5 Post-Production Secrets Behind Successful Music Videos

Making a hit music video involves more than just capturing footage. Our extensive experience with countless music videos has taught us that the real work often lies in post-production. That’s when your video becomes unforgettable or fades into the background noise of the internet.

In this blog, we’re removing the curtain on the five post-production secrets that can elevate your music video to the Billboard Hot 100 charts. So, if you want your video to stand out, keep reading.

Secret 1. Cut to the Beat, But Break the Rules When Necessary

One of the most effective ways to create an engaging music video is syncing cuts to the beat. This technique involves timing your video cuts (or transitions between shots) to match the rhythm of the music track. For example, you can ensure the video cuts or changes precisely when there’s a strong drumbeat or a significant beat drop in the song. This simple technique creates a rhythm that feels natural to viewers and keeps them engaged. However, sticking to the beat throughout the entire video can feel predictable.

A pro tip is to break the rhythm sometimes to build anticipation or amplify emotional moments. This break might mean letting the shots linger longer than the beat or cut just before a beat drop.

For example, in Formation by Beyonce, the music video shows quick cuts and rhythmic editing to elevate the energy of the scenes.

Secret 2. Color Grading for Mood Enhancement

Color grading is a crucial step in post-production that can make or break a music video. It involves adjusting and enhancing the colors to align with the mood and tone of your video. This part is important because even small changes in hue and contrast can dramatically alter how the audience perceives a scene.

When your color grading is done right, it elevates the entire video. It makes it impossible for viewers to look away. But if you get it wrong, the whole vibe might fall flat. That is why you should always ensure that the grading does not feel forced or out of place and aligns with the story and emotions of the performance.

If your music video features an upbeat pop track, apply vibrant, saturated colors with warm tones. For example, in the music video of Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, the vibrant yellows and blues perfectly capture the quirky and rebellious nature of the song.

On the other hand, for darker or more introspective songs, use cooler, desaturated tones to create a fitting atmosphere.

Some Pro-Tips:

1. Fix the Basics: Make sure your footage has consistent color and exposure.

2. Apply Color Grading Techniques: Adjust contrasts, highlights, and shadows. Use color filters or Look-Up Tables (LUTs) to get the desired look.

3. Make Small Changes: Fine-tune to ensure the colors fit with the story and emotions of the video.

Secret 3. Keep Visual Effects Subtle and Purposeful

While visual effects (VFX) can give a music video its wow factor, the key to using VFX lies in subtlety and purpose.

In simple words, less is more when it comes to these effects. You can clutter the video and distract your audience from the story if you use too many flashy visuals. Instead, focus on two or three standout effects and use them sparingly. By doing this, you can keep the visuals clean and impactful.

For example, in All of the Lights by Kanye West, the intense strobing effects enhanced the video without overwhelming it.

A pro tip we always recommend is to stick to the narrative and let the story shine through the effects rather than the other way around.

Secret 4. Hook Viewers With Seamless Green Screen Compositing

The green screen, or chroma key, is a staple in music video production. It allows you to place artists in any setting imaginable without leaving the studio.

When done right, green screen compositing elevates the visual storytelling. The key to making it work is ensuring the lighting, shadows, and angles match between the artist and the background. This alignment makes the scene look natural and believable.

For example, in Wide Awake by Katy Perry, green screen compositing transported her into surreal, dream-like environments. The seamless blend of her live-action performance with the CGI background made the video captivating and a viral hit.

To hook your viewers, focus on perfecting the details of your green screen work. This will keep your audience entertained from start to finish.

Secret 5. Stay Original & Think Outside the Box

In a crowded industry, standing out needs creativity and originality. Audiences quickly lose interest in music videos that follow the same tired formulas. While there is nothing wrong with these methods, pushing creative boundaries can make your music video into a hit.

If you want your video to stand out, skip the overused scenes and repetitive camera movements. Instead, challenge yourself to think outside the box and try new ideas.

For example, look at Young Thug’s music video for Wyclef Jean. When the artist did not show up for the shoot, the editors didn’t scrap the project. Instead, they turned the situation into an amusing story about his absence, and this video became a unique viral hit among music fans.

Remember, originality is essential to making your music video memorable. When you think creatively, your video stands out and engages your audience. So, try using unconventional angles, continuous shots, or even advanced visual effects to break away from the traditional ‘artist in front of the camera’ formula.

These Five Secrets Are Not Just Tips…

They’re tactics that you can use to shape a music video that stands out in a crowded market. So, nail your editing, create smooth transitions, set the right mood with color grading, use the right VFX, and think outside the box.

Also, don’t forget to sync every part of the video, including action, effects, sound, and all the best performance takes with the music track.

And if you are serious about making your next video a visual success, we’re ready to help. At Motion Edits, we know how to make visuals hit hard. Our team specializes in advanced VFX, transitions, color grading, and more. So, if you need a team that’s as committed to your vision as you are, let’s talk.

Your next standout video is just one post-production phase away from happening.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today, and let’s get to work.