Training and onboarding videos save a huge amount of time. Instead of the same manager explaining the same process to every new starter, a clear video does it consistently, whenever it is needed. They also help new people feel welcome before their first day and give existing staff something to refer back to.
The big question is whether to make them yourself or bring in a professional. Here is an honest look at both, and the hybrid approach I often suggest.
The short version
- In house works well for quick, frequently changing process videos.
- Professional video suits onboarding, culture, safety and anything customer facing.
- Short modules beat one long film.
- Good sound matters more than fancy visuals.
- A hybrid approach often gives the best value.
When in house works
Screen recordings of software, quick “how to” clips on a phone and updates that change every few months are all perfectly fine made in house. They do not need to look polished. They need to be clear and easy to update. A decent phone, a clip on microphone and a quiet room go a long way.
When it is worth going professional
Onboarding and culture
The welcome film sets the tone for someone’s whole experience of your company. First impressions count.
Health and safety
Clarity and accuracy matter. Proper sound, close ups and clear demonstrations help people get it right.
Hands on skills
Close, well lit shots of a task being done are much easier to learn from than a wide phone clip.
Anything customers see
If it might be shown to clients or used on your website, it represents your brand.
Plan in modules
People do not learn well from a 25 minute film. Break training into short modules of two to six minutes, each covering one topic. They are easier to watch, easier to find again and easier to update when one process changes, without reshooting everything.
- Welcome and who we are
- Your first day: where to go and who to ask
- Key processes, one per module
- Safety essentials
- Where to get help
Keep the sound clear
People will forgive simple visuals. They will not forgive audio they cannot hear. Whether you film in house or with me, use a proper microphone and a quiet space. If staff are presenting, my guide on looking natural on camera helps.
The hybrid approach
For many businesses, the best value is a mix. I film the parts that last and represent your brand, such as the welcome film, culture, safety and key hands on skills, and your team handles quick process updates in house. I can also film extra b-roll of your workplace so your in house videos have better footage to cut into.
If you are also hiring, the same shoot can capture footage for a recruitment film. See what to include in a recruitment video and my recruitment video page.
Questions businesses ask
Should we make training videos in house or hire a professional?
In house works for quick, frequently changing process clips. Professional video is worth it for onboarding, culture, safety, hands on skills and anything customers might see.
How long should a training video be?
Short modules of around two to six minutes, each covering one topic, are easier to learn from and update than one long film.
What makes a good onboarding video?
A warm welcome, real people and places, practical first day information and a clear sense of the company’s culture.
Can one shoot cover training and recruitment videos?
Yes. Filming your workplace and team for training often gives plenty of footage for a recruitment film too, if both are planned together.
More business video guides: business video length, case study videos and business video costs.
Onboarding the same way every time?
Let’s make it a film
Training and onboarding video for businesses in Liverpool, planned in modules that are easy to update.