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Types of Training Video Formats: A Complete Guide

Types of Training Videos Explained

A key question while deciding to create traning videos for any organization is the format of the video. Training videos can be created in a wide variety of formats to deliver the same training content.

This decision is influenced on factors such as topic, audience, delivery, engagement goals and learning & development objectives. With over a decade of experience in creating training videos, Rave Films B2B can make this choice easier for you.



Here is a complete guide on different types of training video formats as a starting point of your decision-making:

🎯 1. Instructor‑Led Training Videos (Expert‑Led)

What it is:
Live-action presentations featuring a subject matter expert speaking directly to the camera—often supported with slides, demos, or screen-share.

    When to use it:
  • Company policy updates, compliance, strategy briefings
  • Leadership messages or remote training sessions

    Why it works:
  • Builds authority and trust
  • Gives high retention rates when kept concise (ideally under 10 minutes)

    Rave Films B2B Approach:
  • Turn topics into short videos modules (3–7 mins)
  • Support learning through graphics, captions and simple animation for emphasis and clarity
  • Keep tone conversational and avoid dense jargon


🎭 2. Role‑Plays & Scenario-Based Videos

What it is:
Hosted by actors or scenarios showing workplace situations — good vs. bad approaches, customer interactions, compliance errors, and more.

    When to use it:
  • Soft skills: customer management, conflict resolution, feedback delivery
  • Sales training or HR policies application

    Why it works:
  • Learners absorb through observational learning (Bandura’s vicarious learning)
  • Realistic context helps retention and transfer to real life

    Rave Films B2B Approach:
  • Script realistic workplace scenes aligned with company policies
  • Demonstrate both best-practice and common mistakes
  • Retain videos as evergreen role-play modules


📊 3. Animation & Explainer Videos

What it is:
Motion graphics, whiteboard, 2D/3D animation, kinetic typography explaining abstract or complex processes simply.
    When to use it:
  • Introducing new systems, compliance rules, technical processes
  • When visualizing concepts or abstract workflows

    Why it works:
  • Visual storytelling boosts comprehension and memory
  • Flexible style adapts to company branding
  • Ideal for explainer or onboarding content

    Rave Films B2B Approach:
  • Combine voice-over narration with animated visuals
  • Break complex topics into micro-learning segments
  • Use brand colors, icons, and typography to create consistency


🎞 4. Mixed Media & Custom Videos

What it is:
A hybrid of live-action, images, animation, graphic overlays, and screen-shares tailored to specific training scenarios.
    When to use it:
  • Topics that benefit from multiple media modes (e.g. soft skills + system use)
  • Roles that blend procedural, situational, and behavioral learning

    Why it works:
  • Keeps learner attention high through varied stimuli
  • Balances realism (live-action) with clarity (animation)

    Rave Films B2B Approach:
  • Storyboard key scenes and transitions between formats
  • Use text overlays and subtitles for clarity
  • Align media style with learning objectives


Comparison Table: Training Video Formats

Format Core Purpose Ideal Use Case Strengths
Instructor‑Led Expert-led teaching Compliance, policy briefings Authority, trust, clarity
Role‑Play / Scenario Situational behavior demonstration Soft skills, customer interactions Realism, retention via observation
Animation / Explainer Concept simplification Process overviews, technical training Visual clarity, brand-friendly learning
Mixed Media Multi-modal engagement Complex modules needing variety Keeps learner engaged, flexible delivery
Screencast / How‑To Software/process walkthrough LMS, HR systems, internal tools Direct demonstration, just-in-time access
Interactive User engagement and feedback Compliance, assessments, decision paths Learner participation and reinforcement
Microlearning Bite-sized focused learning Onboarding, policy reminders High retention, mobile-friendly
Lecture-capture / Presenter Recorded live or talking-head content Internal webinars, leadership messages Archiveable, scalable, informative
VR / 360° Simulations Experiential immersive learning Safety, equipment training Interactive, immersive, safe practice
Employee-generated Peer knowledge sharing Internal tips, SOP review Natural, participatory, cost-effective


Other Notable Training Video Formats


    Screencast/How‑To Videos
  • Recording your screen with voice‑over narrating step‑by‑step software or process tasks. Ideal for operational and system training.

    Microlearning Videos
  • Short, focused clips of 1–3 minutes delivering single concepts—perfect for just‑in‑time learning and avoiding attention fatigue.

    Lecture‑Capture
  • Filmed live presentations or talking-head messages and expert insights. Often reused for remote audiences or conference rollouts.

    360° / VR / AR Videos
  • Immersive environments for experiential training—used in high-stakes fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and safety training.

    Employee‑Generated Videos
  • Training modules where learners themselves create or capture processes—for peer learning and reinforcement.



✅ Why work with Rave Films B2B for your Training Video project?

  • Your content isn’t just video—it’s a strategic mix tailored to learning style, brand, and outcome.
  • Modules are optimized for retention, clarity, and scalability.
  • Each video format includes planning, scripting, visuals, and accessibility support.


📩 Contact us now to start your next training video project. We’ll guide you from script to screen — and beyond.