  The creation of popular science web videos on the Internet has increased in
recent years. The diversity of formats, genres, and producers makes it
difficult to formulate a universal definition of science web videos since not
every producer considers him- or herself to be a science communicator in an
institutional sense, and professionalism and success on video platforms no
longer depend exclusively on technical excellence or production costs.
Entertainment, content quality, and authenticity have become the keys to
community building and success. The democratization of science video production
allows a new variety of genres, styles, and forms. This article provides a
first overview of the typologies and characteristics of popular science web
videos. To avoid a misleading identification of science web videos with
institutionally produced videos, we steer clear of the term science
communication video, since many of the actual producers are not even familiar
with the academic discussion on science communication, and since the subject
matter does not depend on political or educational strategies. A content
analysis of 200 videos from 100 online video channels was conducted. Several
factors such as narrative strategies, video editing techniques, and design
tendencies with regard to cinematography, the number of shots, the kind of
montage used, and even the spread use of sound design and special FX point to
an increasing professionalism among science communicators independent of
institutional or personal commitments: in general, it can be said that supposed
amateurs are creating the visual language of science video communication. This
study represents an important step in understanding the essence of current
popular science web videos and provides an evidence-based definition as a
helpful cornerstone for further studies on science communication within this
kind of new media.
