Onboarding new employees can be a hard process. Typically, there’s a wealth of knowledge that needs to be passed on to a new hire at any type of organization.

But overwhelming them with information, and a lack of a structured and streamlined onboarding process could set them up for failure before they even start.

Onboarding videos are a great tool to combat some of these challenges. Videos can guide new employees through the initial steps, ensuring they understand how to get going, and what they can expect.

Here are 10 tips for making a great onboarding video.

1. Clear Structure

An effective onboarding video introduces new employees to your company's mission, vision, and values, while also sharing its history.

Start with a warm welcome to set the tone, then move into key areas like company culture, policies, and resources.

To keep the video engaging, use visuals and graphics to separate sections and group related information together for a smoother flow.

2. Keep it Short and Concise

Brevity is important. Aim for a duration of 1-2 minutes per topic to maintain viewer engagement and deliver key messages effectively.

This shorter format prevents information overload and keeps the content digestible.

When onboarding new employees, concise videos make it easier for viewers to absorb and retain important information without losing interest.

Additionally, breaking up longer content into smaller sections helps ensure that each topic gets the attention it deserves.

3. Utilize Current Employees

A personal touch can go a long way in helping new hires feel more connected.

Be sure to include interviews or messages from leaders, employees and team members. 

This is a great way to introduce new hires to the team and make them feel welcome.

It’s also an opportunity to highlight the collaborative environment and show the human side of the company, which helps to establish trust from the start.

4. Use Engaging Content!

Share success stories or real-life examples that highlight your company’s values and work environment.

These stories can highlight how your team solves problems, achieves goals, or supports one another. They provide concrete examples of your company culture in action, showing new hires what makes your business unique.

Own your company personality and showcase your unique story. It’s a powerful way to make your organization stand out and to give new employees a glimpse of the team they’ll be joining.

Authentic storytelling helps reinforce your values and sets the tone for their experience with the company.

5. Include Practical Information

Be sure to include clear instructions on essential tasks and tools.

This includes setting up email accounts, accessing company systems, or understanding reporting structures.

It's also important to explain reporting structures and who to reach out to for help. Providing these instructions in a simple and organized manner helps reduce the learning curve and ensures that new employees can hit the ground running.

Visual aids, like screen recordings or flowcharts, can further simplify the onboarding process and prevent confusion.

6. Use Visuals

Using visuals like slides, infographics, or B-roll footage can help make the video more engaging and illustrate points.

These elements break up the monotony of talking heads and keep the viewer’s attention. Infographics can simplify complex data, while slides can highlight essential points or processes.

B-roll footage, showing real-life scenarios or employees in action, adds depth and makes the video more relatable.

Combining these visuals with your core message not only makes the video more dynamic but also ensures new hires retain important information better.

7. Include a Call to Action

End the video with clear instructions on who to contact for further questions and where to find additional resources.

It's also helpful to point them towards internal knowledge bases, company portals, or shared drives that house important documents.

This final step ensures new employees feel supported and have access to everything they need as they settle into their role.

8. Optimize Audio and Visual Quality

Video and audio quality can greatly affect how your new employee views your video.

Poor-quality visuals or sound can create distractions, reduce engagement, and make your content seem less professional.

To ensure a positive impression, invest in good lighting, clear audio equipment, and proper camera setups.

High-quality production not only makes the information easier to absorb but also reflects the professionalism of your company, leaving new hires with a stronger first impression.

9. Make it Interactive!

Incorporating quizzes can help make the learning process more engaging. It also helps test the new employees on the content making sure they understand the topics that are covered throughout the video. 

Regular check-ins with short quizzes ensure that key points are being retained and can highlight any areas that may need further clarification.

This method reinforces learning and provides immediate feedback, helping new hires feel more confident in their grasp of the content.

10. Gather Feedback

Lastly, gather feedback once the video is published. Gathering feedback from new hires can help improve the video and help update it for the future so you can remain relevant.

This ongoing feedback helps ensure that the video stays up-to-date and continues to meet the needs of future employees, keeping the content relevant as your company grows and evolves.

Regular updates based on feedback also demonstrate that your onboarding process values employee experience and is always improving.

Conclusion

Incorporating these best practices into your onboarding profile videos can significantly enhance the onboarding experience for new hires.

From maintaining high-quality production to using interactive elements like quizzes, each tip is designed to engage new employees while providing them with the essential information they need.

As your company grows and evolves, consistently gathering feedback and updating your video content will ensure your onboarding process remains relevant and effective.

Ready to elevate your video marketing strategy? Contact On-Site Studios today to learn how our professional video production services can help you create compelling, high-impact videos that drive results. Let's bring your vision to life and connect with your audience like never before.