Educational Video: The Basics
- Definition of the learning objective: Each video should address a specific problem. The objective determines the structure and the level of detail required.
- Choosing the format: The decision between a screencast, live-action video, or AI avatar depends on the content.
- Structure over equipment: A logically structured script is more important for learning success than expensive camera equipment.
- Prioritizing audio quality: Clear audio is essential. An external microphone is therefore more important than video resolution.
- Microlearning: Videos lasting 2 to 7 minutes capture the most attention and achieve higher completion rates.
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Which educational video format is best suited to my goal?
The right format for an educational video depends on what you want to convey and how quickly the content becomes outdated: Screencasts are ideal for demonstrating how to use software. AI avatars are a good choice if you want to quickly produce a large number of videos featuring a narrator. Live-action videos with real people, on the other hand, are the best option for topics where trust and personality are important.
The screencast (screen recording)
This format is the standard for IT training. You film the software’s user interface directly and explain each step.
- Uses: Software tutorials, tool guides, technical processes.
- Advantage: Very little effort required; the viewer sees exactly what they will need to do later on.
Expert video (talking head)
Here, a real person—such as a subject matter expert from your team—speaks directly to the camera. This builds trust and credibility.
- Uses: Greetings, soft skills training, management updates.
- Advantage: Highly human element; facial expressions and gestures reinforce the message.
Green Screen Video
The green-screen technique makes it possible to digitally replace a speaker’s actual background with any content. The background can then feature anything that supports learning and reinforces the speaker’s message.
- Advantages: The viewer gets both a personal and a professional perspective in a single image.
- Interaction: Graphics, text, or animations can be placed directly in the frame behind or next to the speaker, which enhances clarity.
- Consistency: Even when shots are taken on different days, the visual appearance (the “set”) remains the same.
Interactive educational video
Interactive educational videos are designed to immerse the viewer directly in the action. The format is structured so that breaks for exercises, reviews, or decision-making are built right into the timeline.
- Applications: Sports and fitness, yoga tutorials, or physical therapy instructions.
- Timing notes: The trainer demonstrates the exercises in the video and then pauses the video long enough for the viewer to perform the movement in sync.
The explanatory video (animation)
Graphic elements, icons, or drawings help illustrate processes that cannot easily be filmed in real life.
- Application: Abstract strategies, complex data flows, theoretical foundations.
- Advantage: High entertainment value; complexity is greatly reduced visually.
Guide: How do I create an educational video?
To create an educational video, you go through four main stages: instructional design (defining learning objectives), scripting (structuring content), production (recording video and audio), and post-production (editing, animation, and voice-over).
Step 1: Define the learning objective and target audience
Before you start filming, you need to define what you want the viewer to be able to do or know by the end of the video.
- Ask yourself: What problem does the video solve?
- Target audience: Are you explaining the basics to beginners or specific details to experts? That will determine your choice of words and the level of detail you provide.
Step 2: Write the script or storyboard
Write down what is said (script) and what is happening on screen at the same time (visuals). Improvised videos, on the other hand, usually don’t go over well and can be confusing. Even small-scale creators on YouTube write scripts for their videos before filming.
- The word-for-word script: You write down exactly what you’re going to say. This gives you confidence, prevents “ums” and unnecessary digressions. Be sure to write in short sentences, just as you would speak naturally.
- The storyboard (keypoint script): You simply jot down the key messages for each scene. This often makes the scene feel more lively, but it requires more experience in front of the camera.
Tip: Keep your sentences short. What sounds good when spoken is often easier to understand than written language.
Step 3: Setting up the right equipment for recording
Depending on the format, you’ll need different equipment:
- Screencast: Screen recording software (e.g., Camtasia or Loom) and a good microphone.
- Live-action film: A camera (a smartphone is often sufficient), good lighting, and a lavalier microphone.
- Important: Viewers are more likely to overlook poor video quality than poor audio quality. Invest in a decent microphone first.
Step 4: Recording and Editing
Record the content according to your script. During the editing process, remove slip-ups, pauses, and unnecessary filler words.
Visualization: Add text overlays, arrows, or zoom effects to draw attention to the key points.
