Why Is Video-Based Learning So Effective?

Dear EdTech Türkiye readers and valued business professionals,

Video is so embedded in our lives (think endless TikTok scrolling, YouTube “how-to” videos...) that it’s impossible to view it as just a form of entertainment anymore.

The statistics confirm it: one in two people now turn to videos to learn a new skill.

So, as educators and organizations, how can we harness this powerful momentum to make employee training more impactful?

Let’s explore this together—through the collaboration between EdTech Türkiye and MEDIARUBIC—enriched with relatable examples and insights that might even reflect your own experiences.

Why Can’t We Stop Watching? The Hidden Power of Video in Learning!

Let’s take a moment to reflect:

You come home exhausted after a long day, sink into the couch, and grab your phone. Suddenly, a stream of short videos starts playing...

Some are funny, some surprising, some so informative that you catch yourself thinking, “Wow, I didn’t know that!”

From TikTok to YouTube to Reels, video is right at the heart of our lives.

But is it just a pastime?

Actually, no! You’ve likely noticed it yourself: when we need to learn something new or solve a problem, we instinctively turn to videos.

“How do I use this software?”, “What’s the recipe for that dish?”, “How do I change a tire?”... The list goes on. And statistics don’t lie: every second person has used videos to learn a new skill.

This is exactly where EdTech Türkiye and MEDIARUBIC get excited!

If video is transforming the way we live and learn, why not leverage its power to make employee training more effective?

Why settle for boring, lengthy texts when we can design engaging, memorable, and truly impactful learning experiences?

Why Does Video Work Differently?

We’ve all been there: instead of battling through dozens of pages of a manual, it’s so much easier and more satisfying to just watch a short video that explains everything clearly.

But why is video so magical?

• It Creates “Eye Contact”:
  Reading text maintains a distance between you and the writer. But in a video, seeing someone’s face, hearing their voice, and making "eye contact" builds an emotional connection. The speaker’s energy and authenticity resonate with you—a priceless motivator when learning feels tough.

• It Loves Our Brain:
  Video engages both our visual and auditory senses simultaneously, making information easier for the brain to process. In educational terms, it “reduces cognitive load” — but simply put, it means the brain works less hard and understands better. Especially complex topics become much easier to grasp when broken down through animations or visual walkthroughs.

• It Sticks with Us!:
  This one’s truly striking: Studies show we remember 95% of a message when it’s delivered via video, compared to just 10% when reading it. Imagine all the time and effort invested in training actually transforming into long-term knowledge—how amazing would that be?

“Sounds Great, But…” — Let’s Talk About the Challenges

Sure, video is powerful. But you might be thinking, “Isn’t creating good videos expensive and time-consuming?”

You’re right. Challenges exist:

• Cost and Time:
  Professional video production can require significant budgets and time—equipment, software, editing… It can seem overwhelming.

• Content Overload:
  We're bombarded with videos daily. If your videos are too long, boring, or low-quality, you’ll quickly lose your learners' attention.

• Technical Barriers:
  Not everyone has fast internet or the latest devices. Buffering videos or poor playback can frustrate users.

• Accessibility Concerns:
  What about people who need to watch without sound or employees with hearing impairments? They need to be considered too.

But Wait—Solutions Are Closer Than You Think!

Don't let these challenges scare you. You don’t always need Hollywood-level production! Often, the most effective videos are the most authentic ones.

Here’s some friendly advice from EdTech Türkiye:

• Keep It Short and Sweet:
  No one has time for hour-long videos. Aim for 2–4 minutes per video. If the topic is too big, split it! Microlearning is gold.

• Focus on Quality—But Don't Overdo It:
  Nobody wants to watch shaky, dark, or muffled videos. But today’s smartphones are powerful enough. With good lighting (even natural light), a quiet setting, and a simple lapel mic (which makes a huge difference!), you can create impressive videos.

• Add Interactivity:
  Don’t just make learners passive viewers. Insert small quizzes, clickable links, or prompts like "Now it’s your turn!" inside the videos.

• Don't Leave Anyone Behind:
  Adding captions is easy and important! It ensures accessibility for those watching without sound and for employees with hearing impairments. Providing transcripts is a wonderful bonus.

• Always Ask “Why?”:
  Why are you creating this video? What learning objective does it serve? Videos created just “for the sake of having a video” won't be effective.

5 Ideas to Bring Your Employee Training to Life with Video

Let’s get practical—here are five inspiring ways to integrate video into your training programs:

1. Tap into the Hidden Treasures Within Your Organization:
   Imagine a heartfelt video where veteran employee Mehmet shows how to adjust a critical machine setting, or customer service expert Ayşe shares how she handled a tough client. These authentic, employee-made videos are budget-friendly and incredibly impactful. After all, we learn best from people like us!

2. On-the-Spot Support Videos:
   Think about a technician in the field facing a complex breakdown who can instantly pull up a 2-minute solution video on their phone. Or a new employee navigating software, finding immediate help through a quick "how-to" clip. This brings learning to the heart of real work—accessible, fast, practical.

3. Make Complex Topics Enjoyable:
   Some topics are just dense. Here’s where animations, infographic videos, catchy metaphors, and storytelling shine. They turn complicated or dry material into relatable, understandable, even fun learning.

4. A Warm “Welcome” for New Hires:
   Instead of burying new employees under mountains of documents, welcome them with short videos that introduce company culture, explain basic systems, or showcase their teammates. It’s warmer, more memorable, and supports learning on the job.

5. A Safe Space for Experiential Learning:
   Wouldn’t you love employees to practice handling risky situations—like safety procedures or difficult customer interactions—in a safe, virtual environment? Interactive videos allow learners to make decisions, see the consequences, and learn from mistakes—without real-world costs. Especially powerful for behavioral change training!

The Future Looks Even More Exciting...

Think personalized video suggestions powered by AI, training enriched with augmented reality, and ultra-realistic simulations through virtual reality...

The journey of video in education is just getting started—and the future is full of potential!

Final Thoughts: The Magic Isn't in the Video—It’s in How You Use It!

Yes, video is an incredible tool. But it’s not a magic wand.

Success lies not just in adding “a video here and there”—but in using the right video, for the right purpose, in the right way.

Know your employees. Understand their needs. Define clear goals. And most importantly, create sincere, meaningful content that genuinely adds value.

At EdTech Türkiye and MEDIARUBIC, we believe in the transformative power of video.

We hope this discussion has sparked new ideas on how you can better use video in your own organizations.

What are your experiences, challenges, or bright ideas when it comes to using video for learning?
Let’s meet in the comments and keep learning from each other!

This content was prepared with the contribution of MediaRubic Digital Learning Solutions.

Note:
If you would like to learn more about this topic or request a custom-designed training program for your organization, feel free to contact us. Our professional team would be delighted to offer the best solutions tailored to your needs.

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