Internal communication videos reshape company communications. They cut through digital noise and deliver messages that stick. Whether announcing initiatives, training staff, or building culture, these video messages connect with teams effectively.
This guide helps you create professional videos without specialized skills or expensive equipment. Follow these ten steps to craft videos that inform, engage, and inspire your colleagues.
Step 1 - Define Clear Objectives
Know exactly why you're creating your video. Is it announcing a company update, introducing a new process, or celebrating achievements? Videos with a single core message are more effective than those trying to cover multiple topics. For instance, instead of combining policy changes and quarterly results into one video, create separate, focused communications.
Set specific, measurable objectives tied to broader goals, like reducing questions about a system update or ensuring employees understand a new benefits package. This keeps your video focused and allows for success measurement after release. Organizations that have strong change and communication initiatives are 3.5 times more likely to excel compared to their competitors.
Document your objectives before production, and refer back to them throughout the process to stay on track. This keeps your video focused on what truly matters to your organization.
Step 2 - Understand Your Audience
Tailor videos to different teams or departments to boost engagement. Technical teams often prefer data-rich presentations, while creative departments might respond better to visually dynamic formats. Keep in mind viewing habits: are you targeting desk-based employees or mobile-friendly options for field staff?
Consider video length, accessibility (subtitles and translations of videos), and demographics. A 3-minute video is ideal for most internal communications. Know your audience's knowledge level and survey employees for feedback to ensure your content resonates.
Their input provides valuable insights about preferences and knowledge gaps. It also creates early buy-in. When employees contribute to planning, they're more likely to engage with the final product.
Step 3 - Plan Content and Format
Grab attention in the first 10 seconds. The best internal communication video scripts follow a simple structure. Start with a hook, present the problem, explain the solution, and end with a clear call to action. Use storytelling and analogies to make complex concepts more relatable.
Pick the right format for your internal communication video. Consider talking head videos for leadership announcements. Use screen recordings for software training. To engage employees, learn how to create training videos they will actually watch. Try animation for complex concepts.
Documentary-style works for company culture pieces. For onboarding, consider creating orientation videos. Live streams work for real-time major announcements. Let your message dictate the format. Matching format to content purpose increases message retention. Consider the various types of business videos to find the best fit for your message.
Create a storyboard to visualize the final product, and write a conversational script. Avoid corporate jargon and overly formal phrasing. Read it aloud to check flow and timing. Plan visual elements like text overlays or animations to reinforce verbal messages for viewers who process information visually.
Step 4 - Prepare Equipment and Tools
You don't need expensive gear to create effective internal communication videos. Modern smartphones with good lighting can produce quality results. Invest in basics like a smartphone tripod, lavalier microphone, and ring light.
For editing, use user-friendly software with branding capabilities. Options range from free tools to subscription services. Choose based on your technical comfort and customization needs.
Test your setup before recording to avoid delays, and consider creating a simple studio space for recurring videos. If you're producing videos regularly, investing in better equipment may be worthwhile.
AI tools can simplify video creation with advanced features. Consider AI video creation to handle aspects like automatic captioning and template creation. They make professional-quality videos accessible to non-specialists. Organize digital assets before production begins. Create folders for logos, music, and template files. This organization saves valuable time during editing and ensures brand consistency.
Step 5 - Record Footage
Find a quiet, well-lit location with minimal distractions. Run test recordings to check audio, lighting, and framing. This prevents technical issues that might force reshoots. It also builds the presenter's confidence.
Record extra footage for variety and use different angles to keep things visually engaging. Extra options provide flexibility during editing and you’ll also have backup in case some footage has issues. Film each section multiple times from different angles.
Consider the background carefully. Remove distracting elements. Ensure nothing inappropriate appears on the screen. Simple, branded backgrounds often work best. They focus attention on the speaker and message.
Coach presenters to speak conversationally and make natural eye contact with the camera and use hand gestures sparingly. Provide simple tips for on-camera presence. Encourage them to practice their main points rather than memorizing scripts. This prevents stiff, unnatural delivery.
