Images stick in the memory better than words. And so, it is also proven that learning videos are perfectly suited for conveying content in a lasting way. Find out here which formats are available, how a clip truly convinces, and what else is important when dedicating yourself to the topic of learning videos.

What is a learning video?

A learning video is a film that conveys learning content in an illustrative way. The clip can be used both online (on an e-learning platform, in an LMS, on the internet, e.g., via YouTube) and offline (e.g., accompanying seminars / in teaching). Various formats are used, which we will briefly introduce below.

What are the differences between learning video clips?

Essentially, you can distinguish between three formats when you want to create learning videos:

• Screencasts
• Animations
• Filmed stories

A screencast is a recording of movements on the screen. The desktop is filmed while something is being explained there (e.g., in software). Text, animations, graphics, or spoken passages as well as music enrich the screencast.

In an animation, things are illustrated in comic style or through drawings. These are sketched and subsequently animated. It is best to package the content in such a way that a short story is told – if necessary, using a fictional character. Here, too, (spoken) text, graphics, or music can be added.

In learning videos based on filmed material, for example, interview partners appear in front of the camera (experts explaining something) or a product/object is filmed, and what is seen is explained using image and text. The power of imagination is very high due to real images. Emotions can be evoked very well by real people.

Advantages of learning videos

The advantages of learning videos are obvious:

• Addressing multiple senses
• Evoking emotions
• Sustainable learning success
• Reduction of complexity
• Playable as often as desired

There are virtually no disadvantages. Only the effort (time and costs) can be higher than with other forms of learning materials. Consequently, it is necessary to weigh up in which areas a learning video is really worth the investment – after all, the costs should amortize quickly in the end.

In 5 steps to the perfect learning video

#1 It starts with planning

If you want to create learning videos, you should plan it well. Because a successful video needs a suitable topic, exciting facts, good footage, and much more. Above all, you should define the target group and goals of the video to know exactly which means can be used to reach them. Plan enough time for this preparatory work.

#2 An idea becomes a story

Hardly any film succeeds without storytelling. From the initial idea, you should therefore write a small screenplay / script / storyboard that shows the common thread. How do you build suspense? How do you evoke emotions? What is the learning takeaway from the clip? You should think about these aspects in advance.

#3 Professionalism is a must-have

Those who film with a mobile phone or hire amateur speakers only have a poor chance nowadays of really scoring points with their learning video. After all, there is high competition in the digital age and therefore high standards. Everyone can distinguish a professional video from a cobbled-together clip. So, rely on experts if you cannot cover the competencies in-house.

#4 The finishing touches make the difference

Small sound effects and animations, nice background music, or an appealing intro and outro really round off a learning video. With a little creativity, your film gets that certain something that ultimately ensures that the content sticks with the learners.

#5 Get feedback

Once the first rough version of a learning video is ready, you can present it to a test target group to get feedback. After all, it is easier to make changes before the actual release. And no one knows better what leads to success than the learners themselves.

Create a learning video yourself or have it created?

If you already have a lot of experience with writing stories as well as certain filming and editing techniques, you can create learning videos yourself. There is corresponding software that will help you with this. However, if you have no experience, it is not recommended to tackle the learning video project yourself. Because in the digital age, users are relatively spoiled when it comes to a certain basic standard in terms of quality. Save yourself time and failure and bring an experienced expert or a learning or explainer video agency on board, who will help you achieve maximum success.

keelearning – Your partner for learning videos

We at keelearning and keeunit are specialized in the creation of learning videos. We have a large network of filmmakers, speakers, and media educators who have been pooling their expertise for many years. Find out more about our offers here and learn what other possibilities you have in terms of e-learning content. For example, are you already familiar with web-based trainings?

We look forward to your inquiry – your keeunit team!

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