How to Create Training Videos: A Practical Guide for Beginners

Training videos are one of the most effective ways to share knowledge. They can help you onboard new employees, teach specific skills, or explain updated processes. For teams that are remote, growing quickly, or constantly juggling tasks, video offers a consistent and flexible way to learn.

If you’re new to video creation, you might be wondering what kind of equipment you need, how to plan your content, or how to make sure your audience stays engaged. These are all common concerns, but they shouldn’t keep you from getting started.

You don’t need a studio setup or a background in video production to create something useful. With a bit of preparation and the right tools, you can make videos that are clear, helpful, and easy to follow. Simple formats like screen recordings or narrated walkthroughs can be just as effective as high-budget productions. You can even enlist the help of AI to make them more interesting and polished.

This guide walks you through each step of the process. You’ll learn how to plan your content, record your footage, edit for clarity, and share your final product in a way that supports your team’s learning goals.

Why Training Videos Work

Training videos are one of the most effective tools for building knowledge and consistency across teams. People retain information better when it’s visual, and they can revisit a video as many times as they need, at their own pace.

Compared to long manuals or one-time presentations, videos break concepts into digestible chunks, making learning more efficient. Whether you’re training a new hire or rolling out a process company-wide, videos ensure everyone gets the same, repeatable message without extra strain on your team.

They also help reduce time spent on live training sessions, freeing up resources and allowing your subject matter experts to focus on high-value work.

Decide If You Need a Video

Before you hit “record,” it’s worth pausing to ask: Is a video the best format for this? Sometimes, a quick one-pager or checklist does the job better. But for anything that requires visuals, demos, or step-by-step instruction, video is the right choice.

A good rule of thumb: If it’s something you’ve explained more than twice to different people, or if it involves a process that’s easier to show than tell, consider turning it into a video.

Some strong candidates for training videos include:

– Software tutorials

– New employee onboarding

– Product walk-throughs

– Compliance or safety training

– Sales or customer support scripts

By starting with the “why” and narrowing in on the value a video adds, you’ll create training content that’s worth the time it takes to produce.

Build a Simple Production Workflow

You don’t need a production team, but you do need a plan.  Start with outlining and scripting, use the right software to create and edit, then publish. Setting up a repeatable workflow makes it easier to scale video creation, even across different topics or teams.

Here’s a basic production checklist you can adapt:

– Outline your topic and key points

– Write a rough script or talking points

– Choose the format (screencast, webcam, voiceover, etc.)

– Record raw footage or screen capture

– Edit for clarity and flow

– Upload to your platform and add captions

– Share and collect feedback

Once you’ve made one or two videos, this process will start to feel natural, and you can start delegating pieces of it or batching similar videos together to save time.

Plan Your Training Video

Good training videos start with clear goals. A little planning upfront will save you time later and lead to a more useful final product.

Think about what your audience needs to know, what success looks like, and how you’ll break things down step by step. Then, write a script or outline so you stay on track while recording.

Choose the Right Format

The best format depends on what you’re teaching. You don’t need to stick to one—mix and match as needed.

– Screencasts are great for showing how to use software or tools.

– Talking head videos work well for introductions or personal messages.

– Animations help simplify complex ideas.

– Slide presentations with voiceover are useful for structured lessons.

If you’re not sure which to use, start with the simplest format you feel comfortable creating.

Prepare Your Equipment

You don’t need a Hollywood setup, but a few quality tools can go a long way in making your training video look and sound polished. Clear visuals and audio help keep your audience focused on the message instead of distracted by fuzzy footage or background noise.

Use a Reliable Camera and Microphone

If you’re filming yourself, a basic external webcam or DSLR camera will give you sharper video than a built-in laptop cam. More importantly, use a dedicated microphone. Even an affordable lavalier or USB mic will make your voice clearer and more professional than your computer’s mic.

Set Up Good Lighting

Good lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. Natural light from a window works well, or you can use a simple ring light to brighten your face evenly. The goal is to avoid shadows or dim, grainy footage.

