Skip to main content
Brand Hub
Search for something
Search...

Our Videos

Guidelines for creating videos that complement our brand.

Branded video content

The intention of these guidelines is to ensure consistency across our video output. We want to make sure that our video assets contribute to the University's strong and consistent visual brand identity.

If you have any queries about implementing these guidelines, contact the Creative team at creativeassets@ncl.ac.uk.

Video ratios

We use video content produced for the University across a variety of channels, each with their own optimum aspect ratios.

When planning a production, consider the most appropriate ratio for your chosen delivery method.

16:9

Widescreen format for YouTube, plasma screens, presentations, some digital display advertising.

9:16

Vertical format for Instagram Stories and Reels, Snapchat, some digital display advertising.

1:1

Square format for Facebook, Twitter (X)

Example of video ratios

Branded elements

There are many branded elements available for you to download from our Photo Library.

Logo

All branded videos should use the full colour or full colour reversed out University logo as a digital on screen graphic.

The PNG file in our branded elements should fit across any aspect ratio video and resolution to avoid any potential errors. You should position this top right, and at a suitable size for the video’s aspect ratio. Use 100% opacity, rather than reduced.

Keep any logo animations in your videos simple. Avoid bouncing, overshoot, rotation, and glitch effects.

Lower thirds

A text title or graphic used in the lower part of the video, normally for a name and job description, or other key labelling. You should place them in the 'title-safe area'. This is the part of the screen in which you can safely place graphics without them getting cropped.

An example of a video making use of lower third elements to display the interviewee

End cards

All external videos must finish with a branded end card featuring the University logo and the line 'From Newcastle. For the world'. If you require a variation to this end card, contact the Creative team at creativeassets@ncl.ac.uk.

An example of a video end card. The background is deep blue and text reads

Subtitles

All videos should be delivered with appropriate subtitles in an .srt file to be uploaded to the delivery platform alongside the master video file.

In some instances the subtitles may need to be 'burnt on' before delivery. In these situations subtitles should be:

  • a white font on black background
  • in the brand font Derailed
  • a suitable font size for the video’s aspect ratio

Animation

We have a distinct animation style for when animation videos are appropriate. This should be followed to retain consistency.

Typography

If using typography in your videos, you should adhere to our typography guidelines. Our brand font is Derailed. It comes in seven recommended weights, all with their own italic version.

When using Derailed in a video, please consider how different weights will work together: use the heavier weights for headings and titles, and the lighter weights for body copy and sub-headers.

There is no 'right way' to combine fonts, but we advise using fonts that are at least two weights apart to create contrast.

You should use sentence case at all times, and avoid using all caps.

Typography advice

Video openings

You should avoid using opening title cards or fade ins. Instead, the first frame of your video should be a full frame shot to maximise visual effect and engagement.

Further advice

For further advice around video production, see our video content creation recommendations or contact the Creative team at creativeassets@ncl.ac.uk.