The document outlines an eight-step process for creating a video abstract, which serves as a brief visual summary of a scientific paper. It emphasizes the importance of such videos in increasing online visibility and the likelihood of citation, offering tips on content, media selection, shooting, and editing. The author, Dr. Karen L. McKee, provides additional resources and encourages scientists to enhance their communication skills through multimedia.

1. How to Create a Video Abstract
(in Eight Easy Steps)
Karen L. McKee, Ph.D.
The Scientist Videographer
The Scientist Videographer

2. http://thescientistvideographer.com/wordpress
The Scientist Videographer

3. What is a video abstract?
A video abstract is a brief description of
a scientific paper in which the authors
explain their work on camera, physically
demonstrate their methods, use
animations or simulations to illustrate
concepts, and/or discuss the implications
of their findings. By using video, authors
can explain their work in a way that the
print article cannot—an approach that
provides a richer, more diverse
experience for the readership.
The Scientist Videographer

4. Why should I bother to make
a video abstract?
A video abstract can raise the online visibility of a published article
and its authors; the more people who are aware of your work, the
more likely it is to be cited. Search engines rank video high in relation
to text-based documents. A video abstract is especially effective if
there are few or no videos on the topic.
The Scientist Videographer

5. 8 steps to a good
video abstract
The Scientist Videographer

6. 1. Identify the key points to cover:
• What is your article about—
in everyday language?
• What did your study find—
what is your take-home message
(not a laundry list of results)?
• What is new or innovative about
your study?
• Why is your study important to
society and the reader?
The Scientist Videographer
Tip: Use your article’s
abstract as a guide to
extract the key points
to cover in the video,
but don’t repeat it
word for word.

7. 2. Develop an outline or storyboard
• Detail the sequence in which the
information will be presented.
• Write out a script to help organize
your thoughts.
• Alternatively, storyboard your
video with PowerPoint slides
Tip: Estimate the time required for each
segment by reading the script out loud.
Keep your video abstract to a length of
no more than 3 to 5 minutes.
The Scientist Videographer

8. 3. Decide what audio-visual media to use
• On-camera interview with the authors
• Action footage filmed in a laboratory,
experimental facility, or field site
• Still images of equipment, facilities, test
test organisms, graphs, diagrams
• Animations
• Text
• Voice over
The Scientist Videographer
Tip: Use at least two
different media types to
increase visual interest.

9. 4. Select your recording equipment
•
•
•
•
•
The Scientist Videographer
Camcorder
Digital camera
Smartphone or tablet
Computer/laptop
Lapel or other microphone

10. 5. Select your software
Tip: Software for mobile devices is
often easiest to learn and use.
Professional editing software has
more bells and whistles but is
more difficult to master.
The Scientist Videographer
• Video-editing software (iMovie or
Windows Moviemaker)
• Screencapture software to record
computer screen and audio (Quicktime,
Screenflow, Camtasia Studio)

11. 6. Shoot your video
Example: Interview
Tip: Don’t read your abstract or
script; speak in a conversational
manner. Don’t look down or to
the side (this makes you look
shifty or uncertain).
The Scientist Videographer

12. 6. Shoot your video
Example: Record a PowerPoint presentation
Effects of Elevated CO2on Coastal Wetlands
400
Mauna Loa
375
400
350
Law Dome
ice core
325
275
250
1808
1858
1908
1958
300
2008
Year AD
250
200
Vostok ice core
150
110
90
70
50
30
10
Thousands of Years Ago
Tip: Don’t use the built-in microphone on your computer; use an
external, good-quality microphone to record your audio.
The Scientist Videographer
CO2 (ppmv)
350
300

13. 6. Shoot your video
Example: Record action footage from laboratory,
experimental facility, or field site
Tip: Record different perspectives to add
visual interest (close-up, medium shot,
wide shot).
The Scientist Videographer

14. 6. Shoot your video
Example: Create an animation or find one in
the public domain
Tip: Assume anything on the
internet is copyright protected;
get written permission before
downloading and using any
media (images, footage, music)
not in the public domain.
The Scientist Videographer
Image source: www.nasa.gov

15. 7. Edit your video
Trim out unnecessary or
poorly-shot footage
Import media to
editing program
Build video by adding
clips or images
Use B-roll to illustrate
verbal descriptions
The Scientist Videographer
Record voice over; add
music/sound effects
(with permission)

16. 8. Publish your video
Journal or Publisher’s website
Personal website
Video-sharing site
Institutional website
Image: NASA/Cory Huston
The Scientist Videographer

17. Additional Resources
How to make a video abstract with a
smartphone
The Scientist Videographer
Example of a video abstract

18. Additional Resources
16 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Your First Science Video (article)
What Jurassic Park Can Teach Us About Making Science Videos (article)
How to Record a PowerPoint Presentation (video tutorial)
What is B-Roll and Why Should I Care About It? (article)
How to Create Animations in PowerPoint for Your Science Video (video tutorial)
How to Make a Science Video Without Film Footage (article)
Strive for Brevity in Your Science Video (article)
Sources of Public Domain Images (article)
Where Should I Publish My Science Video (video tutorial)
How to Improve the Audio of Your Video Without Breaking the Bank (video tutorial)
The Scientist Videographer

19. About the Author
Dr. Karen L. McKee is a scientist with forty years of international
research experience and over 100 scientific articles published in
journals such as Science, Nature Geoscience, and the Proceedings
of the National Academy of Sciences. She also has published
several peer-reviewed videos about her research as well as topics
of general interest such as climate change, sea-level rise, and
hurricanes. Dr. McKee has worked to encourage scientists,
educators, and students to acquire multimedia skills and to
participate in broader science communication. She has recently
published an ebook, The Scientist Videographer, which is a
guidebook for science professionals wishing to add video to their
communication toolbox.
The Scientist Videographer