There are lots of different styles of music video;
Some are made up of primarily performance.
This is a video for 'Wonderful Life' by Hurts. It features the band (only 2 men) performing the song, and a woman dancing. This video was made on a small budget.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kuwdw7KmGwA
In contrast to this, other music videos are filmed almost like short films, and incorporate a narrative plot usually featuring a performance aspect aswel. Some times the narrative includes the performers them selves or actors.
This is the video for 'Rock That Body' by the Black Eyed Peas. It uses alot of special effects/CGI and was made on a large budget.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmnjL26OBcY&ob=av2e
Another type of music video is one that is completely animated. The narrative plot of the video is usually related to the song lyrics, but can be unrelated.
This is the video for 'Land of Confusion' by Disturbed, which is completely animated, in the style of popular children's cartoons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6KXgjLqSTg&feature=fvst
Record Labels/ Bands/ Directors are always trying to be innovative and develop a music video unlike any previous to give the audience something new. This can usually spur intrest and excitement in the video, which in turn will make people aware of the band/performer and song.
A good example of this approach to a music video is the one for 'This Too Shall Pass' by OK GO. It was viewed by millions of people, and shared between peers, not because people liked the song so much, but more because it is something new and different.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w
