EST. 1994AMERICA'S FIRST MUSIC VIDEO DISTRIBUTOR500+ OUTLETS7,400 RETAIL LOCATIONSON AIRMTV · BET · REVOLT · CMT · MUSIC CHOICE · STINGRAYPROMOTED: CHANCE THE RAPPER · D.R.A.M. · FAT JOE · REMY MADIGITAL DELIVERY: EMPIRE · ATLANTIC · INTERSCOPE · OWSLA · ARMADA · KOBALTWE ANSWER THE PHONEEST. 1994AMERICA'S FIRST MUSIC VIDEO DISTRIBUTOR500+ OUTLETS7,400 RETAIL LOCATIONSON AIRMTV · BET · REVOLT · CMT · MUSIC CHOICE · STINGRAYPROMOTED: CHANCE THE RAPPER · D.R.A.M. · FAT JOE · REMY MADIGITAL DELIVERY: EMPIRE · ATLANTIC · INTERSCOPE · OWSLA · ARMADA · KOBALTWE ANSWER THE PHONE

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Field Notes

Field notes from 30 years of broadcast.

How music video airplay actually works in 2026 — the structured, technical, relationship-driven process behind real TV placement. Read along with John and the Rive team as we share the playbook we've used since 1994.

All Posts

The latest from Rive Video.

Four reads on getting music videos onto real screens. The full posts live on rivevideo.com — tap through to read each one.

  • CH 01

    How to Get a Music Video Airplay on Broadcast Channels

    john5228 · Apr 28 · 3 min read

    Getting a music video airplay on broadcast television is one of the most misunderstood parts of the music industry. Many artists assume that uploading a video online or gaining social media traction is enough to secure TV airplay. Television placement is a structured, technical, and relationship-driven process that requires professional music video distribution. Music video television airplay is still active and thriving across broadcast networks, syndicated programs, digital…

    Read at rivevideo.com(opens in a new tab)
  • CH 02

    The Ultimate Guide to Music Registrations for Independent Artists: 20+ Essential Steps to Protect Your Songs, Get Paid for Every Stream, and Launch Successful Music Videos in the USA

    john5228 · Apr 28 · 5 min read

    If you're an independent artist or band and pouring your heart into tracks and music videos, you already know the grind doesn't stop at the studio. Once the beat drops and the visuals are edited, the real work begins: making sure you actually own your music, get proper credit everywhere, and most importantly … collect every single royalty from streams, downloads, radio plays, YouTube views, and beyond. At Rive Video, we live and breathe music video distribution, promotion, pr…

    Read at rivevideo.com(opens in a new tab)
  • CH 03

    How to Get Your Music Video on MTV, BET, REVOLT TV & Major Networks in 2026

    john5228 · Apr 28 · 4 min read

    In 2026, securing airplay on major music video networks remains one of the most impactful ways for independent artists, bands, and labels to gain unmatched credibility, national exposure, worldwide awareness, and long-term career momentum. While traditional linear TV has evolved with more focus on curated shows, OTT integrations, and digital extensions, these networks outlets remain the top gatekeepers, continue to reach millions of viewers daily through cable, satellite, sma…

    Read at rivevideo.com(opens in a new tab)
  • CH 04

    Why Curated Music Video Pools Matter for Indie Artists, Bands, and Record Labels in 2026

    john5228 · Apr 28 · 4 min read

    In an era dominated by TikTok, YouTube, and streaming playlists, many independent artists, bands, and record labels overlook one of the most consistent and powerful promotional opportunities available: curated music video Pools. These professional networks deliver your music video directly into gyms, fitness centers, health clubs, spas, shopping malls, food courts, restaurants, hotels, bars, nightclubs, entertainment venues…from bowling alleys to casinos, even cruise ships…th…

    Read at rivevideo.com(opens in a new tab)

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