How to create training videos in 3 steps

Not sure if creating training videos is worth your time? Here are some quick stats that will change your mind: 

• 98% of participants believe video is crucial for their organization’s learning and development strategy.
• 97% of participants think video is effective in helping employees retain training information.
• 97% of learning and development professionals view video as more effective than text-based documents.
• The average production time for training videos was cut by eight days (62%) using modern AI tools.

 

In other words, if you want to train your employees and make it engaging at the same time, training videos are your best bet. In this article, we’ll show you how to create training videos in three simple steps and why your company needs them. 

 

What are training videos? 

If there’s one way to get employees on the same page, it would have to be training videos. These are the educational videos that companies make, which then serve as their employees’ “personal coaches” in video form. They’re designed to teach new skills, show how to do the job better, or explain important company details.

But why are employee training videos becoming the go-to choice for businesses? Well, they’re like the Swiss Army knife of learning—versatile, efficient, and always there when you need them. Unlike traditional training methods, videos allow employees to learn at their own pace and revisit information whenever necessary.

Be it animated training videos, screencast videos, or presenter-style training videos, the beauty of these tutorials lies in their ability to break down complicated ideas into digestible visual content. They can easily transform complex material into engaging stories or clear step-by-step guides. This visual approach often leads to better understanding and retention of information.

Moreover, these kinds of videos are a cost-effective solution for companies. Once a training video is created, it can be used for current employees and then for new employees. They’re also perfect for increasingly remote and flexible work environments, allowing employees to access training materials from anywhere, at any time—instead of having to attend an in-house training session. 

 

 

What types of training videos can you make? 

Training videos come in many flavors, each designed to serve a specific purpose. The most common types include:

 

Instructional videos

These are the bread and butter of training videos. Instructional videos show your employees how to do specific tasks or use particular tools. They’re like having an expert looking over your shoulder, guiding you through each step. Whether it’s teaching how to use new software or demonstrating a manufacturing process, these videos break down complex procedures into easy-to-follow steps.

 

 

Onboarding videos

Starting a new job can be overwhelming. Onboarding and corporate introduction videos  take a part of that emotional burden off your new hires’ shoulders and help them get acquainted with your company culture and be ready to start their roles. They may cover everything from the company’s history and values to where to find the best coffee in the office. These videos help newbies feel welcome and get up to speed quickly, setting them up for success from day one.

 

 

Compliance training videos

Let’s face it—compliance training isn’t always the most exciting topic. But it’s key to keeping your company and employees safe and legal. Compliance videos take important regulations and policies and present them in a more digestible format. They can cover topics like workplace safety, data protection, or ethical guidelines. By making these topics more interesting through video, you’re more likely to see better retention and adherence to these important rules. You can then create a summary of the session using a recap video template.

 

 

Soft skills training videos

Success at work isn’t just about technical know-how. Soft skills like communication, leadership, and time management are just as important. Soft skills training clips often use scenarios and role-playing to demonstrate these skills in action. They might show both good and bad examples, helping employees understand how to apply these skills in real-world situations.

 

 

Product training videos

If your company sells products, especially complex ones, product video or company slideshow training is a must. It can show sales teams how to demo products, teach customer service reps about product features, or help customers understand how to use what they’ve bought. These videos often combine elements of instructional videos with product showcases, making sure that everyone—from staff to customers—knows how to get the most out of your products.

 

 

Microlearning videos

Microlearning videos are short, focused videos that tackle one specific topic or skill. Usually under five minutes long, they’re perfect for busy employees who need to learn on the go. They might cover a single feature of a software program, one safety procedure, or a specific customer service technique. These bite-sized learning videos are easy to fit into a busy schedule and great for reinforcing key points.

 

 

Animated explainer videos

Some concepts are hard to film in real life. That’s where animated explainer videos come in handy. They can bring abstract ideas to life, visualize data in interesting ways, or create scenarios that would be impractical or impossible to film—such as a workplace safety video about fires or accidents. From cartoon characters demonstrating office guidelines to animated videos for businesses, these videos can make even the most challenging topics accessible and engaging.

 

 

Why should you use training videos for employees? 

