What is a New User Onboarding Video?
A new user onboarding video is a short, engaging video that introduces new users to a product or service. It aims to guide them through the initial setup process, highlight key features and benefits, and encourage them to explore the product further. Onboarding videos are essential for creating a positive first impression, reducing user friction, and driving product adoption.
Onboarding videos can be used in various scenarios, such as welcoming new users to a software application, explaining the features of a new mobile app, or introducing a new product to potential customers. They can be incorporated into various marketing channels, including websites, landing pages, email campaigns, and social media platforms.
What do top New User Onboarding Videos have in common?
user problem and positions the product as the solution.
Step-by-Step Guide - A clear and concise walkthrough of the initial setup process and key features.
Animated Explainer - A visually engaging animation that simplifies complex concepts and product features.
Screen Recording - A recording of a user's screen demonstrating how to use the product or complete specific tasks.
Concise Length - A video length that balances engagement and information without overwhelming viewers.
Targeted Messaging - Content tailored to the specific needs and interests of the target audience.
Engaging Visuals - High-quality visuals, animations, and graphics that enhance the video's appeal and make it more engaging.
What makes New User Onboarding Video effective?
A compelling new user onboarding video is a powerful tool for driving product adoption and user engagement. It's designed to guide users through the initial setup process, showcase key features, and address common challenges, ultimately fostering a positive first impression and encouraging users to explore the product further.
A fundamental aspect of creating an effective new user onboarding video is a design to clearly communicate the product's value proposition and how it can benefit users. This involves highlighting key features and functionalities, demonstrating their relevance to users' needs, and showcasing how the product can solve their problems.
Methods for creating an effective new user onboarding video aim to make the learning process engaging and enjoyable for users. This involves using a combination of visual storytelling, clear instructions, and interactive elements to capture attention, simplify complex concepts, and encourage active participation.
How long should your New User Onboarding Video be?
A well-crafted new user onboarding video is a valuable tool for guiding users through the initial setup process and encouraging product adoption. The ideal length of the video depends on several factors, including the complexity of the product, the target audience, and the specific goals of the video.
A fundamental approach to determining the ideal video length is to focus on delivering the most important information in a clear and concise manner. This involves prioritizing key features, addressing common pain points, and providing clear instructions, while avoiding unnecessary details or lengthy explanations.
Pre-Production Considerations
What is the product's complexity?
What are the user's goals and expectations?
What are the key features and functionalities to highlight?
What are the common challenges users face?
What is the desired call to action?
What is the target audience's attention span?
What is the optimal length for achieving the video's goals?
How to create New User Onboarding videos?
Creating a new user onboarding video is a process that involves careful planning, execution, and optimization. It's essential to understand your target audience, define clear goals, and craft a compelling script that effectively conveys the product's value proposition.
A fundamental approach to creating an effective new user onboarding video is to design a clear and concise narrative that guides users through the initial setup process and highlights key features and functionalities. This involves identifying the most important information to convey, structuring the video logically, and using clear and concise language.
Pre-Production
Define target audience
Set clear goals
Craft a compelling script
Choose the right video style
Source high-quality visuals
Production
Shoot high-quality footage
Edit the video professionally
Add music and sound effects
Incorporate a clear call to action
Optimize for different platforms
Onboarding Video Strategies for User Success
The initial screen sets the tone. Make it captivating with strong visuals and a clear value proposition. Briefly introduce your brand and the problem your product solves. For example, a project management software could open with a scene of a chaotic team struggling to meet deadlines, followed by a tagline like Get organized, get results.
Smooth Setup:
Guide users through the initial setup, ensuring it's intuitive and user-friendly. Break down complex processes into simple steps, using screen recordings and clear voiceovers. For instance, a video for a social media scheduling tool could show users how to connect their accounts and schedule their first post.
