There are three main types of music videos: 1) Performance-based videos feature the artist(s) performing the song, typically on stage or in a studio. These allow the artist to showcase their talents and are common for pop singers. 2) Narrative-based videos tell a story or follow plot/characters, either acted by the artist or other actors. They can appear as short films with music. Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" is an example. 3) Conceptual-based videos are based on an unusual or obscure idea that may not relate to the song's meaning, appealing to niche audiences. The Vaccines' "Handsome" uses aliens and explosions in a

1. {
TYPES OF MUSIC
VIDEOS
Victoria Cowburn

2. Music Videos are generally
divided into three main
categories…
Performance Based Video
Narrative Based Video
Conceptual Based Video

3.  Performance based videos film the band or a artist preforming throughout
the whole video. They typically stand on a stage or in a studio and make
direct contact with the audience whilst they sing down the camera.
Performance based videos are typically used more often by pop singers
where their star image is made more obvious. More famous/celebrity singers
also use this style of music video as this is what their fans want to see,
especially young boybands. Rock bands also typically create performance
based videos where they are seen with lots of energy especially at concerts
where they can engage with their audience.
 By creating this type of video the artist is able to advertise their talents by
playing musical instruments or dancing as well as singing. This shown
through a wide variety of camera angles and shots, particularly close-ups
framing the singers face.
 Performance based videos are typically seen as more ‘low key’ as they are
less complicated than narrative based videos where a plot and characters
have to be planned in advance. Bright lights, big crowds, backing dancers
are common conventions found in this type of music video.
Performance Based Videos

4. Performance Based Videos
In this Circa Waves music video called ‘Stuck In My Teeth’ the video revolves
around the four indie band members acting like young boys whilst performing
their song. As they get splattered by paint in a variety of street locations the artists
continue to play their music. Mainly close-up shots of the lead singer Kieran
Shudall and long distance of the band as a whole are used.

5.  Narrative based videos follow a storyline or plot throughout the video.
Characters either played by actors of the music artists themselves are
used in relation to the song. Usually if the music artist is featured in
the video they are also singing along to their song showing that thee
story was a personal experience to them. This would be an example of
a hybrid video of both narrative and performance because a pure
narrative video would have no lip-synching. If actors are used it shows
the artist/s are trying to express a certain message or moral through
their music. Sometimes the music video has little relevance to the lyrics
of the song giving the audience multiple messages and interpretations
of the song.
 Well produced narrative based videos can appear as a short film with
music, by having a clear beginning, middle and end.
Narrative Based Video

6. Narrative Based Videos
 Taylor Swift’s ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back
Together’ music video is a hybrid of narrative
and performance. She lip-syncs to her song
whilst showing her break-up with her boyfriend
which is the main plot. She acts as herself
showing that she has been through the tragic
experience where the lyrics are completely
linked with the video.
 Hozier’s ‘Take Me To Church’ is a pure narrative based
video where the artist is not featured lip-syncing or at all
in the whole video. The message of accepting
homosexual relationships through the artists imaginary
own church is shown in the video and lyrics, delivering
a powerful message to his audience. The story follows
two men in love who are being chased by a violent gang
who clearly disagree with their relationship,
representing society's view on homosexuality.

7.  Concept Videos are based around one idea or concept, which
is usually unusual or obscure to the audience. The concept of
the music video is usually totally different to the meaning of
the song creating added confusion. This style of video is
usually aimed at niche audiences due to the surreal elements
that would not attract a mass audience. Other types of music
video such as performance is usually combined with the
concept in order to open up the videos audience and to
maintain to the purpose of the video.
Concept Videos

8. Concept Videos
The Vaccines’s ‘Handsome’ music video features supernatural aliens and almost
cartoon like explosions and graphics fulfilling the unusual conceptual style. This video
is targeted at a niche audience due to the action and supernatural elements applied to
the indie rock song. Vast amounts of editing techniques and costumes have been used
making the video increasingly more unique as it pursues an almost action game
theme.