Training videos can be a game-changer for building skills and knowledge in your team. The catch? Not every video hits the mark. Too long, off-target, or dull content can turn learners off fast. So, what are the best practices for producing training videos that work? The secret is to keep training videos short and focused, tailored to your audience, interactive and accessible with captions.
Want to dive deeper into creating training videos that truly engage and deliver results? Keep reading for practical tips and proven strategies.
Best Practices for Producing Training Videos That Work: A Quick Overview
To make sure your training videos actually stick, focus on clarity, relevance and engagement. Here’s a quick rundown of best practices to guide you:
- Define learning objectives – Decide exactly what you want your audience to learn or take away.
- Know your audience – Tailor the script, tone and language to match their background and needs.
- Write with purpose – Ensure your script aligns directly with the learning objectives.
- Keep it concise – Aim for 3–7 minutes. For longer topics, break them into shorter modules.
- Make it interactive – Add assessment questions, activities, or pauses for reflection to reinforce learning.
- Add accessibility features – Include captions and other supports to make content inclusive.
Let’s explore how to apply each of these in more detail.
Define Clear Learning Objectives
Before writing a script or filming a scene, ask yourself: What do I want the viewer to learn or be able to do after watching this video?
Why Objectives Matter:
- They shape the script and visuals
- They ensure content is relevant and structured
- They help you measure the video’s success later
Pro Tip: Start every video project by drafting 2–3 core learning outcomes. Share them with your production team so everyone’s aligned.
Understand and Write for Your Audience
The tone, language and visuals of your training video should suit the people watching it. A video made for frontline warehouse staff will differ from one aimed at corporate executives or healthcare workers.
Consider:
- Role-specific tasks and skill levels
- Language preferences and cultural diversity
- Learning environment (e.g., mobile, desktop, in-field)
Pro Tip: Use conversational language that fits your audience. Avoid overloading with technical terms unless essential.
Keep It Short, Sharp and Structured
We live in a time-poor world, and attention spans are short. The best training videos deliver clear information quickly.
Ideal Length:
- 3–7 minutes per topic or module
- Longer topics should be split into self-contained segments
Pro Tip: Use clear headings or transitions between sections so viewers can easily follow and refer back.
Write a Strong Script Aligned to Your Goals
A well-written script ensures your video flows logically, stays focused and delivers value.
Scripting Tips:
- Follow the ‘We Hear / We See’ format for voiceover + visuals
- Avoid fluff. Every line should support the learning goal
- Read the script aloud to check for flow and tone
Pro Tip: Tie each scene back to your defined learning objectives. Ask: Does this line help the viewer understand or apply something?
Break Complex Content into Modules
Training shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Breaking content into bite-sized modules makes it easier to digest and revisit later.
Benefits of Modular Content:
- Improves knowledge retention
- Enables self-paced learning
- Simplifies updates in the future
Pro Tip: Name each module clearly (e.g., Handling Hazardous Materials or Using the CRM Portal) so users can jump to what they need.
Add Interactivity to Reinforce Learning
Training shouldn’t be passive. The more you engage the viewer, the more likely they are to remember and apply the content.
Interactive Elements:
- Post-video quizzes or reflection questions
- Integrated activities for eLearning platforms
- Prompts to pause and practise skills
Pro Tip: Combine video with assessment tools to create complete self-paced learning experiences.
Include Accessibility Features
Good training videos are inclusive. That means making sure all employees, regardless of hearing, language or ability, can benefit from your content.
Accessibility Essentials:
- Captions or subtitles for all dialogue
- Clear visual contrast and readable fonts
- Avoiding fast flashing or overwhelming animations
Pro Tip: Choose inclusive visuals that reflect workplace diversity.
Use Professional-Quality Production
Even with a great script, poor audio or visuals can ruin a training video’s impact. Investing in professional production ensures credibility and clarity.
Key Quality Factors:
- Clear audio with no background noise
- Good lighting and clean visuals
- Smooth editing and clear transitions
Pro Tip: For remote or hybrid teams, make sure your video is optimised for mobile and low-bandwidth viewing.
Monitor and Review for Improvement
Once your training video is live, don’t forget to gather feedback and performance data. This will help refine future content and demonstrate return on investment.
Track:
- Completion rates and engagement
- Quiz scores or learner outcomes
- Viewer feedback and suggestions
Pro Tip: Set a timeline to review and refresh videos to keep them relevant as processes or policies change.
Ready to Create Training Videos That Actually Work?
The best training videos are easy to follow, engaging and accessible. When you focus on what learners need and add a touch of interactivity, you get content that not only holds their attention but also helps the lessons stick.
At Channel 1 Creative Media, we help organisations turn training goals into practical, professional video content. From defining your learning objectives to scripting, filming and editing, our team guides you every step of the way. Whether you need a one-off explainer or a full training video suite with interactivity and accessibility features, we deliver solutions that improve performance and engagement.Call us on 0387430488 or visit our Contact Us page to learn how we can help bring your training strategy to life through video.