Feature Discovery:
Highlight key features and their benefits, demonstrating their value proposition. Instead of simply listing features, show them in action. For example, a video for a design software could show a user creating a stunning graphic using the software's tools.
Help at Hand:
Provide easy access to support resources. Feature links to FAQs, help articles, or your knowledge base directly in the video or end screen. Consider showcasing a brief clip of your friendly support team to Build Trust and encourage users to reach out.
Stay Updated:
Keep users informed about new features and updates. Briefly mention upcoming features or improvements to build excitement and encourage continued engagement. You could include a short animation showcasing a new feature in action.
A Glimpse into the Future:
Share the product roadmap, building excitement and anticipation for what's to come. This could be a brief animated sequence showcasing planned features or a short message from the CEO outlining the product's vision.
Community Building:
Foster user engagement through a dedicated forum or community platform. Briefly showcase your community platform in the video, highlighting the benefits of joining, such as connecting with other users and getting support.
Social Engagement:
Promote the product and engage with users on social media platforms. Include links to your social media channels in the video and encourage users to follow you for updates and tips.
Targeted Communication:
Utilize email marketing to provide updates and nurture customer relationships. Briefly mention your email newsletter in the video and Highlight the Benefits of subscribing, such as receiving exclusive content and product updates.
Website as a Resource:
Direct users to the website for comprehensive information and support. Include prominent links to your website throughout the video and encourage users to explore it for more in-depth information.
App Store Optimization:
Optimize app store listings with Engaging Visuals and compelling descriptions to attract potential users. Briefly showcase your app store listing in the video, highlighting its key features and benefits.
Boost User Engagement With Interactive Onboarding
To elevate user engagement, a new user onboarding video should prioritize a captivating and interactive experience.
Start Strong:- Capture attention immediately with a compelling opening.
- Use a strong visual hook, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising statistic to pique viewers' interest.
- For example, a video for a language learning app could open with a scene of someone confidently conversing in a foreign language.
Clarity is Key:- Use clear, concise language, avoiding jargon and technical terms.
- Explain complex concepts in simple terms, using analogies or metaphors to make them more relatable.
- For instance, a video for a cloud storage service could explain the concept of cloud using a simple analogy like a virtual filing cabinet.
Visual Appeal:- Enhance the video's appeal with high-quality visuals, animations, and graphics.
- Use visuals to illustrate key concepts, break up long stretches of text, and add visual interest.
- For example, a video for a financial planning app could use animations to illustrate the growth of investments over time.
Interaction is Key:- Incorporate Interactive Elements like calls to action, quizzes, and polls to encourage active participation.
- For example, a video for a project management tool could include a quiz to assess the user's current project management skills.
Keep it Concise:- Aim for an optimal video length that balances engagement and information without overwhelming viewers.
- Research suggests that videos under two minutes tend to have the highest engagement rates.
Personalization Matters:- Tailor the video to the specific needs and interests of your target audience.
- Use language and visuals that resonate with your target audience.
- For example, a video for a fitness app could use different visuals and language depending on whether it's targeting beginners or experienced athletes.
A Touch of Humor:- Inject humor and Storytelling elements to make the video more memorable and engaging.
- Humor can help to build rapport with viewers and make the video more enjoyable to watch.
- For example, a video for a productivity app could use a humorous scenario to illustrate the challenges of staying organized.
Deliver Value:- Ensure the video provides valuable information and insights that users will find useful and relevant.
- Focus on the benefits of using the product and how it can help users achieve their goals.
- For example, a video for a marketing automation tool could show users how to save time and increase efficiency by automating their marketing tasks.
Crafting Compelling Onboarding Narratives
Here are some effective narrative approaches to consider:
Problem-SolutionThis narrative structure effectively highlights a common user problem and positions the product as the ideal solution. It starts by empathizing with the user's pain points and then demonstrates how the product can alleviate them. For example, a video for a time tracking software could start by showing the frustration of manually tracking hours and then introduce the software as a solution for automated time tracking.
