If you're reading this article (and we're glad you are!), you may be looking for how to make a good informational video, but have no idea where to begin. Right?
You don't have to worry anymore because we are here to guide you step by step until you become a master at creating instructional videos.
So, say goodbye to traditional long informational sessions that bore us to tears and welcome a smart way to inform and educate through entertaining and memorable videos.
Without further ado, let's break it down.
Step #1: Choose your instructional video style to share your message
The first thing you need to do once you're ready to create an instructional video is to choose how you want your video to appear. Ask yourself questions like:
- What is my budget? How much money do I want to spend creating an online course?
- How much time do I have?
- What do I want my video to look like? Do I need it to follow a specific brand style?
- Do I need to hire a video editor, or can I create my own?
Once you have answered these questions and have a more detailed assessment of your needs, you can choose the instructional video style that best suits you.
There are different ways of creating informational videos, but here we will elaborate on the four most popular and effective, so let's get started.
Animated videos
This style is ideal for explaining concepts or operations. It uses illustration to visually guide viewers and keep them attentive, making it easier for them to understand complex information.
If you want creative control, this may not be a fit unless you are an animation designer or savvy in animation software.
Videos featuring your employees
If you need to create a live-action informational video for, say, your company, you might consider using some of your employees as actors. However, like it or not, the reality is that you may have a hard time finding willing employees since most people are camera-shy.
Live-action videos with real actors
Who doesn't love those professional videos where real people tell a story? Thanks to the human factor, whether through an inspirational approach or laughter, it's easy to get hooked on these training videos.
However, creating such instructional videos takes time and a big budget that not everyone has.
AI instructional videos
Designing great instructional videos is child's play with AI maker video platforms. You don't need prior video editing experience or a recording studio.
Moreover, creating your own videos with AI is affordable and will help you save a tremendous amount of time, as they can be made in minutes. For example, in less than a year, Maryville University saved 35% of time creating video lectures with the Synthesia AI video platform.
Step #2: Be clear about who is your target audience, what you want to say, and establish objectives
As much as you would like to be a filmmaker, an informational video is probably not the right place to show the world that you can be the next Stanley Kubrick.
People will click on your video expecting to learn as quickly and efficiently as possible, and for that to happen, you'll need to set clear objectives and keep the video short and sweet.
However, how can you ensure your videos don't become a three-hour documentary?
Always keep in mind who the video is for.
Before starting to create videos, you need to define your audience. Knowing this will make it easier for you to communicate your ideas effectively in your explainer video.
Remember why you are making the video.
We understand it's easy to talk for hours when you're passionate about something. However, it's important to stay on track and try not to ramble. The best explainer videos are always concise.
Don't lose sight of your goals.
It's essential to have a clear learning objective. Try to keep the learning outcomes in mind throughout your video.
Step #3: Make sure your script video is telling a story
Never underestimate the power of words. You can have the best visuals, sound effects, or graphics, but if your script is confusing, lengthy, or tedious, we can promise that your instructional video will not get results.
So, yes, a great script is an absolute must if you want to create a great instructional video; but how can you ensure great storytelling when you are not a published author?
Don't worry; writing a good script is easier than you think. We'll show you some tips and tricks, starting with the following AI video as an example.
- The first step starts just before writing the first line: Break down all the information you want to share.
- "Break the ice." Start your script by casually introducing yourself or your business like Professor Sergey Brink does in this video. Any video script is best when it sounds like a casual conversation.
- In one simple sentence, let them know what you will talk about: As in this video; you can introduce the topic by saying things like, "You will learn about..." "Today I'll talk about..."
- Give definitions in simple language. In this case, the professor talks about Newton's third law and manages to keep it painless.
- If possible, use situations from everyday life to exemplify your topic.
Ta-da! And just like that, you have a great script.
If you want more tips on creating a great video script, click this complete guide and learn all you need to write one.
Step #4: Choose the right design/template to create instructional videos
First impressions matter, and the visual elements of your video are key to its success. But how can you create a professional video that matches your brand if you don't know anything design-related?
The answer is TEMPLATES 😉
Some online sites offer pre-made, fully customizable templates that would make any designer proud. You can choose your favorite template based on the theme, the setting, the colors you need, and more.
For example, on a website like Synthesia, you can choose among 60+ templates, customize them as you please, or duplicate them. Easy peasy.
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Step #5: Share your instructional video with the world
You wrote a great script, and your video design is perfect, so why limit your audience?
Using AI, you can reach more people. But how?
Well, as mentioned, people prefer to learn through peers, as they can empathize with them, but hiring actors can be expensive and complicated. However, using AI avatars is totally affordable and has the same effect.
In addition, when using AI-enabled websites, you can use your voice or that of others to translate your video tutorial into hundreds of different languages and accents.
Here's how you can use AI to quickly create instructional videos 👇
Why is an instructional video effective in education?
In the 21st century, it's hard to imagine a world without video tutorials or training videos to help us learn about different topics and develop new skills. Who hasn't preferred to watch a 5-minute video online instead of reading a lengthy instructive text while trying to grasp something new at least once?
We all have. But do you know why we prefer learning through instructional videos and why it's so effective?
1. Everyone can learn at their own pace
With a training video, your students or viewers can pause, replay, and rewatch the content as much as they need to, which means they don't have to adapt to your speed or that of other students. They have complete control. As a matter of fact, according to a study, "private tutoring is 4 times more effective than classroom teaching."
2. Creating engaging videos is a piece of cake
When using an informational or instructional video, it is easier for the audience to retain information and stay engaged because of interactive elements.
3. You can learn from everywhere
We are sure of one thing—remote work is here to stay. That's why you need tools that allow your employees or team to learn regardless of where they are.
4. Creating videos allows you to teach in different languages
According to eLearning Industry analysts, 90% of people want to learn in their native language, and when you use video as a platform, you can translate into hundreds of different languages.
5. It's perfect for your short attention span
Believe it or not, a goldfish's attention span is longer than ours, so short videos are best to engage your audience.
6. It's great for saving time and money
For example, BESTSELLER has reduced the time spent on classes by 50% after using online courses as an educational tool.
Get started today by creating your own instructional videos
You already have the tips and steps to make a good informative video, and now it's your time to take advantage of all that information and turn it into gold.
Remember that with specific AI tools or platforms, you don't need to be a poet or an expert in video editing; you just need an idea to share with others.
Synthesia lets you create a free video to demonstrate how easy it is to put what you've learned into practice.
But what is Synthesia? It's the #1 platform for video generation, trusted by multinational companies like Teleperformance, Amazon, and the BBC.
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