Music videos are an essential part of a musician's brand and identity. It is the perfect way to connect with fans and promote a new release. A well-crafted music video can go viral and increase the visibility and overall image of an artist.
However, creating a music video can be a daunting task, especially for independent artists with a limited budget.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything an artist needs to consider when creating a music video, from the equipment needed to the creative process and the release strategy.
Table of Contents: 1. Why are music videos important?
Why are Music Videos important?
For starters, any great music video allows artists an opportunity to showcase their artistry and creativity to a wider audience. They are an excellent tool for telling a story, conveying a message, or creating a particular aesthetic.
Music videos help to capture the attention of the audience and hold their interest.
They allow fans to connect with an artist on a deeper level, and help to create a strong brand identity for the artist. And of course, amazing music videos also can bring in new fans as well.
What is needed for a great music video?
To create a music video, an artist will need several pieces of equipment, props, and lighting. These include:
1. Camera
A high-quality camera is essential to capture the visuals of the music video. Options range from high-end professional cameras to more affordable options like DSLRs or smartphones.
Two budget-friendly options that deliver great results are the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera and the VAHOIALD 4K camera. Both of these cameras have great video features, including high resolution and the ability to shoot in low light conditions.
2. Music Video Props
Depending on the concept of the music video, an artist may need props such as costumes, makeup, and accessories. Music video ideas can incorporate lots of props, so depending on the plan, you may need to spend some money on props.
3. Sets and Locations
Artists need to think about the location and set design for the music video. They can choose between outdoor locations, studio sets, or build custom sets. For independent artists, utilize interesting environments close to you, or make certain locations stand out more with drone footage or unique video magic when editing.
4. Music Video Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the mood and atmosphere of a music video.
Different types of lighting equipment, such as spotlights or ring lights, can be used to achieve the desired effect. Or, shoot videos during "golden hour" to take advantage of natural warm tones.
15 Creative Music Video concepts for a low budget
Creating a music video on a low budget requires creativity and resourcefulness.
Here are 15 creative music video concepts for artists on a tight budget:
1. Performance video with unique camera angles
Create a dynamic and engaging performance video by experimenting with different camera angles, such as a low-angle shot, a bird's-eye view shot, or a 360 degree camera angle.
2. Lyric video with creative typography and animations
Turn your lyrics into an art form by creating a lyric video with creative typography and animations. This is an excellent option for artists who want to emphasize their lyricism, as lyric videos can help listeners catch a double entendre, or other forms of clever wordplay.
3. A video that features the artist performing in front of a green screen
Shoot a video featuring the artist performing in front of a green screen and then use editing software to add different backgrounds and visual effects. This is a cost-effective way to create a music video with unique visuals.
4. Dance video in a unique location
Shoot a dance video in a unique location, such as a rooftop or a deserted street. This is an excellent option for artists who want to showcase their dance skills.
5. Live performance video with audience reactions
Record a live performance and capture the reactions of the audience to create a high-energy music video. This is one of those music video ideas implemented on a regular basis, but works well in a low budget music video. Whether or not the entire video is a live performance can be up to you.
6. A video shot in one location with creative lighting
Shoot a music video in a single location but experiment with different lighting techniques to create a unique visual style. You can use colored lights, shadows, and other techniques to add depth and texture to your music video.
7. One-shot video with a continuous take
A personal favorite music video idea is to create a one-shot music video with a continuous take, where the camera follows the artist through different locations.
This is a challenging but rewarding way to create a visually stunning music video.
8. DIY animation with paper cutouts or drawings
Create a DIY animation using paper cutouts or drawings. This is a fun and creative way to add a unique visual element to your music video.
9. A video with a narrative storyline shot on a smartphone
Shoot a video with a narrative storyline on a smartphone. This is an excellent option for artists who want to create a compelling story without investing in expensive equipment, as it is easy to learn how to shoot music videos with iPhone or Android; simply point and shoot.
10. Stop-motion animation with everyday objects
Create a stop-motion animation using everyday objects such as paper clips, pencils, or even food. This is a fun and creative way to add a unique visual element to your music video.
11. A video shot in black and white with creative editing
Create a music video shot in black and white and use creative editing techniques to add visual interest. You can experiment with different editing techniques, such as slow motion, time-lapse, and color grading, to create a visually striking music video.
12. Shadow puppetry with a creative storyline
Create a music video using shadow puppetry with a creative storyline. This is a unique and engaging way to tell a story through visuals.
13. A video with hand-painted backdrops
Create hand-painted backdrops for your music video to add a unique visual element. This option is a bit more time-consuming but can result in visually stunning and original music videos.
14. Time-lapse video with creative effects
Shoot a time-lapse video with creative effects such as color grading, slow motion, or distortion. This is a visually stunning way to showcase your music and create a unique music video. Simply stand still in a public place without moving, then speed up the clip. Easy peasy.
