Types of Music Videos

By: Muhammad Faraz Malik

Types

It can be said that there are three major types of music videos:

• Narrative Based
• Performance Based
• Conception Based

However, music videos are not restricted to only those three types. A hybrid music video can have two or all the types present in it. For example, a music video can be narrative and performance based or it can be conceptional and performance based.

Narrative Based

Narrative based music videos attempts to tell a story. Usually, it establishes a link between the lyrics and the visuals of the song. It can be considered a silent movie with music playing behind. It features actors, has no lip sync and usually portrays a story. It also forces the audience to listen to the lyrics.

For Example

"Alone" by Alan Walker is a perfect example of a narrative based video as it has actors and contains a narrative which forces the audience to listen to the lyrics so they can understand the story. Moreover, it contains no lip sync.

"Hey Brother" by Avicci is also a narrative based video as it also portrays a story, features actors and has no lip sync. Moreover, it forces the audience to listen to the lyrics.

Performance Based

A performace based music video is a filmed performance which shows the artist/band throughout the video. This type of video gives a concert or live feel to the song. It idolizes the star and has lip sync present in it as well.
This is an effective way to promote the band/artist along with their talent that is not captured in the recording, such as their energy and enthusiasm.
It usually contains close-up shots of the artist or the band members.
It also helps to create an intimate relationship between the artists and the audience.

For Example

"Wherever I Go" by OneRepublic is an example of a performance based video. There is a band present whose lead singer is passionately singing. There is a vocalist, drummer and guitarist present. Although the vocalist is lip syncing, the video gives it a live feel. The band is idolized in the video and are very energetic and enthusiastic. The camera angles focus on the members and also emphasise the hard rock personality of the band.

"Send My Love" by Adele features the artist who is lip syncing. The whole video gives a live concert-like feel and idolizes the star. It also portrays the emotions of the artist which helps establish a connection between her and the audience.

Conception Based

Concept based videos are based on a single theme or idea. They usually have no link with the lyrics or any storyline. It is interpretive and could be open-ended which could leave the audience questioning and wondering. They are often symbolic and different symbols are present in the video to create a mood, or to suggest a meaning or to represent feelings and emotions.
It can have little or no lip sync present. Different art shots are also present.

For Example

"Birthplace" by Novo Amor is conception based. It has no storyline and isn't linked to the lyrics. It is artistic and has little lip sync present. There is no narrative present and it has different shots of nature. The whole video evokes a peaceful and calming feeling in the audience.

"Eyes Wide Open" by Gotye is based on a concept. It is abstract and has little lip sync present. A story is present but it is unusual and leaves the audience with question. It is different and symbolic.

Hybrid Structure

Music Videos are not limited to those three types. They can be a mixture of both or all types. Usually, videos focus on more than one of the three types.
For example, a video can be narrative and performance based.

Nowadays, videos which are hybrid have more audience than those with only one type.

Here are a few examples of popular music videos:

For Example

"Thunder" by Imagine Dragons is Performance and Conception Based. It has the band present and the lead singer is lip syncing at various points in the video which gives it a live concert-like feel. This video also has dancers in it. It is abstract, has no visual narrative. It features a lot of computer-generated imagery and makeup prosthetics.

"I'm Not The Only One" by Sam Smith is a Narrative and Performance Based video. It features actors and the artist himself who is lip syncing. It also has a story which forces the audience to listen to the lyrics. It idolizes the artist and it feels as if he is performing live.

ANIMATION BASED

Animation is basically giving movement to something. In the context of music videos, animation can be applied to all types. It can be a narrative stop motion video, a performance video against green screen or a 3D CGI concept video full of fun and weird shapes.

For Example

"Leave Me Alone" By Michael Jackson is an Animation Based music video

LYRICAL BASED

A lyrical based is a music video where the lyrics appear on screen.

For Example

"Memories" By Maroon 5 is a Lyrical Based music video