Hero's JourneyThis narrative follows a user's journey as they navigate challenges and achieve success using the product. It creates a relatable story arc where the user, as the hero, overcomes obstacles and achieves their goals with the help of the product. For example, a video for a fitness app could follow a user's journey from being out of shape to achieving their fitness goals using the app's workout plans and tracking features.
TransformationThis narrative showcases how the product empowers users to transform their lives or businesses, highlighting its transformative potential. It focuses on the positive impact the product can have on the user's life or work. For example, a video for a design software could show how a small business owner transformed their Branding and marketing materials using the software, leading to increased sales and brand awareness.
TestimonialThis narrative leverages the power of social proof by featuring real users sharing their positive experiences with the product. It builds trust and credibility by showcasing authentic user stories and demonstrating the product's effectiveness in real-world scenarios. For example, a video for a project management tool could feature Testimonials from project managers who have successfully used the tool to improve team collaboration and project outcomes.
EducationalThis narrative focuses on providing step-by-step instructions and guidance on how to effectively use the product. It's ideal for complex products that require detailed explanations and demonstrations. For example, a video for a video editing software could provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to edit a video using the software's features.
HumorousThis narrative injects humor to make the video more engaging, memorable, and shareable. It can be used to lighten the tone and make complex topics more accessible. For example, a video for a password manager could use humor to illustrate the challenges of remembering multiple passwords.
AnimatedThis narrative utilizes animation to bring the story to life, making it visually appealing and engaging for viewers. It's particularly effective for explaining abstract concepts or showcasing complex product features. For example, a video for a cybersecurity software could use animation to illustrate how the software protects users from online threats.
Onboarding Videos: Your Marketing Funnel Guide
A strategically crafted new user onboarding video can serve as a powerful tool for guiding users through the marketing funnel, from initial awareness to conversion.
Awareness: Introduce your product and its benefits to a wider audience, sparking their interest and curiosity. Use engaging visuals and storytelling to Capture Attention and create a memorable first impression. For example, a video for a new social media platform could showcase its unique features and benefits in a visually appealing way, highlighting its potential to connect people and share information.
Interest: Highlight key features and use cases that resonate with potential users, piquing their interest and encouraging them to learn more. Provide specific examples of how the product can solve users' problems and address their needs. For example, a video for a project management tool could demonstrate how it can help teams collaborate more effectively, manage tasks efficiently, and track project progress.
Desire: Showcase customer testimonials and success stories to build desire for the product, demonstrating its value and effectiveness. Feature real users sharing their positive experiences with the product, highlighting its impact on their lives or businesses. For example, a video for a fitness app could feature testimonials from users who have achieved their fitness goals using the app, showcasing its effectiveness and motivating potential users.
Action: Encourage users to take the next step in the customer journey, such as signing up for a free trial, downloading a resource, or making a purchase. Include a clear and compelling call to action, making it easy for users to take the desired action. For example, a video for a software product could include a call to action to visit the website and sign up for a free trial.
Crafting Onboarding Videos That Convert
- Understand the needs, expectations, and pain points of your target audience to tailor the video accordingly.
- Conduct thorough user research to gain insights into your target audience's demographics, psychographics, and product usage patterns. This will help you create a video that resonates with them and addresses their specific needs.
Keep it Concise:
- Aim for an optimal video length that balances engagement and information without overwhelming viewers.
- Research suggests that videos under two minutes tend to have the highest engagement rates.
- Focus on delivering the most important information in a clear and concise manner.
Visual Excellence:
- Invest in professional Video Production and editing to create a polished and visually appealing final product.
- Use high-quality visuals, animations, and graphics to enhance the video's appeal and make it more engaging.
- Ensure that the video is well-lit, the audio is clear, and the editing is smooth and professional.
Clear Call to Action:
- Guide viewers towards the desired action with a clear and compelling call to action.
