The Structure of Music Video

Andrew Goodwin states that pop videos approach narrative from a different angle to films and novels. Pop videos are built around the songs, not the traditional narrative structure. Pop videos usually have the singer as both narrator and character. The singer often looks directly at the camera to involve the viewer with the performance.

Here Rita Ora is looking directly at the camera in her video for How we do, which creates a bond and involves the viewers

There are three ways in which a music video works to promote a song: Illustration, amplification and disjuncture. The visual aspect of the video needs to be entertaining so it encourages repeated viewing. There is a relationship between music and visuals. The atmosphere of the video reflects the music.

Illustration- Music videos can use a set of images to illustrate the meaning of the lyrics

Amplification- When videos introduce new meanings that do not contradict with the lyrics

Disjuncture- This is where there is little connection between the lyrics and the video.

Coldplay- Every teardrop is a waterfall is an example of disjuncture as there is little connection between the lyrics and the video. Most Coldplay music videos consist of Coldplay performing at concerts.