits of a music video, go ahead and give proper credit where it’s due. Your collaborators will appreciate it, and you’ll create a positive impression in the industry. Happy filming!

Note: This blog post does not constitute legal advice. If you have specific legal concerns, it’s always recommended to consult with a qualified attorney.

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