Now is the time. Now is the time to be investing in video-based learning.

The world has evolved over the last decade. Where the term video learning once referred to dull, unengaging, and uninspiring how-to corporate videos, it is now a major aspect of everyone’s everyday life, both in and out of work.

When we aren’t at work, we’re often spending time watching videos on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, learning how to cook a meal, how to build something, or how to prevent hair loss.

Really, just me?

Needless to say, video-based learning is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. It’s now a major part of our lives, making it the perfect time to invest and offer your learners the best possible opportunities to grow and progress.

Why now’s the time to use video

When it comes to learning how to do something in your personal life, there are three main approaches you can take.

You can Google it, which will eventually lead to you finding a video on the topic.

You can “YouTube” it, which will take you straight to said video.

Or, you can go completely old-school and ask a friend or family member.

At which point they may tell you to search for a video online.

YouTube is the second most visited website in the world, drawing billions of users every month. It has changed the way many of us think about learning, and that includes your learner audience. We are more open and ready for video learning than ever before, and the concept no longer feels strange or foreign.

As learning leaders, we must always look for opportunities to interact with our learners in a way that suits them and offer them the types of learning opportunities that they resonate with.

That is now video learning.

We find ourselves in the midst of an era where we’re all inundated with high-quality content, whether it be on Netflix and Hulu or YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

As a result, this high standard is now THE standard, and anything produced that doesn’t meet that standard is immediately dismissed from our screens with a simple tap, swipe, or flick of our index finger.

How working with a learning partner gives you a competitive edge

So then, if it is obvious that video content is now an expected form of learning and poor content is immediately dismissed by learners, how can you successfully grab their attention?

Once you realize the value of video content, it can be tempting to quickly produce as much as possible in an attempt to offer your learners content to digest.

In reality, many companies are limited in what they can produce due to their in-house team’s capabilities, which is to be expected. Video learning has made significant strides in recent years, and unless you have a full, in-house Media team, it’s almost impossible to stay completely up to date with the latest trends and technologies.

However, learning partners with a Media team do know these trends and can use their skill set to create just about anything based on your learning strategy and objectives, and not limited by what tools you have available internally.

A collaborative learning partner will work with you to navigate all the capabilities that come with media and help you determine the right deliverables based on your learning objectives and your budget.

One aspect of video content that can sometimes seem offputting is the cost.

But no matter how you break it down, the value is there.

After all, one incredibly well-produced piece of evergreen content can be used again and again and cut in different ways to ensure it’s usable on a variety of platforms.

Rather than spending a similar fee on one in-person training, which only benefits those that attend, you can invest in video-based eLearning, which can benefit anyone, even new employees, many years in the future. Plus, a skilled media team can easily update your deliverables down the line as your product or business evolves.

Your learners deserve a great experience.

And a better learning experience leads to better learning outcomes.

Examples of how video-based learning helps grow your learners and your business

The term video-learning casts a wide net.

It can cover anything video-based, which is a whole lot of different forms of content! At Maestro, we are acutely aware of the importance of creating video learning content in a format that suits your learners, to maximize the benefits and drive your business forward successfully.

That includes immersive 3D environments, commercial-grade production, and innovative animation techniques within the L&D space.

Our talented filmmakers, producers, and animators live for experimentation, exploration, and most of all, execution.

Commercial-grade live-action video

Creating live-action content takes plenty of time and effort, especially if it’s done to the highest standard. A high-quality learning partner will work with you for every aspect of video production—concept and creative strategy through full-service production and post.

Live-action video content is one of the most popular forms of video for several reasons:

• It is an efficient way to train: With live-action video, learners can get more information more quickly, and you’ll use less of the learner’s time. A win-win!
• It will be detailed and insightful: Live-action video also provides critical teaching moments, which can be harder to achieve with short-form video content.
• It will be on brand: You can create video-based learning experiences that are clear, brand-aligned, and visually interesting.
• It will engage your learners: Professional storytellers, like those on a media team, are experts in crafting a compelling story and executing it in a beautiful, commercial-grade package for learners.
• Integration for other channels is quick and easy: Live-action videos can easily be integrated into an eLearning course. For example, you can integrate video into multiple-choice questions for scenario-based learning.
• One video equals multiple video opportunities: From just one production, you can execute multiple deliverables.

Demos and training videos

One of the most common requests we have is for demos or training videos. One of the main benefits of offering training or onboarding via video format is that it can be digested—and redigested—at any time.

That level of flexibility is ideal for new starters who want to consume the content more than once to ensure they know everything well before getting started. It also offers you a video to refer back to for what rules, regulations, and systems to follow, which can be handy when jobs begin to feel complex and confusing. Training and demo videos also work great as one aspect of a larger learning experience, especially in the “Show” stage of the learning process.

On top of that, a high-quality training video or demo can be used again and again for your learners now, your learners in the future, and learners you haven’t even made plans to hire just yet!

The flexibility and versatility of demos and training videos are why they are so highly sought after by our clients.

Innovative animation techniques

Another reason to invest in video-based learning is the innovative animation techniques on offer. A great video-based learning company will have the capabilities to use motion, secondary motion, motion touches, and motion support to create compelling learning video content.

We often create motion or live, mixed training videos for clients, pulling from live action and motion to bring content to life.

For example, in-service videos explaining step-by-step processes can be live, in motion, or a mix of both.

The benefits of using innovative animation techniques in video-based learning include the following:

• It’s cost-effective: Using different forms of animation in video learning is a cost-effective, high-impact way to make learning experiences, like an eLearning course or video, more dynamic and engaging.
• It can bring content to life: Even simple 2D motion can bring a course to life, engaging your learners and improving their training experience.
• It can reduce cognitive load: Video is an effective way to reduce cognitive load, especially when covering complex topics, as proven in several studies.
• It can break up complex concepts: Innovative media techniques can help break complex concepts into more digestible bites, no matter your budget.
• It offers more creative freedom: Motion design & VFX give you more creative freedom and more freedom in delivering learning content to your audience in the clearest, most well-paced, and most controlled way to get your message across.

Video-based learning: Is it all it’s cracked up to be?

Yes, yes it is.

Learning has changed.

And your learners have changed too!

When you don’t have the capabilities in-house to accommodate these changes, it’s best to work with a highly reputable, reliable, and high-quality partner (like us!).

Working with a learning partner for video-based learning is more accessible and approachable than you think! When organizations are skilled at the craft of media, they can work with your budget to identify the biggest wins and most creative approaches.

Sure, you can create “passable” video content in-house (maybe?).

But your learners don’t want passable.

Your learners don’t expect passable.

And your learners won’t accept passable.

But what if you made something incredible? Something that goes beyond checking off objectives. Something that stays with your learners; that improves your organization’s relationship with its learners? That will show you care and will impact the bottom line.

Now is the time to connect with your learners and let them know you’re continuing to invest in them and their growth, despite tumultuous times.