The Musical Fantasies in Short Videos

Music is a form of emotional expression. We have been exposed to music since childhood and have our own attitudes towards different types of music. The emergence of the short video industry has introduced me to some unique music experiences.

In the past, whether it was cassette tapes, CD players, or PCs, even during the era of smartphones without short videos, the music we could access was very formal. By formal, I mean that there were dedicated musicians singing, and usually it was a complete song or an album.

There are so many people in the world. In the past, due to barriers (of course, music literacy has always been a barrier), most people passively accepted the music that was available. Even with original music platforms like 5sing, the quality of the music there was still very high (and the barrier was not low).

But with the rise of short videos, the threshold for showcasing and sharing music has become lower, allowing more people interested in music to showcase their own creations. With more participation, more music is being created.

At the same time, the way music is presented has undergone tremendous changes. We no longer hear complete songs; instead, we experience snippets of music that are selected to express emotions. In addition to direct snippets and vocal covers, there are also instrumental performances, choir formations, and more, which were difficult to encounter on traditional music platforms. I consider these as forms of creative adaptation. As for artistic adaptations, I have always welcomed them (except for cases like music plagiarism disguised as original creations).

In my previous post, “Short Videos and a Different Life”, I discussed my views on short videos and mentioned that one of the reasons I enjoy watching them is the diverse range of music they feature. Now, there are even more ways to access music, such as through video editing apps like “Jianying,” which offer a wide selection of music snippets. The music produced by individuals or spontaneous groups (whether modified, creatively adapted, or performed in their own style) enriches the diversity of music and brings me great auditory enjoyment (although not all music is to my liking, as I have my own preferred styles).

When I listen to music, especially those stimulating music snippets, vivid scenes automatically appear in my mind. These imaginary scenes help me remember the music better; they complement each other.

Some may consider it fast-food music, but when we are hungry and busy, if it satisfies our taste, it nourishes our spirits, and I don’t see it as a problem.

Short videos are a time sink, but the music in them is not for me. It is not one-time consumption, nor does it demand exclusive attention. It can be used as background music for work and life.

“When the jade is shattered, the phoenix cries; the rosy lotus weeps, while the fragrant orchids laugh.” - “Li Ping Kung Hou Yin”