Lyric Video for Music Video Behind-the-Scenes Content
Music video shoots produce 4-8x more raw footage than the final music video uses. The footage that doesn't make the final cut — behind-the-scenes (BTS) — is content gold. Combined with your lyric video output, BTS extends the music video's impact for weeks.
What BTS Content Includes
After a music video shoot, BTS content typically:
- Setup / preparation — wardrobe, makeup, set design
- Between-takes moments — performers in candid moments
- Crew at work — director, DP, lighting team
- Reactions to playback — performers seeing the take
- Outtakes / mistakes — unscripted moments
- Location shots — the space itself
- Equipment / production gear — cameras, lights, monitors
This content already exists from the shoot. Lyric video output extends it.
Workflow for BTS + Lyric Video
Approach 1: BTS Footage with Lyric Overlay
- Upload BTS footage as background to Epitrite
- Layer your song's lyrics on top
- Audience sees BTS visuals + sings along
- TikTok / Reels content
Approach 2: Lyric Video Variant from BTS Clips
- Make a "BTS lyric video" — alternate version of the official
- Different visual treatment (more raw, less polished)
- Posted alongside the official for variety
Approach 3: BTS Documentary with Lyric Cards
- Documentary-style BTS video (3-5 minutes)
- Title cards from Epitrite between sections
- Lyric quotes from Epitrite as transitions
- Released as supplemental YouTube content
Aspect Ratio Strategy
- 9:16: For TikTok / Reels BTS posts
- 16:9: For YouTube BTS documentaries
- 1:1: For Instagram feed posts
Multi-aspect export from Epitrite covers all.
Template Recommendations for BTS
| BTS style | Best Template | Notes | |---|---|---| | Casual / candid | Brat (warm) | Simple, doesn't compete with footage | | Documentary-style | Bauhaus Type | Editorial, restrained | | Energetic / fast cuts | Triple Strip | Multi-angle BTS | | Polished / brand-aligned | Magazine Cover | Premium feel | | Raw / DIY | Ransom Note | DIY aesthetic match |
Timing Strategy
Music video → BTS content cadence:
- Day 0: Music video drops
- Day 1-2: First BTS clip on TikTok (short, hook-driven)
- Day 3-5: Second BTS clip (different angle)
- Day 7: BTS documentary on YouTube (longer-form)
- Day 10-14: Additional BTS variants
- Ongoing: BTS content for months from one shoot
A single music video shoot produces 4-8 weeks of content with proper BTS strategy.
Lyric Layer Strategy
For BTS content:
- Same lyrics as music video (consistency)
- Different visual treatment (raw vs polished)
- Same audio (sometimes different mix — alternate take?)
This creates "same song, different visual angle" content.
Behind-the-Scenes for Sync Pitches
For sync agency / supervisor pitches:
- Music video shoot + BTS = creative authenticity
- Supervisors value seeing creative process
- BTS can be part of EPK submission
- Demonstrates investment in craft
Production Value
BTS should look intentional:
- Phone-shot BTS is fine (often preferred)
- Color-grade if possible to match music video
- Audio: original take or music overlay
- Don't over-polish — raw is part of BTS appeal
Common Questions
Should BTS music video and lyric video share footage?
Some overlap is fine (same shoot, different angles). Distinct treatments help differentiate.
Will BTS perform as well as music video?
Generally yes — sometimes better. BTS feels authentic; audiences value access.
Is BTS appropriate for sync agencies?
For sync agencies: probably keep BTS in EPK context, not as primary pitch material.
How long after the shoot can BTS content drop?
Months. BTS content extends the music video's life. Drop strategically over 6-12 months.
Takeaway
After music video shoots, BTS extends content for weeks. Combine BTS footage with Epitrite lyric overlay for new content variants. Multi-aspect export covers all platforms. Same song, different visual angle.
Try Epitrite free — every template free, multi-aspect export, perfect for BTS extension content.
