The song was released for the first time in 1984, but did not make a big impression. The following year it was re-released along with the innovative video, directed by Steve Barrons, which mixed black and white animations with filmed material.

It is one of few videos from the 80s that has managed to reach a billion views

The video became a big hit with the early MTV generation and the single rushed to a first place in no less than 36 countries, and teenagers around the world were taped with pictures of band members Morten Harket, Paul Waaktaar and Magne Furuholmen. Later, the group released the debut album Hunting high and low and got another hit with The sun always shines on television.

Take on me reached a billion views on Youtube on February 17 at 9:20 pm, Swedish time.

- The video is clearly unique and has a content that has withstood the test of time. It is hand drawn, which makes it what it is. The song also seems to have touched people over the years, keyboardist Magne Furuholmen told Billboard last year.