Music videos are one of the best tools for a musician looking to sell music online.  They’re short, easily shared, and can expose entire new audiences to your music – plus, videos are fun to make as well!   In past years, music videos were extremely difficult for independent musicians to produce, given the equipment required.  However, you might have everything you need in your own pocket!

1 – Cameras   Of course, you can’t have a music video without cameras of some sort.  However, these days, a huge number of cell phones have video capabilities that are fine for a video intended for online distribution.  HD equipment is still pricey, but high-def isn’t necessary for a good video that will sell music online.   You might also want to obtain an inexpensive tripod, unless you want a “shaky” all-handheld look.

2 – Subjects   Often, you can find plenty of inspiration for your videos just looking around you. After all, PSY became an international star mostly by filming his friends drinking coffee.  Don’t shoot willy-nilly, however.  Think about framing and composition, so the final footage looks planned.

3 – Involve Your Fans   Get your fans onboard!  Trent Reznor, for example, once produced a NIN concert video created entirely out of footage shot by fans in the audience.  (It was one of his best too, at least IMHO.)     If you’re having trouble thinking of subjects to film, your fans can help.

4 – Editing   Most of the time spent making a music video is going to be in editing, rather than shooting.  Luckily,cheap video editing software is also extremely easy to obtain.  Many tablets, and even smartphones, come with video editing onboard, or for a low app purchase.   If you have an iPad in your group, Apple’s iMovie app is probably all you need.

Just remember to take your time here – whether a video looks cheap often hinges on how slick the editing is.    heap video editing software is also extremely easy to obtain.  Many tablets, and even smartphones, come with video editing onboard, or for a low app purchase.   If you have an iPad in your group, Apple’s iMovie app is probably all you need.  Just remember to take

And, if you’re looking for more tips for selling music online and promoting your video, just follow our blog for more ideas!