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The Complete Guide to Creating Training Videos in 2024 With Tips From Professionals

Dec, 15, 2023
Christina
Christina
Senior Account Executive

Introduction

Projected to reach $487 billion by 2030, the corporate training market combines different and at times polar opposite learning approaches and tools. In recent years, however, video courses have gained more traction compared to other types of knowledge delivery methods. Why so? What makes them so effective? These are some of the questions we’re going to focus on in today’s guide.

Summary:

  1. Defining a Training Video
  2. Do Training Videos Work?
  3. Why Do Companies Opt to Create Training Videos?
  4. How to Make Training Videos?
  5. Common Mistakes You Should Avoid When Creating Training Videos
  6. Tips for Creating Training Videos That Keep Viewer’s Attention
  7. Should You Create a Training Video for Free or Entrust the Matter to Professionals
  8. How Much Does It Cost to Create a Training Video?
  9. How Blue Carrot Can Help in Producing Training Videos
  10. Final Thoughts

Defining a Training Video

Let’s first define what makes training video courses different from other types of video. First of all, it’s a purposeΒ that dictates the differences in lengths, styles, and visual techniques between training videos and the ones used in marketing.

Marketing videos are designed to attract users and show them the benefits of a particular product. The main goal of designers when producing training videos is to pass a specific knowledge to viewers or help them acquire a certain skill.

Do Training Videos Work?

Quite often when talking about videos on our blog, whether it is a short ad, explainer video, or training video course, we use the term β€˜effectiveness’. We normally refer to it in order to answer the question of whether training videos work or not.

πŸ‘‰ Example of e-learning animated video:

Training videos have huge potential* and can perform effectively. However, it depends on how well the learning goals and target audience were outlined, what type of narrative was selected for the video, how the video was produced (DIY-ed or with the help of a video agency), etc. If any of the listed aspects get overlooked, the video may not perform as expected and may not work at all.

* β€” According to statistics, about 75% of global enterprise companies use videos for their internal training activities.

WE PROVIDE E-LEARNING VIDEO PRODUCTION SERVICES FOR EDUCATORS, CORPORATIONS, AND COURSE DESIGNERS

Why Do Companies Opt to Create Training Videos?

Now that we’ve figured out what training videos are about, let’s see what makes this tool so attractive for companies.Β 

Video Courses Aren’t Bound to Particular Time or Location

With video courses, employees (learners) aren’t restrained by a particular time or location. They can choose whatever time suits their schedule best and complete the course even from the comfort of their homes. Such an approach is especially useful for companies with large teams and global offices.Β 

Compared to live training courses, prerecorded ones are more convenient since you don’t need to tie up employees’ time. Especially since they might be working in different time zones, plus you don’t need to pay for the lecturer’s time, logistics, etc.

πŸ‘‰ Example of a presentation lecture:

Videos Are More Effective in Conveying Complex Concepts

In terms of effectiveness, a video β€” as a content medium β€” outperforms other types of media, such as presentations or podcasts. Due to the dynamic aspect it adds to the narrative, it can influence both visual and verbal perception of the information more effectively.

Such an advantage may become critical for complex courses that deal with a lot of technical concepts, definitions, and other cumbersome stuff that somehow needs to be presented to an audience in an understandable way β€” think of SaaS products for example.

So, here, using a video is the only way for course designers to turn complex ideas and concepts into ‘digestible’ pieces of information.Β 

πŸ‘‰ E-learning video example:

Video Courses Can Be Reused

In contrast to live courses, training videos can be reused as long as you want (or as long as they stay relevant). You also don’t need to gather all the employees in order for training to happen. You don’t need to hire lecturers, book space, catering services, etc., etc.

With video courses, the HR manager simply shares a link with the team members, and they can start watching it right away. Another benefit of online video courses is that you can track who has linked up to the course, how long they watched it, and so on.

WE PROVIDE E-LEARNING VIDEO PRODUCTION SERVICES FOR EDUCATORS, CORPORATIONS, AND COURSE DESIGNERS

How to Make Training Videos

So, how to make training videos on a computer exactly? In one of our previous articles, we touched on that, but for the purpose of this guide, we’ll do a shorter recap to make sure you have a quick checklist at hand to use whenever you decide to create a training video of your own. The following step-by-step process works for both live and animated videos, and resource-wise can be considered as the best way to create a training video.

