Training videos are one of the most effective ways to convey knowledge, skills, and processes in a visual, easily digestible format. Whether for employees, customers, or students, training videos can drastically improve learning retention and engagement. This guide will explore the process of creating your training videos, including how to make them stand out and leverage new technologies like AI to streamline the production process.
In This Article, You Will Learn:
- What is a training video?
- Why create training videos?
- Types of training videos you can create
- Training video examples to inspire you
- 6 key steps on how to create great training videos (a practical guide)
- How to produce training videos that stand out
- Key takeaways for effective training video production
What Are Training Videos?
Training videos are short films created to educate viewers on specific topics, skills, or processes. These videos serve as visual aids to explain concepts or demonstrate tasks, typically in a professional or instructional setting. They can be used in various industries, including corporate training, educational institutions, customer service, product knowledge, and software tutorials.
Training videos can range from detailed instructional guides to quick overviews or even fun, interactive content. They offer multiple benefits over traditional text-based training materials, such as manuals or written instructions, by making the learning experience more dynamic and engaging.
Why Create Training Videos?
The decision to create training videos for your business or organization can have a transformative impact on how your team learns and performs. Here are a few key reasons why training videos are essential:
1. Consistency in Training
Unlike in-person training sessions that may vary based on the instructor’s approach, training videos deliver the same message every time, ensuring that all learners receive consistent information. Whether you’re onboarding new employees, rolling out a new product, or updating your team on new procedures, training videos ensure a uniform learning experience.
2. Scalability
Training videos are incredibly scalable. Once created, a single video can be distributed to an unlimited number of people. This makes it easier for businesses with multiple locations or remote workers to provide training without having to host live sessions for each group. Videos can be shared online, via Learning Management Systems (LMS), or through cloud platforms, making them easily accessible for employees worldwide.
3. On-Demand Access
Unlike traditional training methods that require employees to be present at specific times and places, training videos can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Whether an employee is in the office, working remotely, or travelling, they can watch the training content on their schedule. This flexibility enhances learning and ensures that training can be done at the learner’s convenience.
4. Improved Engagement and Retention
Studies have shown that people tend to remember information better when it’s presented visually. Training videos combine visuals, audio, and text to deliver a more dynamic learning experience. This can lead to better retention of knowledge, as employees are more likely to stay engaged with content that is visually stimulating and interactive.
5. Cost-Efficiency
While creating high-quality training videos may require an initial investment in time and resources, they are far more cost-effective in the long run. Once created, training videos eliminate the need for recurring expenses such as travel costs for trainers, venue rentals, or printed materials. Additionally, videos can be used repeatedly for years, making them a valuable asset.
Types of Training Videos You Can Create
Training videos come in various formats and styles. The type you choose should be based on the goals of the training, the complexity of the content, and the preferences of your audience. Here are some popular types of training videos:
1. Instructor-led or Presentation Training Videos
Instructor-led training videos are similar to traditional classroom settings, where an expert or trainer presents information to the viewers. These videos can be recorded with the instructor speaking directly to the camera or through a slideshow presentation.
- Use cases: Onboarding employees, explaining company policies, or providing in-depth training on complex topics like compliance or safety protocols.
- Pros: Provides expert insight, allows for personal engagement, and can help clarify difficult concepts.
2. How-To Training Videos
How-to videos are action-oriented, step-by-step guides designed to teach viewers how to perform a specific task or use a product. They focus on practical applications and are often concise and to the point.
- Use cases: Demonstrating how to use software tools, assembling products, or performing job-specific tasks.
- Pros: Easy to follow, provides actionable steps, and can be used for troubleshooting or quick problem-solving.
3. Screen Share Training Videos
Screen share videos involve capturing the actions happening on your computer screen while providing audio commentary or instructions. These videos are especially useful for software tutorials or for explaining online tools and platforms.
- Use cases: Teaching how to use software, showing how to navigate websites or apps, or explaining technical procedures.
- Pros: Allows for a detailed walkthrough, perfect for software training, and provides clear, visual instructions.
4. Interactive Training Videos
Interactive training videos engage viewers by allowing them to interact with the content. Viewers may be prompted to make choices, answer questions, or complete tasks as part of the training.
- Use cases: Leadership training, customer service simulations, or training for high-stakes decision-making scenarios.
- Pros: Keeps viewers engaged, enhances learning by encouraging active participation, and can be used to simulate real-world situations.
