A look back at the history of the blind test

What is a blind test?

The blind test is a game in which participants guess the title of a song, its performer or sometimes its year of release, based on a short sound extract. Participants compete individually or in teams, in an often festive and dynamic atmosphere.

Accessible to all, the blind test requires very little equipment: a playlist, and a good dose of concentration. This game stimulates memory, speed and musical culture. It also creates a social bond, encouraging exchange, friendly competition and good humor.

Thanks to its simplicity, the blind test can be adapted to all audiences and all contexts, from the family circle to professional events.

In English, the expressions Music Quiz or Trivia Quiz to talk about a blind test

In English-speaking countries, the blind test is often referred to as Music Quiz or Trivia Quiz. Le Trivia Quiz comes from the famous Trivia Game. A trivia game or a competition is a game in which participants answer questions about interesting but anecdotal facts. The questions cover a wide range of subjects, including history, science, sport and music.

The word trivia can be translated into French as anecdote or bagatelle. It evokes light-hearted information, sometimes unusual, but always entertaining. The Trivia Game is, quite simply, a general culture game. Applied to music, this concept gives rise to a fun game combining curiosity, memory and pleasure.

This international appellation shows that the blind test principle transcends borders and is part of a universal gaming culture.

«Name That Tune», the game show dedicated to blind tests

The blind test has its origins in the world of American television with the game Name That Tune, launched in 1952 in the United States. In 1952, Name That Tune was broadcast on NBC Radio Network. In 1953, it became a full-fledged television game, again on the NBC Radio Network. In 1954, CBS bought the program. The principle is based on the rapid recognition of songs performed by musicians on stage. Contestants have to identify the songs in as few notes as possible, creating suspense and excitement.

The format was a great success, laying the foundations for the modern blind test. In France, a popular adaptation saw the light of day with The Great Blind Test, presented by Laurence Boccolini. The show's participants include French chanson artists, TV hosts and sports commentators. In 2016, comedian Anthony Kavanagh took part in the show and won the final. The Great Blind Test helps to make the concept known to the general public and to anchor it in entertainment habits. Television, one of the most important media, plays its part in spreading the blind test. However, it is in the context of convivial, festive and playful moments that blind tests have enjoyed their greatest success in France in recent years.

Over the last ten years, the blind test has developed strongly in France and become a benchmark game.

Over the past ten years or so, the blind test has enjoyed a veritable boom in France. Specialized bars, student parties, corporate events, digital platforms and mobile applications are multiplying the formats and game experiences.

Several factors explain this success. The concept is simple to organize, affordable and adaptable to all musical genres. The blind test also promotes general culture, auditory memory and social cohesion. All audiences can take part, whatever their age or level of musical knowledge.

In a context where collective experiences are increasingly valued, the blind test has established itself as a benchmark game that is fun, cultural and unifying.

Find out more about our how to organize a blind test for your Team Building with our dedicated page.

At Public Anim, we've developed our blind test game to meet the animation needs of companies and local authorities.

In this context, where music is increasingly present in our daily lives, Public Anim has developed its own play solution with The Ultimate Blind Test. Our team of professionals will provide you with a precise service for the organization of your next Team Building event.

TikTok, the new blind test scene

In the age of social networking, the blind test is enjoying a new lease of life thanks to the TikTok app, where it is becoming a fast-paced, interactive and viral format. Creators organize live or video «blind test evenings», proposing excerpts of a few seconds that subscribers must recognize in comments or via real-time polls. These sessions combine music, humor and a competitive spirit, transforming a game once reserved for radio shows or evenings out with friends into a large-scale collective experience. Thanks to TikTok's algorithms, a simple blind test can bring together thousands of participants, creating a digital party atmosphere where everyone plays, reacts and shares their musical memories.

FAQ - Everything you need to know about the blind test