Introduction

Do music movies nonetheless matter? The quick reply is sure, however the function of the music video has modified since 1980’s MTV.

Right now, music video views typically path behind music streams. In line with ChartMetric, 36 of the highest 40 tracks launched between 2022 and 2023 had accompanying music movies and on common, these movies garnered 374M views whereas the tracks amassed a staggering 1.1B streams. 

And whereas there’s some variation within the differential throughout regional markets and genres, the hole between video views and tune streams counsel that conventional music movies usually are not the first music discovery instrument they as soon as have been.

However that shouldn’t be stunning to any of right now’s indie musicians, who’ve come to know social media because the predominant platforms for fan engagement. In line with Yaguara, short-form movies obtain 2.5 occasions extra engagement than long-form movies and artists are utilizing these clips to develop their viewers and convert viewers into music listeners. Followers of well-liked musicians are routinely served behind-the-scenes seems, press characteristic collabs, day by day vlog-type content material, and tune visualizers that create an immersive world that drives fandom.

On this information, we’ll present you how you can leverage video throughout codecs to develop your viewers, maintain followers engaged, and construct such a digital world round your artistry. 

10 methods you need to be leveraging video in 2025

1. The official music video

A lead single makes an incredible candidate for a music video. Sometimes, you need to select a tune that seems like your finest step ahead. From there, it’s about creating a video that captures the aesthetic, experiences, and themes of your launch.

YouTube tends to be the primary dwelling for full-length music movies. You’ll be able to break up the video into smaller clips to create advert content material for Fb and Instagram, the place you’ll be able to hook first time listeners and drive them to your socials or streaming platform pages.

Let’s be clear: the standard full-song video continues to be related and beneficial for right now’s unbiased musician. However content material tendencies counsel solely your prime followers will dedicate the time to observe a full video, so plan and measure efficiency of your music movies accordingly.

2. The tune snippet video

Happy with a hook you wrote on the most recent album? That’s the place a brief snippet video is available in. Sometimes, these clips embrace the refrain, breakdown, or fundamental riff of a tune.

Quick snippet movies are nice for social media promoting and natural TikTok posts, the place you’re seeking to cease the scroll with an attention-grabbing clip. Track snippets hook a brand new fan to your music and depart them wanting extra. Improve your tune snippets with a call-to-action and a hyperlink to your newest music.

3. Visualizations

A visualization is a delicate graphic factor that has some dynamic change to it. Many occasions it may be a picture of your album artwork or equally branded visuals.

Visualizations usually are not narrational in any means. They’re simply movies that may loop with out folks realizing they’re looping. They’ll act as a type of bridge between your official video and a tune snippet. While you’re posting your music on social media, a visualization can function a background to a name to motion or caption. 

4. Lyric movies and/or karaoke movies

A lyric video is simply what its title implies: a video with the the lyrics to your tune going throughout the display screen. Diehard followers love lyric movies, even once they’re completed very merely!

For those who’ve already made an official video on your large tune, you’ll be able to take small parts of that and make quick movies with the lyrics to the hook and even the verses over the video. This doesn’t take a lot work and you’ll have two or three small lyric movies fairly simply. As talked about earlier, these kind of snippet movies can work rather well on TikTok.

5. Artwork observe movies

Have you ever ever listened to a tune on YouTube and the accompanying video was simply the album artwork as a static picture? That’s an Artwork Observe video. YouTube Music robotically creates these for all songs in its catalog. For those who distribute an album to YouTube Music, they are going to create an Artwork Observe video for every particular person tune.

CD Child distributes to YouTube Music. So in the event you’re distributing your music with us, your songs have already got Artwork Observe movies on YouTube!

6. Spotify Canvas and Apple Movement Movies

Spotify Canvas is a vertical video format on Spotify that loops footage the artist chooses whereas the tune performs.

Typically artists will choose part of their music video that’s three to eight seconds lengthy. The important thing right here is that it’s a piece of the video that appears good looping, so be sure to decide on one thing that’s not too particular to 1 part of the tune. Footage of your vocalist lip-syncing the hook seems bizarre when it’s looping and out of sync.

