DIFFERENT STYLES OF MUSIC VIDEOS

1. Although the above definition is true for every music video, there is no definitive way to make a music video correctly. Music videos can support, and portray the message of a song, or can be completely abstract and subjective to each viewer, They can have an independent narrative unrelated to the music, or can even be animated typography of the lyrics, there is no set in stone method or rules for producing music videos. However, every different style and genre or music has a respective "style and genre" of video associated with it. Therefore videos of the same genre of music tend to be very similar.

   
   

   There are a few distinctive styles of music videos,  I will briefly describe each and show you real world examples.

   
   

   Studio Performances.

   
   

   A music video shot entirely or mostly in a controlled environment (studio) with lots of props, costumes,green screen and artificial lighting. Usually, these types of music videos don't have a true narrative, but rather just add a visual experience to the music without much meaning. They are mainly simple, fun, easy to make videos. 
   
   
   Example:  Rihanna - You Da One

   
   

   
   

   Surrealistic

   These music videos are very abstract, and may or may not have a relation to the music itself, these videos are very artistic and creative and usually contain a mixture of live footage and animation to add surreal effects or distortion. They appear to be influence by visions or dreams.
   
   Example: Rihanna - Disturbia

   
   
   
   
   Interpretative/ Impressionist

   Similar to surrealistic music videos, Interpretative music videos can be abstract and may or may not have a direct relation to the music. The main difference between the two is that Interpretative videos don't usually contain distorted, or un real imagery, they aren't intended to be surrealistic but rather focuses on adding a creative visual experience to the music in which viewers can interpret differently.
   
   
   Example: Rihanna - Only Girl
   
   Animation

   
   
   Animation based music videos are simply partially or entirely animated music videos. This style of music video is usually cheaper to produce since it is entirely digital, and props, venues, cameras and other equipment arn't needed. This style of music video can also compliment a song as it may suit its mood, or can attract their target age group.
   
   
   Example: Rihanna - Rude Boy
   
   
   
   
   Narrative
   
   Some Artists want to portray the meaning or message of their song through the music video. These narrative music videos can either be a literal representation of the lyrics, can be metaphorical or can even be a completely unique story line not related to the lyrics, or the music.
   
   Example: Rihanna - Unfaithful
   
   
   
   
   Concert/ As-live
   
   This style of music video captures the experience of seeing the artist performing live. They can be either staged performances produced in a studio, or can be actualy live footage captured during real performanc. This creates a realistic feel and gives the viewer an experience unlike the other forms of music videos. It is often used to show the emotion, and attitude of the artist as they perform the song to give the viewer a better feel for the music. It is also used as a marketing tool to promote concerts and tour dates.
   
   Example: Rihanna - Cheers
   
   
   
   Parody/Homages
   
   Parodies are usually fan made, comedic versions of well known music videos. Parodies can come in any form (animation, narrative, as-live etc.) they take the form of the original video that they are copying. Parodies also change the lyrics of the original song, but keeps the rhythm of the original song so that they sound very similar. 
   
   Example: Rihanna - What's My Name Parody
   Homages on the other hand, are more of a tribute, they do not mock other videos, but rather get inspiration from them and include certain elements from it.