Instructional Video

What is an instructional video?

An instructional video is a type of educational content that uses audio and visual elements to teach viewers about a topic, skill, product, or service. This kind of video content can incorporate anything from simple step-by-step tutorials to more complex online courses.

Instructional videos can work for internal viewers like employees and colleagues as well as external viewers like prospects and customers. They’re helpful for e-learning, training programs, and video marketing efforts.

Popular types of instructional videos

Educational videos can come in many different formats. Here are some of the most common types:

Tutorials

Also known as how-to videos, tutorials provide step-by-step instructions for completing a task or process. They include clear, easy-to-follow instructions that viewers can replicate.

Tutorials can cover a wide range of topics, from using software to cooking a recipe. Many are accompanied by visuals like screencasts or product demos.

Explainer videos

Explainer videos use animation or live-action footage to explain complex concepts and processes or present data in a simple and engaging way. Also known as infographic videos, they’re often used in marketing to promote products or services.

Webinars

Webinars are instructional videos that provide overviews of topics, explore trends, and share step-by-step processes. They work well for training, workshops, or educational sessions.

Your team can present live webinars or pre-record them for on-demand viewing. Live webinars allow for direct interaction with the audience, which can make them more engaging for viewers. For example, Livestorm has polls, Q&A sessions, and live chat.

Demo videos

Demo videos showcase how a product, software application, or service works. This type of instructional video walks viewers through features and explains how to use them effectively.

Similar to webinars, product demo videos can be pre-recorded or livestreamed. Either way, they’re ideal for showing products and services in action, which can improve understanding and reduce the learning curve.

How to make instructional videos

Follow these steps to record and share educational videos:

1. Define your goal: Before you start recording, decide on the purpose and goal of the video. Taking this step will help you choose the right format and content for your audience.
2. Plan your content: Create a clear outline or script for your video. Make sure to include the key points, steps, and features you need to convey.
3. Use visuals: Instructional videos can be more engaging when they include visuals. Consider using images, animations, or screencasts to illustrate your points.
4. Keep it concise: Avoid overwhelming viewers with too much information. Keep the video concise and use simple language to explain complex concepts.
5. Test and adjust: Before publishing your instructional video, test it out on a small group to gather feedback. Use this feedback to make adjustments or improvements.
6. Choose the right platform: Consider where your target audience is most likely to access and engage with your video. With Livestorm, you can host and promote both live instructional videos and on-demand content.

What makes a great instructional video?

• Clear and concise: For best results, focus on a single topic and use clear language to make your instructional video easy to follow.
• Relevant content: Address your audience's needs, goals, and pain points to make your video as relevant and helpful as possible.
• Engaging visuals: Images, animations, and screencasts can help explain concepts and make the video more engaging and memorable.
• Interactivity: Use a platform like Livestorm to enable real-time interactions between presenters and viewers, such as live chat, polls, and question upvotes.
• High-quality production: Use high-quality equipment and editing software to create a polished final product that provides genuine value to viewers.
• Calls to action: Include clear calls to action to point viewers to additional resources, such as how-to guides, explainers, and templates.
• Mobile friendliness: Ensure viewers can watch and engage with your content on devices with various screen sizes, including smartphones and tablets.
• Testimonials: Include testimonials from satisfied customers to build credibility and trust in your brand, products, and services.