Animated training videos use illustrations, motion graphics, or 2D/3D animation to explain concepts in an engaging and visually appealing manner. These videos are especially effective for simply explaining complex topics.
- Use cases: Explaining abstract concepts, showing workflows or systems, or illustrating product features.
- Pros: Can simplify complex topics, appeals to a broad audience, and is often more engaging than traditional video formats.
6. Short and Concise Training Videos
Short training videos, also known as microlearning videos, focus on delivering small, bite-sized pieces of information in a short amount of time—typically 3 to 5 minutes.
- Use cases: Quick tutorials, updates, or refresher courses.
- Pros: Keeps viewers engaged, is perfect for mobile learning, and allows learners to digest information in manageable portions.
Training Video Examples to Inspire You
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some excellent examples of training videos across different industries and formats:
- Onboarding Training Videos: A global tech company uses onboarding videos to guide new hires through the company culture, policies, and tools. The video features employee testimonials, a virtual tour of the office, and expert-led explanations of important systems.
- Product Knowledge Training Videos: A retail brand uses product training videos to teach employees about the features, benefits, and selling points of their products. The videos include close-up shots of the products, demonstrations of their use, and key talking points for sales associates.
- 5S Training Videos: A manufacturing company produces 5S training videos to help employees understand the importance of workplace organization. These videos include real-life examples of cluttered versus organized workspaces and explain how implementing 5S can improve efficiency.
How to Create Great Training Videos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a high-quality training video involves more than just recording a few clips. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create effective training videos that will resonate with your audience:
Step 1: Brainstorm and Select Your Ideas and Goals
Before jumping into production, you must first define the purpose of the video. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the objective of this training video?
- What do you want viewers to learn or accomplish after watching the video?
- Who is the target audience?
By establishing clear objectives and focusing on a specific goal, you can create content that is not only informative but also tailored to the needs of your viewers.
Step 2: Understand Your Audience
A training video is only effective if it aligns with the needs and preferences of the audience. Understand who they are and what they require:
- Are they new hires or experienced employees?
- What type of learning style do they prefer—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or a mix?
- What challenges or pain points do they face?
This knowledge will help you tailor your training video’s tone, language, and level of detail.
Step 3: Choose Your Training Video Format
Now that you understand the goals and audience, select the most appropriate video format. Will you need a live presenter or will screen captures work best? Will animation help clarify concepts? The format you choose will depend on the topic and your audience’s preferences.
Step 4: Write the Script and Create a Storyboard
A well-written script is the backbone of any successful training video. It guides the flow of the video and ensures that all important information is included. When creating a script, be sure to:
- Write in a conversational tone
- Use simple language
- Break down complex ideas into digestible chunks
After writing the script, create a storyboard. This helps visualize the video and plan out each shot, scene, and visual element.
Step 5: Choose the Right Tools and Equipment
The quality of your video depends on the tools and equipment you use. For basic training videos, you can use tools like Camtasia, OBS Studio, or Loom. For animated videos, platforms like Vyond, Animaker, or PowToon can help you create professional-looking content without needing an animation degree.
- Video Recording Tools: Cameras or smartphones with good resolution
- Screen Recording Tools: Camtasia, ScreenFlow, Loom
- Animation Software: Vyond, Animaker, PowToon
Step 6: Edit and Finalize Your Video
Once you’ve filmed or recorded your content, it’s time to edit. Editing involves trimming unnecessary footage, adding transitions, incorporating visuals, and adjusting audio levels. Most video editing software offers tools to add text overlays, captions, and background music to enhance the viewing experience.
When editing, keep the video focused on the learning objectives and avoid unnecessary embellishments that might distract from the main message.
How to Create Training Videos Using AI for Free
With advancements in AI technology, creating high-quality training videos is more accessible than ever before. AI-driven platforms like Synthesia, Pictory, and Lumen5 allow you to generate training videos with minimal effort. Simply input your script, and the AI does the rest, generating animations, voiceovers, and even visual elements.
These tools are especially useful for creating explainer videos, onboarding tutorials, and product demos in less time and at a lower cost.
Conclusion: Producing Training Videos That Stand Out
Creating engaging, effective training videos requires planning, creativity, and the right tools. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can develop high-quality videos that engage your audience, deliver valuable information, and enhance learning outcomes.
Remember: Your training videos should be clear, concise, and interactive. Keep them visually appealing and always make sure the content is tailored to the audience’s needs. Whether you’re using live-action, animation, or AI tools, training videos are a powerful tool to elevate your training programs and support employee growth.
