What is a music video/the purpose/ and why they are important?

A music video is a short film that integrates a song and imagery that is produced for either promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are usually made and used as a marketing device that are intended to promote the sale of the artist's music.

The purpose of a music video is to sell the song and invoke a reaction on the audience so they remember the song. If the video is narrative, then it gives the listener a better understanding of the song. Music videos are used to market for the purpose of the exposure and expansion of the specific artist's career. The music video is a promotional tool for the artist and is usually a catalyst for CD sales or artist song downloads. 

Music videos are important because they are an entry point because different genres are viewed by different people by the way this particular artist has presented themselves and the music video. Giving the audience imagination to different ways music videos can be made broadens the artists fan base. Music videos are also important because they are incredibly valuable for the imagery of the artist because they way the viewing sees them in this music video may be the way they see them throughout their entire career. For example, when Taylor Swift released her first album it was completely country and that is what people know her for as an artist. But her latest album is completely pop and some people may be unfamiliar with her as an artist because for instance the first time they heard of her was when she was completely a country artist. As a consumer, an artists audience decides what they are going to spend their money on and if they enjoy one of the music videos that the artist puts out then they will most likely spend their money buying the artist's other music which creates more publicity for the particular artist. Music videos are important because they let the artist express themselves in this type of visual. For example, if an artist is looking up to another artists music then when they release something the artist is going to try and compete with it.