Create training video

We explain what is important when creating a training video and why you should take Netflix & Co. as a model.

As loyal readers, you know that we usually start our blogposts with definitions and basic information about the topic at hand. In most cases, this is also urgently necessary, as there are numerous complex terms hiding in the e-learning universe that require a detailed explanation (think here, for example, of our e-learning definition, which took up an entire blog post). In this case, we do not dwell long on a definition. It is about training videos, i.e. videos that are used to train people in a certain activity or on a certain topic. Since the e-learning boom in the 1990s, videos and e-learning have firmly gone together. The whole thing sounds simple at first, but it is not – at least if you want to create a good training video. Training videos in particular separate the wheat from the chaff in e-learning. It is not enough to film classroom training sessions and then make them available as a video lasting several hours. In order for training videos to have the desired effect on learners, there are a few things that need to be considered.

It’s no secret that people process (moving) images more efficiently than text. Training videos therefore make it possible to absorb information more quickly and anchor it better in the memory. To take advantage of this, anyone creating a training video must follow five rules:

#1 A training video is not a filmed classroom training!
During the height of the Corona crisis, many classroom training courses were heaved into digital. Unfortunately, this has not always worked out well. One of the reasons for this: poorly made training videos. In many cases, lectures designed for face-to-face events were filmed and made available to learners online. The problem: a classroom training course functions according to different didactic standards than a training video. Trainers – no matter how good they may be – who speak into the camera for several hours will never achieve the same effect as a training video that is inherently designed for use in e-learning.

#2 Less is more!
Anyone creating a training video should keep the following in mind: the target audience of the video is not sitting in front of the screen with popcorn in hand while watching it. Two-hour movies work in the cinema, but certainly not in e-learning. That’s why it’s important to limit content to the essentials, avoid long-winded explanations and – keyword learning nuggets – distribute the information over several video packages.

#3 Training Video ≠ Training Video!
The term “training video” should be understood as a generic term for an e-learning genre. After all, there are various ways to adequately convey training content. Training videos can be implemented as screencasts, tutorials, interview or conversation simulations, among others. Depending on the topic and target group, formats can be combined as desired.

#4 Quality is trumps!
Learners know very well what is technically possible today. For anyone creating a training video, that means getting the video and audio quality right. Shaky footage, pixelated graphics or constant noise add a negative flavor to the learning experience and can be fatal to motivation and willingness to learn.

#5 e-Learning basics to take to heart!
When creating training videos, certain basic rules should be followed. Well-done e-learning always focuses on learners and their needs. Furthermore, e-didactics and factors such as storytelling or interactivity should not be neglected.

It can happen that you fall asleep in front of the screen after a long day and are asked the question “Are you still watching?” by the streaming provider of your choice. As a rule, however, the content of the streaming giants is designed in such a way that it is difficult to look away or sleep away. Well-made series and films know how to build up an arc of suspense that keeps viewers hooked. They also captivate with a gripping story that people can empathize with in front of the screen. In addition, not everything is revealed at once, but is divided into several episodes. You probably already know what we’re getting at: Anyone creating a training video can take a cue from the work of Netflix, Prime & Co. Training videos also need to build suspense, tell a compelling story, and spread content across multiple units in a meaningful way. However, training videos can offer something that streaming providers have not been able to do so far, or only in rudimentary form – think here of the “Black Mirror” episode “Bandersnatch”, for example: Interactivity.

The highlight of an optimal training video: Learners are torn out of their passive role and actively get involved in the action. Interactive training videos allow learners to make decisions, influence the progress of the story, or answer pertinent questions. The advantages: increased willingness to learn and increased motivation. skillbest proves with skillvid how successful learning can look like with the help of interactive training videos. Our e-learning format allows learners to immerse themselves in a real-world story and learn about new workflows or situations using conversational simulations. Gamification elements additionally keep the motivation level high and spur on further learning. Whether it’s an onboarding process, sales training or negotiation training, skillvid can be adapted to a wide range of learning content and needs.

You want to create an (interactive) training video based on your learning content?