Types of Music Videos

There are many different types of music videos used by artists to promote their music.

Narrative 

These type of music videos tell a story as the song progresses. It usually has adds meaning to the song and doesn't necessarily have to include the artist itself. A good examples of a narrative music video  are "Telephone" by Lady Gaga feat Beyonce.

Cinematic

These type of music videos can be compared to a short film, in terms of production costs, use of cinematography and mise en scene.

An example of a cinematic music video is "Stan" by Enimen feat Dido.

Studio Based

These types of music videos are set in only one location, usually in a studio.

An example of this is "Studio" by Schoolboy Q feat BJ the Chicago Kid.

Live

These types of music videos contain footage of the artist performing in a live setting such as a concert or show. A good example of this is "New Slaves" by Kanye West who performed this song during his set on Saturday Night Live.

Animation/Stop Motion

These types of music videos use digital or stop motion animation instead of live action footage.

A good example that uses animation is "None Shall Pass" by Aesop Rock.

Pastiche

Pastiche are based on or contain features from another artist, genre or time frame. It is a respectful mimicry of the text it was based on.

Chris Brown, an popular American artist of our time, often takes influence from Micheal Jackson when filming music videos, especially in the song "She Ain't You" where he mimics the outfits and dance moves Micheal Jackson used in his hit song "Smooth Criminal"

Parody

Unlike pastiches, parodies mock another text they are being based upon. The song "White and Nerdy" by "Weird Al" Yankovic mocks the song "Ridin" by Charmillionaire, by replacing the gangster stereotype context of the song with the idea of stereotypical nerd.

Intextuality

These types of music videos refer to other existing media texts. A good example of the song "Sabotage" by the Beastie Boys. The video makes references to 70's crime drama shows like Hawaii Five-O, S.W.A.T amd Starsky and Hutch.