Girls Like You Music Video: A Celebration of Empowerment and Diversity
When Maroon 5 released the music video for "Girls Like You" on May 31, 2018, it did more than just provide a visual for a hit song; it became a global symbol of female empowerment. Directed by David Dobkin and captured by cinematographer Claudio Miranda, the video utilizes a minimalist yet powerful setting to highlight a diverse array of women from various walks of life.
The visual narrative centers on lead singer Adam Levine, who stands alone with a microphone in the middle of a room while the band plays in the background. The core of the video is a rotating sequence of women who lip-sync and dance around Levine, creating a rhythmic celebration of identity and strength.
![A screenshot of the music video showing part of the cast of women featured. An article of Billboard noted "the female-empowerment message of the video is loud and clear."[31]](/images/0f/21/0f21b1b5c26525267509c119561d27d792eefd7531dcfbcd16097923035206fa.png)
Key Facts
- Premiere Date: May 31, 2018, at 12 AM EDT on YouTube.
- Direction: Directed by David Dobkin with cinematography by Claudio Miranda.
- Cast: Features Maroon 5 members, Cardi B, and a wide range of female athletes, activists, and artists.
- Milestones: Combined views for the original and Volume 2 videos reached 5 billion by April 2026.
- Accolades: Topped YouTube's 2018 global Songs of the Summer list.
A Diverse Cast of Influencers
The video is notable for its extensive list of cameos, featuring women who have made significant impacts in sports, activism, entertainment, and politics. The appearances include:
- Entertainment: Jennifer Lopez, Gal Gadot, Millie Bobby Brown, Sarah Silverman, Tiffany Haddish, Elizabeth Banks, and Rita Ora.
- Activism and Politics: Ilhan Omar, Amani al-Khatahtbeh, and Phoebe Robinson.
- Sports: Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, and Danica Patrick.
- Music: Mary J. Blige and Camila Cabello.
The sequence concludes on a personal note, featuring Adam Levine's wife, Behati Prinsloo, and their daughter, Dusty Rose.
Social Justice and Symbolic Messaging
Beyond the star power, the wardrobe choices in the video serve as a platform for social justice—the pursuit of equality and rights for all people. Several guests wore clothing with explicit messages regarding identity and human rights:
- Angy Rivera, representing the New York State Youth Leadership Council, wore a shirt stating "Undocumented Unafraid Unapologetic."
- Aly Raisman wore a shirt reading "Always Speak Your Truth."
- Jackie Fielder, founder of the San Francisco Defund DAPL Coalition, wore a shirt stating "Divest, Water Is Life."
Chart Performance and Global Impact
The video's reach was immense, dominating digital platforms throughout 2018. It was the most viewed Vevo video of the year and ranked third on YouTube's Top 10 music videos for 2018. Additionally, PopSugar recognized it as the 23rd-most iconic pop music video of the 2010s.
| Version | Release Date | Key Feature | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Video | May 31, 2018 | Main cast of women; global hit | YouTube |
| Vertical Video | August 27, 2018 | Vertical format; excludes Camila Cabello | Spotify |
| Volume 2 | October 16, 2018 | Additional footage; 1 billion views (Sept 2024) | YouTube |
| Lyric Video | February 14, 2019 | Animated biography of Adam Levine | YouTube |
Alternative Versions and the Lyric Video
Following the success of the original, David Dobkin directed two alternative versions. The first was a vertical video released exclusively on Spotify. The second, titled Volume 2, provided additional footage and included Camila Cabello. In this version, Adam Levine briefly wears a "Liberation Not Deportation" t-shirt created by the NYSYLC.
On Valentine's Day 2019, the band released an animated lyric video. This version departs from the live-action format to tell a story of Adam Levine's life—from his childhood and the formation of Maroon 5 to his eventual marriage to Behati Prinsloo and the start of their family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the "Girls Like You" music video?
The music video and its alternative versions were directed by David Dobkin, with cinematography provided by Claudio Miranda.
What social messages are present in the video?
The video features messages supporting immigrant rights ("Undocumented Unafraid Unapologetic"), indigenous-led movements ("Divest, Water Is Life"), and personal truth ("Always Speak Your Truth").
How many views do the music videos have?
As of April 2026, the original music video and Volume 2 have combined for a total of 5 billion views on YouTube.
What is the plot of the lyric video?
The animated lyric video depicts Adam Levine's journey from growing up and becoming a musician to forming Maroon 5 and eventually falling in love and starting a family with Behati Prinsloo.
Which athletes appeared in the video?
Notable athletes featured in the video include Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, snowboarder Chloe Kim, soccer player Alex Morgan, and racing driver Danica Patrick.