In recent years, video has become a popular format for companies to sell and communicate ideas. But it has also become an essential tool for educating customers on the use of their solution or to manage the training of employees.
Video training, by making explanations more concrete and intuitive, improves the performance of learning programs. However, they need to follow the good practices of video editing and filmmaking.
Here's a practical guide to getting started on creating corporate training videos.
Whether it's to train new employees or to provide instructions to your customers, the video format has long since proven itself in business. Compared to a written or oral format, e-learning videos have many benefits:
Interested? Here's how to get started creating them step by step.
If you are teaching software, screen recordings are certainly the clearest and most intuitive format. You won't need any camera and a quality external microphone will suffice. To create a good screen recording video, you just need to show directly the steps-by-step action and record your voice with clarity. This example from Bedimcode shows you how much you can do with this format:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27JtRAI3QO8
Why create video training when you already have classes or lectures recordings available? This more natural format is perfect for putting explanations in situations and saving time in the production of your video. Agile training video is for example very good at filming and sharing interactive courses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_R9wQY4G5I
If you want a really engaging video experience, face camera videos are for you. As everyone knows, 80% of communication is conveyed through body language. With this format, you are sure to keep the attention of your viewers, and get the right message across. This is especially true for customer support training videos, as posture and attitude go a long way. But FreeCodeCamp.org shows us here that it also works for more basic tutorial videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZvSYJDk-us
Want to explain an abstract concept? Then animated videos are the perfect format to educate your viewers. The dynamic text and images will help you concretize complex definitions or reasoning. Iversity knows very well the power of images, and gives you here an example of very well done animations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_N_NHbC80E
To go even further, you can film your explanations and instructions in action. This is obviously the format of choice to guide your new employees through on-the-job tasks and training them. Fast-food companies have understood this, and there are many video training sessions on YouTube. One of them is quite mythical:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTv4RYEkGkQ&list=PLSEqKTzAsOwnVeyFO7qru6Ls0paGDgAPG
An even more original format, interactive videos confront viewers with different choices. They make learning more engaging and memorable, by making your audience think about their situation. You can use visual and auditory cues- like this video from the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation- to focus their attention and help them make the right decisions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVlyq3Ep_XQ
Sometimes you have to use more creative ways to get a message across. A storytelling video is one way to do that, using the fascinating and memorable power of stories to educate. With a suspenseful, well-paced storyline, you're sure to teach your students the right practices! Like in this hilarious video from Vital Smarts, which teaches elementary school students how to behave in the bathroom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DQYArmi5L0
Not all kinds of video training have the same educational effect, depending on how they are produced. Here are the essential elements of a good e-learning video in the form of a checklist:
Before you even think about making a video, you need to visualize the problem and the initial situation of your learners. For example, what is their background knowledge? What do they need to learn to achieve their goal? What might be the barriers to their understanding, such as biases or conceptual differences?
We are rarely good at improvising in front of a camera. That's why a thorough and rigorous script is essential. It will help conceive more concretely the different steps of your training video. Don't hesitate to include as much information and details as possible; you can always sort it out later.
After the script, it's time to find the right video settings. Your background should be consistent with the topic of your video (professional, formal or informal), but also not distracting to your learners. Changing shots and situations regularly can also help keep viewers' attention.
Good quality equipment will help you shoot an impactful video. Use a high-definition camera, webcam or smartphone, an external microphone with good sound quality and possibly a tripod, a background and studio light. Editing software can improve the rendering post-production, but not when the original files have poor quality.
When shooting, the most effective technique is to film as many sequences as possible. You certainly won't get your best shots at first. It's through rehearsal that you'll learn to adopt the right posture, the right tone and to put dynamics in your speech. Don't be afraid to take breaks to regain your composure and move forward.
Once you've finished shooting, all you have to do is retrieve your files, name them correctly and even put them in the cloud (for safety). Then, by choosing the best video editor, you can finalize the effects and style of your video.
With Loom, you are sure to make quality screen recordings in no time. Just turn on the software recording features, and you'll be able to easily edit and share your video training with all your employees and clients. It's the fastest way to create communicative videos at a low cost.
Filmora is the most complete video software for anyone starting out in the video. With a very intuitive and easy-to-use non-linear interface, you can make relatively complex edits. With many effects and templates, you have everything you need to create the video of your choice.
Camtasia is the video kit to get started with video without any hitch. You can easily record your video or screen, then add simple audio and effects and edit your video training.
If you want to create interactive videos with your learners, Hippovideo is for you. This software provides you with a platform where you can create and share engaging videos while being able to communicate directly with your learners. It's an alternative to traditional training methods.
Have you always wanted to create animated videos that look like you? Vyond has all the tools to become the creator of a new visual universe. The editing capabilities of this animation software allow you to create videos that are simply stunning.
DaVinci Resolve provides you with a professional quality video editor. With advanced cutting, audio optimization and color grade tools, your creative possibilities are endless. Plus, the software has a pretty comprehensive free version.
To help you edit your video, here are some examples of companies and brands making good quality training videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW-CbfWg_T8
TechSmith's YouTube channel is filled with engaging tutorial videos for their software customers. Mixing face-to-face, screen and animation footage, their videos are dynamic and never tire the users' attention. They also never fail to add a touch of humor to get their message across.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eiLgqelitA
BMW gathers many fans of the car brand in its dedicated YouTube channel. BMW's communications teams have created tutorial videos to guide users after the purchase of their new model. Simple and effective, these videos focus on the actions to follow with well-chosen shots and a didactic voice-over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n09GypyaSpI
Chanel produces makeup tutorial videos for its customers. By varying the shots and giving examples, they teach them how to use their different makeup kits. These videos do not fail to emphasize the rendering of colors and the posture and body language of the speaker.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8CMTdl8oV4
WebFlow has made a name for itself in web content management systems, especially with its comprehensive and instructive training videos. With many expressive protagonists and scenes of dialogue and humor, they have elevated their tutorial series to the level of a true Netflix series. WebFlow proves that an educational experience can't do without a little bit of storytelling while remaining rigorous in the explanations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjI9v-VYwZY
Headspace's animated videos have a great ability to explain the basics of meditation to their users and found a new motivation in their practice. With images and very simple metaphors, they manage to clarify difficult concepts and transmit a calm and serene mental attitude.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gy2b1UUGbU
Aimed at children, Lego's instructional videos are nevertheless very well realized to explain complex tasks in a simple way. By combining text, voice, and action, they are often good video guides for building quality LEGO constructions.
So now you know how to create your video training for your customers or employees. To increase the accessibility of your videos, you can also try our automatic subtitle generator, to save time in this important process.