For those who’re following this checklist so as and making movies as you go, you’ll have already got some songs snippets made. These can work nice for Spotify Canvas movies. Simply lower a component all the way down to eight seconds and add it by your Spotify for Artists account.

As with different types of video we’ve lined right here, Rotor makes it tremendous simple to make Spotify Canvas movies. Enroll now and add your video to simply make edits!

7. Quick-form video

Of all of the objects on this checklist, short-form movies are at the moment the most popular development — with the widest doable taking part in area. From Instagram Reels, to TikTok and YouTube Shorts, short-form movies are massively well-liked on right now’s social media platforms.

The title is self-explanatory. A brief-form video is a fast video that’s one minute, 30 seconds and even 15 seconds lengthy. These are supposed to be considered rapidly, shared with fellow customers of the video platform, after which scrolled previous to the subsequent video.

The principle distinction between a short-form video and full size video is that short-form movies are typically extra informal in nature. On this case, the extra novice and fewer skilled your video seems, the higher it’s more likely to carry out (so long as the concept or the idea is inventive and attention-grabbing, after all). And so they don’t even must have your music in them in any respect.

Quick-form movies are enjoyable, foolish and off the cuff. For viewers, they’re a peak into your life whenever you’re not writing or recording your subsequent masterpiece. They’re meant that will help you join together with your followers and potential followers.

8. Cowl tune movies

Cowl songs could be very helpful in serving to draw consideration to your music, particularly in the event you select the proper tune to cowl on your video. YouTube cowl tune movies are total cottage business and have been for over a decade, with some artists recording cowl tune movies completely and by no means making an attempt unique compositions.

When you don’t need to go that far, making a number of movies of you overlaying your favourite songs could be a particularly efficient method to enhance your viewers. Simply don’t choose too deep of a lower. Choose one thing applicable on your style or viewers (or completely off the wall if you wish to play into the silliness of a hardcore band overlaying an ’80s pop tune) and get to work!

9. Reside movies

Observe that we didn’t say “livestream” video. That’s one thing else solely.

A reside video is simply that: a video of you taking part in in a reside setting.

That is essential if you wish to work with a expertise purchaser or pageant booker. Trade professionals who work in a reside capability need to know you’ll be able to placed on an excellent present, and a reside video is proof of that. They’re not solely your set or particular person tune for efficiency high quality, but in addition the viewers’s enthusiasm. As a result of it doesn’t matter in case your chops are distinctive if the viewers is disinterested (or non-existent).

And it ought to go with out saying, however be sure the reside video is definitely good! Rent an actual digital camera one who is aware of what they’re doing to arrange store on the proper spot with good tools. Ensure that the digital camera pans over the gang a number of occasions to seize their response. And afterwards, combine the sound so viewers can really hear what you’re taking part in.

10. Behind the scenes movies

There are tons of choices for this final one. A behind the scenes video could be something from simply setting your telephone up and speaking to your digital camera concerning the that means of a tune, or a singular expertise that occurred to you, or an announcement like a brand new album or tour.

For those who actually need to go the additional mile, a behind the scenes video may even be a completed documentary-style video concerning the making of your new album, or a tour diary that’s completed as a collection. Something that lets your followers see what you’re like in actual life.

Like we talked about within the short-form video part, behind the scenes movies work nice on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. A fast video of you working towards a brand new method on an instrument, studying a canopy tune (which you should use to tease a forthcoming video that includes that tune) or exhibiting off a few of your different hobbies can go an extended method to your viewers connecting with you on a deeper stage.

Passing the ten Level Take a look at for High quality

Does your video cross the check in these 10 areas? Ask your self the next questions. 

