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Do you Vine?

Published on 29 January 15

As researchers increasingly look for ways to disseminate their work to wider audiences, students are exploring different and engaging ways to present content. From Vines to Vlogs; if you have the will, we have the way.

If you have 6-seconds: Vine

How would you summarise your research in just 6 seconds?

Vine is a social media app that uses the camera function on your phone or tablet to live stream short videos, sharing them on your newsfeed. Here's how you do it:

1. Download the app and open. To begin live streaming, hit the film icon in the top right.
2. You can record either one continuous shot (swipe left to right on the dark grey area below your frame to begin shooting), a collection of different shots (hold and release the live-view icon on the screen. Every time you hold, you're recording), or post a short loop (same as continuous shot, but check the box in the lower right corner when you're done – minimum of 3 seconds).
3. There are a number of tricks to try out and effects you can create, from play/pausing and adjusting the sound, to dream sequences and cinemagraphs. Check out this pro’s guide to creating a vine.

Need some creative inspiration? Here's Buzzfeed’s pick of most popular Vine's from the past year.

If you have 3-minutes: 3-minute thesis

If you managed to describe your research in 6 seconds, imagine what you could do with three whole minutes? We still have University of Manchester places left in the 3-minute thesis competition, which challenges doctoral candidates to present their research topic and significance in 180 seconds.

A collection of resources have been compiled to help you talk about your work, and entrants can take advantage of some free training sessions. If the experience itself isn't reason enough, the winner of the Manchester Final will take home £500 in prize money!

If you have a year: Vlog

Vlogs, or video blogs, are blogs where content is made up of filmed entries. These entries tend to be short videos in which you speak directly to the camera on a particular subject. They are informal, un-scripted, and regular; so it's worth thinking beforehand if you have the time to take on such a project.

1. Open a YouTube account, and set up your own channel. It's worth spending some time thinking about the channel name, as you want it to be catchy and not too long.
2. Brainstorm ideas for videos. Do you want to discuss the trials and tribulations of being a PhD student? Talk about an exciting breakthrough in your research? Or create an opinion piece on some topical news? Jot down your ideas, and sketch out what you're going to say.
3. Videos work best if they look natural, so don't script it. Media Services can loan you camera and tripod equipment, and are even on hand to help you edit. You can re-shoot as many times as you like, so don't worry about getting it perfect first time.
4. When you're happy with it, post to your channel, share on your social media, and include the link in the comments sections of related videos – hopefully picking up a few viewers already interested in the topic.
5. Post regularly and stay active, responding to questions and comments.

Are you already creating videos of your research? Let us know at @uomstudentnews or studentnews@manchester.ac.uk. We would love to share them to inspire your fellow PhDs!