How To Create Engaging Training Videos

Looking for the best way on how to create training videos that actually work? Whether you’re onboarding staff, explaining software, or streamlining internal processes, creating training videos that are clear, engaging, and results-driven is key. From scripting to recording training videos, every step in training video production should serve a defined learning goal. Animation, in particular, helps simplify complex topics and boost viewer retention. A professional training video creator can ensure your visuals align with your brand and message while making training videos that are both modular and platform-ready. So, how do you create a video that your audience remembers? It starts with strategy, creativity, and the right partner in training video production.

1. Start With a Clear Goal

Before hitting record or opening your animation software, ask yourself: What is the single most important takeaway from this video? Understanding the goal of your video helps shape your script, visuals, and tone. Is it to teach a step-by-step process? Is it to introduce a new tool or platform? Or maybe it’s to reinforce company values?

Having a clear objective is crucial for guiding your messaging and making sure your audience walks away having learned something valuable. At Hatch Studios, every training video we produce begins with this question and we don’t move forward until we can answer it clearly.

2. Script It Like You Mean It

Creating training videos starts with solid writing. The script should be clear, conversational, and tailored to your audience. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary and define any technical terms. A good script keeps learners engaged and ensures your video is as efficient as it is educational.

Bonus tip: read the script out loud. If it sounds awkward or robotic, rewrite it. The best training videos feel natural and easy to follow.

3. Choose the Right Format: Live-Action, Animation, or Hybrid?

Here’s where things get fun. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make in training video production is choosing the right format.

Live-action is great for showing real-world interactions or demonstrating hands-on tasks. But when it comes to abstract concepts, systems, data flows, or step-by-step digital instructions, animation is king.

Animated training videos can:

• Simplify complex information
• Avoid the need for expensive sets or actors
• Keep things visually engaging with characters, infographics, and motion graphics
• Be easily updated if things change down the road

We often recommend animation for companies that need flexibility, polish, and a little extra flair. Take a look at our diverse set of animation styles we can produce.

4. Make It Modular

Instead of creating one long training video, break your content down into smaller, digestible modules. This makes it easier for viewers to absorb the information and revisit specific sections when needed.

Let’s face it, attention spans are short. A five-minute video focused on a single topic is going to land better than a 30-minute info dump. Plus, modular content plays nicely with Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Not only that, but with today’s broad array of social media platforms, the ability to develop one video and format it for multiple aspect rations is important – and something that must be done by a professional studio with experience in this field.

5. Don’t Skimp on Design

Even the best script will fall flat if your visuals are boring or outdated. Animation gives you the freedom to create eye-catching characters, brand-consistent visuals, and kinetic typography that keeps your content dynamic.

At Hatch Studios, we treat training video production like any other high-end creative project. From color palette to pacing, everything is thoughtfully designed to support the message.

Good design does more than look pretty—it guides the viewer’s eye, emphasizes important information, and reinforces your brand identity.

6. Use Voiceover Strategically

Narration plays a huge role in making training videos effective. Whether you’re recording training videos yourself or hiring voiceover talent, the delivery should be clear, confident, and friendly.

A good voiceover can:

• Clarify visuals
• Reinforce key messages
• Add personality and tone

Hatch Studios works with a roster of professional voice talent that can match the tone and feel of your brand, whether you want upbeat and casual or calm and authoritative. We always start by asking our client what they have in mind and then showcase a number of options for them to choose from.

7. Test It Before You Launch It

Don’t skip this step. Before rolling out your training video to the whole team or customer base, run a test group. Get feedback on clarity, pacing, and usefulness. This helps you catch anything that might be confusing or off-brand.

Think of it as QA for your video. Better to fix it now than after it’s been seen by hundreds (or thousands) of people.

8. Optimize for Different Platforms

People might be watching your training videos on desktops, mobile devices, or tablets. Make sure your video resolution, text size, and audio work across all platforms. Captions are also a great idea, not just for accessibility, but also for viewers watching without sound.

If you’re creating videos for social learning platforms or YouTube, keep an eye on upload specs and best practices for engagement.

9. Keep It On-Brand

Consistency matters. Your training videos are a reflection of your company’s values and professionalism. Custom animation allows you to fully integrate brand colors, logos, and visual identity throughout your content.

Hatch Studios excels at creating animated training videos that feel like an extension of your brand’s personality. We ensure this by treating the branding guidelines as the bible. We stick to a brand’s directives and ensure the aesthetic carries through to the final product. Whether you want corporate and clean or playful and vibrant, we can design a look that fits.

10. Track Results and Update Regularly

Creating training videos isn’t a one-and-done deal. Track how your content performs: Are employees completing the videos? Are they retaining the information? Are your training goals being met?

Set a schedule to revisit and refresh content as needed. Animation makes updates easy, especially if you plan for modularity and flexibility from the start.

The animation process is sometimes a lengthy and complex process. To learn more, check out our animation process page.

Why Animation is a Game-Changer for Training

Animation offers creative freedom you just can’t get with live-action. You can visualize software systems, simulate customer interactions, or walk viewers through a digital workspace seamlessly.

And let’s be honest – animation is just more fun. It keeps people watching and makes the content feel lighter, even when the subject matter is complex or dry.

Hatch Studios has been creating animated training videos for over two decades. From tech onboarding to compliance training and customer education, we’ve done it all and we know how to make it stick.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to create training videos that are both engaging and effective takes more than just technical know-how. It takes thoughtful planning, solid scripting, great design, and smart delivery. Whether you’re a small business or a global brand, the principles remain the same.

If you’re ready to take your training content to the next level, consider partnering with a studio that knows the ropes. Hatch Studios combines top-tier animation, expert storytelling, and 25+ years of experience in training video production to deliver content that educates and inspires.

Want to talk about your next training video project? Let’s connect.