In corporate learning, video is becoming the preferred media, as it is one of the most popular ways to deliver and consume content. Interestingly, this is not changing anytime soon.
Training videos are one of the best ways to tackle the shortening attention span.
This approach to workplace training excels at breaking down complicated, abstract, or dull concepts into more digestible chunks of information.
Without further prepping, let’s dive into it!
What is a Training Video?
A training video is one dedicated to educating or instructing viewers on a specific topic to share knowledge or teach a skill. You could also refer to it as a video that teaches someone how to do something.
Training videos serve many purposes, including software education, employee onboarding, compliance training, and lots more. A non-corporate example of a training video is a “how to fix your car” video on YouTube.
Of course, the ultimate goal of any training video is for viewers to understand and retain new skills or knowledge.
Top 5 Types of Training Videos and When to Use Them
There are various training videos, but which is the best? Selecting a video type depends on your audience’s learning goals, resources, preferences, and many more. Nevertheless, here are a few you can explore:
Instructor-Led Training Videos
These are the common online programs because they are video versions of in-person training.
For example, an instructor-led training video features an instructor delivering the information using a camera to a virtual audience.
However, this method is not well engaging, so the instructor needs to combine other compelling materials like images, presentations, etc., to boost the effectiveness of the training video.
Therefore, instructor-led videos are primarily applicable when you have an engaging and expert presenter to showcase.
Interactive Training Videos
These videos incorporate interactive elements to help learners lead their storylines and involve themselves in the experience.
Those interactive elements include quizzes, 360 views, in-person communicative lectures, and many more.
Interactive training videos are time-intensive to create.
However, they are one of the best forms of engaging training videos, allowing learners to explore the end of their choices.
Furthermore, you can use interactive training videos as you like since they can be incorporated into various types of videos to create an immersive learning experience.
Presenter Training Videos
These videos involve someone speaking directly to the audience through the camera. (Talking head video)
Unlike instructor-led videos, presenter videos don’t require any unique form of illustration to be effective.
These videos work best when you want to showcase the presenter’s skills and knowledge.
Businesses can use the presenter videos when there is a personable and credible presenter in-house.
You may also like: How to Create an AI Tutor for Online Education on HeyGen(Authoring Tool)
Stimulation Training Videos
Also referred to as scenario-based training videos, these videos use real-world situations to educate learners.
With the stimulation training, your audience can experience relatable scenarios for which they can brainstorm viable solutions.
A perfect example is what to do when faced with a dissatisfied customer, a system error, a co-worker conflict, etc.
Stimulation training videos are suitable for experiential learning because they showcase how knowledge should be applied or how employees should deal with difficult situations.
How-To Training Videos
Also known as demonstration videos, the how-to training videos demonstrate a task or guide a learner through a learning process.
They are often found on YouTube, where the instructor shows the exact process in the video.
You can use how-to videos to demonstrate step-by-step procedures and guide learners.
Why Create Training Videos?
As previously mentioned, videos are the perfect media for training because you can show and tell viewers what they need to know.
Additionally, video is inherently more engaging than text-only methods. Some of the benefits of creating a training video include:
- Training videos drive more traffic to your website.
- They help grow your business.
- Training videos create more innovative customers and users.
- They help take the burden off your tech or customer support team.
What Makes a Good Training Video?
Training videos anchor themselves to a specific learning objective.
An excellent training video is easy to comprehend, has a logical structure, and stays relevant and memorable.
Consider some of these 4 key metrics to make a great training video.
Understand the Needs of Your Audience:
Tailor your video content to the needs of your audience.
For instance, if you train people who are well-acquainted with social media and spend five minutes explaining what Twitter is, your audience may likely lose interest.
Without understanding your audience, you can’t decide which information is relevant and what isn’t.
Identify the Learning Objectives:
Stick to one learning objective. Don’t squeeze in too much information that might overwhelm your audience.
When you correctly identify the objectives of your training videos, you show respect to your viewers and ensure your video drives home the point of your training videos.
If the information is irrelevant, it is unlikely your viewer will complete watching the video.
Create a Script and a Storyboard: Storyboards combine each scene’s script and corresponding visuals. Storyboards allow you to break down your concept visually and zero in on critical visuals.
These can include screenshots, rough sketches, and many more arranged into proper shot-by-shot sequences.
Use the Right Format:
After deciding on your topic and learning objectives, you must use a video format that best suits your topic.
Steps to Embed a Speaking Trainer on the Video without Tech Required
With HeyGen, you can create a real-person training video in over 20 languages, save your video as MP4 files, and import them into your learning management system.
In addition, you can easily embed a speaking trainer in your video with HeyGen by following these step-by-step guides.
Step 1: Enter the HeyGen web app
Step 2: Click on “Templates” to choose your desired template.
Step 3: Select the “Learning & Development” template
Explore and choose the suitable training video template for your video.
Step 4: Choose your desired template. For this guide, I used “Business Webinar.”
Step 5: Click on “Use This Template.”
Step 6: Click on “Avatar” to select an avatar of your choice.
Step 7: Select your desired choice of Avatar. In this guide, I used Derek.
Step 8: Input the text that drives your Avatar speaking.
Step 9: Choose your desired avatar speed and pitch.
Step 10: Preview the training video you created.
Step 11: Finally, submit the video to get the result.
Frequently Asked Questions about Training Videos
How Long Should a Training Video Be?
Firstly, it is essential to note that learning videos differ relatively from regular ones.
Therefore, you cannot compare the optimal length for a social media video with one used for training and development because it ought to be well comprehensive.
The ideal length for a training video should be less than 20 minutes, with a preference for the 4 to 6-minute range.
What is the Best Social Media to Post the Training Video I Made?
According to a recent report, the most common answer to this question is majorly YouTube.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t use other platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and many more for your training videos.
Is Video Better than Books for Trainees?
Arguably, video grabs hold your learners’ attention in a way other mediums cannot, and it is easy to deliver across a learning management system (LMS).
Moreover, since videos are now more critical for today’s generation of learners, there is a high demand for video-based learning.
What is the Best Screen Recorder for Online Trainers?
One of the best screen recorder software for online trainers is Screencastify. Unfortunately, the software is only available on Chrome but offers the best balance of usability and functionality.
To get started, you don’t need to do much because the developers did an excellent job of including people’s core features without going overboard.
For instance, with the “Submit” feature, trainers can develop a quick assignment and share a URL with students. That link allows students to hop right into a recording.
Furthermore, it efficiently saves your recordings in your drive.
Like many screen recorders, Screencastify offers a free plan and a subscription.
With the free version, trainers can do almost everything the paid version does, but with limits.
The limitation is that recordings are capped at five minutes, so if you work within that time frame, you can use more features than the accessible version of other tools.
Conclusion
Your choices are bountiful when it comes to different types of training videos. From a simple screencast recording to a beautifully designed animated video, feel free to explore various options to find the one that suits your goals.
Keep incorporating videos into future training programs to make your learners’ and employees’ growth more interactive, entertaining, and practical. With this article, I hope you now understand the concept of training videos.
