6 Best Employee Onboarding Video Examples: Increase Retention

Remember sitting through those lengthy orientation sessions filled with endless paperwork and presentations? Well, there's a better way. Video training offers a dynamic and engaging alternative, making the onboarding process more enjoyable and effective.

But video training is only as effective as its execution. In this post, we'll explore successful onboarding videos and discuss how you can apply the same techniques to create videos that genuinely resonate with new hires.

» Level up your employee onboarding by creating engaging video guides

The Value of Video Onboarding

Edgar Dale's Cone of Experience highlights the power of active learning. Retention is significantly higher for activities like "doing" than for passive methods like reading. Video onboarding leverages this by engaging sight and sound, enhancing information retention for new employees.

Beyond delivering information, video training creates a sense of connection. When new hires see and hear from future colleagues sharing stories and insights, they build relationships before they even step into their roles. This personal touch helps create an inclusive atmosphere and eases the transition into the company culture.

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The Long-Term Benefits

Implementing video training in your onboarding process is more than just a modern approach to training—it's an investment in your company's future. The initial effort of creating comprehensive video content pays dividends through:

• Reduced time-to-productivity for new hires, as they can access and review training materials at their own pace, ensuring better comprehension and retention of crucial information.
• Improved consistency in training delivery as every new hire receives the same high-quality information, regardless of who's conducting the onboarding process.
• Lower costs over time, as video content can be easily updated and reused, eliminating the need for constant live training sessions and reducing the burden on HR and training staff.
• Enhanced employee satisfaction because new hires feel more confident and supported during their crucial first weeks on the job.

» Learn to measure employee training effectiveness

6 Best Employee Onboarding Video Examples

These videos demonstrate the power of video to transform the onboarding experience. Analyzing these successful examples can help you gain valuable insights into compelling storytelling, engaging visuals, and creative approaches you can adapt and apply within your own company.

1. Spotify "Engineering Culture"

This video transforms dry organizational concepts into an engaging visual journey using animated sketches and captivating narration. Hand-drawn elements break down complex structures into easily digestible pieces for new employees.

The informal illustration style perfectly reflects Spotify's innovative spirit, simultaneously educating viewers about their unique squad-based organization. This approach visually demonstrates the crucial balance between individual autonomy and collaborative teamwork.

Animation simplifies complex information, making it easier for new employees to grasp abstract concepts.

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2. guidde "How To Unsend Emails In Outlook On Mac"

This 49-second tutorial is a masterclass in brevity and impact. Focusing on a common pain point—accidental email sends—it delivers a concise and actionable solution. Its real-time demonstration using the Mac interface provides immediate, platform-specific guidance that eliminates confusion.

Guidde's micro-learning approach benefits everyone, from entry-level coordinators to senior executives. It's invaluable for roles reliant on email, like sales representatives, account managers, and executive assistants, who can quickly learn to mitigate the risks of accidental sends and maintain professionalism.

» Find out how to transform onboarding with microlearning videos

3. Zendesk: This is Zendesk

"No a**holes allowed"—with these words, Zendesk shatters traditional corporate video conventions. This honest and unexpected statement immediately sets the tone for what follows: an authentic glimpse into the daily life and culture at Zendesk.

By showcasing real spaces and faces, the video builds trust through transparency. This unvarnished look at company life resonates with customer service and support team prospects. Why? Because authenticity in internal communications mirrors the genuine interactions these roles demand with customers.

This candid portrayal of Zendesk's distinct culture is particularly valuable for first-time corporate employees and those transitioning from more traditional environments.

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4. guidde: How To Open a Monday.com Account

Do your staff have anxiety about mastering new tools? This video dissolves it through methodical instruction and engaging visuals. Through careful pacing and clear demonstration, complex platform navigation becomes second nature.

Remote workers, project managers, and operations teams find their perfect onboarding companion in this tutorial. Consider the remote employee alone at their desk—this video guides them whenever needed.

For visual learners especially, demonstrating features alongside clear explanations creates an ideal learning environment.

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5. Zappos: Company Culture

There are no scripted speeches here—instead, genuine enthusiasm bubbles up through organic moments and honest conversations. Watch closely; you'll notice how personal stories weave together to reveal a workplace where corporate values extend beyond office walls.

The documentary-style approach offers an unfiltered window into a company where authenticity trumps perfection. This honest portrayal fosters a sense of connection and belonging, making new hires feel more welcome and engaged from day one.

Imagine retail specialists, customer service representatives, and e-commerce professionals watching this video during onboarding. They're not just seeing a workplace but glimpsing their future community.

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6. guidde: How To Merge Tickets on Zendesk

This video guides viewers through ticket merging with surgical precision. Each action seamlessly builds upon the next, transforming a potentially complex process into easily manageable steps.

Customer support specialists, professional services representatives, and customer success managers rave about this video. It's particularly valuable during the crucial first weeks of onboarding when every click counts.

As new hires handle increasing ticket volumes, the video's teachings become ingrained, enhancing their efficiency while ensuring accuracy. This streamlined approach saves time and improves the overall customer experience.

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Planning Your Video Strategy

The foundation of effective video onboarding lies in careful planning. The ideal length for any onboarding video segment is 5–10 minutes—long enough to convey meaningful information but short enough to maintain engagement. This timing respects viewers' attention spans while ensuring thorough coverage of essential topics.

