10 Cool Music Video Ideas to Bring to Your Next Shoot (2024)

Armed with an incredible concept for a music video, you and your musicians and crew are all geared up and eager to bring it to life. However, before you hit the record button, consider elevating your project even further with a breathtaking video shoot venue. Explore these 10 inventive music video ideas designed to enhance your production.

This way, your work not only stands out but also captures the imagination of your audience in unique and memorable ways. Infuse your video with an extra layer of creativity and sophistication and push the boundaries of traditional music video storytelling.

Speaking of music video ideas, have you booked an amazing location on Peerspace yet? If not, what are you waiting for? We have thousands of venues in cities across North America and beyond, all available to book by the hour. You can book a designated production spot packed with professional equipment. Or, you can opt to book a home, loft, penthouse, mansion, cabin, treehouse, you name it, to further inspire your creativity.

At its core, Peerspace is the easiest (and most fun!) way to book the location of your dreams. Now, back to the topic at hand: incredible music video ideas you’re sure to love!

1. Shoot during golden hour

Lighting plays a pivotal role in the success of any shoot, but it becomes even more crucial in the world of music videos, where the visuals are as important as the music itself. When planning to shoot exterior scenes for your music video, timing is everything.

Aim to capture these moments during the golden hour, a photography term that refers to the time right after sunrise and before sunset. During this magical time, the sun casts a soft, warm glow that can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of your footage, adding a natural, cinematic quality that is difficult to replicate with artificial lighting.

This golden light not only flatters the subjects but also imbues the scene with a dreamy, ethereal vibe, setting the perfect tone for a memorable music video. Shooting during golden hour not only elevates the aesthetic of your video but also contributes to the overall mood and storytelling, making it a powerful tool in your creative arsenal.

2. Make your light move with the music

For those planning to film their musicians performing indoors, an innovative and budget-friendly lighting technique involves the use of a fishing net and exposed lightbulbs. Strategically drape the fishing net over the area designated for the band’s performance. Then, weave exposed lightbulbs throughout the net, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

To add dynamic movement to the scene, secure a rope to one side of the net. As the band starts to play, instruct a production assistant or a crew member to gently pull on the rope in rhythm with the music. This method not only illuminates the space in a unique and visually captivating way but also introduces a dynamic camera effect that mimics the pulsating energy of the performance.

The shifting shadows and light patterns created by the moving net add a layer of texture and depth to the video, transforming the performance space into an integral part of the visual storytelling. This approach is one of the more creative music video ideas, offering a visually stunning effect that enhances the ambiance without breaking the budget. It’s a testament to how imaginative lighting can elevate the production value of a music video.

3. Record your footage at different speeds

Music videos tend to break traditional filmmaking rules in a variety of ways. For one of the best music video ideas for a more modern style, try recording your footage at variable speeds. For example, slow-motion can create a dramatic effect. Remember that if your musician is singing along, you will need the song’s speed to match this footage.

Slow down the playback for them to lip-sync as you shoot the shot. Speeding up your footage is another cool and easy way to add a sense of urgency and drama to your music video. Playing with different speeds allows a bit of artistic flair to shine through the resulting video.

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4. Craft the slow reveal

The slow reveal stands out as a powerful music video technique, offering a compelling blend of drama and surprise that can significantly elevate the impact of your video. Start with a tight, focused shot on your singer’s face, capturing the raw emotion and intensity of their performance.

As they sing, gradually widen the shot, slowly unveiling an unexpected element or context to the viewers that shifts their understanding of the scene. This technique thrives on the element of surprise. Initially, it might seem as though the singer is performing alone, only for the camera to reveal they’re actually amidst a live band on stage, engaging with a vibrant crowd.

Or, you might start with what appears to be a studio setting, but as the camera pulls back, it’s revealed that the singer is in fact in an expansive, desolate outdoor location, adding layers of meaning and narrative depth to the song.

Incorporating a slow reveal not only adds a layer of visual intrigue but also plays with audience expectations, creating a memorable music video moment. It’s a creative strategy that leverages visual storytelling to deepen the viewer’s emotional connection to the music, making the video unforgettable.

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5. Create a one-shot video

While this technique can be a challenge to shoot, the one-shot music video is a cool way to impress your viewers. This requires some expert shooting and a polished performance from your singer and musicians. The great thing about the one-shot music video is that it requires only one camera and one location. You will be moving backward with the camera, so have a production assistant or a friend help guide you as you move.

The singer should be singing while looking directly into the camera. You don’t even need to move to create an amazing one-shot video — you can shoot the entire one-shot with a tripod. The effect of having your musician look directly into the camera for the duration of the song can be profound.  

6. Shoot on a green screen

While locations are key to a great music video, sometimes you need to create a space that doesn’t necessarily exist in real life. Shoot your video or parts of your video against a green screen. You can key out the background in post-production and take your viewer to magical, unknown worlds. 

