Have you ever watched an educational video that made you want to learn more?
With the rise of video technology, creating informative content has never been easier.
If you’re a teacher, content creator, or business owner, incorporating educational videos into your content strategy is an intelligent way to share knowledge and engage with your viewers.
In this article, we’ll share easy-to-follow tips on how to make your videos educational, no matter which industry you’re in.
From storytelling techniques to adding interactive elements, we’ll also share examples of different educational video formats, so you can find inspiration for your own content.
Let’s dive in!
What is an Educational Video?
An educational video is a type of content designed to educate and inform viewers on a particular topic. Creators use this medium to teach various subjects, from academic topics like science and math to practical skills like cooking or DIY projects. For businesses, they use educational videos to highlight salient benefits about their products or services.
Educational videos often integrate visuals, narration, and animations to simplify complex concepts and make them more digestible for viewers.
Why are Educational Videos Important?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote learning has become the norm, and educational videos offer a flexible and engaging way to learn.
They are accessible from anywhere and anytime, making them a convenient option for people with busy schedules or limited access to traditional educational resources.
Also, video learning can now supplement or enhance traditional classroom learning. It provides students with additional resources that help them understand lessons. Plus, educational videos can reach a broad and diverse audience, making education more inclusive for everyone!
And for businesses, educational videos are an excellent video commerce strategy. They offer valuable insights to customers, helping them make more informed purchasing decisions.
Types of Educational Videos You Can Try
Use these examples as inspiration to create your own educational video!
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Explainer Videos
Explainer videos are great for breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms. They can be animated or live-action, using visuals and narration to streamline the topic. A business can also create an explainer video to introduce a new product or service to potential customers.
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Live Discussions
Real-time video learning is a proven way to engage with an audience. You can conduct live Q&A sessions or even teach a virtual class. For example, if you’re a fitness instructor, you can perform a workout class live on social media, allowing viewers to follow along and ask questions.
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Video Presentations
Unlike live sessions, video presentations give you complete control over the content. They are great for teaching a new lesson, pitching a topic, or presenting research findings. You can create slides and add visual aids, animations, and other elements to guide the viewers during your discussion.
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Documentary Videos
Documentaries provide an in-depth exploration of a topic and share valuable information that may not be easily accessible otherwise. A documentary is perfect for discussing historical events, social issues, or natural phenomena like climate change.
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Interview Videos
People can learn so much from candid conversations! Interview videos help viewers learn from experts and learn unique perspectives. They can cover various topics, from personal stories to professional experiences. For example, a journalist might interview a celebrity or public figure to gain insight on their life or work.
5 Tips on How to Make Educational Videos
From goal-setting to adding value, follow these simple yet effective tips to create incredible videos for teaching!
Tip #1: Set a Clear Goal
Before you start creating your video, take some time to think about your objectives. Is there a specific problem you want to solve or a question you want to answer? What do you want your viewers to take away from the video?
When defining your goal, try to be as specific as possible. Instead of a broad one like “teach viewers about science,” try to break it down into more specific subject matters, like “teach viewers about the scientific method” or “explain how photosynthesis works”.
This will help you create content that is more targeted and effective.
Tip #2: Use Storytelling Techniques
By telling a story, you can connect with your viewers and help them relate to your content.
One storytelling technique you can use is to start with a hook. It could be a statement or question that grabs your viewers’ attention and draws them in.
For example, if you’re making a video about the history of the internet, you could start with a hook like “Do you remember what it was like to use dial-up internet in the ’90s?” This creates curiosity among your viewers, urging them to keep watching.
Another storytelling technique is using examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Say, you’re making a video about the importance of exercise; you could use a personal story about how exercise has helped you improve your lifestyle.
A solid conclusion can reinforce your message and make your video more memorable. You could summarize your key takeaways, offer a call-to-action, or end with a firm quote.
Tip #3: Add Visuals
Visuals help break the monotony of a talking head. They can also make abstract concepts more concrete for viewers. Here are some visuals you can play with:
- Graphics and diagrams – These are great for visualizing complex points. For example, if you’re making a video about the human body, you could use a diagram to show how the circulatory system works.
- Animation – Animating objects are visually engaging and make concepts more understandable, especially for visual learners. You can illustrate the history of Ancient Greece or animate how the solar system functions.
- Charts and graphs – These data visualization tools are excellent for presenting data clearly and concisely. For example, if you’re making a video about climate change, you could use a graph to show how global temperatures have changed over time.
Next time you create a video, consider how to use these visuals to help bring your content to life.
Tip #4: Interact With Viewers
Engaging with your audience is a crucial aspect of video learning. Not only does it make your videos more enjoyable to watch, but it also creates a sense of community.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Ask for feedback – Get your viewers’ insights on specific aspects of your video, like the pacing or the clarity of your explanations. You can also ask for general feedback on your channel or content.
- Respond to comments – Show your viewers you value their input and appreciate their engagement! Be sure to respond to comments promptly and respectfully, even if they’re negative.
- Conduct Q&A sessions – You can ask your viewers to submit queries in advance or host a live Q&A portion where you answer questions in real time.
- Use polls and quizzes – You could use a poll to ask your viewers which topic they’d like you to cover in your next video.
The bottom line is when you make your educational content interactive, you can build a loyal and dedicated audience who are invested in your content and eager to see what you’ll create next.
Tip #5: Provide Value
Lastly, the most important thing you can do is to produce valuable content for your viewers. Your video should offer something they can’t get elsewhere.
It can be as simple as sharing new information, like the benefits of specific nutrients or the most common nutrition myths.
It can also be practical advice about time management, sharing tips for prioritizing tasks and staying focused. Or, if you’re a financial expert, you can talk about handling personal finances and addressing common concerns like how to save for retirement or how to pay off debt.
The list goes on!
By adding value to your educational videos, you can establish yourself as a thought leader and a credible source of information.
Create Educational Videos With Interactive Video Technology
Now that you know how to make educational videos, it’s time to get creative and start producing!
Remember to start with a clear goal, tell a powerful story, and enrich your content with visuals. Don’t forget to add value and engage with your viewers through interactive elements or community-building activities.
Always consider your audience, tailoring your content to their needs and interests.
So, if you’re ready to start creating your own educational videos, explore our live video technology. You can create videos to educate and entertain your audience using our platform.
Book a live demo now to start your journey!
