Instructional videos are all about breaking things down—whether it's a process, a concept, or a how-to guide. Essentially, they are educational videos that come in many forms, from step-by-step tutorials to engaging lectures. And the beauty of these videos is how much room there is to get creative while making them.
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Teaching is a craft in itself, but teaching through video takes it to another level. It's not just about knowing your content; it's also about using the right gear, scripting it well, and editing it to keep viewers hooked.
The good news? We've got you covered with a detailed blueprint on how to make an instructional video from start to finish.
But there's more to instructional videos than just educating an audience. They can be powerful tools for growing your business, too. By sharing valuable content, businesses can position themselves as thought leaders, building trust with potential customers. Plus, videos have a knack for driving traffic to websites and ramping up social media engagement.
Given their versatility and effectiveness, it's no surprise that videos are the most popular medium for sharing knowledge and learning new things. Studies show that people overwhelmingly turn to video content when they have specific questions or need clear instructions.
If you don't believe us, these compelling stats will tell you:
If you're ready to dive into creating one yourself, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
So, let's jump right in and explore the world of instructional video creation!
Let's clear the basics first.
Instructional videos are all about breaking things down—whether it's a process, a concept, or a how-to guide.
Essentially, they are educational videos that come in many forms, from step-by-step tutorials to engaging lectures. And the beauty of these videos is how much room there is to get creative while making them.
Not only are instructional videos great for helping others learn something new, but they're also surprisingly simple and enjoyable to produce. You don't need to be a Hollywood filmmaker to create effective instructional content; sometimes, a bit of personality and creativity can go a long way.
Making instructional videos is worth the effort because:
(Don't worry; we'll explore the benefits in detail later in the article, so stay tuned! )
The best part? You get to put your unique spin on things. By adding your creativity, you can make the content more memorable and the learning process more enjoyable.
Now, instructional videos come in various styles and formats, depending on what you want to achieve. Each type effectively delivers information in its own way.
So, understanding the different categories of instructional videos can help you decide which one fits your needs best.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to instructional videos.
These videos can range from product demonstrations and software tutorials to safety procedures or detailed how-to guides. With so much variety, it's easy to see why they've become a favorite for sharing knowledge.
Let's explore some of the most popular types and see how they can be used creatively.
Think of micro videos as bite-sized pieces of learning content. These short, focused videos target one specific topic, helping viewers learn quickly without overwhelming them.
Typically less than a minute long, micro videos can be polished or informal, depending on the audience and purpose. Because they are so concise, they're perfect for delivering a targeted message without diving too deep.
Whether you're teaching a new skill or explaining a concept, micro videos keep things simple and to the point.
Unlike micro videos, tutorial videos, also known as "how-to" videos, take a deeper dive into a process, offering step-by-step guidance. These videos typically range from two to ten minutes and are great for breaking down more complex tasks.
Some of the most engaging tutorial videos include interactive elements, like quizzes, to keep viewers hooked.
Training videos are a bit more specific than general tutorials. These are designed to enhance employees' skills and address important topics like compliance or workplace safety. They can feature real-life scenarios with actual footage of people to help trainees connect better.
However, they don't have to be strictly formal. Visual aids like animations and graphics can make these videos more engaging.
The goal is to improve knowledge and performance while fostering a positive learning culture.
An explainer video is like the modern-day elevator pitch: short, snappy, and engaging.
These videos, which range from 30 seconds to a few minutes, simplify ideas, products, or services in a visually captivating way. Many explainer videos use a mix of animations, graphics, and voiceovers to keep viewers engaged and ensure the message sticks.
They are perfect for businesses looking to break down complex concepts or introduce something new to their audience.
Recording a lecture or presentation can help extend its reach and give viewers flexibility in learning.
Unlike live sessions, recorded videos allow people to pause, rewind, and revisit parts they may not have grasped initially. This approach makes learning more accessible and encourages a deeper understanding of the material.
You can keep it simple with a voiceover and slides or go for a more polished setup with cameras to create a professional presentation feel.
Screencasts are videos that primarily consist of screen recordings, making them perfect for showing how to perform a task on a computer or software. They can range from demonstrating how to create an instructional video to walking through complex software features.
While screencasts are usually quick and informal, they are incredibly effective for smaller audiences and specific purposes.
Though many are "disposable," created for one-time use, some well-crafted screencasts can have a longer shelf life (lasting even years!) and serve as valuable resources for onboarding or customer education.
We've already touched on some of the uses of instructional videos, so if you're still with us, why not read on to explore the benefits in detail?
For a long time, creating these videos was seen as a challenge, mainly due to high production costs and technical hurdles. As a result, many preferred sticking to traditional methods like presentations, written instructions, or articles.
However, with the rise of smartphones equipped with high-quality cameras, we now see countless video tutorials on YouTube, covering everything from burger-making to rocket building.
Video content has become our go-to because it's what we've grown to expect.
But what makes video content so appealing to us?
Instead of reading pages of detailed instructions, videos can demonstrate actions in real-time. This visual approach makes complex processes easier to understand, saving time and effort.
Videos offer a more human touch by bringing the content to life with real-world examples. This personal element helps viewers connect with the material, making it feel more relatable and engaging.
Of course, this only applies to well-made videos.