• Shareability — Is the video relatable, topical, or exceptional? Will the viewer really feel cool or educated once they share the video with associates?
• Dialog — Does this video assist me talk with my followers, both straight IN the video, or as a dialog starter for different interactions (within the feedback part on YouTube or elsewhere)? Will I seem comfy and genuine?
• Interactivity — Does the video have interaction the viewers in a roundabout way? Does it ask a query of them, showcase their participation, or encourage them to contribute to future movies?
• Consistency — Is there a component on this video that happens all through all my movies? A well-recognized face, setting, method, or theme? Is the video “packaged” in a means that appears in keeping with my different movies? Am I posting on a schedule?
• Concentrating on — Do I do know who this video is FOR? Who’s my viewers, and is that this video going to entertain or inform that viewers? Will that viewers be curious about solely THIS video, or will they take pleasure in my different movies too?
• Sustainability — Do I’ve what it takes to maintain doing this?
• Discoverability — Will my video present up in YouTube search outcomes and be advisable as a associated video? Am I utilizing good key phrases and titles?
• Accessibility — Can a brand new viewer watch this video and recognize it with out having seen any of your earlier movies? In different phrases, can this video stand alone?
• Collaboration — Is there a possibility to work with one other artist with a loyal following on YouTube? Can I characteristic them in such a means so that they’re happy with the outcomes, and can need to share this video with their viewers?
• Inspiration — Do I actually need to make this video?

Let Followers Discover Your Movies: search engine optimisation Finest Practices for Video

Make it it simple for followers to search out your movies by following finest practices for search engine optimisation and guarantee your movies seem in search engine outcomes pages (SERPs). Meaning correctly importing your movies to seize the key phrases and intent of the fan trying to find your content material.

Let’s break that down.

• Title: That is probably the most important factor. Ensure that in the event you’re importing your music to a platform like YouTube, give it an correct title then standardize your formatting. Reminiscent of “Artist Title – Track Title [Official Video]”
• Description: Describe the content material of the video, focusing particularly on the primary couple sentences that may seem in SERPs and different short-hand video listings. Beneath that, you’ll be able to embrace key data akin to tune lyrics and related hyperlinks to allow viewers to interact additional together with your paintings.
• Tags: Offering your content material with key phrase tags may also help make it extra searchable and much more discoverable by new followers with comparable pursuits. Platforms like YouTube will create some tags robotically, but it surely’s useful to assessment them and optimize them on your content material.
• Thumbnail: Maybe an neglected side, your thumbnail is the very first thing a fan sees earlier than clicking into your content material. Select a thumbnail that represents your content material and intrigues somebody to click on.

Drive Engagement with Quick-Kind Movies

Quick-form movies are distinct for his or her snappy content material, usually scrappy manufacturing, and extra personable really feel. This sort of content material is a pointy distinction to longer type content material, however could be equally inventive! Right here’s how one can make nice social media movies that showcase your chops.

Step 1: Discover Your “Factor”

Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts reward content material that grabs consideration quick. It’s your job because the video creator to resolve what side of your musicality you need to showcase in your movies. Are your lyrics the star of the present, or do your instrumental or vocal abilities rise above? Perhaps you’re a manufacturing wizard, or your band has an superior in-the-pocket groove. 

Spend a while contemplating what you most need to spotlight about your group’s music or about your self as a musician. Listed below are some examples of musicians and bands who’ve discovered their “factor”:

Step 2: Collect Your Instruments

As a musician, you know the way simple it may be to fall down the rabbit holes of drugs.

Fortunately, like music, the gear used to make movies isn’t all the time an important factor – it’s the product you get from utilizing it. You don’t have to purchase the most costly digital camera, microphone, or software program to make good content material. The extent of complexity you need to have with video manufacturing is actually as much as you, and it may possibly develop and adapt over time alongside together with your skillset. 

Listed below are three ranges of manufacturing you should use for reference:

Primary – Right now’s cell telephones have glorious cameras and microphones constructed proper in. Use your telephone to shoot and edit your movies natively within the apps you’ll be posting to.

