In the early days of digital learning, videos were simply narrated slideshows. Fast forward to today, e-learning has become interactive, animated, immersive experiences featuring AI-powered personalization. It’s no surprise that 70 percent of L&D professionals use video as part of their learning strategy (2025 Workplace Learning Report. LinkedIn Learning. 2025)— especially with so many types of e-learning videos available to improve and diversify training programs. However, this variety also introduces a challenge: How do you decide which format is best for your training needs?
To answer this question, you need to know what each type of e-learning video is for, its benefits, and when to use it. This knowledge allows you to select formats that fit your learning objectives, resources, and learner needs — main factors that determine the effectiveness of your corporate training.
This article explores five key e-learning video types, highlighting each format’s characteristics, benefits, and use cases. You’ll also discover the essential factors to consider when selecting the video format and emerging educational video trends. 🚀
Summary
- 5 types of e-learning videos and their benefits
- Factors to consider when choosing an e-learning video type
- Key trends ahead in e-learning video content
- How Blue Carrot can help your business
- Conclusion
5 types of e-learning videos and their benefits
Choosing to make unsuitable types of videos to make can reduce effectiveness by misaligning courses with learner preferences and learning objectives. A thorough understanding of popular types of videos in e-learning leads to smarter investments in training video production. In this section, we’ll look at the key features and benefits of each type to help you choose the best corporate e-learning format. You can also explore more e-learning video examples to see how these formats work in real-life scenarios.
📌 1. Animated e-learning videos
Animated e-learning videos use dynamic visual elements to explain information in an engaging way. They effectively capture attention with motion graphics and simplify complex concepts with thoughtful instructional design, improving information retention. Learn more about the best animation styles for creating effective videos in various training scenarios.
Each animated video type serves a distinct learning purpose:
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Animated video type |
Description |
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Dynamic visual videos that combine elements like text, shapes, and icons in motion to explain concepts or data. You’ll often see these videos in compliance training, onboarding, or explainer modules — anywhere learners need to grasp essential information quickly. Their fast-paced, visually clear style makes complex ideas easier to understand and remember. Best for: abstract or knowledge topics, statistics visualization, and process explanations. |
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This features animated characters and scenes. Characters serve as relatable guides or role models, making the content more emotionally resonant and memorable. Best for: visual storytelling in e-learning and narrative-driven content. |
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Videos with 3D animation are used to provide depth and realism. This technique excels in demonstrating physical products, technical systems, or environments that are difficult to replicate in real life. Types of 3D animation vary from interactive to virtual reality. Best for: product demonstrations, immersive experiences, medical or mechanical training, virtual reality learning, and high-impact presentations. |
In corporate remote learning, animated e-learning videos break down employee training videos, like new hire onboarding, technical procedures, and compliance programs, into digestible visual sequences. Different industries use animation styles based on their training needs. For example, manufacturing firms use 3D animation for equipment training. Blue Carrot created a 3D demo video for a Norwegian industrial company that showcased the features and functionality of a three-arm tunnel jumbo drilling rig.
Tech companies frequently use different explainer video types, especially 2D infographic animation, for product training.
📌 2. Interactive learning videos
Interactive learning videos encourage learners to actively participate in courses by making decisions, answering questions, or engaging with on-screen elements, such as:
- Quizzes;
- Polls;
- Clickable hotspots or markers;
- Knowledge checks;
- Drag-and-drop exercises.
The integrated feedback loops allow learners to effectively learn and practice. Research indicates that interactive learning videos significantly improve student engagement and learning outcomes (Priyakanth, R. Abburi, M. Praveena. Design and Impact of Interactive Video Content for the Improvement of Student Engagement and Learning. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations. 2021).
Organizations can take advantage of these videos to create dynamic corporate e-learning environments. They are suitable for situations where learners need to make decisions, practice soft skills with various scenarios, and develop technical skills with step-by-step instructions.
UNFPA – case study
View demo📌 3. Simulation-based training
Simulation-based training creates realistic, immersive replications of real-world scenarios, allowing learners to practice their skills in a safe, controlled environment. It is an effective solution in fields like healthcare and aviation, where mistakes can have serious consequences.
Modern simulation training uses various technologies, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). AR adds digital overlays to real-world settings, making it useful for medical training and industrial maintenance. VR creates fully immersive digital worlds and works well in gamified learning and therapeutic environments.
For example, Deloitte implemented simulation-based training for learners to practice leadership skills and decision-making processes (Gaming away the leadership gap. Deloitte University Press). Similarly, Studio SE features a software simulator for students to practice and validate their SysML modeling skills. Discover more about our contribution to the course creation in the case study.
📌 4. Instructional videos
Instructional videos demonstrate how to perform specific tasks or procedures, helping learners accurately reproduce steps.
66 percent of respondents watch at least one instructional or informational video weekly. Most people watch these two to four times a week, while some watch ten or more. These numbers highlight the importance of the format for remote learning (TechSmith. 2024 Video Viewer Trends Report. TechSmith Research Report. 2024). 🤓
Here are common types of instructional videos and instructional video examples:
- Informal training videos: Casual, on-demand learning materials like DIY or user-generated videos, such as team members demonstrating workflow hacks.
