Instructional videos are everywhere today. People turn to them to learn how to cook a dish, fix a sink, use new software, or train for their jobs. Businesses use them to onboard staff. Teachers use them to explain concepts. Everyday creators use them to share skills with the world.

But here’s the catch: not all instructional videos are created equal. Some hold your attention, explain things clearly, and make learning almost effortless. Others are confusing, too long, or poorly structured, leaving viewers more frustrated than when they began.

The difference often comes down to planning, clarity, and an understanding of how people learn best from video. Let’s break down ten essential tips for making instructional videos that not only look good but actually teach effectively.

10 Tips for Creating Great Instructional Videos

Want to make videos that teach clearly and keep viewers engaged? Focus on planning, scripting, concise pacing, strong visuals, and clear audio. Demonstrate steps, add short intros, guide learners to more resources, and test before posting. These tips will help you create effective, professional instructional videos.

1. Start by thinking about what you want to teach.

The very first step is defining your purpose. Ask yourself: what is the main thing you want viewers to learn by the end of this video? This is your learning objective.

For example, if you’re making a cooking video, your goal might be: “By the end of this video, viewers should be able to make a perfect risotto from scratch.” If you’re making a tech tutorial, your objective might be: “Viewers will know how to set up two-factor authentication on their email account.”

Keeping the objective clear ensures you don’t wander off-topic. When videos lack a strong purpose, they end up including irrelevant details that confuse the learner. Reviews of popular tutorials often highlight this: the most helpful ones are laser-focused, while the least helpful drift into side stories that add no value.

A good rule is to imagine your viewer asking, “What will I be able to do after watching this?” Your video should deliver that answer clearly.

2. Create an outline or storyboard for your instructional video

Once you know what you’re teaching, map out the path to get there. An outline helps you organize ideas into a logical order. A storyboard takes it further by pairing visuals with each part of the lesson.

Think of an outline as the skeleton of your video. For a woodworking tutorial, it might look like: introduction, list of tools, step-by-step assembly, finishing touches, summary. Each section builds on the last.

A storyboard, meanwhile, is like a comic strip of your video. You sketch or write down what the viewer sees on screen at the same time as your narration. For instance:

• Narration: “First, gather your tools.”
• Visual: Show hammer, nails, and saw on a table.

This preparation prevents mismatches between words and visuals. Many poor instructional videos suffer from exactly this problem: the voice explains one thing while the visuals show another, forcing viewers to piece it together. Planning avoids that frustration.

3. Write the script for your how to video

Even if you’re comfortable speaking on camera, a script or detailed talking points can save you from rambling. Scripts help you stay concise, use consistent terminology, and avoid forgetting key details.

Your script doesn’t have to be rigid. Some creators prefer to write it word-for-word, while others use bullet points. The right approach depends on your style. But either way, writing down what you’ll say makes editing easier and ensures your message is clear.

A script also helps with timing. Reading it aloud lets you estimate how long your video will be. This matters because pacing is one of the top complaints viewers mention in reviews. Too fast, and they feel rushed. Too slow, and they get bored. A script helps you hit the right rhythm.

4. Make sure the length is right for your audience.

How long should an instructional video be? The answer is: long enough to teach the lesson, but no longer.

Studies show that most viewers prefer videos in the three-to-eight-minute range for simple topics. For complex skills, longer videos may be necessary, but they should be broken into smaller parts whenever possible.

For instance, instead of one 30-minute video on “How to Edit a Podcast,” you could create a series: one video on recording basics, one on editing audio levels, one on adding music, and one on publishing. This way, viewers can jump directly to the section they need and rewatch specific steps.

Reviews of online tutorials consistently praise creators who respect their audience’s time. Viewers don’t mind a longer video if it’s packed with useful content, but they resent filler or repeated points. The lesson: make it as short as possible, but not shorter than it needs to be.

5. Think about what visuals you could include in your how to videos, like images or diagrams.

Visuals are the heart of instructional videos. They transform abstract instructions into concrete steps people can follow.

Ask yourself: what images, diagrams, or demonstrations will make this lesson clearer? If you’re explaining how to use software, screen recordings are essential. If you’re teaching a recipe, close-up shots of ingredients and techniques matter. If you’re teaching math, diagrams or animations can illustrate concepts better than words alone.

Visuals should always match the narration. If you say “click the settings button,” show the cursor clicking it at that exact moment. Reviews of strong tutorials often mention how easy it is to follow because the visuals and narration are perfectly aligned. Weak tutorials, on the other hand, leave learners guessing what to look at.

Remember: people learn best when they see and hear at the same time. Good visuals make your video unforgettable.