What’s great about this concept is that it’s one of those music video ideas that ensure versatility. It can work with any genre of music, from metal to country to pop. Best of all, Peerspace has tons of green screen studios that you rent for your music video. Here are a few of our favorites:

• This pre-lit soundproof green screen studio in Burbank, CA, with space for 20 people
• This lounge studio with light designs and a green screen in Chicago, IL, for 15 guests
• This Midtown green screen and white cyc stages in Manhattan, NY, with room for 25 people
• This video studio with green screen and noise insulation in Dallas, TX, for 10 guests

7. Add stop-motion animation

Stop-motion animation is a timeless technique that brings a unique charm to music videos, often described as “video magic” for its ability to animate static scenes. It’s important to note, however, that this method demands a significant amount of effort.

To achieve this effect, you’ll need to capture a series of still images of your musicians as they perform. And when we say a series, we mean a substantial number of stills to ensure fluidity in the animation. By compiling these photographs in post-production, you’ll create a visual that mimics the nostalgic flip-book effect, blending a retro feel with contemporary visuals.

Despite its traditional roots, stop-motion can generate visually striking outcomes that feel fresh and innovative. This technique not only distinguishes your video from others but does so in a cost-effective manner. It’s an excellent way to add creativity and distinction to your project.

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8. Use a drone as a thrilling and modern music video idea

Using a drone for your music video, whether you operate it yourself or hire a drone operator, can elevate your footage to new heights. Drone shots can serve multiple purposes: they can provide captivating establishing shots, dynamic B-roll, or even offer a unique perspective on a performance.

The popularity of drone footage in documentaries and feature films is no accident — it delivers a visually stunning effect that draws viewers into the scene. Incorporating drone footage adds an element of excitement and grandeur, similar to an action movie, which can be especially effective for showcasing performers in a dramatic, engaging manner.

Filming at an eye-catching Peerspace location with a drone can further enhance your video, offering breathtaking views and landscapes that complement your artistic vision. This approach not only sets your music video apart but does so with a flair that captures and retains viewer interest.

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9. Let the musicians shoot the video themselves

If the band is on tour, in the studio, or goofing off backstage, have them shoot videos of the action on their phones. Make sure to have them shoot horizontal video instead of vertical video. Use this footage to cut between your live performance or construct your entire video out of it. Either way, this is an affordable and creative way to give your viewers a look into the lives of their favorite musicians. 

You can even turn it into an interactive contest of sorts. Reach out to fans on social media and ask them to submit videos they took at the group’s concerts. After all, you know they’re always filming during their concerts! You’ll have tons of extra footage to sort through, but there could be serious diamonds in the rough.

10. Produce your video with animation in mind

One of our favorite music video ideas is to add elements of animation to your video. Plenty of amazing music videos integrate animated elements in post-production. But, like with all good productions, you need to plan for this before you shoot.

You don’t need to shoot on a green screen to integrate animated effects over your video. Think about how you can integrate the popular “scribble effect” into your video. Plan out your animated elements and compose your shots with post-production in mind. This can elevate your final video. 

Also check out our 6 creative video ideas for YouTube for more inspiration

Bonus: Book a multi-set studio to wow your audience

You don’t need a billionaire’s budget to pull off over-the-top music video ideas. With Peerspace, you can book one space for one price and enjoy multiple themed rooms! Multi-set studios are popping up on Peerspace in major cities across North America, namely Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas.

For one low cost, you book a studio for a few hours and take advantage of the studio’s multiple themed sets that translate to internet gold. The versatility is unquestionable here since you can shoot tons of film across different backdrops. Plan ahead to create a cohesive story with your music video or figure it all out in post-production after.

Need a few examples of the types of sets we’re talking about? Our favorites include:

• This multiple-set warehouse production studio in Atlanta, GA (pictured above)
• This multiple music video film sets with LED wall in Los Angeles, CA
• These creative multipurpose production sets in Irving, TX, near Dallas
• These custom designed sets in Chicago, IL

And more! If you don’t live near these cities, simply check out what Peerspace has on offer in a city near you and let your creativity run wild.

The best music video ideas come to life at a Peerspace

Be it a performance-based video, a narrative video, or a video with heavy animation, keep these 10 cool music video ideas in your production toolbox. They are sure to take your production to the next level. And when you need a stunning setting to shoot the video in your city of choice, browse the selection of bookable venues on Peerspace.

We are home to thousands of one-of-a-kind venues in cities across the globe. Since we have countless venues in every conceivable style, be it chic, grungy, farmhouse, sleek, industrial, urban, or eclectic, you’ll find the perfect space for your image and sound. Each venue has its own listing that includes high-def photos, detailed descriptions, reviews from past creatives like yourself, and clear pricing.

And since you can rent by the hour and not the day, you don’t have to worry about steep production costs. Between your music and concept, these music video ideas, and a killer Peerspace venue, you’ll have serious magic on your hands.

Find unique video shoot locations on Peerspace