How to make a training video people finish and can update.
To make a training video, state what the learner must be able to do afterwards, script one skill at a time, split the film into short chapters and keep the script so changes are small edits. Short, specific films are finished more often than one long one.
Plan and write2 min readUpdated By the Video.app creative team
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01Start from the outcome
Write the sentence: “After this film, the learner can…”. Everything in the film must serve it, and everything else goes. If there are three outcomes, make three films.
02Teach one skill at a time
Split the content into chapters of a few minutes, each with one skill. People return to a chapter when they need it, so give each a clear title and keep them independent.
03Show, then say
Show the task being done, in the order it is done, then explain why each step matters. Use on-screen text for the names of tools, steps and warnings so that people can find them again.
04Plan for change
Processes change, and a film that cannot be changed is soon wrong. Keep the script and source material, build in chapters and note the date of the last review on each. A changed step then becomes a small edit.
05Teach in the learner’s language
People learn best in their own language. A voice in the right language and accent, with subtitles, makes a film easier to follow. For films that change often, a synthetic voice can keep updates quick.
Common questions
How long should a training video be?
A few minutes per skill. Split longer content into chapters.
Can I use screen recordings?
Yes. Film the screen for software training, and add a voice and text that explain each step.
How do I keep it accurate?
Have the people who do the job review the script and the edit.
