In today's digital age, attention spans are becoming shorter, and learners crave captivating content that resonates with them. That's why incorporating video into eLearning courses has become more vital than ever before. It's not just a trend; it's a transformational tool that L&D leaders must embrace to engage their learners and drive meaningful knowledge retention

Here are some compelling statistics that will leave no doubt as to why L&D leaders should add video to their eLearning courses: 

1. Captivating Attention: In a world where distractions are just a click away, grabbing and maintaining learners' attention is a constant challenge. Here's where video shines. According to a study by HubSpot, videos can increase the viewer's attention span by an average of 2.6 times compared to other forms of content.

2. Boosting Retention: The ultimate goal of any training program is to ensure that knowledge is retained and applied in practical situations. This is where video truly excels. According to Insivia, learners retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, as opposed to only 10% when reading it in text format.

3. Enhancing Comprehension: Video's ability to visually demonstrate complex ideas and processes is invaluable for enhancing learner comprehension. In fact, according to Forbes, 90% of learners believe that videos help them understand concepts better.

4. Driving Application and Performance: Effective training is not just about knowledge acquisition; it's about applying that knowledge to drive real-world performance. Video excels in this aspect. According to a study by Kaltura, when learners see a demonstration or application of a concept in video form, they are 50% more likely to apply it in their work.

Incorporating video into eLearning courses is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. The powerful statistics speak for themselves! 

The era of video-powered eLearning has arrived, and it's time to seize its immense potential and elevate training and development to new heights.  If you're ready to start incorporating videos into your courses, here are some ideas to get you started:

Idea #1: Short interviews

Instead of providing text-based interviews or quotes, record video interviews with industry experts or internal subject matter experts. These videos can feature discussions on relevant topics, insights into industry trends, or personal anecdotes. For example, in a sales training course, interview top-performing sales representatives to share their strategies and tips.

Take a cue from Inc.com. It regularly shares short 2-3 min interviews with industry experts, SMEs, and famous speakers to communicate key information. Each interview introduces the person with a short caption (Name, Designation/Role, Company), followed by the information that needs to be communicated. Visitors listen to them with attention because “interviews” by nature exude a sense of authoritative commentary on a subject/topic. 

A good interview practice is to share relevant personal anecdotes/experiences followed by lessons learned and best practices/advice. Discuss the topic with the interviewee before shooting, and then pitch a question and let them respond spontaneously.

#2: Share Bite-sized Tips

When it comes to onboarding new hires, the traditional approach of providing a manual with heaps of information can be uninspiring and tedious. It requires effort on the part of employees to read, comprehend, and retain the information. But what if you could inject energy, style, and enthusiasm into the content to truly engage and motivate them to remember important tips?

Imagine filming experienced employees who can share their valuable advice and insights. By capturing their knowledge and experience on video, you not only provide practical tips but also infuse them with intonations, emotions, and a personal touch. Unlike written words that leave emotions to the reader's imagination, videos structure the message, allowing for empathy and understanding to shine through. The tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language in the video can communicate empathy, create a connection, and generate enthusiasm that written words simply cannot replicate.

The key to success is to keep these videos concise and focused. Limit them to no longer than 3 minutes, as longer videos run the risk of losing learners' attention and interest. By delivering bite-sized tips through engaging videos, you ensure that learners can easily digest the information and stay engaged throughout the learning process.

Here are a few examples of how you can use videos to share bite-sized tips effectively:

1. "Top 5 Customer Service Tips": Feature a video where a seasoned customer service representative shares their top tips for providing exceptional customer service. This video could showcase real-life examples, demonstrate effective communication techniques, and offer practical advice.

2. "Mastering Time Management": Film a time management expert sharing their best strategies for staying organized and productive. This video can include visuals of productivity tools, techniques for prioritization, and insights on overcoming common time-wasting habits.

#3: Introduce Concepts

Instead of presenting introductory information in plain text, create a short video that combines visuals, narration, and engaging graphics

Begin your course with a captivating video that introduces key concepts and sets the stage for what learners will be exploring throughout the training. This helps create an engaging and memorable starting point.

For example, in a course on marketing strategies, use a video to showcase successful campaigns, share statistics, and introduce key marketing concepts.

#4: Tell Compelling Stories

Humans are natural storytellers and listeners. Instead of presenting case studies or examples as text-based narratives, start transforming them into captivating video stories.

