Creating

PSAs

Creating Effective Public Service Announcements

A Public Service Announcement is designed to bring public awareness to particular issues.

They are short, concise videos that make a point quickly and clearly.

They can be produced as live-action video, sequential stills, and/or animation. Examples of programs and apps that can be used to produce PSAs include, Google Slides, Creative Cloud Express (formerly Adobe Spark Video & Premiere Rush) Windows Video Editor, IMovie & IMovie Trailers, Powtoons, Microsoft Sway, DaVinci Resolve, and Adobe Premiere.

Tips for Creating Effective PSAs:

  • 30 seconds or 60 seconds

  • Grab the viewer’s attention early and hold it

  • Make your point clearly and concisely

  • Offer and propose specific actions your audience can take

  • Give your contact information

  • Use accurate facts

  • Propose behavioral change

How to get started:

Students should first brainstorm the following questions.

1. Target Audience: Who do I want to reach with my message?

2. Message: What is my message? What do I want the viewer to do? How can the viewer help solve the problem?

3. Action Step: What is the call to action? What do I want the viewer to do? How can the viewer help solve the problem?

4. Significance of issue to the Public: Why is this issue important to the public?

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