Do AMVs have to have lyrics in the video's music?

[EMrain]

Hey it's Retro,

As the title of this topic asks, do AMVs have to include lyrics in the video's music? If so, is such a standard a universal rule in normal AMV uploads and/or in AMV competitions or showcases?

I would love some good answers for this question which I've been pondering on recently.

[Ileia]

Can you use instrumental music, you mean? Yes, it's quite common. Some contests even have categories for it (Anime North did this year).

[EMrain]

Hey Ileia!

Yes, instrumental music is what I mean, often times the music track alone can effectively amplify the video atmosphere itself. I have project plans for yet another Mega Man NT Warrior AMV with an instrumental track which, from an AMV perspective, makes the whole AMV even more amplified and epic.

[Dragonrider1227]

I have seen plenty of instrumental AMVs out there. And if there wasn't i'd say be the first