Picture this: HR has decided it’s time for employees to learn a new skill. You file into a bland meeting room with your colleagues. The lights dim…and you spend the next few hours watching boring PowerPoint presentations and demos. Maybe you break for a much-needed coffee, but then it’s right back to training. More PowerPoints, more demonstrations.
Many of us have experienced something like this. Employee training is a vital part of running any business, and a recent survey indicates that 40% of employees leave their positions within the first year due to poor training opportunities. Isn’t it time to find a better way to train?
Video is that better way.
With the right corporate training videos, employees can learn new skills on their own time, engage with exciting content, and feel greater brand loyalty. So, what makes a great corporate training video? Read on to find out.
The Makings of a Great Corporate Training Video
When setting out to create an engaging corporate video, it helps to start with a clear understanding of your objectives. What do you need employees to learn? What information are you trying to communicate? It might sound basic, but it’s crucial to get crystal clear on your learning objectives before you begin creating.
The purpose of a corporate training video is to communicate certain learning outcomes, but it has to capture the viewers’ attention from start to finish. So, it helps to create multiple, short and sweet videos that focus on a single topic, rather than lengthy, multi-part videos that cover a range of subjects.
Think about how people learn new skills in their daily lives — usually by texting a friend or watching a short “how-to” video online. Corporate training should feel similarly organic and “bite-sized.” It’s easier for viewers to retain information if it’s delivered in short, concise segments.
A successful employee training video also embodies your unique company culture. Have fun with it! Viewers should immediately recognize the look and feel of your company's communication style (your brand identity) in the video, so consistency is key.
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6 Types of Corporate Training Videos and Examples
One of the best things about online training videos is the versatility — there are many different types that all have unique applications and benefits.
However, creativity should be your guide — why not incorporate elements from several video types into one impressive training video? Whether you want to embed these videos in your corporate emails or host them on your intranet site, here are some examples of video formats to get you started.
Screencast videos
Ideal for demonstrating an unfamiliar process, screencast videos guide viewers through the steps required to complete an action. At its most basic, a screencast video features video footage of a computer screen, but simply adding a voice-over narration can bring a “how-to” to life.
Video learning immerses the viewer in the training material, making it easier to apply these new skills in real work situations.
This video is a perfect example of how screencast videos can be used to enhance other types of video — in this case, as a feature demonstration incorporated into a larger video presentation.
Of course, screencast videos can work as stand-alone demos as well. Screencasts let viewers get familiar with a process or the look and feel of new software before they’ve even finished the video.
Microvideos
Loosely defined as any video lasting less that 30 seconds (although they can be longer, depending on the topic), microvideos might not seem like the first choice for training applications. But you'd be surprised at how effective ultra-short videos can be for creating awareness or communicating quick hits of information.
Today, most people are attuned to watching brief videos, whether that’s on TikTok or Facebook. These types of videos are well-suited to employees who want to learn on the go because it translates well to a smartphone format.
This is an example of a short and sweet video that educates the audience on a specific skill, in this case, how to create an animated GIF. The audience will walk away with all the information they need in under a minute!
Tutorial / How-to videos
How-to videos have transformed how people learn and it’s likely your audience will be familiar with the format of a tutorial video. Why not take inspiration from the wealth of how-to videos the internet has to offer, from snappy TikTok cooking videos to DIY YouTube channels showing viewers how to make home improvements?
When it comes to corporate training, the purpose of a tutorial or instructional video is to walk the viewer through the steps required to complete a given process — such as mastering a new piece of technology.
These can utilize a range of formats, from animated how-to’s to live-action video demonstrations. The key is to be clear, concise, and break the process down into simple, memorable steps.
A simple but effective tutorial video by Hubspot that walks viewers through the process of creating a Powerpoint Presentation. Featuring an onscreen presenter, text animations, step-by-step tips, and screencast demonstrations, this tutorial really hits the spot!
Role play videos
Think of role play videos as a safe place for viewers to try out new skills. These almost-interactive videos use characters as stand-ins for employees who are about to go out into the real world to apply the skills they just learned.
Nothing gives people confidence in a new skill like seeing it demonstrated in a setting that mimics the actual, everyday environment where they work. Role play videos are the perfect way to bridge the gap between the classroom and the working world.
Animated / motion design videos
An animated training video adds a dose of fun to the training process. Just because employees are here to learn, doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy bright, eye-catching imagery and motion graphics along the way.
As an added bonus, animated videos can help simplify complex topics — try this type of video whenever you need to explain a multi-step process or workflow in a way that really sticks.
This video uses colourful animations to cover an important training topic — bullying in the workplace. Animated explainer videos like this are an excellent option for addressing sensitive topics or bringing complex concepts to life.