Keeping your team’s skills sharp and up-to-date goes a long way for your company’s success. But how do you do that effectively without breaking the bank or disrupting workflow? The answer is simple—video training. These digital learning tools have become a go-to solution for many companies, and for good reason. 

• Increased engagement. Let’s face it, traditional training methods can sometimes be a bit too boring. A training video, on the other hand, can bring content to life. With a mix of visuals, audio, and sometimes even interactive elements, videos can keep viewers hooked. They can turn the routine, everyday task explanation into more visually engaging pieces or break down complex ideas into easy-to-understand videos. 
• Flexibility. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to learning. Some people can grasp a complex concept on the spot, while others might need to listen to your explanation a couple of times before fully comprehending it—and that’s okay. Training videos allow your employees to revisit the material as many times as they need. Not only that, employees can also access these videos anytime, anywhere—whether they’re at their desks or working from home. This allows your team to learn at their own pace and at times that suit their schedules best.
• Consistent information delivery. When you’re training a large team, especially across different locations, making sure everyone gets the same information can be challenging. Training videos solve this problem by delivering consistent content to all viewers. Be it company policies, product information, or operational procedures, you can share the same training video with all your teams and be sure that everyone’s getting the same message. 
• Improved retention. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so imagine what a video can do. Videos combine visual and auditory learning, which can significantly improve information retention. Complex concepts can be broken down into smaller, more easily digestible chunks, and important points can be reinforced through repetition and visual cues. This multi-sensory approach often leads to better understanding and longer-lasting recall of the material.
• Cost-effectiveness. While high-quality training video creation might require an initial investment, it can be extremely cost-effective in the long run. After creating a video, you can use it multiple times for different groups of employees. This reduces the need for repeated live training sessions, reducing costs associated with trainers, venues, and materials. Plus, with less time spent in formal training sessions, employees can get back to their work more quickly.
• Scalability. As your company grows, so do your training needs. Videos can be easily scaled to match your growing workforce. Whether you’re training ten employees or 500, videos can reach them all without additional effort or resources.
• Easy updates. In industries where information changes rapidly, keeping training materials up-to-date can be a challenge. With digital video content, however, you can make updates more easily than with printed materials or in-person training sessions.
• Trackable results. Many video training platforms come with analytics tools that allow you to track who’s watched the videos, how much they’ve watched, and even test their knowledge afterward. This data can help you improve your training programs and guarantee that employees are gaining something from the material.
• Accommodates different learning styles. People learn in different ways. Some are visual learners, others are auditory learners, and some learn best by doing. Videos can cater to multiple learning styles at the same time, making them a great solution for different teams.

 

How to make a training video in 3 steps with Renderforest

Now that you understand what exactly an employee training video is and why you need it, it’s time to actually create one. Don’t worry; we won’t overwhelm you with complex video production steps. In fact, even if you’re an absolute beginner, you can figure out how to make corporate training videos in minutes. Our step-by-step guide is here to help. 

We’ll be showing you how to create a training video with two methods: manually choosing scenes and using Renderforest’s AI video maker to get it all done for you. Let’s start with the first method. 

 

Select scenes 

First, head over to Renderforest and pick one of the many training video templates available. For this guide, let’s go with the Factory of 3D Animations template. You’ll have two options: selecting your scenes or working with AI. 

 

 

Let’s pick the “Select Scenes” one for now, which will take you to the template’s scenes page. There, you can find hundreds of 3D characters, elements, and backgrounds you can customize. Pick the ones that match your script and proceed. 

 

 

Customize

Once you’ve chosen all the scenes you need, you can start customizing and editing your online training video. There are several key elements you can play around with. Let’s start with the color palette. Choose the ‘Colors’ section on the left panel of your workplace and pick one of the color palettes available. You can also customize the palette by manually changing the colors. 

 

 

Next, type in your text, pick its font, and adjust its size. In addition to text customization, you can add an audio element to your video by picking music from our audio library. For our example, we decided to go with a rock track.

 

 

Also, if you want your training video to have a voiceover but don’t want to hire a voice actor, go to the text-to-speech section and type out your voiceover script. Then, pick an AI voice skin and click ‘Generate.’ You’ll have the voiceover added to your video within seconds. Here’s what it looks like:

 

 

You can then add video transitions, change the theme, add your logo, and even add a watermark at the end. So, play around with your video as much as you need. Keep in mind that your changes will only be visible in the preview after your video is rendered.  

