Video essays combine different forms of media such as video (film), audio (voice-over, music, sounds), and text to study or analyze a topic. Many have structures similar to a written essay, with an introduction, body and conclusion. An effective video essay will have a strong thesis or argument.

Video essays may include any or all of the following:

• Voice-over - film or still images are shown while a message or dialog is voiced.
• Text + Images - Written text on the screen over video or still images - might also include voice-over
• Supercut - excerpts from films created by others, such as feature films and documentaries. Text, voice-over and/or other audio may be included.
• Cinepoem - Poetic reading accompanied by film and text titles 

Related terms:

• Multimodal communication
• Multimedia composition
• Digital storytellling
• Scholarly video

Media Literacy is a 21st century approach to education. It provides a framework to access, analyze, evaluate, create and participate with messages in a variety of forms--from print to video to the Internet. Media literacy builds an understanding of the role of media in society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self-expression necessary for citizens of a democracy.