βœ”οΈΒ Outline project goals

The first thing you want to do when making training videos is to set project goals. This includes formulating project needs, defining the depth of knowledge that you want your course to provide, and defining the outcome you expect your viewers to obtain. Such as what they should learn, grasp, and/or acquire upon completing the training course.

βœ”οΈΒ Prepare for the production

Once the project goals are outlined, you need to gather all the necessary information from the subject matter experts (SMEs) that will be present in the training video. You also need to formulate the evaluation methods that would help assess the effectiveness of the course, develop a script scenario, and carry out the instructional design.

βœ”οΈΒ Determine visual stylistics

Another important step in video content production is putting together general stylistic rules that all visuals have to follow. This includes the development of a style frame, animation sample, brand identity elements, and more.

βœ”οΈΒ Create a storyboard

It is difficult to imagine the production of an effective training video without this fundamental element. Storyboards come as a sequence of sketched-out scenes that help instructional designers visualize the storyline and make necessary adjustments before sending the video to production.

πŸ‘‰ More about storyboards read in our article 7 Steps of How to Create a Video Storyboard: Process, Techniques, Examples.

βœ”οΈΒ Design assets

This is when all the assets that will be used in a video get created. We’re not only talking about the images but also about all animation models, overlays, sound effects, templates, etc. Here, instructional designers also create illustrations and source stock photos (if needed for the project).

βœ”οΈΒ Cast and record V/O (for Animation)

There are several aspects that course developers consider when casting a V/O actor β€” age, gender, voice tone, language, and even language accent. There are basically two ways you can find a V/O actor, the first is by simply turning to a local recording studio. Normally they either provide such services or can connect you with local V/O actors. The second way is going on such platforms as Fiverr and picking one. Once the actor is hired, you can proceed to the recording of the voiceover itself.

βœ”οΈΒ Animation and/or Live Shooting

If your project uses animation, this is where all the magic happens and still images and illustrations all get turned into moving scenes and sequences. If the training course also involves live videos, at this step they get shot too.

Once that is done the production team moves to the post-production stage to combine animation with the live footage β€” if, of course, that was the plan to use both animation and live footage in your training course. For more about video development options read How to Create E-Learning Videos: Development Options, Budgets & Tips.

Due to the fact that training videos normally are longer compared to marketing videos and include more assets and elements to animate, more specialists will be involved in the production process. This is why it’s important to ensure that different chunks of work from different specialists work together perfectly.

WE PROVIDE E-LEARNING VIDEO PRODUCTION SERVICES FOR EDUCATORS, CORPORATIONS, AND COURSE DESIGNERS

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid When Creating Training Videos

❌ Prioritizing visuals over goals

There’s a common misconception among companies that the quality of the video is directly proportional to its performance. And while it is not that far from being true, there are still nuances.

Even though the quality of visuals is important, the complexity of animation or chosen video type cannot guarantee you a great video performance. What can, however, is the alignment of the video production, type, and style of your video with the initial goals.

At times, even basic 2D video produced on a budget with a well-thought-out narrative can outperform advanced 3D animation with intense action shots, but no coherent storyline.

❌ Cutting corners

This is another side of the coin where companies try to spend as little as possible on video production. So, this is where we’d recommend not going to extremes. Free editing software, generic assets, poor-quality video, and the cheapest web camera probably won’t bring you the desired results.

But don’t worry, even on a modest budget you can get a great video. In our educational video guide we explain how to do it in detail, so make sure to check it out πŸ‘‡

WE PROVIDE E-LEARNING VIDEO PRODUCTION SERVICES FOR EDUCATORS, CORPORATIONS, AND COURSE DESIGNERS

❌ Working with unprofessional production teams

If you have decided to outsource project production to an agency make sure to find a reliable partner who not only will be able to deliver quality videos but also help you set goals for your project and ensure the final result corresponds 100% to them. Otherwise, you risk getting a poorly performing video or no video at all should you hire an unreliable freelancer who simply disappears just before sending the project for review.Β 

When choosing a video agency, pay particular attention to their past experience and relevant expertise. Also, assess how transparent they are in their communications, do they have any risk management strategy in place, and how they approach the production process in general.

