10 Helpful Types of Video for Business

Using video for business is no longer an upcoming trend–it’s the norm. Business Insider reports that consumers will spend 84 minutes each day watching online video in 2020. And according to Forbes, viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to just 10% retention when they read the text alone.

These numbers show that people are watching videos and it’s an impactful medium for communication.

The good news is that if you aren’t making videos yet, it’s not too late to start. Whether you work for a big brand or a small business, video content is a great tool for building trust with potential customers.

We’ve compiled a list of ten types of video for your business to inspire you as you plan your first (or your next) video project.

Let’s dive in!

1. Screencast video

A screencast video is simply a recording of your computer screen. It often includes audio, though the sound is not a need. Screencast videos can be used internally or externally, and they can stand alone or be used within another video.

There are many use cases for screencasts:

• Create quick, disposable videos for colleagues and clients
• Record meetings
• Provide clear feedback
• and more

2. Social media video

Social media video can be presented in a variety of formats or styles. These types of video are designed to share on a social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Each platform has specific requirements and norms, so be mindful as you plan your video and where you plan to share it. One feature all social media videos should have in common, though, is captions (if your video features someone talking). Captions are critical, as many users will view the content without sound.

3. Content marketing video

Video is now a must for your marketing strategy.

Andy Crestodina, renowned speaker, author, and Co-founder of Orbit Media Studios, says a good content marketing video is one is one that’s full of “helpful stuff that gives your audience value in exchange for their attention.”

He shares that video marketing can help with search engine optimization. If your video topics address answers to questions your audience is searching for on the web you have a good chance of getting found.

4. Explainer video

An explainer video is exactly what it sounds like—a video that explains something. It should communicate a specific concept or idea in a concise and focused way.

Many businesses use explainers as promotional videos to communicate the value of their product or service.

5. Demo video

A demo video illustrates how your product works by showing off its functionality in action. The key here is showing rather than telling. If your product or service is in the software or technology category, it can be effective to record your screen directly for your demo.

6. Customer story video (aka testimonial video)

With a customer story video or testimonial video, you allow your customer to talk about their experience with your product or service. You’ll want to film these as an interview, then edit them to tell the story. They highlight problems or pain points and then illustrate how your company’s solution can solve them. These videos are easy for your potential customers to identify with and they prove the value of your product or service.

7. Training video

A training video is one that instructs the audience how to complete a specific task. These can be used both internally and externally and can be created to teach the audience how to do just about anything. These instructional videos show everything from how to log in to a program, to how to make a training video (meta, right?!).

8. Tutorial or how-to video

Similarly to a training video, a tutorial video is one that teaches the audience how to do something. The terms tutorial video, training video, and how-to video are often interchangeable. All should teach their audience.

9. Presentation video

A presentation video, also sometimes referred to as lecture capture, is a recording of a presentation to make it available after the fact. This style can range from simply combining audio narration with a slide deck, to a more formal recording, such as an in-person presentation like a TED talk.

10. Microvideo

Microvideos are short, instructional videos that focus on teaching a single, narrow topic. According to eLearning and Development Consultant Josh Cavalier, a good length for a microvideo is between six and sixty seconds.
When you create a microvideo, it’s important you show only what is essential in order to understand the concept.

Time to make the videos!

There you have it—ten types of video for business, some of which you can start making today! If you’re looking for a tool to help you get started, we recommend checking out Camtasia.

Camtasia is built with training videos in mind and is perfect for businesses and entrepreneurs to create learning video content.

If you’re interested in learning more about creating videos, be sure to visit the TechSmith Academy for additional helpful resources and downloadable templates.