Pick a Screen Recorder You Like

For screencasts or demos, use screen recording software that’s easy to navigate and produces crisp video. Tools like Loom, OBS Studio, or Camtasia offer different levels of control depending on what you need. Try a quick test recording to make sure everything looks and sounds right before you begin.

Record Your Training Video

With your plan, format, and setup ready, it’s time to hit record. A smooth recording process starts with preparation and a little patience.

Set the Scene

Choose a clean, quiet space. If you’re on camera, check what’s visible behind you. A simple, uncluttered background keeps the focus on your message. Eliminate background noise, silence notifications, and let others know you’re recording to avoid interruptions.

Practice First

Do a quick run-through of your script or outline before you record. This helps you find a natural rhythm and catch any spots that sound awkward out loud. You don’t need to memorize everything—just get comfortable with the flow.

Record in Segments

You don’t have to nail it in one take. If you stumble, pause and pick up where you left off. It’s easier to fix small mistakes during editing than to re-record everything. For longer videos, break things into shorter sections so they’re easier to manage and easier for viewers to absorb.

Edit Your Training Video

Editing is where your video comes together. This is your chance to tighten things up, cut out distractions, and make the final product feel polished and professional.

Trim the Fat

Cut out long pauses, filler words, or repeated takes. Keep the pacing steady so viewers stay engaged from start to finish. A clean edit helps your message land without dragging on.

Add Visuals

This is where video editing makes a big difference. Use text overlays, screen highlights, or simple animations to reinforce key points. If you’re explaining steps, consider adding arrows, captions, or callouts to guide the viewer’s attention. Visual aids can make your video easier to follow and remember.

Clean Up the Audio

If there’s background noise, use basic noise reduction tools to clean it up. Balance your audio levels so your voice is clear, and any music or effects stay in the background. Good sound quality makes a big difference in how professional your video feels.

Publish and Share Your Training Video

Once your video is ready, make sure it gets seen and that it’s easy for people to engage with.

Choose the Right Platform

Think about where your audience is most likely to watch. You might upload your video to your company’s LMS, share it through Slack or email, or host it on YouTube or Vimeo. If it’s a screencast or quick update, tools like Loom can make sharing fast and easy.

Make It Accessible

Add captions so viewers can watch without sound and everyone can follow along. If possible, include a transcript. These small additions make your video more inclusive and easier to search or revisit later.

Ask for Feedback

After people watch, ask what worked and what didn’t. A short survey or even a few quick replies can help you improve your next video. You might learn that something was confusing, too long, or worth expanding into a follow-up.

Keep Improving with Every Video

Creating effective training videos is a process, and every video helps you get better. With clear planning, the right tools, and a bit of editing, you can create content that feels helpful, approachable, and professional.

Start small. Focus on what your audience needs to know. As you get feedback, you’ll find ways to make future videos even more engaging. Over time, you’ll build a library of resources that supports learning across your team or organization.

The more you practice, the easier it becomes. And the more you share, the more value your videos will bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in creating a training video?

Start with planning. Define your audience and set clear learning objectives so you know exactly what your video needs to cover. Then outline or script the content to keep things focused and on track.

What equipment do I need to create high-quality training videos?

You’ll want a decent microphone for clear audio, a camera or webcam with good resolution, and some basic lighting (natural light works too). If you’re doing screen recordings, choose a tool that captures clean visuals and supports editing.

How do I choose the right format for my training video?

Think about what you’re teaching. Screencasts are great for software demos, talking head videos work well for direct explanations, and animations help simplify complex ideas. Choose the format that best fits your topic and learning goals.

What are some tips for recording a professional training video?

Pick a quiet, clutter-free space and do a few practice runs before recording. Speak clearly, follow your script or outline, and check your lighting and sound before you start. Don’t worry about perfection—editing helps clean things up later.

How can I ensure my training video is accessible to all viewers?

Add captions or subtitles so viewers can follow along without sound. Include a transcript if possible, and make sure your visuals are easy to understand. Clear language, descriptive narration, and mobile-friendly platforms also help with accessibility.