πŸ‘‰ In fact, we’ve dedicated an entire article to this subject, so make sure to check it out too: Checklist: How to Choose an Animation Video Production Company.

Tips for Creating Training Videos That Keep Viewer’s Attention

If you want to create a simple training video that is engaging and interesting for viewers, here’s what we recommend doing:

  • Align video format with the educational program β€” it’s necessary to determine the learning goals for your video because this will help you to understand how to pace your training course and what content to offer to your audience.
  • Π‘ome up with a quality visual structure β€” a clear visual hierarchy will guide viewers through on-screen content and make sure that they focus on the most important information first.
  • Add interactive elements to your course β€” it will increase video engagement and will make viewers stick longer with the course. There are few elements that you can add to your training video, but the simplest and most effective one is tests. Adding them during or after the video will make viewers stop and scroll in their heads to the material they were just presented with.

Should You Create a Training Video for Free or Entrust the Matter to Professionals

The decision whether to go DIY or hand your video production to professionals boils down to the question of what you want to achieve, and when and how you want it done. Without a doubt, with the help of online editors, you can create a how to video for training.Β  However, most free training video makers will require you to have some level of expertise in terms of video production.

In most cases ready DIY videos look unprofessional and this can significantly damage a brand image of a company that is about to use them.Β 

On the other hand, partnering with a video agency not only will take the production burden off your shoulders, but it also will save you a ton of time as you won’t have to jump back and forth when choosing video type, writing a script scenario, creating visual assets, animation, etc.

Professional designers will help to correctly outline your video goals and will provide all the necessary expertise and tools needed for the creation of an effective training video.

How Much Does It Cost to Create a Training Video?

Training video production costs will vary depending on such factors as the length of a video; its type: live, animated or hybrid; the level of production complexity: required level of illustration detalization, animation intensity, number of cameras, actors, and type of location if the video is shot live. Also, whether you have a ready script scenario or expect video producers to create one for your project will affect the cost to create a training video too.

In general, however, the price for a full-cycle video production β€” design of a training course program, creation of a script scenario, and video itself β€” sits in the range between $60 and $120 per minute of produced content (live video, no animated overlays**). If we’re talking about fully animated training videos, the price starts around $650 per minute, including scripting and all other stages.Β 

** β€” if you want to get a live video with animation, expect to pay about $30 per minute extra for adding animation to a video.

πŸ‘‰ For more information on video production costs read in our article: Explainer Video Production Pricing: Different Video Types and Costs.

How Blue Carrot Can Help in Producing Training Videos

In case you’re looking for an e-learning video production company to help in creating a training video, look no further than Blue Carrot. We’ve been creating animation and effective training videos in different niches and markets since 2014, helping companies improve their brand recognition, product presentations, corporate training activities, etc.

πŸ”Ή Lernetz

Lernetz approached us with a request to produce an animated video course for a client looking to update their sales strategy. At Blue Carrot we came up with 35 minutes of animated content that then was enhanced with live footage provided by Lernetz. A total of 6 videos were created in three languages over the course of two months.

πŸ”Ή IRI

A 50+ minute long video course was produced by our team for the International Republican Institute on democratic society development. It took us approximately 5 months to complete the project, which included 34 minutes of whiteboard animation, 24 minutes of animated overlays, 5 minutes of live footage, and 26 illustrations.

Final Thoughts

Training videos are great at helping to deliver required knowledge to employees. This is why this type of content is normally used for the creation of effective training programs. But at the same time, it’s important to know how to create training videos to make sure they perform as expected.

We hope that this guide helps you better understand the employee training video production process. If you need more information or are simply looking to create a video training course, reach out to the Blue Carrot team, because it’s the fastest and easiest way to create a training video πŸ˜‰

FAQ

Are training videos effective?

The level of effectiveness of a corporate training video depends mostly on how well video producers managed to 1) outline the primary goals for the video, 2) follow the goals in the video, and 3) use relevant visual and verbal tools (for the target audience) to meet those goals.

How long does it take to create a training video?

The production of a training video typically takes 3 months or more. Given that each project is unique in video length, type of training video, requirements, work scope, and the number of video specialists involved in the process, it’s difficult to give a precise answer to this question. If you want to get an estimate calculated for your project, please reach out to our managers for further consultation.

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