Use the power of video to tell stories that connect with learners on an emotional level. Stories can be used to illustrate real-life scenarios, showcase success stories, or provide relatable examples that resonate with your audience.

For instance, in a leadership development course, use video interviews with successful leaders to share their experiences and insights.

#5: Screencasts

Complex software applications often require detailed instructions for users to navigate effectively. Instead of overwhelming learners with text-based manuals, create videos that walk them through the software's interface, features, and functionalities. By visually demonstrating each step and highlighting key elements, learners can better comprehend and utilize the software's capabilities.

To ensure your screencasts are engaging and effective, consider the following tips:

1. Plan and Script: Before recording, outline the content and structure of your screencast. Prepare a script or at least an outline to guide your narration and ensure a clear and concise delivery. This helps you stay focused and deliver the information effectively.

2. Use Quality Screen Recording Software: Invest in a reliable screen recording software that captures high-quality videos without lag or technical issues. Popular options include Camtasia, OBS Studio, and Screencast-O-Matic. Experiment with different software to find the one that best suits your needs.

3. Maintain Clarity and Simplicity: Simplify your screen layout by hiding unnecessary icons, notifications, or personal information that may distract viewers. Focus on the key elements that are relevant to your demonstration or explanation. Use callouts, arrows, or highlights to draw attention to important areas on the screen.

#6: Demonstrate Processes

Instead of relying solely on text-based explanations, leverage videos to showcase the step-by-step procedures involved in various processes. Whether it's assembling a product, executing a technical task, or implementing a business process, visual demonstrations provide learners with a crystal-clear understanding of each stage.

Video demonstrations bridge the gap between theory and practice. By showcasing the actual execution of a process, learners can observe the correct techniques, identify potential pitfalls, and gain valuable insights into best practices. This hands-on approach enables learners to develop the necessary skills and confidence to apply their knowledge effectively.

Demonstration videos are not limited to software alone. They are equally effective for capturing and conveying business processes, workflows, and best practices. For example, create a video showcasing a sales representative interacting with a customer, highlighting effective communication techniques, active listening skills, and successful negotiation strategies. This real-world demonstration immerses learners in practical scenarios, enhancing their understanding and skill development.

#7: Video Tours

Instead of describing physical environments or simulations in text, take learners on virtual tours of physical spaces, such as workplaces or simulated environments, to provide a realistic and immersive experience. This is especially beneficial for training in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, or hospitality. 

For example, in a safety training course for construction workers, create a video tour of a construction site highlighting safety protocols, potential hazards, and best practices.

#8: Q&A Sessions

Instead of answering learner questions through text-based forums, you can mix it up by creating video Q&A sessions. Address common questions, provide explanations, and offer insights on challenging topics. These videos can be recorded by instructors or trainers and shared with learners.

This adds a personal touch and helps address learner concerns effectively.

#9: Interactive Videos 

In the realm of eLearning, interactive videos have emerged as a powerful tool to captivate learners and enhance their engagement with course material. By incorporating animation and interactive elements, these videos offer boundless opportunities for creatively exploring concepts and fostering a deeper understanding.

To maximize the impact of interactive videos, consider the following approaches:

• Incorporate interactive quizzes or knowledge checks within the video to reinforce key concepts and assess understanding.
• Utilize clickable hotspots to provide additional information or delve deeper into specific subtopics.
• Implement branching scenarios that allow learners to make decisions and witness the consequences of their choices.
• Integrate drag-and-drop activities to promote hands-on learning and reinforce practical application of knowledge

Tips on Using Videos in eLearning

So, before you head out to include videos because the audience loves them, keep in mind what they do not like about videos. Ensure that you take into account the following tips before creating or embedding videos.

• Ensure that the video is functional across platforms and devices — Enterprise mobilization is allowing employees to access content on the go, and hence from a diverse range of devices. Make sure that your videos are being displayed optimally across all of them.

• Manage file sizes — High-quality videos offer greater engagement, but their file size (and hence loading time) directly affects the frustration level of your audience. Avoid this by meeting a balance between good quality and smoother videos (smaller file size).

Finally, if you're up to the challenge and want to create your own video, here's a must read: Producing High Quality eLearning Videos: The Ultimate Guide

More tips on How to Use Videos for Learning and Development.