How To Create Interactive Training Videos in 5 Minutes

I see the same pattern in L&D: people click play, zone out within minutes, and retain almost nothing. Passive watching doesn’t stick, so completion looks fine while behavior doesn’t change.

Switching to interactive training videos flips that script.

In my work with hundreds of teams, I've seen that adding interactive elements like decision points and quizzes boosts knowledge retention by 25% and cuts abandonment by 68% (and this is backed up by peer-reviewed research).

In this guide, I'll show you how to create awesome interactive training videos in Synthesia.

What makes training videos interactive?

Interactive training videos are fundamentally different from traditional video content because they require viewer input to progress.

Instead of passively watching, learners actively participate through quizzes, branching scenarios, clickable hotspots, or calls-to-action.

Think of it as the difference between watching a cooking show and actually following along in your kitchen—one entertains, the other teaches.

The spectrum of interactivity ranges from simple to complex.

On the basic end, you might embed a quick knowledge check every few minutes.

On the advanced end, you could create branching scenarios where each decision leads to different outcomes, mimicking real-world consequences.

The beauty is that these interactive elements can layer onto any video format you're already using—whether that's talking head videos, animations, or screencasts.

Why do they work so well?

Interactive elements directly address the biggest pain points in traditional training: they combat boredom by requiring participation, improve retention through active learning, cater to different learning styles, and provide immediate feedback.

In my experience working with L&D teams, even adding just 2-3 interaction points to a standard training video can dramatically improve engagement metrics.

How to create your own interactive training video in Synthesia

Now that you've seen what's possible, let's walk through exactly how to create your own interactive training videos. I've helped dozens of teams implement this process, and it's simpler than you might think.

Step 1: Define your learning outcome and scenario

Start by answering one question: What should learners be able to do after watching this video?

Be specific. Instead of "understand customer service," aim for "handle an angry customer complaint professionally." This clarity will guide every decision you make.

Step 2: Draft your baseline video in Synthesia

Create your core content first. Choose your AI avatar, write your script, and build the foundation of your video.

Don't worry about perfection—you can always refine it later. Synthesia makes this process straightforward with a wide variety of templates and AI assistance.

You can also check out my guide to creating a video in Synthesia.

Step 3: Identify natural interaction points

Watch your draft and mark spots every 30-90 seconds where interaction makes sense.

Look for moments where learners might have questions, need to make decisions, or should check their understanding.

In my experience, 2-4 interaction points per 5-minute video hits the sweet spot.

Step 4: Add branching for scenario-based paths

For decision points, create alternate video segments showing different outcomes.

Each branch should feel meaningfully different to justify the interaction. Remember, you're not creating a maze—you're providing safe practice.

Step 5: Insert knowledge checks with quizzes

Add quiz questions that test application, not memorization.

Frame them as "What would you do?" rather than "What did we just say?", this approach ensures learners are processing information, not just watching.

Step 6: Add CTAs to drive real-world action

Include one strong call-to-action that connects the training to actual job performance.

This might be downloading a job aid, scheduling a practice session, or completing a real task.

One pattern I consistently see is that specific, actionable CTAs get 3x more engagement than vague ones.

Step 7: Embed your video or export via SCORM to your LMS

Now you can embed your interactive training video anywhere you like. Alternatively, you can use a SCORM export to integrate your interactive video into your Learning Management System.

Measuring the impact of interactive training videos

You've created your interactive training video, but how do you know if it's working? The video metrics you track will determine whether you can prove ROI and continuously improve your training program.

The beauty of SCORM-compliant interactive videos is that your LMS automatically captures most of this data, but even without exporting to an LMS, Synthesia provides its own video analytics dashboard.

You can track views, average watch time, click rates on interactive elements, and quiz performance directly within the platform.

This means you’ll still get meaningful insights into learner engagement and video effectiveness, whether or not you’re using SCORM integration.

But don't get lost in the numbers. Focus on engagement and retention as your leading indicators—if learners are completing videos and remembering content, the business outcomes will follow.

I've found that teams often struggle to connect training metrics to business ROI directly. That's okay. Start by showing improved engagement and completion rates, then gradually build the connection to performance metrics.

The key is establishing a baseline before implementing interactive elements so you can demonstrate clear improvement.

Ready to transform your training with interactive videos?

Your employees expect engaging, relevant content that respects their time and helps them perform better.

I know creating interactive training videos might seem daunting, especially if you're juggling multiple priorities with limited resources. But here's the thing: you don't need to revolutionize your entire training program overnight.

I suggest starting with one high-impact module—maybe a customer service scenario or a critical compliance topic—and add just 2-3 branching points. Try using one of our interactive training video templates to get a quick start.

Ready to see the difference interactive elements can make? Try Synthesia's free AI video maker and create your first interactive training video today. Your learners (and your engagement metrics) will thank you.