There are three main types of music videos: conceptual, narrative-based, and performance-based. Conceptual videos are based around a single idea and are difficult and expensive to create, using editing and special effects rather than relatable storylines. Narrative-based videos contain storylines that may relate to the song's lyrics or theme. Performance videos simply show the artist performing the song, providing visual interest with varied shots, though they are the cheapest to produce.
2. Types of Music Video
Conceptual
Narrative based
Performance based
3. Conceptual Based Videos
Based around a single concept or idea. This type of video is fairly unusual and are a lot harder to film,
mostly being done with editing and Special FX, therefore are not only harder to do, but also more
expensive.
These types of videos aren't very popular because they are not easy to relate to, so very few music
videos are purely conceptual.
An example of a conceptual video is:
Clean Bandit - Mozart's House
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd0cT7Dnpt8
4. Narrative Based Videos
Narrative based music videos contain mostly footage that shows a storyline that runs throughout, or
sometimes several storylines running parallel to each other.
Sometimes with actors and sometimes with the artist themselves, the story will either link to the lyrics
of the song, or just the overall theme.
If a song has been featured in a movie, the music video will often show clips of film footage cut into
the music video.
An example of a conceptual video is:
Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuNIsY6JdUw
5. Performance Based Videos
Performance based videos show only the band/artist performing the song.
It is the cheapest and easiest type of video to make, providing you can find a suitable location.
A large variety of shots need to be used in quick succession in order to keep the video interesting, as
there is a risk it could look boring with only performance.
An example of a performance based video is:
Passenger - Let Her Go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBumgq5yVrA