What Is a Music Video?

A music video is a short film that accompanies a piece of music for promotional or artistic purposes. Usually around 3-4 minutes in length, the modern music video spans a wide range of styles and themes. Many videos feature a narrative alligned to the lyrics of the song, many are centred around a concept and remain unrelated to the lyrics, and many utilise filmed performances, either as the subject of the video or in combination with the aforementioned two - usually as a result of the type of artist and/or genre.


Performance


A performance style music video features the artist in a recorded or simulated live performance. While arguably providing a more simplistic production process, the style allows the band to showcase their talents while appealing to the audiences who can perhaps not make it to or afford live concerts. This style may appeal more to the great performers, rather than the great recording artists - a band or artist who's strengths lie in live performances may choose this style over one that does not highlight their abilities. The style also allows the artist to appear less pretentious in that they appear to have spent less money meaning a less commercialised image is created. This style can also be used to promote tours or concerts by showing the audience a glimpse of the live shows.


Narrative


A narrative style music video features a storyline, often correlated to the lyrics of the song. Sometimes featuring the band, a narrative style allows the artist to construct or further the image they wish to create -whether it be through a fun or dramatic video. A narrative video appeals to the audience in that it allows them to see the artist's otherwise unseen personality and different sides to their character. An impressive music video can garner the artist extra popularity or exposure as new and existing audiences seek out the video.


Concept


A conceptual music video focuses around a singular idea or theme and tends to be fairly strange, unusual or occasionally surreal. In much the same way as a narrative style, a concept video has the power to attract the attentions of audiences both new and old, generating increased popularity or exposure for the band. While concept style videos tend to be rare due to the accessibility demands of the mainstream audience, a successful video can be of great benefit to the band's image and revenue.