Science videos have to be right
A science video earns trust by being accurate. People come to learn, and some will repeat what you say to others. Check each claim against a primary source, such as the original paper or an official data set, before you film.
Sourcing a science video
Good sourcing is sourcing viewers can see.
- List papers, data sets and experts in the description, with links.
- Say when a finding is new, disputed or based on a small study.
- Keep what is known apart from what you think it might mean.
- When you get something wrong, add a correction to the top of the description.
Filming experiments and demonstrations
An experiment on camera should be easy to follow and safe to watch. Show the method as clearly as the result.
Show the setup before the result
Start with a clear shot of the equipment and say what you expect to happen. Then run it. Viewers learn more when they can guess the outcome first and check it.
Capture choices for experiments
| What you film | How to record it | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Splashes, sparks, pops | 120 fps or more | Slow it down in the edit |
| Crystals, plants, rust | Time-lapse | Fixed camera and steady light |
| Microscope or telescope | Camera adapter | Manual focus and exposure |
Slow motion and time-lapse
High-speed clips show splashes and sparks the eye cannot catch. Record at 120 fps or more and slow it down in your editor. For slow processes, like crystals growing or seeds sprouting, use time-lapse and a fixed camera. Need a small copy of a clip for slides? The resize video tool scales it down to any size from 4K to 144p.
Explainers that are easy to follow
Label axes, units and diagrams in large text, and leave each one on screen long enough to read. Add captions and subtitles: technical terms are easier to follow in writing.
Name the video after the question it answers, so people searching for the topic can find it.
Frequently asked questions
How should I cite sources in a science video?
List the paper, data set or institution in the description with a link, and name it on screen when you use it. Viewers can then check the claim themselves.
What frame rate do I need for slow motion?
Record at 120 fps or higher, then slow the clip down in your editor so the exported file plays at a normal rate such as 30 fps.