Step 5: Interactivity and Export
Think about how the viewer can reinforce what they’ve learned.
- Interactivity: Enhance the video with quizzes or jump links (e.g., via H5P) to turn passive viewing into active learning.
- Format: Export the video in a common format (usually MP4 in Full HD) that plays smoothly on all devices.
What should I keep in mind to make sure viewers don’t turn off the educational video?
For an educational video to be successful, it must manage the viewer’s cognitive load. Information should be presented in a way that allows the brain to process it without becoming overwhelmed. Research shows that the length, structure, and type of visual presentation are the key factors that determine whether the information is retained.
The ideal length of an educational video
Attention spans for digital learning content drop rapidly after just a few minutes.
- The rule: Keep videos as short as possible and as long as necessary.
- Tip: Ideally, a video should cover just one learning objective. If the topic is too complex, it’s better to break it down into three 3-minute videos rather than producing a single 10-minute video.
The principle of dual coding for educational videos
The brain learns best when visuals and audio complement each other rather than repeating each other.
- Mistake: Displaying the entire voice-over script as a wall of text on the screen. This forces the viewer to read and listen at the same time, which overloads the brain.
- Correct: Use images, icons, or short keywords to illustrate what is being said.
Highlight the central theme of the instructional video
Viewers need context to understand what’s going on.
- Structure: Use chapter markers (timestamps) and regular summaries.
- Highlighting: Briefly display key technical terms or mnemonic phrases to emphasize their meaning.
How much does it cost to create a professional educational video?
The cost of an educational video depends on the format you choose and the amount of work you do yourself. Simple screencasts that you create on your own require almost no budget. High-quality live-action productions, on the other hand, require investment in equipment or external service providers.
- Staff: Who writes the script? Who appears on camera? Who does the editing? Time is the biggest cost factor here.
- Equipment: One-time costs for a microphone, camera, and lighting (approx. €300 to €2,000 for a starter kit).
- Software: Fees for editing software or AI video tools (approx. €20 to €100 per month).
- Agency Services: If you outsource the entire production, prices typically range from €5,000 to €25,000 for a complete course, depending on the scope of work and duration.
| Criterion | In-house production | Agency (e.g., Company 11) |
| Costs | Lower financial investment, but a significant time commitment | One-time investment, no internal time commitment |
| Quality | Depending on internal experience | Professional standards (video, audio, teaching methods) |
| Speed | Often done slowly (alongside day-to-day business) | Fast and on time |
| Use of AI | Must be learned separately | Professional workflows are already in place |
We at Company 11 are a video production agency based in Berlin. We create educational videos, including those for e-learning, as well as corporate image and promotional films, and bring experience from over 1,000 video productions for businesses to the table.
- 10+ years of experience producing videos
- Over 1,000 videos produced for a wide range of industries
- Over 100 satisfied customers who successfully convey their messages
Educational Video – Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an educational video be?
The ideal length is between 2 and 7 minutes. For complex topics, it’s better to create a video series with short lessons rather than produce a single long video.
What equipment is needed to create educational videos?
The most important piece of equipment is a good external microphone (such as a USB large-diaphragm microphone or a lavalier microphone). A modern smartphone is often sufficient for the video, provided the lighting is good and you use a tripod.
Can I create an educational video completely for free?
Yes, using free screen recording software (such as OBS Studio) and editing programs like CapCut or DaVinci Resolve. The quality will depend heavily on how well you prepare and on the audio quality of your hardware.
Do I need a studio to record an educational video?
No, a quiet room with carpet (to reduce echo) and soft natural light is sufficient. Professional studios are particularly useful if you need absolutely consistent image quality for an entire series or if you’re using special backgrounds (such as a green screen).
How do I make my educational videos interactive?
You can add interactive elements such as quizzes, clickable buttons, or hyperlinks. Tools like H5P or video players (e.g., within a learning management system (LMS)) allow viewers to actively engage with the content.
Where should I host my educational videos?
Platforms such as Microsoft Stream or an internal learning management system (LMS) are well-suited for internal training. For external courses or marketing purposes, specialized hosting platforms like Vimeo or Wistia are ideal, as they offer more control over design and access restrictions than YouTube.
