A recent search for me was ‘How to fix a tent zip’. I have a lovely tent, but the zip would not close so I searched for a video to learn how to fix it.
You too have likely searched for a video to solve a problem. TechSmith conducted research to discover viewer preferences and video viewing habits, results revealed that online search to be the most common way (45%) for users to find instructional and informational video content.
The search engine then returned several videos to choose from.
Why did you choose to watch the one you did?
Did it meet your expectations?
Did you stop watching before it finished?
Sometimes you can be lucky, and the video offers exactly what it promised, it was worth investing your time to play it. Sometimes it can be a waste of time. Have you played a video that:
- Did not cover the expected content.
- Did not get to the point in a timely manner.
- Had bad audio.
- Included the presenter talking about themselves far too long.
- Included irrelevant content.
- Had shaky, out-of-focus poor video.
- Did not have captions.
When making videos it is key to make them findable and watchable. A good, clear, accurate title and thumbnail (a static image displayed before the video plays) can help the viewer determine whether your video will meet what they are looking for. Most host platforms offer the ability to upload a thumbnail. Then ensure your video meets those expectations:
- The content should cover what the title said it would.
- Get to the point as quickly as possible.
- Record the best audio that you can in the environment you are in. This article from TechSmith has useful tips for recording great audio.
Some videos benefit from having a short intro, ‘short’ here is key. - Keep to the point the video is addressing.
- Stabilise the camera by placing it in a secure position or use a tripod.
- Add captions to ensure your video is accessible to people with hearing impairments and to those who choose to watch with captions on, perhaps they are in a noisy environment for example.
In the upcoming session, we will be digging a little further into making successful videos.
