Music Video Genres and Styles

 Performance Based Music Videos:

This is the most commonly used style, and has been around for a long time. It usually shows the artist or the band performing their song, with instruments and lip-syncing. This may also include dancing and clips of them playing live. This type of music video is usually low-budget and it can me made meaningful with locations. Examples are "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" by Arctic Monkeys and "Heaven" by Bryan Adams.

Narrative Based Music Videos:

A narrative based music video is one which captures and follows a story or plot. It is even considered a short-film based on the song by some. It includes a structure; beginning, middle and end. It often displays no lip-syncing or performance. Examples are "All Too Well" by Taylor Swift and "This is America" by Childish Gambino. These usually have relevance to the lyrics. 

Concept Based Music Videos: 

These usually have a storyline that does not necessarily have any relevance to the lyrics themselves. These can either be thematic (based on a specific theme). Symbolic videos (different frames that build meaning with each other, fast shots and well utilized lighting.) For example Paradise by Coldplay and Elastic Heart by Sia.

Lyrics Music Videos:

These are creatively presented lyrics compiled in the form of a video. The makers get innovative with the fonts and presentation. For example "Something Just Like This" by Coldplay, "Waiting for Love" by Avicii, and "Look What You Made Me Do" by Taylor Swift.

Animated Music Videos:

Animated music videos mean everything from a simple 2D animation to stop motion or CGI. These include "Heartless" by Kanye West, most of Gorillaz music videos, "Do I Wanna Know" by Arctic Monkeys, and "Out Of Sight" by Chelou.