Why video is so effective

You might not know much about the Super Bowl, but you probably know the half time video ads are the cream of the crop. There’s a good reason why they cost millions to air for just a few seconds. It’s because they get results. And it’s similar in digital learning.

Do you want to improve your engagement and retention rates? Video is the way to go. And with modern technology and mobile phones it’s easier to make a video than ever before.

So let’s dive into the reasons why video is so very effective.

Video boosts results

Many studies have been made on video in relation to ecommerce, which show 74% of site visitors buy a product if they see an explainer video beforehand. Pictures speak louder than words, and video speaks even louder, enticing the attention of customers and simplifying complex information.

When applied to learning, video ‘softens’ the start of elearning, allowing learners to gently begin the learning process instead of being hit with difficult text based concepts.

The cost of video has dropped

There was a time when good video required a trained technician and expensive equipment. But now that’s not the case. With modern technology, good light, and the correct set up, most people can create something quite acceptable.

You might think that you need something top notch for your productions, but the research tells us it’s ok for videos to have that ‘home production’ look, shot on a phone camera. But sometimes learning videos need that extra sparkle, and that’s where Paperbark Innovative can help.

Video looks snazzy

If you want to impress your manager, and you want to impress your learners, use video. It makes your production look extra special, with engrossing visuals and memorable audio. For example, the videos we produced for a project’s Facebook marketing campaign saw post ‘read’ numbers improve by 500%.

Get on Youtube

Youtube is the second largest search engine in the world. (Google being the first.) Upload your videos to Youtube and get them found and watched, thereby increasing your reach. Or, if your videos are for in-house only, store them on Youtube but limit who can see them. Videos hosted at Youtube download very fast and integrate with elearning software and systems easily.

Mobile and video – the perfect combination

You’ve probably seen people with their head down on a train or bus, engrossed in a video. People love watching video on their phones. Video is growing on mobile devices 100% every year.

Video on mobile enables bite-sized easily digestible learning. While using their phones, people are in a more casual, receptive state, and are 1.4 times more likely to watch and pay attention to your content.

Videos explain everything and anything

Your learning topic is likely to be complex or involved, requiring a lengthy text explanation. Make it a video, and your results will instantly improve. 93% of users say they’ve watched an explainer video to understand a product or service.

Is your concept difficult to visualise with live action? Use an animated video. With their simplified design and entertaining storylines, animations can help communicate your complex message.

Video makes it easy

Heard of ‘cognitive load’? It’s the amount of effort required to think. Couple that with the modern learner being raised on TV and movies, and you can see that compared to a lengthy white paper, learners will prefer to watch a video.

Let your learners sit back and relax as they take in your message via video. It’s fast, easy, and enjoyable – everything you want in digital learning.

Sharing Video

If you’re looking to get ‘shared’ on social media, video is definitely the thing to do. And the videos that get shared the most are the ones that are entertaining and educational. Your videos, as a snippet of your learning, can entice people to join your course. Or your video can be used as a marketing tool. In fact, 76% of mobile users say even if an entertaining video was branded, they’d share it. Remember the old social media adage – people share emotions, not facts.

That’s all, folks

If you need video created or just some advice on how to go about it, Paperbark Innovative is here for you. Contact us today.