Music Promotion

What is a Lyric Video? Is Getting 1 Better Than a Music Video?

Calvin West | Mar 09, 2022

With lyric videos flooding YouTube for the last decade, I’ve heard many artists ask if there’s still a point in going through the hassle of getting a music video, which can be costly both in time and economically. A lot of people even ask me what is a lyric video, to begin with?

YouTube is one of the biggest platforms for music streaming and discovery, so artists have to get their music on there in one form or another. That said, in this post, I’ll go over the pros and cons of both options, and hopefully, you can make more informed decisions for your next release.

In This Article

Advantages of Music Videos

The primary advantage music videos offer is that they can showcase the artist. People are social animals and they respond more positively to seeing other people. That is even more true when it’s about fans seeing their favorite artists. So if you’re trying to market a certain image, brand, or appeal to a certain demographic, it might be best achieved through shooting a music video. They do however come at a premium. A music video can cost on average around ten times more than a lyric video.

What is a Lyric Video?

Everyone knows and understands the concept of a music video, but given their relative recent surge in popularity, it makes sense to ask what is a lyric video and when would they be preferred over a music video.

If you want to visually portray the message of your song, then lyric videos will often come out on top. You can always include an image of the artist in the lyric video to help with the branding as well (similar to the video I made for Corey Kelly). Lyric videos are not only more budget-friendly to produce, they can even be free, provided you have the time and are willing to learn some new skills.

If you have a laptop and basic knowledge of a few key apps, you can make your first lyric video in a day or two, so long as you’re okay with something relatively basic (but still far better looking than a video done in Movie Maker). Otherwise, you can always hire me to make it for you!

Promote Your Music with a Lyric Video

If you’re not up for the DIY approach, professional lyric video creation services are available!

Attract new fans and make your lyrics stand out. Check out my lyric video portfolio, and get in touch to take your music game to the next level!

Combining Music and Lyric Videos for Maximum Impact

If you don’t want to pick between the two, then you may not have to! If your budget allows it, you may be able to get the best of both worlds by first producing a music video and then adding the lyrics over it. You may have to hire two separate entities for this; such as a director to shoot and edit the video, and an animator to implement the lyrics into said video.

An example always helps: I made the lyric video animation part of this technique for The Rasmus and Regi. If you do opt for this method, I would highly recommend having the lyrics placement in mind when shooting and editing the music video footage. Doing this ensures the lyrics blend right into the video and do not look like a mere afterthought.

Do Lyric Videos Get More Views?

Now that we know what is a lyric video and its advantages, I’m sure you’d like to know whether or not they get more views than music videos.

Last year while talking to one of my clients who is a director at a major record label, I was surprised to learn that their lyric videos are getting more views than their music videos. I was skeptical at first but I have to admit these guys are pretty data-driven.

Alternatively, we can compare songs that have both types of videos released. To use an example from my own work, the lyric video I made for Smith & Thell, has over 6 million views as of writing this post. Whereas its (very cool looking) music video counterpart has just over a million. Obviously, there are way too many factors to consider when drawing a comparison like that, so you can make of that what you will.

Should You Get a Lyric Video or a Music Video?

In very broad terms, think of a music video as a way to promote an artist or an image, and a lyric video as a way to promote a song or a release. If cost is a limiting factor, then a lyric video will almost certainly give you more bang for the buck.

On the other hand, if cost isn’t an issue, consider getting both or a fusion. When in doubt, refer to my handy flowchart!

How to Make a Lyric Video

There are essentially three ways to create a lyric video:

Option 1: DIY Approach

If you’re willing to invest time and energy, you can make a lyric video yourself. This approach requires learning to use specialized software such as Adobe After Effects, my lyric video software of choice. It’s user-friendly enough for beginners, yet powerful enough to make professional-grade lyric videos. Plus, the process can be quite engaging and fun. Just remember, like any new skill, it will take time to master, so be patient with yourself.

Option 2: Automated Online Services

There are various online platforms that provide automated lyric video creation services. These are a quick and easy way to get a lyric video made, requiring less effort and knowledge than the DIY approach. However, the trade-off is that these videos are often less customizable, and may not offer the unique branding or aesthetic you’re looking for.

Option 3: Hire a Professional

If you’re looking for a highly customized, professional-grade lyric video and don’t have the time or inclination to do it yourself, hiring a professional is the way to go. A professional like myself not only brings expertise in video creation but also an understanding of the music industry and what engages audiences. I regularly work closely with artists to bring their vision to life, ensuring the lyric video not only enhances a song but also aligns with the overall brand.

Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs, skills, budget, and the time you’re willing to invest. Whether you choose to do it yourself, use an automated service, or hire a professional, a well-made lyric video can significantly boost your song’s appeal.

Ready to Bring Your Music to Life?

Whether you’re considering a lyric video or a music video, the ultimate goal is to connect with your audience and leave a lasting impression. Don’t let your music go unnoticed. Reach millions of potential fans on platforms like YouTube with high-quality, engaging videos that truly represent your music.

Are you ready to take the next step in your music career? Get in touch today and let’s start planning your next big hit.