- Live streams or webinars: Real-time professional presentations, such as webinars on customer service strategies or live-streamed compliance updates.
- Formal training videos: Structured, professionally produced courses such as mandatory certification training for compliance.
- Screencasts: Pre-recorded software tutorials, like step-by-step demonstrations of using internal software.
📌 5. Expert trainer videos
Expert trainer videos feature recognized professionals or Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who directly instruct learners. They use the trainer’s professional authority, presentation skills, and experience to build learners’ trust and motivation.
These videos cover topics where the credibility and experience of the trainer significantly contribute to the learning process. Examples include business leadership training, workplace safety, learning strategies, niche expertise, and motivational talks.
Instructional vs. Expert trainer videos: Both formats aim to educate viewers but differ in approach. Instructional videos emphasize demonstrating tasks or processes, using methods like screencasts or webinars. Expert trainer videos, on the other hand, rely on the trainer’s authority and expertise to deliver knowledge and insights. 🤔
Factors to consider when choosing an e-learning video type
Now that you understand the different types of video in e-learning and the best educational video formats, the next step is identifying key factors that guide your selection process. Based on our experience in e-learning content development, the following considerations influence the effectiveness of your employee training videos.
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Factor |
Description |
Impact on video type selection |
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Learning objectives and outcomes |
The clear, measurable learning goals for learners to achieve after completing the course |
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Target audience |
The characteristics and needs of your learners (e.g., demographic information, current knowledge level, learning preferences) |
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Technical requirements |
Necessary tools, video learning platforms, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and integrations for content creation and delivery |
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Budget and resources |
The financial and human resources needed for training video production |
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Update and scalability |
The long-term maintenance needs and potential expansion for content or audience reach |
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Key trends ahead in e-learning video content
Understanding video trends helps your organization anticipate changes and remain competitive in content creation for e-learning. Drawing on our experience, we have identified key trends and how they can improve your corporate training.
👉 AI-driven e-learning content
AI creates personalized video content by assessing employees’ skill gaps, career goals, and learning preferences. These modern e-learning tools also adapt content based on learner interactions and feedback, resulting in more relevant training experiences.
IBM provides a compelling example: the company developed AI-driven e-learning content that analyzes employees’ digital activities to identify skill gaps. The system recommends personalized training, provides career coaching, and helps managers conduct career discussions and make data-driven salary decisions (Tanya Moore and Eric Bokelberg. How IBM Incorporates Artificial Intelligence into Strategic Workforce Planning. 2024).
👉 Microlearning and mobile learning videos
Microlearning divides information into short, focused videos typically lasting three to six minutes, ideal for quick learning. These videos address attention span challenges, reduce cognitive load, and enable flexible remote learning. The format is effective for social media and mobile learning videos.
👉 Gamified learning experiences
Gamification videos integrate game-like elements into learning experiences. Inspired by video game mechanics, this method encourages active engagement by rewarding learners for completing tasks or reaching milestones. Gamification often uses virtual reality in education to create immersive, interactive experiences to boost learner involvement and retention (Elif Polat. Gamification implementation for educational purposes: a scoping review. 2023).
How Blue Carrot can help your business
As a full-service video production agency since 2014, Blue Carrot specializes in creating engaging e-learning content that drives measurable results. Our expertise includes:
- End-to-end e-learning video production in various types;
- Custom solutions tailored to specific learning objectives and business goals;
- Professional instructional design support to optimize learning effectiveness;
- Global experience with 300+ clients, including Fortune 500 companies and leading educational institutions.
Our e-learning video production service delivers consistent video quality, scalable solutions that adapt to your training growth, and expert advice to help you select the best type for your goals. We ensure smooth integration with your current LMS and provide measurable results for your training investment.
✅ Case studies
Blue Carrot provided post-production animation services for the University of Southern California, delivering 252 hybrid e-learning videos. By refining their in-house content with 2D animation, polished editing, and graphic enhancements, we helped improve engagement while accommodating diverse learning styles. This collaboration streamlined production workflows and produced high-quality, scalable e-learning materials.
In another project, we had a task to transform Studio SE’s 50-hour live program into a self-paced online course. We’ve started integrating a software simulator, allowing learners to practice in a realistic setting, while also improving the training’s scalability by onboarding multiple learners simultaneously.
👉 Explore the demo of the course:
THE IMPORTANCE OF PARAMETRIC DIAGRAMS
View demoConclusion
E-learning video types serve a specific training purpose. Let’s recap their core features:
- Animated videos engage learners and simplify complex concepts with visual storytelling.
- Interactive videos engage and help learners practice skills with elements like quizzes and polls.
- Simulation-based training lets learners safely practice real-world tasks with immersive experiences.
- Instructional videos explain tasks step-by-step, while expert trainer videos use SMEs’ credibility for authoritative insights.
To select the ideal video format, evaluate your learning objectives, audience, budget, technical requirements, and scalability needs. Considering these factors ensures your training programs meet your organization’s goals.
Ready to enhance your training program with professional e-learning videos? Book a call with Blue Carrot to discuss how we can help you create engaging, effective videos tailored to your business objectives.
