Video-based Learning 101 — A Guide

Videos are now at the heart of how we learn and grow, seamlessly blending into our everyday lives. Whether it’s a quick tutorial on YouTube, an engaging documentary on Netflix, or video snippets on TikTok or reels, video content caters to our need for visual and auditory stimulation. This format not only captures our attention but also makes complex information easier to digest.

So, if you're trying to upskill yourself, video is the medium that keeps you engaged and informed.

Video-based learning refers to a mode of training where training is primarily delivered through videos. This approach utilizes pre-recorded or live videos to convey information, demonstrate procedures, present case studies, or facilitate discussions. Video-based learning can encompass a wide range of topics and learning objectives and is often used in various settings. It leverages the visual and auditory senses to engage learners and enhance comprehension, making it an effective tool for delivering content in both formal and informal learning environments.

Here’s a video highlighting the power of video-based learning.

The evolution of video-based learning in corporate training has been driven by technological advancements, changing learning preferences, and the need for more flexible, accessible, and engaging training solutions in the modern workplace.

Its significance in modern corporate training lies in its ability to:

1. Engage Learners:

Videos capture attention and are more engaging than traditional text-based learning materials, leading to better retention of information.

2. Be Accessible:

Videos can be accessed anytime, anywhere, making learning convenient for employees, especially those in remote locations or with busy schedules.

3. Extend Personalization:

Videos can be tailored to meet the specific needs and learning styles of different learner groups, allowing for a more personalized learning experience.

4. Enable Visual Learning:

Many people learn better through visual aids, and videos provide a dynamic way to present information, including demonstrations, simulations, and case studies.

5. Allow Scalability:

Video content can be reused and scaled to train large numbers of employees consistently, without compromising the quality of instruction.

6. Offer Cost-Effectiveness:

While initial investment in video production may be high, the long-term benefits in terms of reduced training costs and increased efficiency often outweigh the expenses.

Also Read: Video-Based Learning for Corporate Training: What, Why & How!

Next-Gen Training: Unlocking the Power of AI in Video-based Learning

Elevate your Training Videos with AI

• Relevance of Video-based Learning
• Various Video Formats
• Potential of AI in Videos
• And More!

Download eBook

1. Video Lectures

Traditional presentations where an instructor delivers training content in a lecture-style format. Often used for employee onboarding or compliance training, these videos can include slides, visual aids, or on-screen annotations to convey detailed policies, procedures, or technical instructions.

2. Animated Videos

Engaging and visually dynamic, animated videos use graphics and illustrations to simplify complex corporate topics, such as explaining company processes or introducing new strategies. Ideal for breaking down intricate subjects and appealing to diverse learning styles.

Also Read: How to Create Effective Animated Videos?

3. Interactive Videos

These videos include clickable elements, quizzes, and branching scenarios, allowing employees to actively participate in their learning. Perfect for role-play simulations, decision-making exercises, or compliance training, they ensure employees stay engaged while applying what they’ve learned.

Also Read: Interactive Videos—A Game-Changer in eLearning Engagement

4. Microlearning Videos

Short, focused videos designed to deliver a single learning objective in minutes. Ideal for time-strapped employees, microlearning videos are great for quick skill-building, refreshing knowledge on-the-go, or integrating into just-in-time learning strategies. Watch this video!

5. 360-Degree Videos

Provide immersive experiences by allowing employees to explore a simulated workplace or environment. Useful for virtual facility tours, safety training, or situational awareness exercises in industries like manufacturing or healthcare.

Also Read: 360 Degree Videos – Why Use in Corporate Training?

6. Virtual Reality (VR) Videos

Offer fully immersive, hands-on training experiences. Employees can practice tasks or procedures in a simulated, risk-free environment, making VR videos invaluable for safety drills, equipment training, or experiential learning in high-stakes roles.

Watch this video to discover how leveraging VR for corporate training is beneficial.

