The Best Folk Music Videos on YouTube

Check out our top picks for the best folk music videos on YouTube. From classic ballads to contemporary anthems, there’s something for everyone.

The Avett Brothers – “I and Love and You”

The Avett Brothers are an American folk rock band from Concord, North Carolina. The group is made up of two brothers, Scott Avett and Seth Avett, who play guitar and banjo, respectively. The Avett Brothers’ music is based in folk and bluegrass, but also includes elements of punk rock, pop, and hip hop.

“I and Love and You” is the title track from the Avett Brothers’ 2009 album of the same name. The song was written by Scott Avett, and it is one of the band’s most popular songs. The music video for “I and Love and You” was directed by T Bone Burnett and features the band performing the song in a field.

Bon Iver – “Holocene”

Bon Iver’s “Holocene” is one of the most beautiful folk songs of the past decade, and the video does it justice. Shot in Polaroid Super 8 film, the video follows a day in the life of a young woman as she goes about her mundane tasks. There’s a touch of magic to it, though, as objects in her environment take on a life of their own. It’s a stunning visual companion to an already gorgeous song.

Fleet Foxes – “White Winter Hymnal”

This animated video by Brendanborogh is a wonderful example of how simple images can create a deeply evocative mood. The video consists solely of white snowflakes falling on a black background, but as the song progresses, the image takes on different meanings. At first it’s simply pretty, then calming, then sad, and finally hopeful. The song itself is beautiful, and the video does it justice.

Mumford & Sons – “The Cave”

Mumford & Sons’ “The Cave” was directed by Fred & Nick, the team behind the British indie rock band’s previous videos for “Little Lion Man” and “Roll Away Your Stone.” The video was shot in the California desert and features the band playing amidst some stunning landscapes.

The Lumineers – “Ho Hey”

The Lumineers are an American folk rock band based in Denver, Colorado. The band’s debut album, The Lumineers, was released on April 3, 2012. The album peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 1 on the UK Folk Chart. The single “Ho Hey” reached number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 on the US Alternative Songs chart.

The band’s second album, Cleopatra, was released on April 8, 2016. The album peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 1 on the UK Folk Chart. The single “Ophelia” reached number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 on the US Alternative Songs chart.

The Lumineers have released two music videos for their song “Ho Hey”. The first video was released on June 4, 2012, and features the band performing in a bar in Denver, Colorado. The second video was released on February 5, 2013, and features footage of the band performing live in concert.

Of Monsters and Men – “Little Talks”

“Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men was one of the breakout hits of 2012, and it’s easy to see why. The Icelandic group’s anthemic song about staying connected despite life’s trials and tribulations is given new life in this animated video. With its combination of stunning visuals and endearing message, “Little Talks” is a must-watch for any fan of folk music.

Iron & Wine – “Flightless Bird, American Mouth”

Iron & Wine’s music video for “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” is a perfect example of how a great folk song can be transported to a new medium and still retain its original power. The video, directed by Jody Hill, is a love story set in the American south that takes place entirely in reverse. We see two lovers meet, fall in love, and then part ways, all in reverse motion.

The video is beautiful and tragic, and the song’s already emotive lyrics are made all the more poignant by the visuals. Iron & Wine’s music has always been steeped in Americana, and this video is a perfect example of that.

First Aid Kit – “Emmylou”

First Aid Kit – “Emmylou”
TheSwedish sisters’ breakthrough hit, with a guest appearance from Conor Oberst, is a gorgeous country-folk weeper for anyone who’s ever wished they could just run away with their favorite musician.

The Paper Kites – “Bloom”

This gorgeous song by The Paper Kites is made all the more magical by the equally beautiful video that accompanies it. “Bloom” was filmed in stop-motion animations using real flowers, and the result is truly breathtaking. If you’re a fan of Folk music, or just beautiful music videos in general, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Lord Huron – “The Night We Met”

Lord Huron’s “The Night We Met” is a beautiful, heart-wrenching folk ballad that tells the story of a one-night stand that turns into something more. The video, directed by Davey Force, captures the raw emotion of the song perfectly.

The footage is interspersed with shots of the two lovers walking through fields and forests, and their memories of their time together are reflected in the leaves and branches around them. It’s a stunning video that leaves you feeling both hopeful and sad, and it’s one of the best folk music videos on YouTube.