Purpose Of A Music Video

The music video is a common feature within current society. They have many functions as seen by the following:

• Promote the song
• Promote the artist
• Raise the profile of the artist
• Promote the album
• Entertain the audience
• Generate an emotional response from the audience/make a connection
• Exemplify/ contradict with the lyrics of a song
• Create a star persona
•  Expand the artists media platform

I would say that the first four points on the list are the most important. This is because when releasing a music video, the record label is trying to generate as much interest in the artist and their music as possible, in order to promote sales in both the single and accompanying album. Therefore, the key function of a music video is o ensure it is visually appealing and stimulating so they enjoy watching and listening to their music and resulting in them buying the single (and album if possible). As the videos plan is to basically sell the artist, a music video is different in comparison to a short film despite its linking characteristics.