7. Augmented Reality (AR) Videos

Overlay digital training content onto real-world environments using smartphones or AR glasses. These are highly effective for product demonstrations, on-site training, or providing step-by-step guidance for complex tasks in real-time.

Also Read: eLearning Design & Development: Why Augmented Reality’s a Game-Changer

8. Scenario-based Learning Videos

Present real-life workplace situations to help employees apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Ideal for developing problem-solving, customer service, or leadership skills through relatable, real-world scenarios.

9. Whiteboard Animation Videos

Simplify complex concepts by visually illustrating them step-by-step, as if drawn on a whiteboard. These videos work well for explaining workflows, company goals, or key business strategies in a clear and engaging way.

Also Read: What’s the Secret to the Best Whiteboard Animated Videos?

10. Demonstration Videos

Showcase how tools, software, or equipment function through step-by-step visuals. These videos are valuable for training employees on using internal systems, new tools, or understanding processes during onboarding.

Also Read: Product Demonstration Videos: Best Development Tools

11. Explainer Videos

Quick and concise, explainer videos break down corporate topics, such as new policies, workflows, or business updates, into easy-to-understand content. Often used for internal communication, they combine animation, storytelling, and voiceovers to deliver information in a few minutes.

Watch this video to dive into the impressive benefits of explainer videos!

In today’s fast-paced world, video-based learning has emerged as a powerful tool for training. But while it offers engaging visuals and flexibility, it’s not without its hurdles. From technical glitches to engagement issues, integrating video into training programs can come with its own set of challenges. Ready to tackle these head-on?

Let’s dive into some common obstacles and discover effective solutions to turn your video-based learning into a seamless success story.

Have a look at this insightful infographic.

Related Read: Video-Based Learning: How to Overcome Common Challenges

When developing video-based learning, adhering to these best practices can significantly enhance the effectiveness and engagement of your content:

1. Define Learning Objectives Clearly

Start by establishing precise learning goals. Each video should be crafted to achieve specific training outcomes, ensuring alignment with overall learning objectives.

2. Script and Storyboard

Develop a detailed script and storyboard before production. This ensures a clear narrative structure, logical flow of content, and effective use of visual and auditory elements.

3. Keep Videos Concise

Aim for brevity. Videos should be short and focused, ideally between 5-10 minutes, to maintain viewer attention and enhance information retention.

4. Use High-Quality Visuals

Employ clear, high-resolution images, graphics, and animations. Visual quality impacts the professionalism of the video and helps in better conveying complex concepts.

5. Incorporate Engaging Elements

Add interactive elements like  quizzes, polls, or clickable links to make the learning experience more engaging and interactive.

6. Optimize Audio Quality

Ensure clear and professional audio. Use high-quality microphones, minimize background noise, and consider adding background music that complements the content without distracting from it.

7. Include Captions and Subtitles

Provide captions or subtitles to enhance accessibility, support diverse learning needs, and cater to viewers who may watch without sound.

8. Ensure Responsiveness

Optimize videos for responsive learning, considering that many learners may access content on different devices.

9. Provide Clear Navigation

Include clear instructions and visual cues for navigating through the video, especially if it contains interactive elements or multiple sections.

10. Follow Branding Guidelines

Maintain consistency with your organization’s branding, including colors, fonts, and logos, to reinforce brand identity and credibility.

Next-Gen Training: Unlocking the Power of AI in Video-based Learning

Elevate your Training Videos with AI

• Relevance of Video-based Learning
• Various Video Formats
• Potential of AI in Videos
• And More!

Download eBook

eLearning authoring tools have become indispensable for creating engaging, video-based learning experiences. These innovative platforms not only streamline the development process but also empower learning designers to craft immersive content that captivates learners. With features like intuitive interfaces, built-in multimedia integration, and collaborative capabilities, they eliminate the technical barriers that once made video creation daunting.

If you're curious about how eLearning authoring tools are revolutionizing the learning landscape, watch this video to dive deeper into this fascinating topic.