- Clearly state what you want viewers to do and make it easy for them to take action.
- For example, include a prominent button or link that directs viewers to your website or app store listing.
Test and Optimize:
- Continuously track video performance metrics and gather user feedback to make data-driven improvements and optimize its effectiveness.
- Use analytics tools to track video views, engagement, and conversions.
- Gather user feedback through surveys, comments, and social media monitoring.
- Use this data to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to the video's content, format, or delivery.
Onboarding Videos: Solving User Frustrations
Identify Pain Points:
- Conduct thorough user research to identify the most common challenges and pain points users face.
- Use surveys, interviews, and user feedback forms to gather insights into users' experiences with your product or similar products in the market.
- Analyze this data to identify recurring themes and patterns.
Provide Solutions:- Showcase how the product directly addresses these pain points, offering practical solutions and benefits.
- Demonstrate how the product's features and functionalities can alleviate users' frustrations and help them achieve their goals.
- For example, if users struggle with a complex setup process, the video could provide a step-by-step guide to simplify the process.
Offer Support:- Provide easy access to support resources, FAQs, and a comprehensive knowledge base to assist users with any challenges.
- Include links to relevant support materials within the video or in the end screen.
- Consider showcasing a brief clip of your friendly support team to build trust and encourage users to reach out for assistance.
Build Trust:- Demonstrate empathy and understanding of your customers' needs, Building Trust and credibility.
- Use language that is empathetic and understanding.
- Acknowledge users' frustrations and assure them that you are there to help them succeed.
- For example, you could include a message like We understand that getting started with a new product can be challenging, so we've created this video to guide you every step of the way.
Onboarding Videos: Boosting Retention
A well-crafted new user onboarding video can significantly contribute to improved customer retention by fostering a positive first impression and encouraging product adoption.
Set Clear Expectations
- Clearly communicate the product's Value Proposition and how it can benefit users, setting realistic expectations from the outset.
- Explain what the product does, how it works, and what users can expect to achieve by using it. For example, a video for a language learning app could clearly state that it can help users learn a new language but it requires consistent effort and practice.
Provide Clear Guidance
- Guide users through the initial setup process and demonstrate how to use the product effectively, minimizing frustration and confusion.
- Break down complex processes into simple steps, using screen recordings and clear voiceovers. For example, a video for a project management tool could show users how to create a new project, add tasks, and assign team members.
Highlight Key Features
- Showcase the product's most valuable features and functionalities, emphasizing their relevance to the user's needs.
- Demonstrate how these features can help users solve their problems and achieve their goals. For example, a video for a design software could show users how to create stunning graphics using the software's tools and explain how these tools can help them create professional-looking designs.
Address Common Pain Points
- Proactively address common challenges users face, providing solutions and reassurance.
- Acknowledge users' frustrations and offer solutions or workarounds within the video. For example, if users commonly struggle with a specific feature, the video could provide a dedicated segment explaining how to use that feature effectively.
Encourage Engagement
- Incorporate calls to action and interactive elements to encourage user participation and exploration of the product's features.
- Encourage users to try out different features, explore the product's interface, and engage with the product in a meaningful way. For example, a video for a fitness app could include a call to action to try out a free workout or track their progress using the app's tracking features.
Onboarding B2B Users With Video
Creating a new user onboarding video for a B2B audience requires a tailored approach that addresses the specific needs and expectations of business professionals.
Focus on Business Value: Highlight the product's ability to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability, aligning with business goals. Demonstrate how the product can help businesses save time, reduce costs, increase revenue, or improve their bottom line. For example, a video for a CRM software could showcase how it can help businesses automate sales processes, improve customer relationships, and increase sales conversions.
Use Professional Language: Avoid jargon and technical terms that may not be familiar to all viewers, ensuring clarity and accessibility. Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand, even for viewers who are not experts in the field. For example, a video for a cloud computing service could explain the concept of cloud storage in simple terms, without using technical jargon.
