Visual learners will largely agree that videos are a more engaging format for instruction. You’re able to follow along with the speaker, pause, and rewind when needed.
Videos can be uploaded to YouTube and distributed to your internal team. Alternatively, they can also be utilized for consumer education and overall brand awareness.
Instructional videos can also be used for a variety of scenarios including team training, onboarding, product education, and more.
Before, two major drawbacks of creating an instructional video was the time commitment and cost. The mere idea of setting up a production studio for a minute-long video seemed pointless.
Not to mention, the cost of renting out a space, finding talent, and building a set was unrealistic for many companies.
But thanks to smartphones and computers with enhanced video capabilities and user-friendly editing software, you can create and upload a video in a single afternoon.
There are a few things to keep in mind, however, before you hit the record button. Whether you’re creating your first instructional video or your 50th, here are some good practices to consider.
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1. Establish Your Goal
While you may be eager to get started, it’s important to take a step back and recognize the purpose of your video. As the name implies, instructional videos are meant to instruct viewers on something.
This may mean educating your team on a new software platform or educating customers on how to set up a purchased product. Ask yourself what the end goal is and how an instructional video will get you there.
With a goal in mind, you can then establish which type of video will work best. A microvideo, or short video, can be beneficial when you need to go over a simple step.
These videos are typically less than a minute in length. Explainer videos are used when you need to introduce concepts and describe them in a simpler way.
Try using an explainer video to introduce your team to a new project or your customers to a new product.
A screencast video is great for scenarios when you need to show a process, such as accessing a specific part of the software platform.
Instead of telling users where to access it, you can show them directly by utilizing a screenshot app.
You can then annotate the screenshot with helpful arrows to highlight what you’re looking at and what you want the viewer to recognize. Choosing the appropriate video format will set you up for success from the start.
2. Write An Outline And Script
Just like you would outline a paper before you start writing, create an outline for your video. Think of the necessary steps and the most efficient way to showcase this information.
Break each step down into smaller steps. Because while you may be familiar with the new software tool, your audience is not.
Don’t rush through or assume that everyone will know your starting point either. Be specific about where you begin and be sure to mention what the end goal is as well.
When you have an outline in place, you can then start writing your script. Keep your script overly simple, avoiding hard to pronounce words or language.
This can discourage viewers, and it may turn them away or they may get frustrated by your jargon. The average American has a readability level equivalent to a 7th or 8th grade student.
So even if your video is for your smart, well-educated colleagues, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and use basic wording.
3. Hit Record
Now, this is the exciting part. You’re ready to hit the record button! Make sure you have everything on hand and you’ve set up the camera or your smartphone in the best possible light.
Do a quick test to see how you or others appear on screen. If you’re using a screen recorder, exit out of any unnecessary tabs and turn off all your email, Slack, and text notifications too.
No matter if you’re using the video’s audio or you will be adding a voiceover to the final take, make sure to record in a quiet area. This will only make your life later on a bit easier.
When recording your audio, speak slowly and clearly and re-record any takes where you stumbled over your script.
It may take a few tries before you nail everything down, but don’t get discouraged. That’s what the editing process is for.
4. Edit and Publish
Editing may seem like the most daunting part of the process, but it’s much easier thanks to new editing software and tools.
Choose a tool that works for your needs, whether you’re working off your phone directly or a laptop.
Upload all of your raw footage to the platform of choice and preview what you have on hand. From there, you can select specific shots and overlay audio.
As you’re editing, you’ll want to consider how you’re going to engage the viewer.
Talking to the camera directly and running through all the steps isn’t going to be as helpful as showing them how to go through the steps.
In this scenario, you may want to bring in your screen recording. Remember, showing is more efficient than telling.
Once you’re happy with the final product, you can then upload it to YouTube via YouTube Studio. Hit the ‘create’ and ‘upload’ button to drag and drop your video file.
You can upload up to 15 instructional videos at a time. YouTube will automatically convert the file to the highest resolution available, ensuring it works across all devices and networks. After it’s uploaded, you’re ready to share it with your audience.
Conclusion
There are numerous benefits to instructional videos including building trust and credibility, connecting with consumers, and increasing visibility of your brand.
If you’re creating an internal instructional video for your team or company, then you’re likely to see increased comprehension and employee engagement.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to providing an instructional video that is educational and engaging too.