Elevated – Degree up by fine-tuning the settings in your telephone’s digital camera and capturing independently from the social apps. Use the “again” digital camera (the one reverse the display screen aspect) and set your system to report in 4k, 60fps. Pair this tactic with an audio recording system like a Zoom recorder, Audigo, or one other mic hooked as much as your telephone with an iRig Professional I/O. Strive utilizing simple software program to edit your movies akin to ByteDance’s CapCut, Instagram’s Edits, InShot, or iMovie.

Superior – If you’d like your movies to look and sound polished, attempt capturing with a higher-quality digital digital camera akin to a Canon G7X III, EOS R100, or Sony ZV1-F. For audio, use a pleasant mic and audio interface, and go as heavy or mild on the manufacturing in your digital audio workstation as you need. Use any video modifying software program you like, however attempt Last Minimize Professional, Adobe Premiere Professional, or DaVinci Resolve. 

Step 3: Discover Your Setting

Location, location, location. Discovering an incredible spot to shoot your movies can elevate them considerably and make them stand out from the pack. The outside can provide wonderful views in the event you’re keen to make your setup moveable. Search for settings which can be stunning or visually attention-grabbing in a roundabout way. For those who favor to remain indoors (or the climate’s on the gloomy aspect), arrange your area in a means that showcases your persona. Clear up, grasp artwork, and make your area match the vibe of the music–not less than within the portion of the room that may seem on digital camera!

Step 4: Make It

Now it’s time for the enjoyable half: making the content material. Put aside an excellent chunk of time to arrange, hit report, and get a take that you just’re proud of. It might take some time to get a run that you just be ok with posting (particularly in the event you’re new to the method), and that’s okay. Don’t drive your self loopy making an attempt to get a take that’s 100% excellent – excellent is the enemy of excellent.

For those who’re recording with a bunch of individuals, make sure to verify in with each band member about how every take went for them personally. Your individual finest take might not have been your bandmate’s finest, and vice versa. Don’t end the shoot till you’ll be able to all agree on “the one.”

Step 5: Make a Video, Then One other, Then One other…

Like music, capturing, modifying, and publishing movies is a discovered talent that you would be able to get higher and sooner at with constant repetition. Observe, anybody?

One nice technique to enhance your modifying chops is to discover a social video that you just like, and attempt to recreate it. Bear in mind whenever you first began studying how you can cowl your favourite songs? You discovered new chord progressions, instrumental/vocal strategies, or lyrical turns of phrase that in the end made you a greater musician. By studying to recreate the edits you see in these movies, you’ll be higher geared up to make nice content material on your personal music rapidly and effectively.

Step 6: Keep Organized With a Content material Calendar

When you’re in your ft with creating and posting video content material on your music, it’s possible you’ll discover it helpful to create a social media content material calendar. Content material calendars are precisely what they sound like: day-by-day plans of when, the place, and what to publish. Strive setting easy targets for your self, like posting a music efficiency video each week on Mondays. Or, create a content material plan round your upcoming launch, outlining whenever you’ll put up teaser movies, behind-the-scenes content material, and movies showcasing your musical skills, all main as much as and following launch day. You’ll be able to even batch-create and schedule content material to be printed later utilizing in-app instruments within the platforms or a third-party social media administration service.

Convey Your Music to Life with Spotify Canvas Movies

Alongside comparable traces to short-form movies, Spotify Canvas movies are tremendous short-form movies that may deliver your album artwork to life. These looping clips are seen behind your album artwork as followers play your music on Spotify.

And do you know that utilizing Spotify’s Canvas characteristic encourages listeners to work together together with your tune? Spotify’s knowledge backs it up. In case your tune has a high-quality Canvas video, listeners are:

• 145% extra more likely to share your observe
• 20% extra probably so as to add your observe to a playlist
• 9% extra more likely to go to your artist profile
• 5% extra more likely to stream your tune

With the Canvas characteristic, you’ll be able to add 3-8 second looping movies for every of your tracks on Spotify.  These visuals assist you to construct a right away, high-impact emotional reference to present and potential followers, and present that you just’re severe about your music.

