The purpose of a music video is to:
- Sell the song, and invoke a reaction so it leaves you remembering the song.
- To give the listener a better understanding of the song. (If the video is a narrative).
- To entertain (to show off other talents the musician may have, for example acting or singing.
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings. Although the origins of music videos date back much further, they came into prominence in the 1980s, when MTV based their format around the medium.
The main purpose of music videos to, promote, advertise, entertain and to create a lasting impression on the viewer's mind. This works hand in hand with promotion and the more entertaining the music video, the more exposure the video will get from the public.
Music videos are created to promote the music/single created by the artist and to advertise the music to people, it also helps the artist gain interest from the public. Music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings. Although the origins of music videos date back much further, they came into prominence in the 1980s, when MTV based their format around the medium.
Music videos use a wide range of styles of film making techniques, including animation, live action filming, documentaries, and non-narrative approaches such as abstract film. Some music videos blend different styles, such as animation and live action. Many music videos do not interpret images from the song's lyrics, making it less literal than expected. Other music videos may be without a set concept, being merely a filmed version of the song's live performance.
However, some music videos have been created as tribute to an artist. Two examples we have are, Joy Division, with their video to the song Atmosphere. This was created as a tribute to front man of the band, Ian Curtis, who sadly died ages 23. We also have the Micheal Jackson song, Hold my Hand, released in 2010, the year after his death.