6. Record the voiceover for your instructional video tutorials

Clear audio can make or break an instructional video. Poor sound quality is one of the biggest reasons viewers stop watching.

Invest in a decent microphone, even a budget one. Record in a quiet room to avoid background noise. Speak clearly and at a steady pace. Smile while you talk — it makes your voice sound warmer and more engaging.

You can record the voiceover during the video or separately, then sync it during editing. Both methods work. The key is consistency: your tone should be calm, confident, and encouraging. Many reviewers of online courses mention how much they appreciate instructors who sound approachable rather than robotic.

Your voice carries not just information but personality. Make it inviting.

7. Edit & test your video before creating the final version

Editing is where your video comes to life. It’s also where you cut the fluff, smooth transitions, and add helpful touches.

Basic editing includes trimming pauses, fixing mistakes, and syncing audio with visuals. But you can also add text callouts, arrows, or highlights to draw attention to important points. Background music can work if it’s subtle and doesn’t distract.

Once edited, test your video. Watch it from start to finish as if you were the learner. Ask a friend or colleague to watch too. Do they get stuck anywhere? Do they understand each step?

Creators who test their videos before publishing often catch small issues that could frustrate viewers. A confusing step, a hard-to-hear moment, or a missing detail might not seem big during editing but can derail learning. Testing saves you from those mistakes.

8. Add a short intro to your video

Intros set the tone and tell viewers what to expect. But they should be short and sweet. Nobody wants to sit through a long logo animation or personal monologue before the teaching begins.

A simple intro might be: “Hi, I’m Alex, and today I’ll show you how to change a flat tire quickly and safely.” That’s enough to build trust and clarify the lesson.

Reviews often mention how much viewers appreciate creators who “get to the point quickly.” Long intros are one of the most common complaints in comment sections. Keep it short, keep it clear, and move on.

9. Tell viewers how they can get more info

At the end of your video, guide viewers to next steps. If they want to dive deeper, where should they go? This could be another video in your series, a free downloadable guide, or your website.

This isn’t about pushing sales but about supporting learning. For example, if you’re teaching basic guitar chords, you might say: “If you’d like to learn strumming patterns, check out my next video in this series.”

Viewers appreciate knowing where to go next. It keeps them engaged with your content and builds trust because you’re showing them a learning path rather than dropping them at the finish line with no direction.

10. Post your video

Finally, share your work. Choose the right platform for your audience. YouTube is the most popular choice for general tutorials, but businesses may prefer hosting on internal platforms or learning management systems. Educators might upload to course sites.

When posting, add a clear title and description so viewers know exactly what the video covers. Use keywords that match what people would search for. Include timestamps if the video is longer, so learners can jump to the part they need.

Reviews of popular videos often highlight how helpful timestamps and detailed descriptions are. They show respect for the viewer’s time and make your video easier to use.

What is an Instructional Video?

An instructional video is a type of content created with the specific goal of teaching. Unlike entertainment videos, its purpose is not just to hold attention but to transfer knowledge or skills. Instructional videos can be simple screen recordings, hands-on demonstrations, animated explainers, or a mix of these.

They are effective because they combine two channels of learning: seeing and hearing. Research shows that people remember more when they process information through both channels at the same time. Instructional videos also allow learners to pause, rewind, and rewatch — things they can’t do in a live classroom.

This flexibility is why instructional videos are used in schools, businesses, and online communities around the world. They’re not just convenient; they’re powerful tools for learning.

A Final Word on Creating a How to Video

Making a great instructional video isn’t about fancy effects or expensive gear. It’s about clarity, structure, and empathy for your viewer. Start by defining what you want to teach. Build an outline and script that guide you step by step. Keep the video short and focused, add visuals that support your message, and make sure your audio is clear. Edit carefully, add a short intro, point viewers toward more resources, and then post it with care.

When you follow these principles, your videos do more than just explain — they empower. They give people the confidence to try, to learn, and to succeed. That’s the magic of a well-made instructional video.

FAQs

What is an instructional video?

An instructional video is content designed to teach viewers a specific skill or concept step by step.

How long should an instructional video be?

Most effective instructional videos run between 3 to 8 minutes, but complex topics can be split into shorter parts.

Do I need expensive equipment to make a how-to video?

No, a clear script, good lighting, and a decent microphone are enough to start creating quality instructional videos.

What makes a good instructional video?

A good video is clear, concise, well-structured, visually supportive, and easy for viewers to follow.

Where should I post my instructional videos?

You can publish them on YouTube, social media, learning platforms, or internal company systems depending on your audience.