Guiding Question - What's the best delivery method? 

Not all videos are created equally - and that's a good thing! Now that you understand who you're talking to and what you're hoping for them to achieve, you need to choose the best vehicle to get them to that outcome. 

In some instances, you need to show people a step-by-step process. In others, you may need to explain a difficult concept. By using a standardized format to communicate your idea, you can ensure you have a higher chance of success with your content.

Almost all short-form videos follow one of the three following formats. Expand each tab to see what makes them special.

How-to videos are created to guide viewers through a process. They typically include step-by-step instructions and often use screen recordings or live-action demonstrations to illustrate the steps clearly.

Here’s the structure that makes how-to videos effective:

1. Hook: Start by clearly stating what the video is about and why it’s worth watching. Capture the viewer’s attention right away.

Example: "Want to learn how to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookies? Let’s get started!"

2. Intro/Objective: Outline the goal of the video. Let viewers know where they’ll start and what they’ll achieve by the end.

Example: "In this video, we’ll show you how to bake cookies from scratch in just five simple steps."

3. Steps: Break down the process into clear, actionable steps. Demonstrate each step while explaining what’s happening and why it’s important.

Example: "Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and gather all your ingredients."

4. Recap: Quickly summarize what you covered to reinforce the information.

Example: "To recap, we mixed the dough, shaped the cookies, and baked them to golden perfection."

5. Call to Action: End by telling viewers what to do next with the skill they’ve learned.

Example: "Now it’s your turn! Try baking these cookies at home and share your results in the comments below."

By following this format, how-to videos can effectively teach viewers a new skill while keeping them engaged and motivated to take action.

Educational videos are designed to focus on explaining concepts or ideas rather than hands-on processes. When crafting an educational video, it’s crucial to keep your desired outcome in mind—identify what information is essential for your audience to learn and eliminate anything that could distract or confuse them.

Here’s the structure that makes educational videos effective:

1. Hook: Start by explaining what the video is about and why it’s relevant or valuable for the viewer.

Example: "Ever wondered how photosynthesis powers life on Earth? Let’s dive into this fascinating process."

2. Intro: Highlight why the concept is important and provide context that connects it to the viewer’s world.

Example: "Photosynthesis is the foundation of all life, converting sunlight into energy. But how exactly does it work?"

3. Key Concepts: Break down the main idea into clear, digestible parts and define it in simple terms.

Example: "At its core, photosynthesis is a process where plants turn sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen."

4. Support/Examples: Provide real-world applications or scenarios to help the audience understand how the concept is relevant to them.

Example: "This process not only fuels plant growth but also provides the oxygen we breathe—making it essential for life on Earth."

5. Call to Action: Conclude by encouraging the viewer to explore the concept further or use their new knowledge in a meaningful way.

Example: "Now that you understand photosynthesis, why not explore how it impacts our environment and climate?"

This structure ensures that educational videos are both informative and engaging, helping viewers grasp complex ideas and see their real-world value.

Product explainer videos focus on identifying a problem that the viewer is experiencing and presenting the product as the solution. By clearly stating the issue and highlighting how the product addresses it, these videos make a persuasive case for why viewers should consider using your product.

Here’s the structure that makes product explainer videos effective:

1. Hook: Begin by capturing the viewer’s attention with the problem they’re missing out on solving.

Example: "Tired of wasting hours manually tracking your expenses?"

2. Problem Statement/Obstacle: Clearly define the issue or barrier the viewer is facing.

Example: "Keeping track of receipts and managing your budget can feel overwhelming and time-consuming."

3. Resolution: Introduce your product as the solution to the problem. Explain how it works and why it’s effective.

Example: "With our budgeting app, you can scan receipts, track expenses, and manage your finances in minutes."

4. Key Benefits: Highlight additional advantages the viewer gains by solving the problem with your product.

Example: "Not only will you save time, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing your finances are organized and secure."

5. Call to Action: End by telling viewers the next steps they should take to use or learn more about the product.

Example: "Download our app today and take the first step toward stress-free budgeting!"

This framework ensures product explainer videos are engaging, relatable, and effective in showing viewers why the product is the solution they need.

Reflection: 

What format do you think best suits your content? Are you beginning to envision the types of content you want to include for your audience? Great! We'll delve deeper into this in the Organization section.

Go to next course: "Study - Deep Dive"