An artist’s guide to record releases: YouTube videos

Types of Music Videos on YouTube

1. Official Music Video (MV)

The primary visual representation of a song, often featuring storytelling, choreography, or performance.

Example: Post Malone — I Had Some Help (Official Video) feat. Morgan Wallen

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QIZE708gJ4

2. Lyric Video

Displays the song’s lyrics on-screen in sync with the music, often used to build anticipation before the official video release.

Example: Lewis Capaldi - Before You Go (Official Animated Lyric Video)

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUMASnXYJ5k

3. Instant Gratification Video

Released when a song becomes available as a pre-order incentive, serving as a placeholder visual or early promotional content.

Example: DUFT - Instant Gratification (Official Video)

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O683X__AbI

4. Visualizer

Features abstract or looping animated graphics that play alongside the music, ideal for mood-setting and early promotional stages.

Example: Avicii - Broken Arrows [HD Visualized]

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCR37xOKDHbCP1qiemR9VH2g

5. Performance Video

Shows the artist performing the song, often in a studio, live, or staged setting, emphasizing the artist's live presence.

Example: Zara Larsson - Look What You've Done (Official Performance Music Video)

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEaqvmO5WRk

6. Behind-the-Scenes / Making-of Video

Offers a look into the production of the music video or recording of the track, building fan connection and interest.

Example: Sabrina Carpenter - Please Please Please (Behind the Scenes)

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1tFX-YdNw

7. Fan-Made or Fan Engagement Videos

Contests or campaigns where fans create their own videos using the artist’s music, sometimes officially endorsed or re-shared.

Example: Best Fan Made Music Videos - YouTube Playlist

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWC40EdYJyCXIWkbWprLg2J7Bi1K2grAr

8. Live Video

Captures a live concert or studio session performance, reinforcing the artist’s live presence and promoting tours.

Example: Papa Roach - Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark) - (Official Live Music Video)

Watch here: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=FmjrTdTydLE

9. YouTube Short

A "YouTube Short" means a video created for and published on the YouTube Shorts platform, formatted in a vertical aspect ratio (typically 9:16), with a maximum duration of sixty (60) seconds, and tagged or designated as a “Short” under YouTube’s platform standards. YouTube Shorts are optimized for mobile viewing and may appear in the Shorts feed or elsewhere on the YouTube platform, including search results, channels, and recommendations.

Shorts can be found in the shorts section here https://www.youtube.com/shorts/