What makes a great eLearning video?

Some eLearning videos are invaluable sources of useful information. They’re so well-crafted that you can’t tear yourself away from the screen.

Others, however, are a brain-freezing information overload.

It could be an employee training video, an explainer for customers or a digital course to sell online. Why are some eLearning videos so much better than others?

In this article, we explore what it takes to create a great eLearning video.

Understand the audience

You’re the expert. You know your subject matter inside out, but what about your knowledge of the viewer? When it comes to creating an eLearning video, understanding your audience is the first step.

What’s their demographic? How much do they already know about the topic? Where are the knowledge and skills gaps? How do they access and digest information?

Rather than seeing this as a chance to share everything you know, step back and view the subject from the audience’s perspective.

For example, it’s easy to assume they know the basics — information which to you, as the expert, appears obvious. To an audience of complete beginners, this base level of knowledge may not be obvious at all.

Plan the learning sequence

An effective eLearning video makes it easy for viewers to absorb, understand and retain information. While it’s tempting to chuck in everything, this can be counterproductive.

Start by creating a storyboard. It helps you plan all the content you need to cover in a way that’s clear and logical.

This should be a naturally flowing learning sequence which allows the viewer space to think and reflect. A well-crafted storyboard allows you to navigate the content maze without falling into the trap of cognitive overload.

What’s necessary to include? Which elements can be left out? When the content gets straight to the point, with no superfluous information, viewers will thank you for it.

Keep it concise

The ideal length of an eLearning video depends on the subject matter and the target audience. However, as a general rule, the best ones are short.

Rather than stuffing all your content into one video, break it up into a series of smaller bite-sized chunks. For your audience, this makes the learning process considerably easier.

According to research by the American Physiological Society, videos under 6 minutes have the greatest engagement levels.

The research showed that after 6 minutes, engagement levels drop sharply. It drops off again after 9 minutes — and after 14 minutes, 50% of viewers have stopped engaging altogether.

Knowing these engagement drop-off stages is useful. It helps you plan when to re-engage the audience’s attention, or where to give them an opportunity to use and embed the learning.

Include interactive learning aids

Passive watching can be dull. The best eLearning videos include interactive sections which encourage viewers to apply the knowledge they’ve just gained.

Examples of interactive learning aids include gamification to make learning enjoyable, or quizzes with scoreboards which introduce an element of competition.

Also, it’s worth asking an open-ended question and pausing for the answer every now and again. You won’t hear the response, obviously, but it encourages the viewer to stop, think and interact with the video.

Use animation and motion graphics

Videos which incorporate animation and motion graphics are great to watch and easy to understand. Animated visuals convey complex ideas within a few seconds with zero effort from the viewer.

Animation is enticing. Your audience can’t resist engaging with it, and they are more likely to understand the message.

Most of us absorb visual information more easily than written or spoken information, and we remember it for longer. Apparently, our brains have a larger storage capacity for visual details. They stick in the memory.

Make it accessible

When you’re creating an eLearning video, it’s important to consider accessibility.

Firstly, accessibility widens your audience because you’re including people with visual or hearing impairments, and those whose primary language isn’t English.

Secondly, the video can be watched anywhere. Your viewer may be learning while they’re travelling, watching in a noisy environment where they can’t hear the soundtrack, or in a location where it isn’t possible to have the volume turned up.

Make sure you provide subtitles, captions and transcripts, as well as audio descriptions for learners with visual impairments.

Consider the long-term value

How much value will your eLearning videos have in the future? Can they be used 5 years from now, or will the content be obsolete by then?

Great educational videos deliver long-term value. They can either be reused repeatedly as they are, or easily updated and adapted with new content.

As you’re creating your learning videos, it’s helpful to think ahead.

Consider future-proofing your videos by filming them in a professional video studio. That way, it’s quick and simple to slot in fresh content without worrying about messy inconsistencies in lighting, sound or production quality.

Write a conversational script

It could be the best looking video, with fabulous graphics, but if the script sounds stilted and wooden you’ll lose the viewer.

You’re after a conversational tone which sounds natural, as if you’re talking directly to just one person. Generally, simple language has more power than long or formal words.

After writing the first draft of a script, try reading it out loud. If you stumble over a particular word or phrase, simplify the language. Or shorten the sentence.

If you’re not a natural presenter, it’s worth considering a professional actor or voice-over artist. It saves you time and effort, and ensures a more professional video.

Make sure they’re beautifully produced

Audiences are unlikely to engage with a poorly produced eLearning video. It will have little impact. If the video looks unprofessional, it’s harder for viewers to trust the information it contains.

High-quality videos deliver a rich, engaging learning experience for your audience. For you, they provide evergreen material which delivers value again and again.

Whether the videos are filmed in a studio or on location, it’s crucial that they’re well produced and edited. You’ll need consistent audio levels, clear lighting and a well-planned learning sequence which makes sense to every viewer.

If you’d like some expert help creating your eLearning video, get in touch with the Videofrog team.