The 20 Second Video Impression

We all know in the first few seconds of meeting someone we have an immediate impression of that person. The same goes for video. In this study from the University of Berkeley in California, in just 20 seconds of watching someone's video, an immediate impression is formed re: if that person is trustworthy, kind and compassionate. It's exciting to see how video is being harnessed in platforms and apps to capture a first impression. This is particularly true given how many candidates there usually are for one open job position -- or the number of people to choose from as you select your next date. Informing your decision by watching someone's video adds an entirely new - and fuller - dimension to what is generally a blind process. Whether in recruitment platforms or dating apps, those 20 seconds of video can make all the difference.