Provide Concrete Examples: Showcase how the product can be used in real-world business scenarios, demonstrating its practical applications. Show users how the product can be used to solve common business problems and achieve specific business goals. For example, a video for a project management tool could show how a team of marketers uses the tool to plan and execute a successful marketing campaign.
Include Testimonials: Feature testimonials from satisfied B2B customers, leveraging social proof to build credibility and trust. Showcase real businesses that have successfully used the product and achieved positive results. For example, a video for a marketing automation platform could feature testimonials from marketing managers who have used the platform to improve their marketing ROI.
Target Decision-Makers: Tailor the video to the needs and interests of decision-makers, addressing their specific pain points and priorities. Understand the challenges and priorities of decision-makers in your target industry and tailor the video's Messaging and content to address their specific needs. For example, a video for a cybersecurity software could focus on the importance of data security and compliance, addressing the concerns of CIOs and other IT decision-makers.
Onboarding Videos: Fueling Sales Growth
A compelling new user onboarding video can serve as a powerful sales tool, driving conversions and accelerating sales growth.
Showcase the Value Proposition: Clearly communicate the benefits of using the product, emphasizing its unique selling points and value proposition. Explain how the product can solve users' problems, address their needs, and help them achieve their goals. For example, a video for a productivity app could showcase how it can help users save time, get organized, and be more productive.
Highlight Key Features: Demonstrate the product's most valuable features and functionalities, showcasing their relevance to potential customers. Show users how these features can benefit them and make their lives easier or their businesses more successful. For example, a video for a CRM software could showcase its features for managing customer interactions, tracking sales leads, and generating reports.
Include a Strong Call to Action: Encourage viewers to take the next step in the sales funnel, such as requesting a demo, signing up for a free trial, or making a purchase. Clearly state what you want viewers to do and make it easy for them to take action. For example, a video for a software product could include a call to action to visit the website and request a free demo.
Track Video Performance: Monitor key metrics such as video views, engagement, and conversions to measure the video's effectiveness and make data-driven optimizations. Use analytics tools to track how viewers are interacting with the video and whether it is driving the desired actions. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to the video's content, format, or delivery.
Case Study: How LinkedIn Seamlessly Integrated Onboarding Videos into the User Journey
Challenge: LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, wanted to improve the user onboarding experience by seamlessly integrating onboarding videos into the platform. They aimed to provide a more engaging and informative introduction to the platform's features.
Solution: LinkedIn implemented a strategy to embed onboarding videos strategically throughout the user journey. They placed videos at key touchpoints, such as during account creation, profile setup, and the first time a user accessed a specific feature.
Results: LinkedIn saw a significant increase in user engagement and activation rates after integrating onboarding videos into the user journey. They observed a 15% increase in users completing their profile setup and a 10% increase in users actively using the platform's features.
Outcome: LinkedIn's case study highlights the importance of Seamless Video Integration in the user journey. By strategically placing onboarding videos, they were able to provide a more engaging and informative experience, leading to higher user activation and engagement.
Case Study: How Slack Streamlined Its Onboarding Video Production Workflow
Challenge: Slack, the popular communication platform, wanted to streamline its onboarding video production workflow to create high-quality videos more efficiently. They aimed to reduce production time and costs while maintaining a high standard of video quality.
Solution: Slack implemented a standardized video production workflow, using a combination of internal resources and external partners. They established clear processes for scriptwriting, filming, editing, and distribution, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
Results: Slack saw a significant reduction in production time and costs after implementing its Streamlined Workflow. They were able to produce high-quality onboarding videos more efficiently, allowing them to create new content more frequently and adapt to changing user needs.
Outcome: Slack's case study highlights the importance of a streamlined video production workflow. By establishing clear processes and leveraging technology, they were able to create high-quality onboarding videos more efficiently, leading to improved user engagement and a more agile content creation process.