10 Tips for Producing Training Videos

Training videos have become indispensable in eLearning and corporate training sectors.

With the increasing preference for visual learning these days, videos not only make learning more engaging but also enhance retention by simplifying complex topics.

Of course, there's an art and a science to producing impactful training videos. Anyone who's sat through a boring training video knows they're not all created equal.

In this guide, I'll be providing eLearning professionals and instructional designers with practical tips on producing training videos that captivate and educate.

1. Understand Your Audience

One of the most important things when producing effective training videos is understanding who your learners are.

Knowing their prior knowledge, learning preferences, and technological proficiency can help tailor content that is both relevant and accessible.

For instance, videos for tech-savvy learners might incorporate more advanced multimedia elements than those intended for beginners.

Additionally, assessing learners' familiarity with the subject matter allows for the customization of pacing—ensuring that the information is neither too complex nor too simplistic, which helps maintain engagement and enhances learning outcomes.

2. Set Clear Learning Objectives

Before you begin production, clearly define what learners should know or be able to do after watching the video.

These learning objectives are your north star, guiding every aspect of your video, from the script to the final edit, ensuring that all content aligns with these goals and contributes directly to the learner’s development.

Anything that doesn't help achieve these objectives should be cut, as it could distract or detract from the learning experience.

This focused approach not only streamlines the production process but also helps ensure that each element of the video is purposeful and effectively aids in meeting the set educational goals.

3. Choose the Right Tools and Equipment

Producing high-quality videos requires the right tools.

Invest in a good camera and microphone to ensure clear visuals and audio.

Lighting plays a critical role in video quality—poor lighting can detract from the learner's focus.

For editing, choose software that matches your skill level and budget, considering options like Adobe Premiere Pro for high-end production or Camtasia for more budget-conscious projects.

4. Scripting and Storyboarding

Before you start making your training video, you need to have something to guide you. You don't want to be making it up as you go along.

A well-written script and detailed storyboard are foundational to producing an effective training video.

The script should convey your message clearly and concisely, while the storyboard outlines each scene or section of the video, ensuring a logical flow and that all key points are covered visually.

5. Incorporate Visual and Audio Elements Effectively

Visuals and audio should enhance, not distract from, the learning experience.

Use graphics and on-screen text to underscore important points, and choose background music and sound effects that support the content without overwhelming it.

Visual aids like charts and diagrams can help explain complex information more clearly.

6. Optimize Video Length and Pacing

The length of your video should be dictated by the complexity of the content and the attention span of your audience.

Generally, shorter is often better—aim for concise segments that deliver information effectively without any fluff or unnecessary details.

Of course, you must ensure that your videos are long enough to cover the topic thoroughly.

Ideal pacing should allow time for the information to sink in without overwhelming the viewer. Break down complex topics into multiple shorter videos if needed, which can help maintain viewer engagement and make the learning process more manageable.

Additionally, consider including brief pauses or interactive elements at strategic points to allow learners to process the information and engage actively with the content.

7. Ensure Accessibility

Accessibility should always be a priority when producing training videos.

Ensure your videos include captions for the hearing impaired and audio descriptions for the visually impaired.

These features not only help comply with accessibility standards but also enhance the learning experience for all users.

8. Quality Assurance and Feedback

Before finishing and releasing your video, conduct thorough reviews and testing.

Gather feedback from a test audience representing your target learners and use this input to refine the video.

This feedback loop is essential for producing content that truly meets learner needs.

9. Continuous Improvement and Updating

The learning environment is dynamic, with content needing regular updates to stay relevant.

Set a schedule for reviewing and refreshing your video content to make sure it's current and relevant.

Use learner feedback and performance data to make informed updates, ensuring your training materials continue to meet educational standards and learner expectations.

Final Thoughts

By following these tips, you can create videos that are not only informative and engaging but also aligned with your educational goals.

Remember, the best learning experiences come from content that is thoughtfully designed and continually improved based on learner feedback.

Have you had success with a particular strategy in video production? Or do you have additional tips to share?

Drop a comment below to share your experiences.