What is the effect of posting video abstracts on journal article impact?

This study assessed the impact of posting video abstracts on journal articles and authors' X engagement. European Journal of Sport Science articles were disseminated on X as animated video abstracts (AN), author-provided video abstracts (AU), or title-only (TO) posts. Metrics, including page views, Altmetric Attention Score (AAS), X engagements, impressions, link clicks, media engagements, and views, were compared at 7 and 30 days. Authors' X presence and video abstract creation were also examined. Page views did not differ between groups after 7 or 30 days. After 7 days, AN received significantly more AAS, impressions, media views and media engagements than AU or TO. After 30 days, AN received significantly more AAS, impressions, engagements, media views and media engagements than AU or TO. TO received significantly more link clicks than AU or TO after 7 and 30 days. Fifty percent of authors have an X account and 11.2% indicated interest in creating a video abstract. Articles promoted using animated video abstracts received more attention, reach and impact on X than those promoted using author-provided video abstracts or title-only posts. Animated video abstracts can be used by authors to effectively promote their research findings and increase their visibility on social media.