 

 

Export and share

Renderforest gives you three export options to choose from: HD 720, HD 1080, and UHD 4K, which requires the premium version. Pick the one that you want, and sit back as Renderforest exports your video in a high resolution. 

 

 

How to create training videos with Renderforest’s AI 

Now, let’s give the Renderforest AI a shot and learn how to create training videos using artificial intelligence. Once again, we’ll be using the same template, but this time, we will pick the AI flow. 

 

Write down your concept

This is where you provide your concept for the video. If you already have a script, go ahead and type it out. If not, then just enter the main idea of your training video, and the software will take it from there! You can go into more detail and describe the tone of voice, speaker, and look and feel of the video you have in mind.

 

 

Customize and generate

After hitting “Next” in the previous step, the system will take you to the customization screen, where you can decide on the video’s speaker and animation style. Once you’re done, click ‘Do Magic’ and watch our AI do the magic and generate the entire video for you within seconds. 

 

Edit

Keep in mind that your video is fully customizable, so you can tweak its color, change the music or voiceover, and add a watermark at the end. Anything you can do with the first “select the scenes” workflow is also available here. So make your edits if needed, and hit the “Export” button to share the training video in your preferred resolution. 

 

 

Best software for creating training videos

Renderforest

 

Renderforest pros

• Beginner-friendly video editor 
• User-friendly and intuitive interface 
• Thousands of video templates to choose from 
• Quick and easy video generation with AI 
• A large library of stock media 
• Text-to-speech tool for a simple voiceover generation 
• Customization options to make your video match your branding 
• Affordable yet professional 

 

Renderforest cons

• Requires a strong internet connection 
• You need a paid package to remove the default watermark 

 

Renderforest is an online video editing platform you can access from any device with an internet connection. It helps you create a variety of video projects, from simple short training videos to more complex animations with the animation maker. You can choose from thousands of video templates with different styles and formats and customize them further to match your brand. 

The platform also offers an AI-powered video generator, making it easy to create how-to videos, animated training videos, and more. Other powerful features include a text-to-video converter, logo maker, 3D characters, a large library of audio tracks, AI business name generator, and professional color palettes to make your videos even more visually appealing. Pricing starts with a free plan that includes basic functionalities. Paid plans begin at $9.99 per month, giving you access to more advanced features, higher-quality exports, and watermark removal.

 

Camtasia

 

Camtasia pros

• Powerful screen and video recording capabilities
• Multi-track editing for complex projects
• User-friendly with drag-and-drop transitions and effects
• High-quality exports in multiple formats
• Large library of templates and assets

 

Camtasia cons

• A prior knowledge of video editing may be required
• Requires a paid license for full features after the trial period
• A bit too expensive compared to other tools 

 

Camtasia is a video creation tool that caters to both beginners and professionals. It offers a screen recording feature that captures your screen, camera, microphone, and system audio as independent tracks for better editing flexibility. So, if you’re mainly going to make screen-recording training videos, this software is a go-to choice. It also offers intuitive editing tools, including drag-and-drop transitions, callouts, and dynamic backgrounds. 

 

AI-powered tools like Camtasia Audiate and Rev can take video creation to another level with natural-sounding script and voice generation, transcriptions, and easy layout adjustments. Keep in mind, though, that the tool is a bit pricy, with the cheapest package starting at $179.88 per year, and it’s only available for yearly subscriptions. 

 

Adobe Captivate

 

Adobe Captivate pros

• Powerful tool for creating interactive eLearning content
• Supports mobile HTML5 content
• Includes prebuilt templates and customizable workflows
• Integrates with SCORM-compliant LMS systems
• Ideal for software demonstrations and simulations

 

Adobe Captivate cons

• Steep learning curve for new users
• Can be slow when exporting longer videos
• Some users find the interface outdated
• Limited control over precise motion paths

 

Adobe Captivate is an eLearning authoring and course design tool that comes in handy for midsized businesses and enterprises. It supports mobile HTML5 content and offers prebuilt assets and customizable workflows, making it easily meet various needs for your training program.

