Hello there fellow music enthusiasts! Are you getting ready to put together your next music video and considering whether to use props or not? Props can add an extra level of visual appeal to your music video and help to bring your creative vision to life. However, if they’re not used correctly, props can ruin the overall vibe of your video and distract from the music itself. Here are some dos and don’ts of using props in your music video to help you navigate this tricky terrain.

Do think about the overall theme of your video

Before deciding to use any props in your music video, it’s important to first think about the overall theme and concept of your video. Do the props you’re considering fit within that theme? Will they enhance or detract from the overall vision of the video? Make sure you’re using props thoughtfully and intentionally, rather than just throwing them in haphazardly.

👍Tip: Create a mood board for your music video, including images of the props you’re considering. This can help you visualize how they’ll fit into the overall look and feel of the video.

A mood board with images related to the theme of the music video.

Don’t rely too heavily on props

It’s important to remember that the main focus of your music video should always be the music itself. Props can certainly enhance the visual appeal of the video, but they shouldn’t be relied on too heavily to carry the video. If the props are stealing the spotlight from the music, you may want to reconsider their use.

👎Tip: If you find yourself struggling to come up with a concept for your music video without props, try focusing on a different visual element such as lighting or choreography.

A stage with lots of props that are stealing attention from the musician.

Do choose props that are meaningful

If you do decide to use props in your music video, make sure they have some sort of meaning or significance. This can be something as simple as using a particular color or object that holds personal significance to you. Props that have deeper meaning will resonate with your audience on a deeper level.

👍Tip: Consider incorporating props that tie in with the lyrics or message of your song. This can help reinforce the overall theme of the video.

A musician singing while holding onto a significant object as a prop.

Don’t use too many props

While props can certainly add to the overall aesthetic of your music video, using too many can be overwhelming and distracting. Make sure you’re using props in moderation, and only including those that are necessary to the overall vision of the video.

👎Tip: If you’re struggling to decide which props to include and which to leave out, try filming a test run with all the props and then watching it back to see which ones feel unnecessary.

A stage cluttered with too many props.

Do make sure your props are safe

Safety should always be a top priority when using props in your music video. Make sure that any props you’re using are safe for both you and your crew to handle, and that they won’t pose a danger to anyone on set.

👍Tip: If you’re unsure about the safety of a particular prop, try testing it out before filming to make sure everything is secure and no one is at risk of getting hurt.

A musician using a prop that is not safe and is posing a danger.

Don’t use props just for the sake of it

Props should enhance the visual appeal of your music video, but they shouldn’t be used solely for the sake of it. Make sure each prop serves a purpose and contributes to the overall vision of the video.

👎Tip: Don’t try to force props into your music video if they don’t naturally fit within the theme or concept. It’s better to keep things simple and focused than to include props that don’t make sense.

A musician using a prop in a way that doesn't make sense in the context of the music video.

With these dos and don’ts in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating an amazing music video that incorporates props in a way that enhances the overall visual appeal without detracting from the main focus of the music.

A musician holding a couple of meaningful bare props looking straight at the camera.