Three categories of music videos

Typically, music videos can fall into one of three categories. These three categories are, performance based videos, narrative based music videos and concept based music videos.

Performance based

Performance based music videos are music videos that consist of the band/ artist performing throughout the video. They do not have to be performing constantly throughout the video to be categorized as a performance based video, however the main bulk of it. These types of videos are typically known as to promote the music video, rather than work alongside it as a piece of art. Performance based videos are typically used by pop, R&B and occasionally rock music. This is because these types of songs normally lack the lyrical meaning and content to be able to relate the music to the video. An example of this type of video can be “Somebody Told Me” by The Killers.

Narrative based

Narrative based music videos are music videos that consist of video clips that attempt to tell a story. This story can relate to the lyrics of the song, but this is not always the case. Actors are usually hired to perform in these videos rather than the band/ artist, however occasionally the band/ artist can feature in it. This would either be acting in it, or performing their song, but as long as their performance doesn’t take up the whole video, otherwise, this would be classed as a performance based video. These types of music videos would generally fall into the rock and occasionally the pop music genre. This is because these genres typically have more in depth lyrics with meaning. This makes it easier and more effective to use a narrative based music video. An example of this type of music video can be “Capricorn” by 30 Seconds to Mars. This video features a story line, and also some clips of them playing their song.

Concept based

Concept based music videos are exactly as it sounds- the music video is based around one single concept or idea. These videos are much more uncommon, and they are also slightly more unusual than other typical music videos. They find an aspect of something that they want to focus on, and use it in many different ways. These types of music videos are generally used with more abstract and ambient songs; however other genres occasionally use a concept based idea for their music video. An example of this category of music video can be “Monkey Drummer” by Chris Cunningham and Aphex Twin.