How long should a training video be?

Most work best at three to seven minutes. Longer topics should be split into a series of short videos.

Should managers or subject experts present training videos?

Usually the person who knows the process best. Clear explanation matters more than seniority.

How do I keep training videos up to date?

Keep the scripts, make videos short and modular, and re-record only the parts that change.

How to Make Internal Training Videos Your Team Will Watch

Practical tips for scripting and recording internal training videos, from short how-tos to policy explainers, so knowledge sticks and updates stay easy.

Internal training videos save time: explain something once, and every new hire can watch it. But many end up as hour-long screen recordings nobody finishes. Short, structured, scripted videos work much better.

Keep each video to one task or idea

"How to submit an expense claim" is a good training video. "Everything about finance processes" is not. One task per video makes them easier to find, watch and update.

Structure

What and why (30 seconds): what this covers and why it matters.
Steps: shown and explained.
Common mistakes: what people often get wrong.
Where to get help.

Script the explanation

A script keeps training videos concise. Without one, people tend to ramble, repeat and go off on tangents. Write the explanation in plain, spoken language. See writing scripts for the ear.

Show, then tell

For process training, show each step on screen as you explain it. For policies or concepts, an on-camera explanation with a few simple visuals works well.

Use real examples

"Here is an expense claim from last month, with the details changed" is much more useful than abstract instructions.

Mention common mistakes

The most valuable part of training is often what to avoid. "Most people forget to attach the receipt, which delays approval by a week."

Record in sections

Split longer scripts into sections and record them separately. If a process changes, you re-record one section, not the whole video. In Cue, # headings make sections you can jump between.

Keep sensitive material private

Training scripts may include internal processes, systems or policies. Cue keeps scripts and recordings on the device, with no cloud sync, so drafts stay private until you choose to share them. See offline teleprompter privacy.

Make it easy to find

Give videos clear, searchable titles that match what people would type: "How to book annual leave" rather than "HR process video 3".

Add captions

Captions help people watching at their desks without headphones and make videos accessible. See captions for talking videos.

Write a short summary too

Under each video, add a few lines summarising the steps. People often want to check one detail later without rewatching. The script is a good starting point for that summary.

Ask for feedback

After a few weeks, ask new hires which videos helped and which left questions. Improve the scripts based on what you hear.

For async team updates rather than training, see async video updates for teams.