How Long Does It Take to Film and Edit a Music Video?
Most music videos take between one and four weeks from first meeting to final delivery. A simple performance video with a clear concept can wrap in under two weeks. A narrative or conceptual clip requiring locations, cast, and heavier post-production sits closer to three to four weeks. Here's how the timeline actually breaks down, and what slows it down most often.
What Are the Stages of Music Video Production?
Music video production runs through three phases: pre-production, the shoot day, and post-production.
Stage 1: Pre-Production (3–10 Days)
This is the planning phase, and it's the one artists most often try to rush. It includes:
Concept development: What's the visual idea? What does the song need?
Location scouting: Finding the right spaces, whether that's a studio in Sydney, a beach on North Sydney, or a street in Bankstown.
Shot list and storyboard: Planning exactly what needs to be captured so shoot day runs efficiently.
Logistics: Scheduling, permits (if needed), wardrobe decisions, and crew briefing.
Rushing pre-production is the single biggest reason music videos don't turn out as planned. A well-prepared shoot day looks very different to an unplanned one.
Stage 2: The Shoot Day (1–2 Days)
Most music videos film in a single day of 6–10 hours. That's enough for a performance video or a conceptual clip with two or three locations.
Narrative videos with multiple scenes, cast, and location changes may need two shoot days. The actual shoot is usually the fastest stage, pre-production and editing take longer combined.
What happens on shoot day:
Setup and lighting
Performance or scene filming (multiple takes, multiple angles)
BTS and supplementary footage
Wrap and gear pack-down
Stage 3: Post-Production / Editing (5–20 Days)
This is where the video actually gets made. Editing involves:
Reviewing all footage and selecting the best takes
Syncing to the track
Cutting to the music's rhythm and energy
Colour grading (which significantly changes the mood of a video)
Motion graphics or VFX if applicable
Client review and revisions
Final export in multiple formats
Music Video Timeline at a Glance
Here's how timelines typically look by video type:
| Video Type | Pre-Production | Shoot Day/s | Editing | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visualiser | 1–2 days | No shoot / minimal | 2–4 days | ~1 week |
| Performance Video (basic) | 3–5 days | 1 day | 3–5 days | 1–2 weeks |
| Performance Video (cinematic) | 5–7 days | 1 day | 5–7 days | 2–3 weeks |
| Narrative / Story Video | 7–10 days | 1–2 days | 10–14 days | 3–4 weeks |
| Conceptual / Abstract | 5–10 days | 1–2 days | 7–14 days | 3–4 weeks |
What Causes Delays?
The most common reasons a music video takes longer than expected:
Unclear concept going into pre-production: back-and-forth on direction adds days
Location changes: especially if permits are involved
Revision rounds: one round of revisions is standard; more rounds extend the timeline
Weather: outdoor shoots in Sydney or the Central Coast can be weather-dependent
Tight release windows: if you have a hard release date, communicate it early
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to edit a music video?
Editing typically takes 5-14 days after the shoot, depending on video complexity. A basic performance edit might be done in 3-5 days. A narrative video with heavy colour work takes closer to two weeks.
Q: Can a music video be made in a week?
Yes, if the concept is straightforward. A visualiser or simple performance video with a clear brief can be shot and delivered in 5–7 days.
Q: How many days does it take to film a music video?
Most music videos film in a single shoot day of 6–10 hours. Complex narrative videos may require two shoot days
Q: When should I contact a videographer before my release date?
At least 4-6 weeks before your intended release date. This gives enough time for concept development, scheduling, shooting, and editing without rushing any stage.
Q: How many revisions are standard in a music video package?
Most packages include one round of revisions. Additional rounds are usually available at an extra cost, so it's worth clarifying this before you sign off on a quote.
