Video Onboarding for New Team Members
TL;DR:
- Video onboarding makes the first day less overwhelming by breaking down complex information into digestible chunks
- New hires learn faster when they can see and hear instructions rather than just reading them
- Remote teams get consistent training quality regardless of location
- Self-paced learning builds confidence and reduces anxiety
- Higher retention rates and faster productivity when done properly
Starting a new job can feel like drinking from a fire hose. Video onboarding changes that by giving new team members the information they need in a format that actually makes sense.
Why Video Works Better Than Documents
Most companies dump a pile of PDFs on new hires and wonder why nothing sticks. Video onboarding works because it uses both visual and audio cues, which is how most people actually learn best.
When someone can see a process being demonstrated while hearing the explanation, they retain about 65% more information than reading alone. That's not theory – it's how our brains are wired.
What to Include in Your Onboarding Videos
Start with the basics that every new hire needs to know:
Company culture and values – Show real examples of these in action, not just mission statement text read aloud.
Key processes – Screen recordings of software, walk-throughs of procedures, anything they'll need to do repeatedly.
Team introductions – Put faces to names before the first team meeting.
Who to ask for help – Clear contact information and what each person handles.
Keep each video under 10 minutes. Break complex topics into multiple short videos rather than creating marathon sessions.
Creating Your First Onboarding Video
You don't need expensive equipment to start. A decent USB microphone and screen recording software will handle most onboarding content.
For screen recordings, use tools like:
- Loom for quick, simple recordings
- Camtasia for more polished content with editing features
- OBS Studio if you want powerful free software
For talking head videos, your phone camera is probably good enough if you have decent lighting.
The most important part is audio quality. People will tolerate average video quality but bad audio kills engagement instantly.
Making It Work for Remote Teams
Remote onboarding presents unique challenges. New hires can't pop over to ask quick questions or pick up on office culture through osmosis.
Video bridges this gap by giving remote team members the same information quality as office-based colleagues. They can replay sections they missed and learn at their own pace without feeling like they're slowing everyone down.
Record virtual office tours, team coffee chats, and informal Q&A sessions. These casual interactions matter more than you'd think for helping remote workers feel connected.
Measuring Success
Track completion rates for each video to spot where people drop off. If everyone stops watching at the 3-minute mark, that video needs editing.
Follow up with new hires after their first week, month, and quarter. Ask specific questions about which videos helped most and what gaps remain.
Look at your overall metrics too. Companies with solid video onboarding typically see 30% faster time-to-productivity and 18% higher retention rates after the first year.
FAQs
How long should onboarding videos be?
Keep them under 10 minutes each. Break longer topics into series rather than creating one long video that nobody finishes.
Can I use my phone to record onboarding videos?
Yes, modern smartphones have good enough cameras for onboarding content. Focus on audio quality and lighting rather than expensive equipment.
Should videos replace all written onboarding materials?
No, use videos for processes and explanations, but keep written materials for reference. People need both formats for different situations.
How often should I update onboarding videos?
Review them quarterly and update whenever processes change. Outdated information in onboarding videos causes more confusion than having no video at all.
Jargon Buster
Onboarding – The process of getting new employees up to speed with their role, team, and company culture.
Screen recording – Capturing what happens on your computer screen, usually with audio narration explaining the process.
Completion rate – The percentage of people who watch a video all the way through, used to measure engagement.
Wrap-up
Video onboarding transforms the new hire experience from overwhelming to manageable. When people can learn at their own pace and replay complex information, they get up to speed faster and feel more confident in their new role.
Start simple with screen recordings of your most important processes. As you get comfortable with the format, add team introductions and company culture content. Your new hires will thank you for it.
Ready to level up your content creation skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for hands-on training in video production and digital content strategy.