Planning- Audience Research

Blumler and Katz created the uses and gratifications theory as they acknowledged that all media, including music videos, offered their audiences a form of knowledge and pleasure when watching. They argue that it is the "gratifications" created by these different forms of media, that make them enjoyable to audiences. The music video has a purpose for audiences that they discover whilst watching.This theory assumes audiences are active rather than passive. Audiences that watch music videos approach the music video for different reasons, that it offers them.  Their theory suggests that individuals and social groups use music videos in different ways. This is supported by Roland Barthes theory as he explained that what is being received by audiences, may differ to the producers actual intensions.

Justin Bieber's "Beauty and the beat":

Justin Bieber's music video to "Beauty and the Beat" is a clear example of one of the uses and gratifications that audiences receive from music videos. This music video is an up-beat song that shows a teenage lifestyle. It is evident that audiences are being offered a form of escapism from reality, and are able to escape in the hedonistic life of the music video.

​The use of a hand held camera throughout the music video effectively draws audiences into the party that is being displayed, and adds an element of realism to the scene. The singer is constantly focusing on the camera to ensure audiences are engaged with the party and what is going on. This is demonstrates Richard Dyer's star theory as Justin Bieber's teenage audience want to see the star in the music video, which makes him appear desirable to them.

Massive Attack's "Live with me":

The music video to Massive attack's "Live with me" demonstrates the second type of gratification identified by audiences. This form of gratification that audiences obtain from the music video explains the possibility for audience members to identify with character, and the use of a media allowing them to discuss the concepts with others. This is evident due to the relatable topic that is being shown in our narrative​.​

Adult audiences are able to identify their problems in the protagonist of the music video. The video illustrates the typical difficulties that many working-class people may face when dealing the stress they get from work. Consequently, the nature of this topic in the music video causes audiences to discuss their similar problems with one another and how they also relate to this character, who finds the solution to her problems in alcohol.

Adele's "Hello": 

This music video creates a sense of identity about the life of an individual that many audience members themselves may be living. This gratification is similar to the previous one as they both demonstrate how audiences relate to music videos. The personal identity in the narrative is the main artist herself, who is compared with her audiences who are going through similar situations in their life.

The protagonist in this music video has returned to her old town and is reminded of the time when she met someone she use to love, and how they ended up being separated. Many audiences compare themselves to the artists and how they're similar their experiences are for a nostalgia of their previous relationships. The whole narrative, is a de-saturated green effect that exposes melancholy and conveys an on-going flashback into a past life. Audiences can themselves go into a flashback of their lives.