Related Read: How eLearning Authoring Tools Ensure Seamless Video-Based Learning 

Video-based learning offers several advantages for various types of training:

1. Onboarding

Videos provide a consistent and engaging way for onboarding. It helps introduce new employees to company culture, policies, and procedures, ensuring everyone receives the same information.

Related Read: Video-based Learning for Effortless Onboarding

2. Leadership Training

Videos help with leadership training, they can demonstrate leadership scenarios and techniques, offering visual examples of effective leadership practices.

3. Sustainability Training

Visual storytelling in videos can effectively highlight the importance of sustainability, show best practices, and inspire employees through compelling narratives and real-world examples.

4. Product Training

Videos help with product training by showcasing product features, usage, and troubleshooting tips in a clear and demonstrative manner, making complex information more digestible and accessible.

Related Read: 5 Key Reasons to Try Video-Based Learning for Product Training

5. Compliance Training

Videos help in effective compliance training by ensuring that compliance information is communicated clearly and memorably, often using scenarios and role-plays to illustrate the importance of following regulations and the consequences of non-compliance.

6. Healthcare Training

In healthcare training, VBL can include instructional videos on proper patient care protocols, medical procedures, or even virtual tours for surgical setups. For instance, a video module might demonstrate the correct method for administering medication.

Related Read: 7 Ways Video-Based Learning Helps the Healthcare Industry

7. Software Training

Video-based learning can significantly enhance software training, through tutorials and demonstrations, learners can visually follow step-by-step instructions, observe practical use cases, and see software features in action. Videos can showcase real-world scenarios, offering learners a clear understanding of how to apply software tools effectively in their daily tasks.

8. Sales Training

In sales training, video-based learning can simulate real-life sales situations, allowing learners to witness effective techniques and strategies in action. Videos can feature role-plays, interviews with successful salespeople, and case studies that highlight best practices and common pitfalls. Videos also enable the inclusion of interactive elements such as scenario-based exercises and feedback segments, which can help trainees practice and refine their sales skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Here’s an insightful infographic highlighting how videos are a game-changer in sales training.

Related Read: Why Choose Video-Based Learning to Level Up Your Team’s Sales Game?

When it comes to video-based learning, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of dynamic visuals and engaging content. But here’s the crucial part - not all learners will connect with videos in the same way. If we don’t pay attention to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, we risk alienating some viewers or reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Ensuring that our video content is diverse and inclusive isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential for creating a learning environment where everyone feels involved and engaged.

Let’s dive into why focusing on these elements can make all the difference! Watch this video.

Want to discover winning tips to design diverse video-based learning? Here are two blogs packed with actionable insights - Creating Inclusive Video-based Learning

Video-Based Learning: Why Focus on Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity

Designing accessible video-based learning isn’t just about meeting compliance standards—it's about opening doors to learning for everyone. By integrating features like closed captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions, you’re not just accommodating individuals with disabilities, you’re enriching the learning experience for all. As we push for more inclusive training, it’s clear that accessible content benefits everyone and strengthens our commitment to diversity.

Check out our infographic for essential tips on creating video-based learning that everyone can engage with!

1. Completion and Engagement Rates

Track the percentage of employees who finish the VBL modules and gauge their engagement levels. High completion rates and active involvement suggest the content is engaging and useful.

2. Knowledge Retention Evaluations

Implement pre-training and post-training assessments to measure how much information employees retain from the VBL. This will help you assess the effectiveness of the content in terms of knowledge retention.

3. Performance Indicators

Review relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to see if there's a measurable improvement in areas like sales, customer satisfaction, or productivity. Link  these improvements to the VBL to determine its impact on business outcomes.

4. Surveys and Feedback

Gather feedback through surveys to understand learners' views on the VBL content, its relevance, and its effect on their job performance.

5. Cost and Time Efficiency

Evaluate the time and expenses involved in implementing VBL compared to other training methods. If VBL proves to be more cost-effective or time-efficient while still achieving desired outcomes, it reflects positively on ROI.