Now you can make Canvas movies rapidly and simply utilizing CDB Video Creator. Right here’s how!

Step 1: Entry the Video Creator

Log in to your CD Child account and entry the CDB Video Creator by Your Movies below the Handle tab. Select the tune or album you need to make movies for out of your current distributed releases.

Step 2: Choose your background

Select your required background from our in depth library (over one million clips!) or add your video.

Step 3: Add results

Use the modifying instrument to refine the choice and trim the clip for a selected vary — proper all the way down to the millisecond. Improve your video with premium types and results, tailoring it to match your inventive vibe.

Step 4: Choose your loop

Optimize the looping impact by selecting from three choices: Exhausting-Minimize, Rebound, and Fade Repeat.

Step 5: You’re virtually completed!

Preview your creation, add your audio for synchronization, pay on your video, and obtain it. That’s it!

When you’ve downloaded your video, you’ll be able to log in to your Spotify for Artists account and add it there so as to add it to your observe. 

How do I add my Canvas video to Spotify? 

Observe these steps:

• Choose the related observe inside Spotify for Artists
• Click on the + to pick out the proper tune
• Select the video out of your digital camera roll, or drag and drop out of your desktop
• Trim the video to between 3-8 seconds
• Overview and click on Subsequent to add
• Confirm your proper to put up the video content material, then share it on social media
• Canvas movies give listeners an thrilling new method to have interaction together with your music. However bear in mind: As a way to use Canvas, you should be a verified artist on Spotify.

CD Child makes Spotify artist verification quick and easy. When you’re a CD Child consumer and also you’ve claimed your Spotify for Artists account, you need to see Canvas as an possibility.

Acquire Followers by Turning Movies into Advertisements

You’ll be able to immediately flip any Spotify observe or YouTube video into an attention grabbing, interactive advert that’s playable inside the present window, utilizing Present.co’s Advert Builder instrument. You’ll be able to goal adverts at music followers who go to web sites associated to your style, so you realize they’re the proper viewers.  

These adverts are easy to construct and extremely efficient. Actually, interactive adverts get 4 occasions extra outcomes than conventional, static banner adverts. 

How one can create an Interactive Advert on your music:

1. First, go to Present.co’s Advert Builder instrument and create an “Interactive Advert”
2. Subsequent, drop within the URL to one in all your YouTube movies, or a observe on Spotify, Apple Music, or Soundcloud
3. Inform us the place you need folks to GO once they click on in your advert
4. Then customise your advert and preview the way it seems in real-time
5. Lastly, select the place you need your advert to look, set your funds, and launch your music into the world!

With Advert Builder, it now takes lower than 5 minutes to create an interactive advert that may attain actual music followers on-line. All you want is a hyperlink to your tune on Spotify or YouTube. We’ll do the remainder.

Conclusion

Whether or not you’re getting ready to movie your first music video or on the lookout for methods to enhance your short-form video technique, we hope this information helps orient you to the foremost pillars of video for right now’s musician.

The sheer number of video instruments and channels obtainable to artists right now can really feel overwhelming, however listed below are 5 key takeaways from the information.

1. Music movies nonetheless matter, however they’ve advanced: Full-length music movies are extra for superfans than for discovery. Most music discovery occurs by way of short-form, social-first video codecs.
2. Quick-form video is probably the most highly effective instrument in 2025: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube shorts dominate fan engagement. Purpose for consistency and don’t sweat the manufacturing: snappy, lofi, and genuine movies will outperform overly polished content material
3. Leverage native video instruments like Spotify Canvas: Canvas can improve shares, profile visits, and playlist provides by exhibiting Spotify you’re taking the platform significantly.
4. Promote your video content material like a marketer: Interactive adverts (by way of instruments like Present.co) can flip your movies into clickable, monetizable belongings. Advertisements that embed your music straight may also help drive streams and empower you to gather extra granular viewers knowledge.
5. Video search engine optimisation is essential for gaining traction: Make your music simply searchable and suggestible by following finest practices for search engine optimisation