Training Video Production: In-House Creation

Why In-House Training Video Production

Outsourcing training videos can cost $5,000-$50,000 per video. For companies with ongoing training needs, building internal capability pays for itself quickly.

In-house production also offers faster turnaround, easier updates, and content that authentically reflects your company culture.

Setting Up Your Production Capability

Equipment Essentials

Camera options:

• Webcam (basic): $50-$150
• Mirrorless camera (quality): $500-$2,000
• Smartphone (surprisingly capable): Already owned

Audio equipment:

• USB microphone: $50-$150 (Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica)
• Lavalier microphone: $20-$200
• Headphones for monitoring: $50-$100

Lighting:

• Ring light: $30-$100
• Softbox kit: $50-$200
• Natural light (free but inconsistent)

Additional:

• Tripod or mount: $25-$100
• Green screen (optional): $30-$100
• Teleprompter (optional): $50-$200

Software Requirements

Recording:

• VibrantSnap for screen capture
• OBS Studio (free) for multi-source
• Platform-native tools (Zoom, Teams)

Editing:

• Camtasia (beginner-friendly): $250
• Adobe Premiere (professional): $23/month
• DaVinci Resolve (free/paid): Free version sufficient

Supporting tools:

• Canva for graphics
• Descript for transcript-based editing
• AI tools for captions and transcription

Space Setup

Recording environment:

• Quiet room away from traffic noise
• Consistent lighting control
• Clean, professional background
• Minimal echo (soft furnishings help)

Budget-friendly improvements:

• Moving blankets for sound absorption
• Desk lamp for additional lighting
• Bookshelf or plants for background
• Curtains for light control

Training Video Types

Screen-Based Training

Software and process training.

Best for:

• Software tutorials
• System navigation
• Step-by-step procedures
• Compliance training

Production approach:

• Clean screen capture
• Clear narration
• Annotations and highlights
• Consistent pacing

Presenter-Led Training

Expert instruction on camera.

Best for:

• Soft skills training
• Leadership development
• Culture and values
• Motivational content

Production approach:

• Good lighting on presenter
• Engaging delivery
• Supporting slides or B-roll
• Professional appearance

Scenario-Based Training

Realistic situations demonstrated.

Best for:

• Customer service training
• Sales techniques
• Safety procedures
• Communication skills

Production approach:

• Script realistic scenarios
• Multiple camera angles if possible
• Clear right/wrong examples
• Discussion prompts

Animated Explainers

Motion graphics for concepts.

Best for:

• Abstract concepts
• Process overviews
• Compliance fundamentals
• Onboarding introductions

Production approach:

• PowerPoint animations (simple)
• Vyond or similar (intermediate)
• After Effects (advanced)

The Production Process

Pre-Production

Week 1-2: Planning

1. Define learning objectives
2. Identify target audience
3. Outline content structure
4. Determine video format
5. Create production schedule

Script development:

• Write conversational script
• Include visual directions
• Plan on-screen elements
• Review with subject matter experts
• Time the script (150 words ≈ 1 minute)

Logistics:

• Book recording space
• Schedule presenters
• Prepare materials
• Test all equipment

Production

Recording day preparation:

• Set up 30+ minutes early
• Test all equipment
• Do lighting check
• Brief presenter

Recording best practices:

• Record multiple takes
• Capture clean audio
• Get wide and tight shots
• Note good takes

Screen recording tips:

• Use sample data
• Slow down actions
• Pause on key points
• Record narration separately if needed

Post-Production

Editing workflow:

1. Import and organize footage
2. Rough cut: Assemble best takes
3. Fine cut: Trim and tighten
4. Add graphics and text
5. Color and audio correction
6. Export and review

Quality checklist:

• Audio levels consistent
• Visuals clear and readable
• Branding correct
• Timing appropriate
• Captions accurate

Building Quality Standards

Video Specifications

Resolution: 1080p minimum

Frame rate: 30fps

Audio: Mono or stereo, normalized levels

Format: MP4 (H.264 codec)

Style Guide Elements

Branding:

• Logo placement
• Color palette
• Font choices
• Intro/outro templates

Tone:

• Formal vs conversational
• Humor guidelines
• Inclusivity standards

Structure:

• Maximum lengths by type
• Required elements
• Chapter markers
• CTA standards

Training Your Team

Essential Skills

For content creators:

• Basic video production concepts
• Recording best practices
• Software operation
• Quality standards

For subject matter experts:

• On-camera presentation
• Script review process
• Technical accuracy
• Availability expectations

Building Capability

Phase 1: Foundation (Month 1-2)

• Tool training
• Standards documentation
• Practice projects
• Feedback loops

Phase 2: Production (Month 3-4)

• Supervised production
• Quality reviews
• Workflow refinement
• Template development

Phase 3: Scale (Month 5+)

• Independent production
• Peer review process
• Continuous improvement
• Metrics tracking

Measuring Training Video Effectiveness

Engagement Metrics

View data:

• Completion rates
• Average watch time
• Rewatch patterns
• Drop-off points

Learning Metrics

Knowledge transfer:

• Quiz scores
• Skill assessments
• Behavior change
• Performance improvement

Business Metrics

Organizational impact:

• Training time reduction
• Onboarding speed
• Support ticket reduction
• Compliance rates

Common Production Challenges

Budget Constraints

Solutions:

• Start with essential equipment
• Use free software where possible
• Leverage existing resources
• Prioritize high-impact content

Time Pressure

Solutions:

• Batch similar recordings
• Create templates
• Reuse elements
• Set realistic expectations

Quality Inconsistency

Solutions:

• Document standards
• Create checklists
• Provide feedback
• Celebrate good examples

Subject Matter Expert Availability

Solutions:

• Batch recording sessions
• Screen-only alternatives
• Script-based AI narration
• Quarterly recording sprints

Scaling Production

Template Development

Create reusable assets:

• Intro/outro templates
• Lower thirds
• Transition graphics
• Music library

Process Documentation

Document everything:

• Recording procedures
• Editing workflows
• Quality checklists
• Publishing steps

Tool Optimization

As volume grows:

• Automate captions
• Batch processing
• Asset management
• Version control

Conclusion

In-house training video production is accessible with modest investment in equipment, software, and skills. The key is starting simply, building capability over time, and focusing on content that drives real learning outcomes.

Getting started checklist:

1. Assess current resources and gaps
2. Define initial equipment needs
3. Select software tools
4. Create basic standards
5. Start with simple projects
6. Build skills progressively

Quality training videos don't require a Hollywood budget, they require clear objectives, decent equipment, and practice.

Creating software training content? VibrantSnap makes screen recording effortless with automatic enhancement features that help your training videos look professional from the start.