How to Create a Corporate Training Video?
Planning and preparation are key to creating an impactful training video. Here, we break down the steps to creating one that stands out and drives your message home.
Step 1: Choose a specific topic
The first step to creating a training video is choosing your subject. We recommend breaking each subject (or even related sub-topics) down into separate videos. That way, employees can return to each video for a refresh and find the information they need, quickly and easily.
Most companies have an array of mandatory training that employees must complete. But consider expanding the scope of training to include other topics, even culture-boosting instructional videos that will teach employees more about the company or the CSR politics inside the company. Discover what is CSR and why it is important for every company.
Step 2: Stick to the script
Whether you're creating an animated how-to video or a straightforward presentation-based training, every video needs a good script. The best place to start is by defining the “need to know” information that every viewer should absorb while watching.
Now, tailor your script to drive home those points. Consider adding a refresher at the end of the video that highlights the important info one last time.
Once your script is written, start storyboarding the video to get an idea of the bigger picture. Here, you can get into the nitty gritty of how a video will flow and feel.
Step 3: Hit record
Once you have a script and a storyboard ready, it’s time to film (or record, if it's a screencast video). If you're filming a “talking head” presenter for your video, make sure the lighting and background are top notch. After all, people will take a high-quality video more seriously.
Once the core video content is filmed, it’s time to edit it. Here is where you can really get creative: add text overlays, music, voice-overs, and smooth transitions. It’s worth adding captions to every video to boost accessibility (for audiences who are hearing-impaired or who don't share the same native language), and make information easier to retain.
Remember, even for a screencast or an animated video, a human presence makes your brand content more emotionally impactful and engaging for viewers.
The 10 Best Examples of Corporate Training Videos
1. Slack - ‘How-to’ product tutorial
A perfect combination of ‘How-to’ and ‘Microvideo’, this snappy tutorial by Slack teaches viewers how to use a feature in just 15 seconds. Also an excellent example of how to break down a topic into a series of training videos!
2. PlayPlay - ‘Discover’ walkthrough
What better way to introduce new employees to your product than with a guided walkthrough from a senior employee? This ‘discover’ video (made with PlayPlay, by PlayPlay!) begins with a friendly onscreen welcome, before leading viewers into a step-by-step walkthrough of the platform.
3. Los Pollos Hermanos - Employee training
This one’s for all the Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul fans out there. Although a fictional corporate training video from a tv series, it’s still a great example of how to level-up your employees with video.
Presented by the company owner, this satirical training video is full of animations and actionable tips. To create your own, try following Gus Fring’s example (but without the menacing undertones…)
4. Zendesk - Onboarding
This tongue-in-cheek onboarding video by Zendesk ticks all the boxes. It gives potential hires and new recruits a taste of what it’s like to work at Zendesk, diving into the company’s history and culture with a great sense of humor. A great way to train new employees on the Zendesk way of doing things!
5. PlayPlay - ‘Webinar recording’ training
Recently hosted a webinar full of actionable tips and insights? Why not record and repurpose it into a training video? In this talk hosted by PlayPlay, we learn all about how to build up thought leaders within an organisation from Atlassian’s subject-matter expert.
6. Unstoppable Women in Business - ‘How-to’ skill training
This video focuses on a particular skill: the ‘elevator pitch’. It includes a warm on-screen presence, catchy music, engaging text animations, and practical tips — all key elements of an effective training video.
7. Ohio State University - Safety training
A training video could really be a matter of life and death. Ohio State University share their guidelines and practical advice on what students need to do in an emergency situation.
8. Burger King - Training (with a celebrity!)
Want your employees to take notice of your latest training? Then get Snoop Dogg to star in it! While this is a big-budget option, using celebrities to get your message across in a training video is sure to grab employees’ attention.
Getting your CEO on camera is a highly effective way to introduce new employees to your company’s values, culture, and vision. This welcome video combines an interview with the company’s CEO and cutaway shots of engaged employees in the workplace.
10. The Office - Michael Scott’s orientation
Michael Scott’s infamous orientation video, 'Electric Scranton', is a perfect example of what not to do. Still, it gets a mention here for its creativity and humor — key ingredients of any engaging training video.
Ready to start creating your own training videos?
Video communication is here to stay. The format can help modernize how your colleagues learn, and it’s easier than ever to create. With PlayPlay’s online video maker, video production is in your hands — try a 7-day free trial and see how your quota can benefit!
Melissa Francois
Head of Global Content & Comms
With over 10 years of experience in the wild world of SaaS, Melissa cares about building great brand stories and driving community engagement through engaging content. Off the clock, she enjoys long walks and a pint in a cozy country pub.
