Video Abstract Guidelines

*Video abstract submission is currently on an invite-only basis.

Thank you for accepting our invitation to create a video abstract to disseminate to our online readership. Visit our video abstract page and see below for some examples of videos in various styles.

Regardless of format selected or assigned, components of the video include the following:

• an introduction to the topic (background)
• the objectives or goals
• methods (if applicable)
• the key findings
• an explanation for why the findings are important to the field of pediatrics
• very brief description of any limitations

Please remember that the target audience for the video is a busy, practicing clinician unless otherwise specified.

The Pediatrics video abstract editorial board reviews each video abstract for suitability and quality; the board appreciates the time and effort that it takes to create a video abstract. However, if a video abstract does not adhere to the below guidelines, the board will ask the authors to submit a revised video that addresses their feedback. Examples include:

• contains information that does not match the article
• does not discuss limitations
• exceeds 4:00 minutes in length
• has other significant issues

Pediatrics will only post editorial board–approved video abstracts. Please review the following instructions before making the video.

Step 1. Format

Select your video format or review your assigned video format (sample videos below). While varieties of formats are acceptable, clarity, conciseness, and engagement are crucial. Video length: approximately 3 minutes or less (4 minutes maximum), unless otherwise noted below. All videos that exceed 4:00 will be returned for correction.

 

• PowerPoint Presentations With Voice-over: A narrated PowerPoint presentation created in PowerPoint or video authoring software such as Camtasia. Optional: you may record a short 10 – 15 second introduction video and AAP Staff can place the video within the first slide.
   

• “Slice of Life”: A video that films the author or material relevant to the article in a highly engaging and non-text based format. This format is conducive to use on social media (discretion of the editor as to whether it’s published on social media). Suggested length: 3 minutes or less (for social media purposes, one minute or less is preferable).
   

• Educational “How-to” (discretion of the editor): This format focuses on the motivation behind the study and the process for completing the project/publishing in Pediatrics. This format targets trainees and junior faculty. Suggested formats include: a story-based recollection of the manuscript journey, panel with all or some authors to discuss study intricacies, process of submission, etc.
   

• Live Video/Webinar (discretion of the editor): Work with a member of AAP journal staff and an editorial board member to outline a detailed plan for live video with potential interaction with viewers who will want to ask questions as they learn from what you share about your study. This is exclusively hosted on social media and will upload to AAP Gateway following the broadcast. The format must be pre-approved by the video abstract editor. Suggested length: No more than 15 minutes; this is the only exception to the 4-minute maximum length.
   

• Other (discretion of the editor): Provide a written explanation of an original format not described above. The format must be pre-approved by the video abstract editor. Be creative and find what will bring out the key points of your study.

Sample Videos (new videos must adhere to the 4 min max limit; some sample videos exceed this)

Technical Requirements 

Authors should submit videos as AVI, MOV, or MP4. Do NOT submit a Powerpoint file. Figures and tables used from the article must meet Pediatrics specifications. 

• Recommended Aspect Ratio: Landscape (16:9). Videos in portrait orientation will be returned for correction. 
• Length: 4 minutes maximum; 3 minutes or less is optimal. All videos that exceed 4:00 will be returned for correction.
• Minimum Resolution: Minimum width 600 pixels
• File Size: Up to 244.14 MB max*
• Frames: 30fps max

We cannot accept videos that include watermarks/branding for free video editing software.
Do NOT include background music.
Do NOT include Pediatrics or American Academy of Pediatrics logos/branding under any circumstances.

Social Media Promotion

If you are interested in sharing your findings on Pediatrics social media channels, please create a second video as a teaser to the full video abstract, detailing the most important aspects of your study. Please note, if you do not create a separate video, your full video abstract will NOT be shared on Pediatrics social media channels. Please see a list of requirements below. *

Facebook

• Video must be 4 minutes or less
• Landscape (16:9)
• Minimum 600pxls wide

Twitter

• Video must be 2 minutes and 20 seconds or less
• Landscape (16:9)
• Minimum 600pxls wide

Instagram

IGTV

• Video must be 4 minutes or less
• Portrait mode (9:16) 1080 x 1920 pixels
• Minimum 1080pxls wide

Main page

• 1 minute or less
• Landscape (16:9)
• Minimum 600pxls wide

*If you would prefer to create one social media video for all three platforms, please use the following requirements:

• Video must be 2 minutes or less
• Landscape (16:9)
• Minimum 600pxls wide

Step 2. Important Questions

Concisely address the following questions (and be sure to include limitations where appropriate):

Significance Why is the research/article important?

Innovation What new information do the results present? How will it change concepts related to knowledge or practice? Ensure you spend appropriate time explaining novel concepts or interventions that may not be familiar to viewers.

Clinical What is the clinical relevance or importance of the study? How would readers apply the results of the study?

Race and Ethnicity Manuscripts with a focus on race and/or ethnicity should also address race and/or ethnicity in their video abstract. The video abstract should describe the reason for considering these factors (eg., assessing for disparities) and how race and/or ethnicity was classified. This can be brief. For example, for many video abstracts the following would be sufficient: Race and ethnicity to assess for disparities in healthcare delivery and were self-reported, with categories based on the terminology used by the U.S. Census Bureau. Race should not be considered as a biologic factor.

