With video technology transforming the way we live and work, it’s more important than ever to explore the best elearning video softwares for your employee training.
We’ve seen a huge shift to digital learning over the last few years. In 2020, 90% companies used eLearning as a training tool, and in just over a decade, video as a key training strategy has grown to a whopping 96% (2021) up from 41% in 2009. This shows employees are embracing this opportunity to upskill at unprecedented rates.
But it’s not just how we learn that’s shifted. Who is producing workplace learning content has also changed. Nowadays video production isn’t just for the learning professionals. Video learning platforms are as much a must-have for employees as for L&D teams. And, there’s certainly no shortage of great tools and tech for them to choose from.
Here’s our lowdown on the best elearning video software that can empower everyone to create effective employee video training.
Types of employee elearning platforms and software
Before we dive into the best software, let’s take a quick look at what’s available. With so many digital tools out there (and just as many acronyms), here are four key elearning software types you need to know.
Learning Management Systems
A Learning Management System (LMS) allows organisations – most often learning teams – to host, create, deliver and manage employee training. From assigning learning content to tracking progress, an LMS can be key to scaling training and development across a company. LMS examples include Docebo, iSpring suite and LearnUpon.
Digital Adoption Platforms
A Digital Adoption Platform, also known as a DAP, is used to create in-app guided content for software tools that are crucial for employees’ work. Whether it’s an interactive walkthrough or onboarding flow, a DAP puts the learning into context. Examples of DAPs include Whatfix and Pendo.
Knowledge Management System
Knowledge Management Systems provide a repository of information which employees can search to find everything company related. These tools act as internal wikis covering policy and process, as well as development and benefits. Examples include Guru and eGain.
Video Training Software
Standalone or part of a learning tool suite, video training software allows HR, L&D teams, people managers and employees to create impactful learning videos. We’ll take a closer look at some excellent examples of this software next.
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What are the best elearning video platforms for employee training?
We’ve reviewed the best elearning video software available to find out how they can help you with your employee training programmes. Narrowing this list down to the platforms that are right for your organisation is all about understanding your key requirements. When considering each tool, ask yourself:
- How will it help us meet our business goals? From embedding learning to changing culture, identifying the role learning videos will play in your organisation is essential.
- Who will use the tool? Opening up video storytelling to your whole organisation will involve different considerations compared to keeping production within a limited team.
- What features are your priority? List your must haves. This could include quality of the output, ease to use, mobile optimisation, security features or even video analytics.
With these questions in mind, read on to find the elearning video platform that’s right for you.
Image: StoryTagger for desktop and mobile
1. StoryTagger
StoryTagger is the employee-generated video platform helping learning and communications teams transform complex work experiences into ready-to-share stories that engage, teach and inspire coworkers.
As the easiest way to unlock employee-generated content, it allows L&D teams to capture on-point, high value and diverse video stories from their people without the need for real time 1-1 interviews. Using employee-generated video is a cost-effective, agile and inclusive way to meet the needs of modern business.
Key features:
- Simple interface with ready-to-use, customisable templates.
- Customisable question frameworks and prompts use storytelling and reflective practice techniques to make sure content is high value and on-point.
- Ability to record anywhere and share immediately – available on desktop and mobile
- Smart recording tools for high quality video output and audio.
Pros:
- Enables organisations to easily curate video stories to capture tacit knowledge and expertise at scale.
- Develops employee confidence and key competencies like communication skills, critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
- No specialist skills are needed to record so anyone can share valuable employee stories.
- Repeatable workflows make it easy to reuse and adapt successful projects.
Cons:
- Requires a licence.
2. Lessonly
Lessonly is an online learning platform that helps organisations create, implement and manage their training.
With Lessonly, L&D teams can collaborate with employees to produce custom courses that are relevant to their organisation. The lesson builder allows users to upload and embed learning videos within this training content.
Key features:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop course creation.
- Variety of engaging multimedia and interactive content types, including video.
