Popular Music Video Effects

There are many different types of genres of music videos, all of which has differing styles and techniques used to create them. There are also many different stereotypical styles associated with different genres of music. Knowing the different popular effects used in different types of music videos will be very useful, as well as potentially giving me inspiration. I am going to be explaining some of the most popular and used music video effects.

1. Glow Effect and Neon Scribbles- This effect includes applying a layer above the music video, and almost writing on the video itself. You can draw frame by frame of implement pre-comps, and you can easily achieve this effect in after effects, although it is quite time-consuming depending on the accuracy and detail required. The most popular variety of this effect is neon squiggles to emphasize movement in dancing. Most popular in pop music videos, but could be used in rap/ hip hop and house.

2.) Fire Effects- This effect involves using fire in different ways. You can either overlay it as ashes or embers for a scorch effect, or use fire as a transition or effect in part of the scene. Fire is a good visual effect as it is an attention gatherer, as people are attracted to fire. Fire is used mostly in rap videos, but can be used in any fast paced music.

3,) Money Effects- money is used as both a lyric component as well as a method to flex in music videos. As well as this, there is a particular effect of which works with money, as well as paper like materials. It includes transitions where you use stop motion of paper going across the screen in different methods, to transition from scene to scene. Used mostly in hip/hop, rap and pop music.

4.) TV screen effect and replacing TV with a video- There are 2 major ways in which TV screen can be used in music videos. First of all, you can alter the aesthetic of the music video, with an overlay of a TV screen, to make the footage look like it is slightly old, as well as being from an old TV, but there is also a commonly used effect of importing a part of the music video, and having it played on a screen somewhere within the music video. This effect is very cool and one I might play around with soon.

5.) Water Effects- Water effects can be used in all sorts of ways, most of the time it is in summer themed music videos or rainy themed videos. Subtle water drops on the screen can have a massive effects on the video, or effects to make it look like it is raining can change the mood dramatically. Water is also a good transition material, due to the many different applications it has.

6.) VHS Transitions and Effects- Like the TV screen effect, the VHS effect gives off a similar effect, but makes it more vintage. It makes footage look like it was recorded in the 1980's. This works very well for particular songs, such as slightly gloomy songs or songs about the past. It gives off an amateur effect, like the footage was recorded on a home camera. You can also make VHS transitions, like the TV is changing channel, or like the VHS tape is loading up a new tape. A blur comes across the screen to change scene.

7.) Lens Flares and Light Effects- This one is possibly the most used effect on this list, as it can be used in every music genre, and in almost every music video. Applying simple lens flares, using overlays or creating them within adobe can dramatically improves footage, as it gives off a cinematic effect. Light effects can be used in the exact same way, but can also be used for transitions, as well as used in more scenarios, such as you wouldn't use a lens flare in doors, but you could use a light effect.

8.) Glass Effects- a very niche effect, glass smashing can be used as a transition. Often this includes a window being broken, or to act like the lens of the camera has been smashed.

9.) Film Matte Effect (Vintage Look)- This effect involves putting footage into an overlay, of which could be a tape recording, old camera lens or other old movie recording devices. Popular in songs about the past or about memories.

Many of these effects are very achievable and can change the feel and aesthetic of footage. I will be experimenting with a few of these styles in my upcoming music videos.