conventions of pop videos

1. Representation
s of Pop Music
Videos
By Sophie

2. Conventions
● Artists in pop music videos are shown as happy, upbeat and lively
● Artists will usually wear popular, trendy, brightly-coloured costumes
● Pop songs are typically 3-5 minutes with a introduction, verse, pre-chorus,
chorus, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge, chorus structure.
● Pop videos will have a distinct theme that usually revolves around a
breakup, desire, nostalgia, inspiration etc.
● The lyrics will usually be based upon these themes.

3. Narrative
● A narrative music video will follow a storyline.
● This may be linear which means that the story can be easily followed as it goes in order,
beginning, middle, and the end.
● A fragmented storyline will keep an audience intrigued. The images in this narrative are
often unusual and it doesn’t have a clear beginning, middle or end.
● For example, ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun’ tells a story about even though she doesn’t
have much, she still wants go out and have fun with her friends. It shows her enjoyment
and empowerment that comes out of female solidarity.

4. Performance
● When the artist is mostly performing the song throughout the music video instead of telling
a narrative. Typically, there is one scene and location. This type of pop video is less common
as an audience may become less engaged. However, costume changes, interesting lighting
and choreography can make the video a more captivating watch.
● For example, ‘Pop’ has the singer performing throughout the music video, with one location
and scene but the bright costumes, and dance choreography keeps the audience engaged.

5. Lighting
● It is used to set the mood, tone, and tell the story of the song through visual effects.
● Pop videos typically have bright, neon, and colourful lighting to make it vibrant and energetic to
fit the vibe of the pop song. For example, ‘Neon Lights’ uses LED, bright lights to reflect the
lyrics.
● However, some may use natural lighting to portray sunlight or a more natural setting.

6. Costume
● Costumes can assist the narrative, are a part of an artists persona or show that they are
fashionable. Outfit choices in pop videos usually impact the way that their fans will dress or
influence them to buy partially clothing.
● Some artists wear extreme outfits to display their ‘star persona’ or have specific pieces that
they are known for. Whereas others will use costume to create trends and target their
audience.
● For example, Lady Gaga’s extreme outfits in ‘Telephone’ reflect her star persona and is a
metaphor for the meaning behind the video.

7. Close Up and Wide Shots
● Close ups are conventionally used in pop videos as it helps the audience identify their artists.
● It helps capture the artist’s emotions when their are lip-syncing their song and helps the audience
understand what they are feeling.
● For example, the close ups in Zendaya’s, ‘Close Up’, the shots reflect the title of the song and the
repetition of her face helps an audience recognize her.
● Wide shots are typically used in pop videos as there tends to be dance routines which are captured
through a wide shot.

8. Fast-paced editing
● In most pop music videos, the cuts of shots will happen quickly to sync with the beat
of the high energy music. It adds excitement and keeps an audience engaged.
● However, it may help change the pace of the music and adds a dynamic to keep the
audience intrigued.
● For example, ‘On The Floor’ uses fast-paced editing to reflect the club scenes and
the slower paced cuts in the bridge of the song reflects the pace of the music to add
dynamic.