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Video Abstracts

Why should you consider submitting a video abstract?

A video abstract promotes your paper and will increase its readership. Videos are a great way to make your work more discoverable, as they appear high up in search engine results pages. They can also be embedded into blogs and websites, and shared on social networks, making your work accessible and discoverable across different platforms.

What should your video include?

A video abstract is a short video that allows you to directly introduce your paper to your audience to increase their interest. Here are some suggestions of questions you could answer:

  • Why was the article written?
  • What did you wish to highlight? What is the main message?
  • What are the implications for current/future practice?
  • How does the work contribute to readers’ understanding of the topic in that particular region or country?

Ideally, the video should be around 3 minutes long. It can be created in any format you wish, but the most successful videos feature one of the authors.

Creating your video

To create a video abstract you will require:

  • Any camera that can record a video with sound, ideally with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and 1920x1080 resolution. 
  • Most smart phones can record videos of this quality or use a computer webcam with a built-in microphone.
  • A secure stand is recommended if you are using a camera or phone to produce a steady recording.
  • Free editing software supplied with most PCs will allow you to make any required edits. We can accept digital files in mp4 format. On submission, please also include a written transcript of your video abstract (in an editable file format such as Word) so we can ensure your abstract is as accessible as possible.

Dos:

  • Record in a silent room and make sure there is no background noise. If possible, turn off any fans or air conditioners.
  • Speak clearly.
  • Pay attention to the background behind you. Have a neutral background, avoid backlighting but use flash. Avoid objects/material that can distract the viewer or that contain identifiable information such as personal photos or confidential documents.
  • Ensure your face is not too close or too far from the camera - a head and shoulders shot works best.
  • If you wear glasses and intend to read from text on a computer in front of you, position yourself so you can avoid glare.
  • If using a laptop or phone camera, elevate the device so the camera is eye-level.
  • Use lighting to ensure the picture is bright.
  • Film in landscape frame - this provides a better viewing experience.
  • Remember to state your name, institution and the title of your paper.
  • If using graphics/photos in the video, you need to tell us the source of these images ensure you have permission to use them in the video. You should ensure that all images are royalty free and are not subject to any copyright or usage restrictions. Platforms such as Shutterstock, Unsplash and Getty Images state their permissions requirements.
  • Anyone recognisable in the video must give their permission to be recorded. Please see below regarding consent form.

Don'ts

  • Please don't add wording/titles/subtitles or logos to the video (we add captions - if there is specific text you would like to be displayed please send separately).
  • Avoid back-lighting. Make sure the camera is not pointed at any windows or light sources without additional sources to light your face.
  • Don't be afraid to do multiple takes, if you think it is necessary.
  • Don't overcomplicate your messages. Keep recordings concise and with definitive endings.

Consent and copyright in videos/ video abstracts

Anyone recognisable in the video must give their permission to be recorded. Authors should submit the BJPI consent form for videos. Authors should ensure that all images are royalty free and are not subject to any copyright or usage restrictions.

Submit to BJPsych International

Please upload your video to a sharing site such as Dropbox or Google Drive and share the link to your upload in an editable file format such as Word. Please also include a written transcript of your video abstract in the same Word file so we can ensure your abstract is as accessible as possible. Please ensure you have permission from those appearing in the video - use the BJPI consent form for videos. Please email this to the editorial office: BJPInternational@rcpsych.ac.uk

Your video abstract will be shared with the Editors, and, if accepted, will be published as Supporting Information to your paper. We reserve the right to edit video content as deemed appropriate. We will also upload your video abstract to Vimeo, so that it can be shared across social media and be included in marketing and promotional material, increasing the number of downloads your paper is likely to receive.

If accepted, your video will be edited by the Editorial team to include a standard intro and outro for your video. Please see our Vimeo channel for examples.

Extra guidance

To learn more about how you can promote your video abstract online, as well other ways to promote your article, please visit the Cambridge University Press Author Hub resources page for a suite of guides and resources.
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