Captivate is especially useful for software demonstrations and simulations. It even integrates with SCORM-compliant LMS systems, including Adobe Captivate Prime. Pricing starts at $33.99 per month for a subscription, with a one-time fee of $399 for the Student & Teacher Edition and $499 for upgrades. Captivate also offers a free trial for users to explore its capabilities.

 

Powtoon

 

Powtoon pros

• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor
• Over 200 customizable templates
• Versatile use across various departments
• Collaboration tools for team projects
• Extensive library of royalty-free music, objects, and videos

 

Powtoon cons

• Frequent upsells to Pro features
• Exporting function can be tricky
• 90-second limit on imported videos
• Limited sound effects options
• Some users find the interface inconvenient
• System can be slow when exporting longer videos

 

Powtoon is an online video creation tool ideal for businesses and individual creators looking to make animated training video content and presentations without prior video production experience. It offers a drag-and-drop editor and over 200 fully customizable templates, allowing users to incorporate their branding easily. 

Powtoon’s extensive library includes royalty-free music, objects, and videos that help you enhance your workflow. It’s versatile, helping you create training videos for various departments like marketing, HR, IT, and customer support. While a free version is available, paid plans start at $15 per month (billed yearly) or $50 per month (billed monthly), offering additional features and fewer limitations.

 

Examples of great training videos

Now that you know how to create training videos for your business, we can take a look at some examples for inspiration. 

 

How to Find Creative Work: The School of Life 

The School of Life is a great example of how you can play with different animation styles to create educational content that no one wants to skip. Their channel is all about educating their audience on mental health and emotional intelligence. Not only do they do a great job of making you more emotionally aware of yourself, but they also serve as a great source of inspiration for anyone who looks for great training video references.

 

 

Key takeaways 

• The narrator’s voice will make a huge difference. Choose a clear, distinct, and pleasant voice for your audio narration. 
• Play around with the visuals. If you have enough time to get creative, play around with your animations and transitions, making every second of your video fun to watch. 
• End with a strong statement. To make a lasting impact, end with an open-ended question, a strong statement, or an interesting quote that will stick with your audience. 

 

How to Make a Burger: McDonald’s

While “The School of Life” is a great source of inspiration if you want to make a training video on emotional intelligence, not all training videos are that deep. Sometimes, you just need to teach your new employees how to make a burger. 

This short and to-the-point tutorial on how to make a McDonald’s burger is exactly what the company’s new hires will need. So, if your main purpose is to create training videos for employees and explain daily tasks, this is a great example—short and straightforward.

 

 

Key takeaways

• Less is more. Sometimes, a short training video is all your audience will need, so don’t overstuff it with too many animations and information. 
• Show what you tell. While the best option is to show, not tell, for training videos, you can do both. Just remember not to skip the “show” part, especially if you’re teaching a very specific, technical task. 

 

What is GMP?: SafetyCulture 

SafetyCulture’s video on Good Manufacturing Practices for Food Safety is a perfect example of how a well-crafted script can be the star of the show. This video proves that you don’t always need flashy animations or complex visuals to create an effective training resource.

The video keeps things sleek and simple, allowing viewers to focus on the clear, informative voiceover. By prioritizing the script, SafetyCulture delivers a message-driven approach that’s both engaging and educational. The visuals support the script instead of overshadowing it.

 

 

Key takeaways

• The script is the key. Invest time crafting a clear, concise, and informative script before worrying about visual elements.
• Keep it simple. Sometimes, a clean and straightforward visual style can be more effective than complex animations.
• Let the content shine. Use visuals to support your message, not distract from it.
• Focus on clarity. Make sure your voiceover is clear and easy to follow, as it will be carrying most of the informational weight.

