The Music Videos Defining 2025

In 2025, music videos continue to function as more than promotional assets. At their best, they extend an artist’s world, sharpen visual identity, and translate sound into something physical and lasting.

What stands out this year is not scale or budget, but clarity of vision. The strongest videos feel intentional from the first frame. They trust mood, performance, and collaboration, and they understand that visuals are often the first entry point into an artist’s universe.

Below are some of NOVA’s favorite music videos of 2025, with a focus on the directors and creative teams who brought them to life.

Why Music Videos Still Matter

As music discovery becomes faster and more fragmented, visuals play an even greater role in how artists are understood. A strong music video does not just support a song. It anchors an era, shaping how a project is remembered long after its release.

From underground releases to global pop moments, the videos below reflect how direction, cinematography, performance, and editing come together to create work that lasts beyond a release cycle.

 

Rosalía: Berghain (feat. Björk & Yves Tumor)

Director: Nicolás Méndez

Berghain feels confrontational and composed at the same time. The video leans into performance, texture, and symbolism, creating a visual language that matches the gravity of the collaboration without overexplaining it.

 

2hollis: Flash

Director: Noah Dillon

Flash moves fast and trusts instinct. The video feels immediate and unfiltered, capturing the energy of the song without polishing away its edge.

 

Addison Rae: Headphones On

Director: Mitch Ryan

Headphones On shows how pop visuals can feel intentional while remaining accessible. The direction balances performance and image, reinforcing Addison Rae’s evolving visual identity.

 

Yung Lean: Forever Yung

Director: Aidan Zamiri

Forever Yung continues Yung Lean’s long running visual mythology. The video feels nostalgic and surreal, more like a memory than a narrative.

 

Bakar: Lonyo!

Director: Tom Emmerson

Lonyo! relies on tone and movement rather than spectacle. The direction gives the song room to breathe, letting mood and pacing do the work.

 

Devon Again: Cherry Cola

Directors: Jooytsin and Eliot Lee

Cherry Cola is subtle and texture driven. The visuals feel considered without being loud, creating atmosphere through restraint.

 

Guitarricadelafuente: Full Time Papi

Director: Albert Moya

Full Time Papi leans into intimacy and romanticism with sincerity. The direction feels expressive without slipping into excess, grounding emotion in simplicity.

 

Aphex Twin: Korg Funk 5

Director: Nadia Lee Cohen

Korg Funk 5 is strange, specific, and fully committed. The video embraces visual risk, creating something that feels unmistakably intentional.

 

Maxo: IDK

Director: Vincent Haycock

IDK stays grounded and personal. The video does not reach for spectacle. It trusts presence and performance.

 

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth

Directors: David M. Helman and Daniel Henry

This reimagining of a classic track feels thoughtful rather than nostalgic. The visuals respect the song’s legacy while giving it a contemporary frame.

 

Malcolm Todd: Original

Director: Aidan Cullen

Original understands the power of pulling back. The video is confident in its simplicity and focus.

 

Shlohmo: Chore Boy (feat. Salem)

Director: Eliel Ford

Chore Boy lives in discomfort. The visuals are dark and restrained, creating unease without relying on theatrics.

 

Cero Ismael: Driving Round Looking for Unknown (feat. BEA1991)

Directors: Folkert Verdoorn and Simon Becks

This video feels observational and emotionally open. It moves like a late night thought, quiet and unresolved in a way that feels honest.

 

Yuki Chiba: 流れる

Director: stillz

流れる is fluid and instinctive. The visuals move with the song, prioritizing feeling over explanation.

 

Travis Scott: 4X4

Director: Gabriel Moses

4X4 is built on scale and control. The direction reinforces visual dominance through precision and atmosphere.

 

The Neighbourhood: Hula Girl

Director: Ramez Silyan

Hula Girl leans into pacing and mood. The video allows atmosphere to lead, trusting restraint over excess.

 

Lorde: Hammer

Director: Renell Medrano

Hammer feels personal and unguarded. The direction emphasizes expression and presence, allowing the video to feel lived in rather than staged.

 

Sabrina Carpenter: Manchild

Directors: Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia

Manchild is sharp and playful, fully aware of its visual language. The video balances humor and intention without losing clarity.

 

Doechii: Anxiety

Director: James Mackel

Anxiety is performance driven and emotionally direct. It stands out for its intensity and focus, leaving little distance between artist and audience.