What is a PSA Video?

A PSA video, or Public Service Announcement video, is a short video that aims to raise awareness about a particular issue or promote a positive message for the public good. Unlike commercials, PSAs do not sell a product or service; instead, they focus on educating and informing the public on matters concerning their well-being or the community. 

PSA Video Examples

Watching PSA videos is a great way to get ideas and understand the flow of creating your own video. By observing how these videos present their message clearly and engagingly in a short time, you can learn how to effectively organize your content, use visuals, and convey a strong, memorable message. This helps in planning your script, deciding on your tone, and ensuring your video raises awareness or inspires action just like the successful PSAs you watch.

Mental Health Matters PSA student to student message | Hillsborough County Public Schools

I Can’t Breathe - Mental Health is Health Campaign | CAMH

I AM ENOUGH: Public Service Announcement | The Kindness Campaign

Reverse Selfie: Social Media’s Impact | Dove

I’m Fine - Teen Depression PSA | Kobena

Not Losing You” a two minute PSA micro-movie supporting trans youth | Angry Gay Grandpa

Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool for conveying important messages, especially when raising awareness about health risks such as those from vaping. Creating a script or guide for your video filming helps organize your thoughts, ensures clarity, and makes your message more impactful. A well-structured story engages your audience emotionally and intellectually, making the information memorable.

When addressing the dangers of vape and e-cigarette aerosol, storytelling allows you to highlight the harmful chemicals involved—like ultra-fine particles, heavy metals (nickel, tin, lead), and cancer-causing substances—by connecting facts to real-life consequences. Mentioning specific chemicals such as acrolein (used to kill weeds), diethylene (found in antifreeze), benzene (found in car exhaust), and formaldehyde (used to preserve dead bodies) can evoke strong reactions and emphasize the seriousness of vaping risks.

The Art of Persuasive Storytelling | TED Talk

A solid script or guide should:

  • Introduce the topic clearly and quickly grab attention.

  • Present facts in a simple, relatable way.

  • Use storytelling techniques like personal accounts or hypothetical scenarios.

  • Include a strong call to action encouraging viewers to make healthy choices.

  • Help you stay focused during filming, ensuring your message is consistent and effective.

By combining factual information with effective storytelling and planning, your video will better motivate peers to understand the harms of vaping and join the escape from addictive behaviors.

The Secret to Telling a Great Story | TED Talk

Storyboard

Storytelling is a powerful tool for conveying important messages, especially when raising awareness about health risks such as those from vaping. Creating a script or guide for your video filming helps organize your thoughts, ensures clarity, and makes your message more impactful. A well-structured story engages your audience emotionally and intellectually, making the information memorable.

Mobile Apps (iOS & Android) For Video Editing

  1. CapCut

    • Easy to use, lots of effects, text, music

    • Great for TikTok/YouTube-style videos

  2. iMovie (iOS only)

    • Simple, clean interface

    • Perfect for basic editing on iPhones/iPads

    • Preloaded on most Apple devices

  3. VN Video Editor

    • No watermark, intuitive timeline editing

    • Good for more detailed edits

  4. InShot

    • Good for fast edits, captions, transitions

    • Watch for optional watermark removal

Canva Video Editing Step-By-Step | Justin Brown

How to Speak with Meaning | TED Ed

Video Editing for Impact

Mobile Apps (iOS & Android) For Video Editing

  1. Clipchamp (Web/Desktop)

    • Free browser-based editor owned by Microsoft

    • Drag-and-drop interface, stock media, export in HD

  2. WeVideo (Web-Based)

    • Cloud-based editor with green screen and templates

    • Free version has limited storage & watermark

  3. Canva Video Editor (Web/Mobile)

    • Easy for beginners, includes stock graphics and music

    • Great for text-heavy or educational PSAs

  4. DaVinci Resolve (Desktop)

    • Pro-level editor, great for advanced users

    • Steeper learning curve but powerful and 100% free

How to edit aesthetic videos on capcut | Christine Tay

The Best Free Video Editing Software for Youtube | Katie Steckly