High-quality content can keep viewers as captivated as they would be while watching a blockbuster movie.
It gets even more interesting with Dr. James McQuivey of Forrester, who, in his study How Video Will Take Over the World, notes that "If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth 1.8 million!"
To put this into perspective, that's about 3,600 pages of text—roughly three complete readings of the Lord of the Rings trilogy!
This figure isn't just a random estimate; it's based on some detailed calculations. The key factor is the number of frames in a typical video. Here's how the math breaks down:
Of course, the exact number can vary because video frame rates range from 24 to 120 frames per second, affecting the total word count.
Quite intriguing, right?
Now, videos aren't just limited to "how-to" guides, either. They can also be used for onboarding, compliance training, developing both hard and soft skills, and even enhancing customer support.
The best part? Creating instructional videos doesn't have to involve expensive gear, a big crew, or fancy software anymore.
With accessible technology, anyone—from corporate trainers to YouTubers—can produce compelling video content. And there are plenty of options available for companies looking to use videos for training.
Next, we'll explore the possibilities and what goes into making these videos.
When making instructional videos, the golden rule is to start with a plan. Just like any creative endeavor, a solid blueprint is essential for crafting an engaging and informative video.
Having a clear roadmap will save you from a lot of last-minute decisions.
With that said, let's break down the steps to creating videos that people will actually want to watch and learn from.
Your choice of equipment and software is crucial when creating a video that looks and sounds great. This decision heavily depends on who will watch it and what they expect.
For a quick instructional video idea like a short screencast, your laptop's built-in camera might be enough.
However, if you're planning to film a detailed hour-long tutorial, investing in quality gear becomes more important.
Editing software also plays a key role. For both beginners and pros, tools like Documentations AI offer a balanced mix of ease and functionality. They provide all you need to both record and refine your content, helping ensure your final video looks polished.
A crucial factor in creating an effective instructional video is understanding your audience. Different audiences require different approaches.
For instance, the way you teach dinosaurs to a group of ten-year-olds won't be the same as to a room full of paleontologists.
Understanding your audience's age, preferences, and even location can help you shape your message more effectively. Don't shy away from interacting with them directly—ask questions to understand their interests or what they struggle with the most.
This insight can drive the focus of your video and make it more relevant.
After settling on a topic and getting to know your audience, it's time to sketch out a storyboard. This step allows you to visualize your video's flow and ensure it's clear and engaging.
Your storyboard doesn't have to be an artistic masterpiece—simple sketches or screenshots will do the trick.
Following this, draft a script that aligns with your storyboard.
Even a basic script will keep your narration smooth and help avoid any "um's" or awkward pauses. The script helps you stay focused, making your content more efficient and easy to follow.
Armed with your script, the next step is to capture your narration.
Tools like Documentations AI can effortlessly enhance your audio quality. This tool is particularly useful because it transcribes your speech in real time, allowing you to edit your audio just like text.
No matter which route you take, make sure you use a decent microphone. Even a basic mic attached to your headphones can significantly improve audio clarity.
Recording the visual part of your video depends on what you're teaching. Some might require screen recordings, while others need real-life demonstrations.
Editing might seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be complex.
With user-friendly tools like Documentation AI, you can easily trim out mistakes, sync audio with video, and add engaging elements like callouts and annotations.
Simple editing tricks like speeding up a dull part or adding a freeze-frame to explain something can make a huge difference.
Your intro is your chance to make a memorable first impression—so make it count!
Aim for a short but powerful opening. Start by giving viewers a sneak peek of what they'll learn and why it matters, setting the tone for the entire video.
Remember, a lengthy intro can quickly lose your audience's interest, so keep it crisp and engaging. Highlight the value your video offers and grab attention right from the start.
A dynamic and compelling intro will not only captivate viewers but also motivate them to stick around for the full content.
Now comes the fun part—sharing your creation with the world.
Here are some of the most important things to remember while sharing your video:
Bonus Tip: Sharing behind-the-scenes stories or insights can also help attract more viewers.
By following these steps, you're well on your way to creating impactful instructional videos that resonate with your audience.
With some creativity and planning, your next video could be the one that sets the standard for what makes a good instructional video.
Fantastic!
You're all set to dive into creating your instructional videos.
However, before you hit the record button, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure you produce high-quality content.
When crafting an instructional video, here's what you might want to steer clear of:
By keeping these points in mind, you'll be set to create more engaging and effective instructional videos that truly connect with your audience.
You're all set with the basics of creating an instructional video. Now, it's time to put those skills into action and start making your own tutorials or training videos.
If you're ready to take your instructional videos to the next level, try using Documentations AI.
This advanced tool can revolutionize your video creation process by assisting with scriptwriting, automating editing, and ensuring everything is spot on. By integrating AI into your workflow, you'll avoid common pitfalls, boost video quality, and gain valuable insights.
This way, your instructional videos will stand out and provide exceptional value to your audience.
Ready to see how it works? Book a demo today to experience it for yourself!
You'll need a good-quality camera or smartphone, a microphone for clear audio, and lighting equipment to ensure your visuals are well-lit and engaging.
For editing instructional videos, you can use AI-powered software like Documentations AI, which offers comprehensive editing features.