Genre Conventions - Pop

In pop music videos, conventionally a performance through choreographed dance, or in a narrative storyline connoted via the lyrics. Also the artist/band usually lip-sync the songs lyrics. This can often be done to the camera, breaking the 4th wall.

 The tone of the music video is usually upbeat, and lively, which is created through the lyrics and the the pace of the song. This is why pop songs are conventionally fast paced. Complementing the songs upbeat tone, is the costumes worn in pop videos. The artists usually wear colourful, mainstream clothing. In additions, the locations are often colourful and exciting, and the lighting is usually bright and well lit (high key lighting).

Narratives in music videos are often about relationships, either to do with break ups, or meeting someone new. However there is no particular storyline conventional to the pop genre. One common link between all pop storylines is the fact that they are about a happy topic, even if it is to do with a break up the narrative will be about recovering or meeting someone new.

Pop music videos generally use many close up shots. This tends to be on the lead singer, to show that they are lip-syncing the song. Close ups upon the lead singer are mostly used to 'sell' the singer as much as the song is to be sold. This is because music videos are about gaining fame for the artists, as they often become just as famous as their music. Also, audiences mostly watch a singer's music video to see the singer.