3 min read
When it comes to learning something new, there are many ways to get the information you need. You can read a manual, scroll through a blog post, or watch a how-to video.
While written guides have long been the go-to for instructional content, how-to videos have become increasingly popular—and for good reason.
Here’s why videos often outperform written guides and why they’re the preferred learning method for most users.
Videos Are More Engaging
Let’s face it—reading through a lengthy manual or tutorial can be pretty dull. Written content requires your full attention, and it’s easy to skim through or get distracted. With how-to videos, the visuals, narration, and even music keep you engaged throughout the entire process.
In a how-to video, you’re not just reading instructions; you’re seeing the process unfold in real-time. Whether it's a screen recording showing how to use a software feature or a step-by-step demonstration, video content naturally grabs your attention and makes the learning experience more immersive.
How-To Videos Are Easier to Follow
Following a written guide can sometimes feel like you're piecing together a puzzle. You might have to flip back and forth between different sections, re-read sentences, or try to visualize what the instructions are describing. This can lead to confusion, especially if the steps aren’t clearly outlined.
In contrast, how-to videos walk you through each step, and you can see exactly what needs to be done in real-time. If you're confused at any point, you can pause the video, rewind, or fast-forward, giving you full control over your learning pace. This level of flexibility is often missing in written guides, which can feel linear and rigid.
Instant Feedback and Clarification
If you’re not sure about a specific step in a written guide, it can be difficult to get the immediate clarification you need. You might end up Googling additional tutorials or reaching out to support for help. How-to videos, however, provide instant feedback. If you’re stuck on a particular step, you can pause, rewind, or even re-watch the video until it clicks.
With clear visual and verbal instructions in a video, there's less room for misunderstanding. The presenter can quickly clarify tricky parts, and since everything is shown step-by-step, there's less guesswork involved.
Videos Offer Multilingual and Accessible Options
For businesses and products with a global audience, how-to videos can be a game-changer. Videos can be easily adapted into multiple languages with AI-powered tools, making them accessible to non-native speakers.
With video, you can also add subtitles or captions for users who prefer to read along or have hearing impairments. This makes how-to videos a versatile option for businesses that want to cater to diverse audiences and ensure their content is as accessible as possible.
Videos Are Shareable and Mobile-Friendly
How-to videos are easy to share, whether it’s sending a quick link to a colleague or sharing it on social media. Videos can also be watched on any device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, which makes them incredibly convenient for users who prefer mobile learning.
In comparison, written guides are often longer and may not be as user-friendly on mobile devices. With videos, users can watch a tutorial while on the go or use it as a reference when they’re working with the product directly. The flexibility and accessibility of videos make them an ideal solution for modern, on-the-go learners.
How-To Videos Can Be Updated Easily
Software updates, new features, and product changes happen all the time. With written guides, updating content to reflect those changes can be time-consuming and prone to errors. It’s easy to forget to update a step or overlook a new feature in a long document.
On the other hand, how-to videos can be updated quickly and efficiently with an automated video generator like Videate. With platforms like Videate, videos can be re-recorded or automatically updated based on product changes, saving time and resources. This ensures that your customers always have access to the most up-to-date information.
How-To Videos Are the Future of Learning
While written guides have their place, how-to videos offer a more dynamic, engaging, and accessible way to teach and learn. By combining visuals, audio, and real-time demonstrations, videos simplify complex tasks and help users learn more effectively. Whether it’s for onboarding, product training, or customer support, how-to videos offer a superior learning experience that written instructions simply can’t match.
Looking to make your how-to videos even more effective? Videate’s AI-powered platform can help you create and update professional-quality how-to videos in a fraction of the time.
Let Videate automate the video creation process so you can focus on helping your customers succeed. Book a demo today to see how we can help!