Authenticity beats perfection—employees connect better with genuine communication.
Allow brief pauses between sections during recording. This creates clean edit points. It reduces the need for complex cutting during post-production. It also gives speakers natural breaks to reset their delivery.
Step 6 - Edit Footage
Editing transforms raw footage into a coherent, engaging internal communication video. Cut unnecessary content, trim pauses, and add smooth transitions. Use background music and on-screen text to reinforce key points.
Add company-branded elements and closed captions for accessibility. Ensure consistent audio levels and visual quality. These elements increase information retention compared to unedited footage.
End with a clear call-to-action telling viewers exactly what to do next. Should they fill out a survey? Register for training? Adopt a new procedure? Make these instructions explicit and actionable. Maintain a clean, simple editing style that supports rather than distract from your core message.
Step 7 - Share the Video Effectively
Distribution strategy ensures your internal communication video reaches its audience. Use channels where employees already spend time like email, intranet, team messaging platforms, or digital signage.
Use eye-catching thumbnails and compelling titles to increase viewership. Consider teaser clips that preview content to boost interest. These small elements significantly impact view rates.
Time your releases strategically, and make videos easily accessible for future reference. Avoid major announcement days when your video might get lost.
Provide context when sharing the video to increase engagement, and track responses to adjust distribution as needed.
Step 8 - Measure Success
Track metrics that reveal whether your internal communication video achieved its objectives like view count, completion rate, and average watch time to gauge engagement.
Look at drop-off points to see where viewers lose interest. Comments and reactions also provide qualitative feedback. Clicks on embedded links show action taken.
Connect video performance to business outcomes. For training videos, track process adoption rates. For announcements, measure awareness through surveys. Successful videos drive measurable behavior changes.
Create simple feedback mechanisms for qualitative insights. Use one-question polls or comment sections. Use these insights to improve future videos.
Compare new videos against previous ones. This reveals whether your communication effectiveness improves over time.
Look beyond immediate metrics to longer-term impact. Some videos deliver value through repeated viewing over months. Others create immediate but temporary spikes in awareness or action. Combine quantitative data with qualitative feedback for complete understanding.
Step 9 - Incorporate Branding Consistently
Visual branding builds recognition and reinforces company identity. Ensure videos are consistently branded. Create a simple brand kit for your videos. Use company logos, approved colors, and standard title cards across all videos.
Visual consistency strengthens organizational identity. For global teams, make sure your branding respects regional differences while maintaining core consistency.
Beyond visuals, incorporate your company's unique voice and values. If your culture values transparency, use straightforward language. Present content authentically without excessive polish. If innovation drives your company, reflect this through modern visual techniques.
Create templates based on your branding guidelines. These save time in future productions. Update branding elements periodically to keep the look fresh while preserving recognition. This balance supports both tradition and progress.
Step 10 - Encourage Employee Participation
Employee-generated content boosts authenticity and team connections. Videos featuring employees get more engagement than executive-only messages. Encourage staff participation by featuring team members explaining projects, sharing success stories, and hosting recurring video series.
Create “day in the life” features and include employee testimonials in new initiatives. This builds ownership, trust, and deeper engagement. Provide simple guidelines, on-camera tips, and question frameworks to ensure quality while allowing personal expression.
Support nervous participants with advance questions or private recordings. Recognize and thank contributors to encourage future involvement. Start with confident volunteers—positive experiences will inspire others. Over time, video participation becomes a natural part of company culture.
Create Compelling Videos with HeyGen
Creating an effective internal communication video doesn’t require a large budget or expert skills. Developing a solid video strategy is key. What matters most is thoughtful planning. Set clear goals and understand what your audience needs. Focus on clarity and relevance to make your message stick.
HeyGen offers tools built for internal communications, helping even beginners create high-quality videos quickly. Start small, measure results, and refine your approach with each project.
These videos save time, deliver important messages clearly, and create shared experiences across teams. They keep everyone aligned, no matter where they are.
Get started for free and explore the power of HeyGen today!
