Types of music video

Concept based

Concept based videos are based around a single idea or concept and are usually unusual or obscure, even surreal for the audience. The unusual content is an attraction to many consumers, which draws them in. A successful concept music video will keep the audience entertained and constantly looking at what is going on in the video.

An example of this type of video is Californication - Red hot chili peppers.

Narrative based

Often the music video tells a story either that features in the lyrics or is suggested in the lyrics. AN example of this is a girl dumping a boy. The narrative can be like a mini film, with a beginning, middle and end. It can also suggest some links to a story. It can promote a film with clips from the film including telling the story.

An example of a narrative based video is 'it will rain' by Bruno Mars. Another example is 'see you again' by Wiz khalifa. The video from "see you again" features scenes from the film and cuts to a studio.

Performance based

Performance based is the most common type of music video where that artist is filmed at a concert or event to their fans. This creates a feel of being there live. Performance videos should always remind the viewer that the soundtrack is still important to the song. The excitement of the crowd adds excitement to the video. Performance based video's are normally used if there is a low budget as it is easy to film the artist.

An example of this type of video is Sum 41 - "still waiting".

Artist transformation

Film music

Music genres

Functions of a music videos

The function of a music video is to first of all promote the artist and the song. Most of the time the original purpose of the music video is to promote the artist as the artist is the main focus. However; not all genres music video has the same purpose. An example of this is Dubstep. Dubstep videos are usually to entertain and amuse. This is because Dubstep is dance music, therefore the artist does not necessarily have to be seen in the music video because the music is the most important thing. 


A music video or song is a short film which integrates a song and a short film. Modern music videos a primarily made and used as a marketing technique intended to promote the sale of the artists song.








Music videos are also used for representation. Music artists use videos to represent themselves and sometimes a sex as a certain aspect. For example some female artists such as Rhianna presents herself as a sex object which has become an iconic selling point.

A music video is also done to symbolize greater or bigger things. Artists can use videos to make points about themselves or about the world about others. This can get the fans closer to the artist and create a bigger fan base.

Another function is to evoke emotion in the audience. Some artists use this to get people thinking about themselves and about the world. An example of this is Michael Jackson. 

Introduction