With the recent shift in how we consume our content, instructional videos have gained much popularity. From the time when we used to read manuals to perform tasks, now we search for instructional videos online.
So, with this article, we will learn more about instructional videos and how we can incorporate them into our business for the best results.
What are instructional videos?
Instructional videos are designed to teach or demonstrate how to perform a specific task or complete a particular process. They are helpful to provide step-by-step guidance and instructions to help learners acquire new skills, knowledge, or abilities.
It can take a variety of forms, from animated explainer videos to live-action demonstrations, and can cover a wide range of topics such as cooking, fitness, language learning, programming, and more. You can use it for a variety of purposes, including education, training, marketing, and entertainment.
We can also use it in e-learning and online education platforms as a way to supplement traditional classroom instruction. Moreover, they can help you with corporate training programs to provide employees with job-specific skills and knowledge.
Why do we need different types of instructional videos?
We have different kinds of instructional videos based on the different market requirements.
There are many reasons why we require different types of instructional videos:
- Variety: Different types of instructional videos provide variety and can help prevent boredom or monotony in learning. Viewers may be more engaged and interested in learning if they are exposed to different types of videos.
- Visual learning: Some learners may be more visual and learn better through demonstrations, animations, or VR/AR videos, while others may prefer text-based learning or auditory learning. Different types of instructional videos can cater to different learning styles.
- Concept complexity: Some concepts may be better explained through animations or whiteboard videos, while others may require live-action demonstrations or how-to videos to fully understand.
- Audience Engagement: Interactive videos or VR/AR videos can increase viewer engagement and provide a more immersive learning experience.
- Accessibility: Different types of instructional videos can also cater to different levels of accessibility needs. For example, some learners may benefit from closed captions or sign language interpretation.
What are the different types of instructional videos?
With the different market requirements, we need different types of instructional videos too.
- Screencasts: A screencast is a video recording of a computer screen that demonstrates how to use a software application or navigate a website.
- Whiteboard animations: Whiteboard animations use a hand-drawn animation technique to visually explain complex concepts or ideas.
- Live-action demonstrations: These videos use live-action footage to demonstrate a process or technique, such as cooking, woodworking, or makeup application.
- Explainer videos: Explainer videos use animation or live-action footage to explain a concept or idea, often using storytelling techniques to engage the viewer.
- How-to videos: How-to videos provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform a specific task, such as fixing a bike or changing a tire.
- Interactive videos: Interactive videos engage viewers by providing opportunities to interact with the video, such as answering questions or making choices that affect the outcome.
- Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) videos: These videos use VR or AR technology to create an immersive learning experience, allowing viewers to explore and interact with a virtual environment.
Top benefits
There are many benefits of instructional videos that will help your business to grow and improve audience loyalty.
Let us see further, what are the definite benefits of instructional videos:
- Visual and auditory learning: Videos can combine both visual and auditory elements to help learners better understand and retain information. This can be especially helpful for learners who struggle with reading or complex concepts.
- Convenience: You can access the videos on-demand and watch them at any time, allowing learners to work at their own pace and on their schedule.
- Reusability: Videos can be reused multiple times for different learners or in different contexts, making them a cost-effective and efficient tool for teaching and learning.
- Consistency: Videos can help ensure that all learners receive the same instructions or information, reducing inconsistencies in teaching.
- Engagement: Videos can be more engaging than traditional learning materials, such as textbooks or lectures, which can increase motivation and interest in learning.
- Accessibility: Videos can be made accessible to learners with disabilities, such as those who are deaf or hard of hearing, using closed captions or sign language interpretation.
- Flexibility: Videos can be used in a variety of settings, such as in classrooms, online courses, or corporate training programs, providing flexibility in how and where learners can access information.
Let us wrap it up
To know what type of instructional videos, work best for you, it is important to know your audience as well. You need to know what their preferences are and how they would like to consume the content.
Do not go with your assumptions; rather, calculate based on the metrics that you have. You can see the previous resources that you have and analyze what has worked for you to date. Accordingly, you must prepare your content or video calendar.