When structuring your content, think about the natural progression of information a new hire needs to absorb. Begin with foundational knowledge before moving into role-specific details. This methodical approach helps prevent information overload.

Consider these essential planning elements:

• Define clear learning objectives for each video segment to maintain focus and purpose
• Create a logical progression of topics that builds knowledge systematically
• Identify the most critical information new hires need in their first days
• Plan for regular content updates to keep information current and relevant
• Build in opportunities for interactive learning and knowledge checks

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How to Create Impactful Onboarding Videos

The success of video onboarding depends heavily on how it's structured and presented. Here are the crucial elements that make onboarding videos effective:

Role Definition and Success Metrics

Effective onboarding videos must clearly define role expectations and success metrics. When new hires understand their specific responsibilities, performance indicators, and how their work advances company objectives, they can align their efforts more purposefully.

This clarity reduces uncertainty and provides a concrete framework for professional growth and contribution.

Internal Systems and Workflows

A thorough explanation of internal processes forms the foundation for effective integration. New hires need clear guidance on communication protocols, project management methodologies, and team-specific workflows.

This practical knowledge enables them to navigate company systems confidently and begin contributing meaningfully from day one.

Consider including these practical elements:

• Step-by-step guides for standard procedures and workflows
• Real-world examples of successful problem-solving
• Interactive scenarios that allow practice in a safe environment
• Clear documentation of support systems and escalation paths
• Guides for accessing and using essential tools and platforms

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Story-Driven Learning

New hires can better visualize and understand their role's day-to-day realities by presenting information through stories of actual team experiences or carefully crafted scenarios.

These narratives transform abstract job descriptions into concrete, actionable insights that demonstrate how to handle everyday situations and challenges.

Humor and Emotional Connection

Strategic use of humor and relatable storytelling serve multiple purposes in onboarding videos. Beyond maintaining attention, these elements create an emotional resonance that helps information stick.

When companies incorporate light moments and genuine human experiences, they break through the formal barrier often present in corporate training and help new hires feel more connected to their team and organization.

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Role-Specific Personalization

When onboarding videos address specific role requirements, team dynamics, and departmental contexts, they become more relevant and meaningful. This personalization improves learning outcomes and signals that the organization values individual contributions and invests in proper employee preparation.

Authentic Employee Perspectives

Including actual team members sharing their experiences adds credibility and builds trust. When new hires see current employees genuinely discussing their work experiences, it creates authentic connections and provides valuable insights into company culture.

Clear Resource Navigation

Success in a new role heavily depends on accessing support and resources. Well-structured onboarding videos should clearly outline available tools, platforms, and support systems. This practical guidance builds confidence and empowers new hires to work independently while knowing where to turn when they need assistance.

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Technical Considerations

Video length, pacing, and interactive elements must be carefully balanced. Content should be broken into digestible segments that maintain engagement without overwhelming viewers. Interactive features can reinforce learning and provide opportunities for practical application, while appropriate pacing ensures key messages are retained.

Modern Video Onboarding Features

Today's video onboarding platforms offer powerful features that streamline the process, save time, and break down skill barriers:

• Template Banks: Pre-designed templates provide a solid foundation for video creation, eliminating the need to start from scratch. These templates can be customized for different teams (product, support, HR, etc.), ensuring consistency and efficiency.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Features like voice-over capabilities, including text-to-speech options, make video creation accessible to everyone, including those who prefer not to appear on camera. This democratizes content creation and encourages broader participation within the organization.
• Cloud-Based Collaboration: Cloud-based platforms enable seamless collaboration among team members, regardless of their location. This is crucial for remote-first companies and distributed teams, fostering a sense of shared ownership and facilitating efficient workflows.

» Find out how to reduce employee turnover with video onboarding

Avoiding Video Onboarding Pitfalls

Creating engaging and effective video onboarding requires careful planning to avoid common pitfalls. Here are some key challenges and how to overcome them:

• Information Overload: Break down information into concise modules. Use clear and straightforward language, avoiding jargon. Simplify complex concepts with visuals like infographics and short animations.
• Lack of Audience Segmentation: Tailor onboarding experiences to specific audience segments (e.g., new hires, interns, remote workers). Create personalized video tracks or modules for each group.
• Inconsistent Branding: Maintain a consistent visual style and tone throughout onboarding. Use the company's logo, colors, and fonts consistently across all videos. Ensure the video style aligns with the company's brand identity and messaging.
• Lack of Interactivity: Incorporate interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and Q&A sessions within the videos or as supplementary activities.
• Technical Difficulties: Ensure high-quality video production with clear audio and professional editing. Test videos across different devices and browsers to ensure compatibility. Provide clear instructions and support resources for accessing and navigating the video content.

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A Modern Solution for Video Training

Creating effective onboarding videos has evolved far beyond basic screen recordings and PowerPoint presentations. Modern organizations need a solution that can keep pace with rapidly changing procedures, accommodate remote teams, and deliver consistent, high-quality content.

While most companies recognize video training's importance, the real challenge comes down to practical implementation. That's where modern solutions like guidde transform the process.

With features like intuitive screen recording and collaborative editing tools, guidde helps teams create professional training content without specialized expertise.

The platform empowers companies to enhance the new hire experience from day one. By building scalable onboarding programs, guidde streamlines training workflows for startups and enterprises alike.

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