 

Training video creation tips 

Creating effective training videos calls for careful planning and execution. Here are ten essential tips to help you produce high-quality content:

 

 

• Plan your content. Before you start filming, outline the structure and key points of your training video. Create a detailed script or storyboard to guide your production process. This planning stage is key to making sure your video covers all necessary information in a logical, easy-to-follow sequence. If the topics are too complex, consider breaking them into different segments to make learning easier for your audience. 
• Keep it concise and focused. Attention spans are limited, so use your time to deliver information as efficiently as you can. Stick to one main topic per video and avoid unnecessary details. A good rule of thumb is to keep each video under 10 minutes, with three to five minutes being ideal for most training concepts. If you have a lot of information to cover, consider creating a series of shorter videos instead of one long one.
• Use high-quality equipment. Invest in good cameras, microphones, and editing software to make your videos look and sound professional. While you don’t need Hollywood-level gear, clear visuals and audio are essential for maintaining viewer engagement. Poor quality can distract from your message and make your video training seem less credible.
• Ensure good lighting. Proper lighting can significantly improve the visual quality of your video. Use natural light when possible, or invest in a basic lighting setup. Avoid harsh shadows and ensure your subject is well-lit. Good lighting not only makes your training video more visually appealing but also helps viewers focus on the important elements of your content.
• Engage your audience. Use techniques to keep viewers interested throughout the video. This can include asking questions, using humor (where appropriate), incorporating real-life examples, or using storytelling techniques. Consider using a conversational tone to make the content more relatable and easier to absorb.
• Incorporate visual aids. Enhance your verbal explanations with visual elements such as charts, graphs, animations, or demonstrations. These visuals can help you clarify complex concepts and match your audience’s different learning styles. Visual aids can also break up long stretches of talking, keeping the video visually interesting and maintaining viewer attention.
• Include captions and subtitles. Adding captions makes your content accessible to a wider audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, non-native speakers, or viewers in sound-sensitive environments. Captions also improve comprehension and retention for all viewers, as they reinforce spoken information visually.
• Edit for clarity and flow. After filming, carefully edit your video to remove any mistakes, long pauses, or unnecessary content. Use smooth transitions between sections and maintain a consistent pace throughout. Good editing can significantly improve the overall quality and effectiveness of your training video.
• Add interactive elements. Where possible, throw in some interactive features to boost engagement and promote active learning. This can include clickable hotspots, quizzes, or branching scenarios that allow viewers to make choices and see the outcomes. Interactive elements can transform passive viewing into an active learning experience.
• Test and gather feedback. Before finalizing your video, show it to a test audience and gather their feedback on content clarity, engagement level, and overall effectiveness. Use this input to make final adjustments and improvements. Continuous feedback and changes to your training video can help you refine it and improve your training video creation process over time.

 

 

Training video creation made easy

Creating effective training videos can transform the way your organization educates and empowers its employees. Needless to say, the benefits are numerous—from improved engagement and retention to cost-effectiveness and flexibility. 

The best part is you don’t have to be a video editing guru to create a professional training video. With tools like Renderforest, Camtasia, Adobe Captivate, and Powtoon, you get access to various features that can help you create high-quality training videos in minutes. 

 

Related reading:

• How to make a tutorial video in 3 steps
• How to make educational videos
• 31 explainer video templates to engage and educate

Training videos FAQ

What are training videos?

Training videos are educational videos designed to teach new skills, show how to do a certain task, or explain important company details. They have become the go-to choice for businesses because they allow employees to learn at their own pace and revisit information whenever necessary. By breaking down complex ideas into easily digestible visual content, these videos are more effective compared to traditional training methods.

How do I create a training video?

Start by identifying the goals of your training video. What skills or knowledge do you want it to convey? Outline the key points you need to cover and script your content to guarantee your video has more clarity and coherence.

Next, choose the appropriate tools for recording and editing. Software platforms like Renderforest help you create professional-looking videos in minutes. You can use a template or generate an effective training video with AI.

Then, edit your video to trim unnecessary parts, add text overlays, and include music or voiceovers if needed. Aim for a balance between engaging content and clear, concise instructions.

How do you end a training video?

Ending a training video effectively helps leave a lasting impact. Here are some tips:

• Summarize key points. Recap the main takeaways from the video to make sure viewers remember the most critical aspects of your video.
• Include a call to action. Encourage viewers to apply what they’ve learned. This can be a practical exercise, a quiz, or a reminder to use the new skills in their daily tasks.
• Provide further resources. Offer additional materials for those who want to dive deeper into the topic. This can include links to articles, books, or other videos.
• Thank your audience. A simple thank you at the end of the video can make a big difference. It shows appreciation for their time and attention.
• Invite feedback. Encourage viewers to provide feedback on the training video. This can help you improve future videos.