A well-made induction video can do wonders for onboarding, but a poorly executed one can leave new hires confused, disengaged and unimpressed. To ensure your video supports a positive first impression, it’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know what to include.

At Channel 1 Creative Media, we’ve seen the good, the bad and the avoidable. With over 35 years of experience creating induction content for Australian businesses, we know exactly what to avoid in induction video production to keep your onboarding process clear, engaging and professional.

Curious about the common mistakes to steer clear of? Read on to learn what to avoid in your induction video so you can start strong and keep your new hires engaged.

What to Avoid in Induction Video Production: A Quick Overview

Avoid these common pitfalls when producing your induction video:

• Overloading the video with too much information
• Using low-quality visuals or audio
• Skipping scripting or planning stages
• Ignoring tone and engagement
• Making it too long or too formal
• Leaving out your brand voice or values
• Forgetting accessibility and diverse audiences

Let’s take a deeper look at each mistake and how to avoid it.

Don’t Overload New Starters with Too Much Information

Trying to cram every policy, process and welcome message into one video might seem efficient, but it can overwhelm your audience.

Why It Doesn’t Work:

• Viewers tune out when there’s too much to absorb.
• Important information gets lost in the noise.
• People retain less when overwhelmed.

Tip: Break content into short, modular segments instead. Each video should focus on a single topic, such as safety, culture or daily operations.

Avoid Poor Production Quality

Blurry video, muffled audio or shaky camera work sends the wrong message about your professionalism.

The Risks:

• Reduces credibility and trust.
• Makes key messages harder to understand.
• Causes disengagement and viewer frustration.

Tip: Use proper equipment or work with a production team like Channel 1 Creative Media to ensure high-quality visuals and audio.

Never Skip the Scripting and Planning Phase

Rushing into production without a solid plan often results in disorganised and confusing videos.

Consequences of No Script:

• Wandering messages that lack clarity
• Missed key topics or repetition
• Longer editing time and increased costs

Tip: Develop a clear script using a ‘We Hear / We See’ format that outlines both narration and visuals. This ensures a smooth and professional result.

Don’t Be Too Formal or Robotic

An overly serious tone can feel cold and uninviting. New employees are already navigating change—your video should reassure them.

What to Watch Out For:

• Monotone voiceovers
• Stiff presenters or corporate jargon
• No sense of personality or warmth

Tip: Use a friendly, welcoming tone. Include real staff and conversational language to make viewers feel part of the team.

Avoid Making It Too Long

Lengthy videos reduce engagement. New hires likely have other tasks to complete and won’t retain long-winded content.

Engagement Drops When:

• Videos exceed 6–7 minutes without a break
• Key points are buried under filler content
• Viewers lose interest early on

Tip: Keep most videos under 5 minutes. For longer content, split into clear sections with titles and breaks.

Don’t Forget Your Brand Voice and Culture

Your induction video isn’t just a training tool—it’s a reflection of your brand. Generic content fails to connect emotionally or showcase what makes your organisation unique.

Signs You’re Missing the Mark:

• No mention of values or mission
• Visuals don’t reflect your workplace culture
• No clear brand tone or identity

Tip: Reinforce your brand through tone, music, visuals and storytelling. Include clips of your team in action, leadership speaking and workplace highlights.

Excluding Accessibility Options

Today’s workforce is diverse, and your content should be too. Overlooking accessibility can exclude valuable team members.

What’s Missing:

• No subtitles or captions
• No visual cues for key points
• No consideration for language or cultural differences

Tip: Add captions and ensure visual clarity. Use inclusive language and represent diverse people across your footage.

Bonus: Common Technical Pitfalls to Avoid

In addition to content mistakes, watch out for these production blunders:

• Unclear lighting that causes shadows or overexposure
• Inconsistent audio levels between speakers or scenes
• Overuse of effects or transitions that distract from the message
• No CTA at the end of the video to guide the viewer

At Channel 1, we use a professional editing process that balances creativity with clarity. Our post-production ensures your message remains the focus.

Best Practices for Getting it Right the First Time

Follow these proven strategies to avoid setbacks and rework:

• Work with a production team that understands your business.
• Plan your messaging and involve stakeholders early.
• Use test audiences to gather feedback before final delivery.

Good planning saves time, money and stress while ensuring your induction content hits the mark.

Want to Avoid the Usual Pitfalls in Your Induction Video?

At Channel 1 Creative Media, we take the stress out of onboarding video production. Our expert team helps you avoid common mistakes by guiding you through every step of the process, from planning and scripting to filming and post-production. With over 35 years of experience creating content that informs and inspires, we understand what works and what to avoid. Call us on 0387430488 or visit our Contact Us page to get started on your next induction video. Let’s make onboarding a success from the very first frame.