Research: What is the function of a music video?

What is the function of a music video?


First of all the most vital function of a music video is to establish the artists image and create recognition of the artist. By creating a music video the audience is able to visualise the song which means that if the artist stars in the video they are being physically seen therefore enabling the viewer to have a distinct image of the artist and his/her style, this cannot be done merely through audio.
    Producing a music video is extremely crucial for new upcoming artists so the viewers are able to see them and recognise them in the future thus creating a clear establishment of the artists image.

for example the when Akon was first introduced in the music industry, he included himself as the main character whilst he lip sung all the lyrics. He was also looking directly at the audience to create a more intimate relationship with the viewers.

Whilst recognition is a function of a music video, promotion is another. Distributing the song a different range of methods means that more people would have an opportunity to view, like it and potentially buy it. Not only is the song being distributed by air it is being shown on TV, Youtube/Vimeo and various other websites on the internet such as social networking sites where people can upload their favourite songs through twitter and Facebook. 


This allows many more people to have access to songs which creates a wider audience e.g if you listen to a song uploaded by social net workers which you have not heard before this widens the audience. Instead of people waiting to hear it on the radio they can access it themselves on the internet where they are able to choose what they want to listen to.