15. A video with a split-screen effect
Last up in our list of music video ideas, why not create a music video with a split-screen effect by shooting different shots and combining them into one video. This is a visually dynamic way to showcase your music, while providing a pleasant and fresh viewing experience for fans.
Post Production Process (3 Steps)
Post-production is an essential part of creating a music video, as it allows artists to refine and enhance their footage before it is released to the public.
Post-production typically involves several stages, including editing, color correction, and adding visual effects and sound design.
Step 1: Editing
Editing a music video can be a challenging process, even for experienced editors and filmmakers. However, there are many easy and inexpensive options available for artists who want to edit their videos themselves.
For example, CapCut or iMovie are free video editing tools, while Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve are affordable video editing software options that provide powerful editing tools.
Our Suggestion: Save Time, Outsource!
If artists don't want to edit their videos themselves, outsourcing the editing process to professional video editors is another option.
Websites like Fiverr and Upwork offer access to a pool of talented video editors who can create a polished and visually stunning music video.
By outsourcing the editing process, artists can save time and ensure that their music video quality won't fall flat.
Step 2: Color Correction
In addition to editing, color correction is another crucial aspect of post-production that can significantly enhance the visual quality of a music video.
Color correction involves adjusting the color and brightness levels of the footage to create a consistent and visually appealing look.
Artists can use the mentioned software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve to color correct their videos themselves, or they can outsource this process as well.
Step 3: Visual Effects & Sound Design
Finally, adding visual effects and sound design can take a music video to the next level. Visual effects can include anything from simple transitions to complex animations, while sound design involves adding sound effects, Foley, and music to the video.
Artists can use software like After Effects or Pro Tools to add visual effects and sound design themselves or can outsource this process to professional post-production studios.
Clearly, post-production is a key part of creating high-quality music videos, and artists have several options when completing the necessary post-production steps.
By utilizing easy and inexpensive editing software or outsourcing the workload, artists can ensure that their final video are visually stunning and engaging.
Music Video release strategy
A music video's release strategy plays a significant role in reaching the right audience and maximizing its potential for success. A music video should be released on various platforms, including YouTube, social media, and the artist's website. (If you don't yet have a website, click here to learn more.)
Here are some additional ideas to consider for your music video release strategy:
Use social media platforms to generate buzz: Before releasing the music video, artists can build excitement by teasing behind-the-scenes footage, images, and short clips on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. They can also use social media to engage with fans and encourage them to share the music video with their friends and family. To learn more about getting views on your music on YouTube, click here.
Host a virtual music video premiere: Host a virtual event to debut the music video and create an immersive experience for fans. This can be done through platforms like Zoom, or by hosting a live stream on YouTube or Facebook.
Collaborate with influencers: Partner with influencers in your niche or genre to promote the music video on their channels. This can help increase the visibility of the music video and attract new fans.
Pitch the music video to blogs and media outlets: Reach out to music blogs and media outlets to pitch the music video and secure coverage. This can help attract new fans and increase exposure for the artist. To see all the best music blogs for independent artists, click here.
Consider paid promotion: Invest in paid promotion through platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads to reach a wider audience. (We can help! :)
In Conclusion
Ultimately, music videos are an important tool for independent artists to connect with their fans and promote their brand. While creating a music video can be daunting, it is possible to do it on a budget.
The equipment needed includes a high-quality camera, props, lighting, and sets. To create a visually stunning music video, artists can use their creativity and resourcefulness by experimenting with unique camera angles, creative typography, different lighting techniques, and more.
With this ultimate music video guide, independent artists can produce a music video that can help them reach a wider audience and create a lasting impression.
It is important for artists to remember that a great music video does not require a lot of money, but it does require creativity, hard work, and the right strategy for promotion and release.
FAQ
How much do music videos cost?
The cost of producing a music video can vary widely depending on various factors such as location, the complexity of the concept, the crew size, and equipment required. On average, a music video can cost between $5,000 to $500,000. However, with careful planning and a bit of creativity, it's possible to produce a high-quality music video even on a tight budget.
What are the benefits of making a music video?
Making a music video can be a great way for musicians to increase their visibility and connect with their fans. A well-produced music video can help promote a song, create brand awareness, and increase social media engagement. Additionally, artists can showcase their creative vision and further build their brand with any music videos ideas they come up with.
What are some common music video mistakes to avoid?
One common mistake to avoid when making a music video is neglecting to plan and storyboard the concept properly. Failing to consider technical aspects such as lighting, sound, and camera angles can result in a poorly executed final product.
Another common mistake is to make a video that lacks originality or fails to capture the essence of the song. It's also important to avoid going overboard with special effects or over-the-top visuals that distract from the music and message of the song.