Step 3. Outline

Create an outline to help shape the message and confirm the length of the video. This optional step is for your own use to make sure you cover the key points. It does not need to be submitted. See the example below:

Video Abstract Outline

Format Chosen: Main points + data slides

Time: 4 min max. All videos that exceed 4:00 will be returned for correction.

Beginning (approx. 30 - 45 seconds)

• Hello and welcome (or another opening phrase)
• My name is Dr John Doe, Professor of Pediatrics at ABC School of Medicine
• The article’s name is “Obesity and the Effects of Parental Supervision”
• Here are a few points I will be discussing in the video:
  • Obesity statistics
  • Discussion of results (and limitations)
  • What does this mean for the future?

Middle (approx. 1.5 - 2 minutes)

• Obesity statistics
  • List statistics
  • Explain what they mean
• Discussion study and results
  • Who, what, when, where, why and how
  • State results (and limitations)
  • What are the implications?
• What does this mean for the future?
  • How physicians can educate parents
  • How will this knowledge help the viewer?

End (approx. 30 - 45 seconds)

• Reiterate main points
• Closing statement

Step 4. On-Camera Guidelines

Set-up your camera/phone to start filming. Only use a horizontal format. (See framing example to the right.)

• Set the camera at eye level and make sure you are at least 2 feet back from the device.
• Make sure your face is visible in the frame from beginning to end.
• Record in an area where there is minimal background noise, and where you can be close to the microphone for an appropriate volume and sound quality.
• Do not record audio at slower or faster than normal speed.
• Make sure you are in a well-lit room with no noticeable copyright/potentially sponsored visuals, or inappropriate materials in the background, eg, can of Coke, Nike shoes, notes with private information, etc.
• Record with a neutral background without any distracting colors or shapes. Bookshelves, high-traffic areas, and other distractions detract from the video.
  • Avoid distracting behaviors for people on camera when they are not speaking.
  • Record all single-speaker segments at the same time and in the same location; this will prevent unexpected and distracting changes in background, audio levels, and/or lighting.
  • Avoid using screen shots in which the background is computer-simulated.
• Wear neutral- or solid-colored attire; do not wear all white. Warm, natural tones are preferred.
• Do a short test video to make sure the device records your voice properly at an appropriate volume and without static or background noise.
• Do not read from a piece of paper. Occasional glances at notecards are acceptable.
• Avoid fumbles and ‘ums’ as much as possible...practice.
• Sound energetic to get readers interested in the research.
• Although video abstracts are short in nature, do not talk fast. Simply describe the most interesting aspect of your paper in a casual tone.

Journal staff can assist with only minor editing of the video once submitted. It is the authors' responsibility to ensure that all materials such as photos and slides are correctly attributed and that there is consent for any patients and parents that appear in video or images used in the video.

Step 5. Submission

Upload your video file together with your other revised manuscript files (to the same manuscript number in the online submission system). The Pediatrics editorial team will notify authors of any technical issues that the authors need to address.

If your video is too large to upload, or the manuscript is too far along in the review process for you to upload files, please contact Pediatrics Editorial for upload instructions.

Permissions

You must have permission to use photos of non-authors (stock art or other), images (icons/clip art), music, and/or other items that are not already part of your manuscript (figures, tables, etc). Upload a Word document (marked as "Supplemental File NOT for Review") that lists all attributions/permission statements for these items. You can use a blanket statement for all the photos from the same source, rather than listing each separately.

Use the sample format(s) below:

• Example 1: [image name/description]. Used with permission from [source].
• Example 2: [image name/description]. From "[source]" by "[source author]" ([website]). In the public domain.
• Example 3: [image name/description]. From "[source]" by "[source author]" ([website]). Copyright [year] by Name of Copyright Holder. Reprinted [or Adapted] with permission.
• Example 4 (Creative Commons): [image name] by [source] is licensed under [CC type, such as CC BY 2.0]. [provide a link to the license, such as: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/]

 

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Generative AI is a type of AI that can create original content such as text, images, or video, in response to a user's request or prompt.  Examples of generative AI include ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Synthesia. Generative AI may be used to create video abstracts. However, if generative AI is used in any part of the video abstract preparation, from script writing to image, video, and/or audio creation, the authors must report it in the video. Identification of the generative AI should include the name and manufacturer of the generative AI tool and how it was used. For example, an image might be labeled “AI generated with <manufacturer> <software>” or credits at the end of the video might describe the use of AI to create the video. Authors are accountable for the integrity and accuracy of all material in their video abstract, including any content generated by any form of AI.

Review Process

The reviewers will assess the abstract for both technical and content issues. Key technical issues to be assessed by the reviewers include:

• sound quality (most common)
• background
• lighting
• length - Do not submit a video longer than 4:00 minutes unless otherwise instructed.

Key content issues to be assessed by the reviewers include:

• inclusion of clear introduction
• methods
• results and explanation of results
• addition of limitations 

There should be an explanation of what type of article it is (eg, a Family Partnership piece). The results and conclusions should match the submitted manuscript.

Copyright Information

As with accepted journal articles, the AAP will hold the copyright to the accepted video, with rights to reproduce or incorporate the video in retrieval systems as well as other commercial and merchandising rights. This includes, but is not limited to, all print, electronic, digital and other media of expression now known or later developed. Authors may post AAP-produced versions of video to their own sites and channels once the article has published, with attribution and links back to the published online article.

Contacts

Medical Content Organization and Editorial Oversight: William Raszka, MD
Publications Editor: Mark Plemmons
BenchPress Assistance: Journal Staff