Video abstracts are a powerful way to increase the visibility and impact of your research. Authors who create video abstracts often see higher engagement, including increased downloads and citations. We strongly encourage all authors publishing in SMS journals to create a video abstract—ideally shortly after article acceptance, though videos can also be created for previously published work.
Why Create a Video Abstract?
Video abstracts help you:
- Increase the visibility and reach of your research
- Improve citation and download rates (estimated 30–35% increase)
- Communicate your findings to broader audiences beyond academia
- Promote your work through platforms such as SMS Explorer
Before You Begin
Define Your Audience
Identify who your video is for:
- Researchers → Can include more detail and nuance
- Practitioners or students → Should be simple, concise, and accessible
Determine Length
- Practitioners/students: 2–5 minutes
- Researchers: Slightly longer, but remain concise
What to Include
Your video abstract should clearly communicate:
- The research question or problem
- The key findings or contributions
- Why the research matters
Best practice: Focus on 2–3 key insights rather than attempting to summarize the entire paper.
Video Format Options
There is no single correct format. Authors typically use one of the following approaches:
1. Speaking Directly to Camera
- Present your key insights in a conversational format
- Requires minimal production
Tip: If needed, use an interview format with a colleague asking questions off-camera.
2. Slide-Based Presentation (Recommended)
- Narrate a PowerPoint or slide deck
- Record using Zoom, Teams, or similar tools
- Enables clear structure and visuals
Tip: Avoid recording audio directly in PowerPoint; use screen recording tools for better flexibility.
3. Animated Video (Outsourced)
- Whiteboard or cartoon-style animation
- Produced by external vendors
Considerations:
- Costs vary
- Requires a prepared script
- May reduce personal connection if authors are not visible
4. Hybrid Format (Most Effective)
- Combines multiple approaches (e.g., author on camera + visuals or animation)
- Often supported by professional production resources
Note: Award-winning video abstracts typically use this mixed-format approach.
Production Support
We recommend checking whether your institution offers:
- Media production staff
- Video editing services
- Instructional design or communications support
The most effective video abstracts are often developed in collaboration with university production teams.
Accessibility
It is important that your video is accessible to all audiences online. Please follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines in the creation of this video as you would for your university. This includes:
- Prepare a written transcript of your video script
- Record an audio description of each slide or visual that is displayed
- Be mindful of font and color choices to allow for at least 4.5:1 contrast level
SMS will host these videos on YouTube, with closed captions, and will upload the audio description that you prepare for the video. For further information about audio descriptions please visit: A Guide to Audio Descriptions.
Best Practices
- Keep content clear, simple, and focused
- Limit detail—prioritize accessibility over completeness
- Use visuals to enhance understanding
- Include the authors on screen when possible
- Review existing examples for inspiration
A simple video abstract is far better than none. While higher production quality can enhance impact, the most important step is to clearly communicate your research in an engaging and accessible way.
