Online communication and formats on social media are becoming increasingly visual and dynamic. In recent years, videos have become the focal point of platforms. Short formats like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, as well as longer YouTube videos, have become central to reaching young audiences and hold great potential for the accessible dissemination of scientific content. In the second workshop of the year, two researchers reported on their successful science communication efforts.
In the first presentation, Simon Meier-Vieracker (TU Dresden) discussed the development and design of his TikTok channel "fussballinguist." Through his short videos on linguistic topics, he has already reached several million people, explaining everyday language phenomena as well as aspects of scientific work. The slides from his presentation "Science in 60 Seconds: Potentials of the Short Video Platform TikTok" are available HERE.
Next, Mikhail Lemeshko (ISTA) explained how he makes physics interesting in YouTube videos. On his channel "Prof. Lemeshko," he talks about his research topics, research policy issues, and his personal experiences. With nearly 27,000 subscribers, he estimates his audience ranges from 13 to 75 years old. The slides from his presentation "Science Communication on YouTube" are available HERE.
Both speakers acknowledged that video production is somewhat time-consuming and that it took a bit of time to find their formats and the right tone. However, they emphasized that fun and authenticity are key, making "niche topics" accessible to a broader public.
The next workshop by the OeAD Center for Citizen Science will take place on November 27, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 PM, focusing on "Listen Up! Podcasts and Radio Formats for Science Communication." Registration is already open.