6. Industry Comparison

Compare your VBL program's impact with industry standards or best practices. This comparison can offer a broader perspective on how effective your VBL is relative to other approaches.

Next-Gen Training: Unlocking the Power of AI in Video-based Learning

Elevate your Training Videos with AI

• Relevance of Video-based Learning
• Various Video Formats
• Potential of AI in Videos
• And More!

Download eBook

The Challenge: 

Create compelling training on the 'Service Sales Planning Process' to familiarize employees with a new planning process and motivate learners to complete it.

CommLab India’s Solution: 

eLearning with real employee videos transitioning into animated videos.

The Result: 

The blend of real and animated videos featuring avatars of actual employees, was exceptionally well-received by learners, resulting in high completion rates.

Access Full Case Study

What are the Emerging Trends in Video-based Learning?

1. Microlearning and Bite-Sized Content

With decreasing attention spans and busy schedules, video-based learning is increasingly adopting microlearning principles. Videos are being crafted to be concise, typically ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, each focused on a single learning objective. Microlearning videos caters to the need for quick, easily digestible content, fitting seamlessly into learners' schedules and enhancing engagement and retention.

2. Personalization and Adaptive Learning

Personalization in video-based learning is becoming crucial. Advances in technology allow videos to be tailored to individual learning styles and needs. Adaptive learning algorithms can adjust the content based on learner interactions and progress, ensuring a more relevant and engaging experience. This personalization boosts engagement and ensures that training efforts align closely with business goals.

3. Interactive and Immersive Learning

The shift from passive to active learning is evident in video-based training. Interactive videos now incorporate elements like quizzes, polls, and gamification to engage learners actively. Additionally, immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are being integrated into videos, making abstract concepts more tangible and enhancing the learning experience through realistic simulations.

4. Mobile-friendly, Responsive Videos

As smartphones become central to daily life and learning too, optimizing video content for mobile devices is essential. Mobile-friendly videos are designed to be responsive, ensuring that they deliver a seamless learning experience on smaller screens. This approach makes learning accessible anytime and anywhere, catering to the needs of learners who increasingly rely on mobile devices for learning.

5. AI-generated Videos

AI-generated videos are rapidly transforming the landscape of video-based learning by offering personalized and scalable content creation. Leveraging advanced algorithms, AI tools can produce engaging videos personalized to specific learning needs and preferences. As AI continues to evolve, its ability to analyze learner behavior and preferences promises to further refine and optimize video content, making learning more accessible and effective for a diverse audience.

AI Tool Duo to Skyrocket your Video-based Learning

Vyond Go

Vyond Go is an AI-driven video creation platform designed to simplify and accelerate the video production process. Ideal for tackling new or unfamiliar topics, this tool helps overcome writer’s block by allowing users to create videos effortlessly through prompt-based inputs. Users can generate custom scripts from existing content and quickly produce videos by just clicking ‘Generate Video’. Vyond Go also offers editing capabilities to fine-tune and tailor videos to specific training needs and branding through Vyond Studio.

Want to design engaging videos using Vyond? Watch this video to explore its impressive features.

Related Read: How to Design Engaging eLearning Courses Using Vyond: 3 Simple Ways Decoded

Synthesia

Synthesia is an advanced video creation tool. It enables you to produce multilingual training videos with ease, featuring voiceovers in 120 languages and 140 AI avatars. This tool enhances accessibility and inclusivity by automatically adding closed captions, ensuring a better learning experience for diverse and geographically dispersed teams. Synthesia offers a range of over 50 templates, allowing you to create engaging and effective training videos tailored to various linguistic and cultural contexts.

Wondering why Synthesia is an ideal video creation tool? Watch this video!

Related Read: How Synthesia Helps Organizations Produce AI Videos At Scale in Minutes

Also Read: Video-Based Learning — 3 Popular AI Tools to Ace the Game