The video opens with " dramatic lightning in a sky boiling over with orange clouds . " Throughout the music video , Ariana and The Weeknd " withstand earth , wind and water , symbolizing what one would do for love , " as MTV 's Emilee Lindner claimed . Lindner continued : " Grande writhes around on a sandy floor , the Weeknd walks nonchalantly through an indoor rain storm , and toward the end , we find Ariana in a pool of water with an air of confidence . At one point , they sing back-to-back , ultimately illustrating what the song is about — being unable to face the wants and needs of a relationship . " Lidner called it " her most serious video to date . " Gabby Bess of '' Paper '' called its visuals " a departure from her previous videos and mark a new , sultry era for the mini diva . " Ariana Bacle of '' Entertainment Weekly '' agreed , snorting that " The video ’s vibe , sensual and mysterious , is an obvious departure from Grande ’s earlier work ... but fits the song , a stripped-down ballad that ’s meant to showcase the two singers ’ voices . " Grande and The Weeknd performed the song together live for the first time on the season 40 premiere of '' Saturday Night Live '' on September 27 , 2014 and for a second time at the American Music Awards on November 23 , 2014 . Grande also performed part of the song as part of a medley at the 2014 Victoria 's Secret Fashion Show , which aired on December 9 , 2014 on CBS , and again at the 2015 NBA All-Star Game on February 15 , 2015 . She also performed the song during The Honeymoon Tour ( 2015 ) . The performance started with her alone atop a pedestal that rose at the back of the stage . During the shows in Miami , Florida and Inglewood , California , Justin Bieber performed the track with her . " Love Me Harder " was part of Grande 's set list at One Love Manchester , a benefit concert she headlined on June 4 , 2017 for the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing
American Music Awards
American Music Awards of 2014
Love Me Harder