- A calendar alert ensures employees stay on top of key lessons and assignments.
- Ability to record anywhere and share immediately.
- Important items and product releases can be promoted on the learner’s homepage.
Pros:
- The simplicity of the platform means anyone can create effective learning content.
- Combining videos with supporting text and interactive elements make sure lessons are engaging.
- Lessons are automatically optimised for mobile so they can be completed anywhere.
Cons:
- Requires a licence.
- No ability to copy or duplicate lessons means starting from scratch each time.
- Although video can be uploaded into the tool, it does not support video production.
3. Biteable
Biteable is an animated video platform that allows users to create and edit training video content.
Whether it’s cartoons, presentations or slideshows, Biteable creates all types of training video. Customisable video and animation templates, text and effects can be used to produce videos that grab employees’ attention.
Key features
- An easy-to-use interface.
- Pre-designed and customisable templates.
- Contains a large library full of stock music, images and videos.
Pros:
- There is a free version with limited functionality.
- The simple interface means anyone can create professional quality animations.
- Pre-designed templates and elements can be added to every video scene.
- Supporting voiceover can be included through a quick audio upload process.
Cons:
- Requires a licence for full functionality.
- Customisation is limited to certain elements.
- Some editing features are difficult to discover without a bit of searching.
4. Screencast-o-matic
Screencast-o-matic is a screen recording tool that can be used to create training videos.
Perfect for creating demonstrations on how to use software or applications, Screencast-o-matic can also be used with a webcam to record lessons and stories with supporting imagery.
Key features
- Screen and webcam can be recorded in parallel.
- Quick export and publish feature.
- Ability to access videos and launch the recorder or edit from the video hosting site.
Pros:
- Offers the ability to clip, modify, caption, and combine videos, as well as add transitions and music.
- Creating or importing additional videos and dropping them into an existing recording is easy.
- The platform keeps growing with latest additions including sound effects and scripted recordings.
Cons:
- Requires a licence.
- More labour intensive to create and edit video than other tools.
- Requires full subscription to unlock all of the tools’ possibilities.
5. iMovie
iMovie is video editing software that can create training video more like the full movie experience.
As a pure video editing and publishing tool, iMovie doesn’t come equipped with training features. It’s packed with everything a professional video editor could need. But with a steep learning curve, it isn’t the best choice for novices.
Key features
- Editing can be started on iPhone or iPad.
- Built-in effects, themes and filters.
- Soundtrack and sound effect options.
Pros:
- Free – although the software requires Apple products to operate.
- A clean, classic Apple interface means the more tech savvy can get to grips with the tool quickly.
- Videos are easy to share via AirDrop, iCloud, social media, and video sharing channels.
- Smart soundtracks can be adjusted to match the length of the video.
Cons:
- Requires a high level of HDD space even for basic videos.
- Importing mp4 files for editing can be complex due to conversion.
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Final thoughts
A lot of the best video elearning software for employee training can be used together as part of the same workflow; as many features from one will complement another. What you need will depend on what you’re aiming to achieve, the source of the content (do you need to co-create this with subject matter experts or convert existing content?), who will use the tool, and which features are your priority. Once you’ve identified your must haves, it’s time to compare the available video elearning tools. Here’s a short summary of our review:
- StoryTagger is the user-generated content for learning platform which helps organisations capture short, on-point and ready-to-share video stories at scale.
- Lessonly is an online learning platform for creating and managing training content, including video.
- Biteable is a video platform that produces quality animations using customisable templates.
- Screen-o-matic is a screen recording tool that’s great for demonstrating how to use software.
- iMovie is powerful video editing software with high production values.
To find out how StoryTagger can support your learning video software needs and help your organisation achieve more with less, speak to one of our team.
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Storytelling at work
Why you need an intentional strategy for curating employee-generated content
Further information
To help you make the best choice and also to get you thinking about video storytelling’s place in your organisation’s learning strategy, check out some of our other top content: