> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://herd-security.gitbook.io/herd-security-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://herd-security.gitbook.io/herd-security-docs/how-to-documentation/create-the-best-video-training.md).

# Create the Best Video Training

{% hint style="info" %}
Most training videos don't fail because the content is bad. They fail because of how they're delivered — too long, dropped in the middle of a module with no context, and no interaction to make the learner do anything with what they just watched.
{% endhint %}

***

## 1. Is this a step, or its own training?

Before you build anything, answer one question: should the video live *inside* a training, or stand on its own?

| Video length             | What to do                                                                                                                                           |
| ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **15 seconds or less**   | Embed it as a step inside a larger training module.                                                                                                  |
| **More than 15 seconds** | Make it a standalone training with its own title, description, and follow-up question.                                                               |
| **Multiple concepts**    | Split into separate clips — two 10-second videos that each make one clear point will always outperform a 25-second video that makes two blurry ones. |

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you find yourself thinking *"I'll just squeeze two concepts into one video,"* that's a sign to split them.
{% endhint %}

***

## 2. Sketch the sequence before you build

Once you know you're building a video step, plan the surrounding structure before you open the editor. A simple, reliable pattern:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Context step

Tell the learner what this is about and why it matters. One sentence and a clear call to action — like a button that says *"Start the video."* No paragraphs summarizing the video content; that's what the video is for.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Video step (step 2 or 3)

Place the video within the first three steps. Early in a module, learners are attentive and curious; deeper in, they've accumulated cognitive load. Put the video where it can land cleanly — before attention starts to drift.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Reinforcement step

A quick interaction immediately after the video — a button choice, quiz question, or scenario. One prompt that helps the learner apply what they just watched.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## 3. Structure the video step itself

A strong video step has four elements — nothing more.

| Element         | What to write                                                          |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Title**       | Name what the video shows — *"Watch: Spotting a fake login page."*     |
| **Instruction** | One line — *"Watch this short video, then choose what you'd do next."* |
| **Asset**       | The video.                                                             |
| **Buttons**     | The next action.                                                       |

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Avoid:**

* Paragraphs explaining what the video is about before it plays.
* Multi-step instructions that mix watching with reading and scrolling.

The learner has one job: watch the video and then do something with it. Make that obvious.
{% endhint %}

***

## 4. Always add buttons

This is where a lot of trainings quietly break down.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Without buttons,** the platform auto-progresses when the video ends. The learner can't pause, can't rewatch, and doesn't make any choice — so you lose the interaction point entirely.
{% endhint %}

Use buttons to do more than just advance the learner:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Confirm completion" %}
*"Got it, next."*

Simple — but it keeps the learner active and gives you a measurable interaction point.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Capture a decision" %}
*"This looks safe"* / *"This looks suspicious"*

Turns passive watching into a judgment call.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Branch the experience" %}
Different buttons lead to different follow-up steps — letting you tailor feedback based on what the learner chose (if your flows support branching).
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Even a single *"Continue"* button is better than no button. It gives the learner control, which keeps them more engaged.
{% endhint %}

***

## 5. Reinforce immediately after the video

The step after the video should do one thing: help the learner apply what they just watched.

* One question. One scenario.
* Not a full quiz — not a new concept.
* Something that prompts them to process the video rather than move past it.

{% hint style="success" %}
Watching something activates recognition. Doing something with it builds retention.

*"What would you do if you saw this in your inbox?"* with two or three button choices is enough.
{% endhint %}

***

## 6. Keep the whole module tight

Aim to keep your total module to **8–10 steps** — the range where most learners can finish in a focused sitting.

If you're going over that limit, check whether any steps are doing double duty. A step that tries to explain something, ask a question, and introduce the next topic is really three steps. Break them apart — or cut the least essential one.

***

## The pattern in practice

Here's what the full structure looks like assembled:

{% hint style="success" %}
**Step 1 — Context:** *"Phishing attacks often look legitimate. Here's a short video showing what to watch for."* Button: *"Start the video."*

***

**Step 2 — Video:** Title: *"Watch: Spotting a fake login page."* Body: *"Watch this short video, then choose what you'd do next."* Buttons: *"I'd report this"* / *"I'd ignore it"* / *"I'd enter my password."*

***

**Step 3 — Reinforcement:** *"You're about to log into your bank account and the page looks slightly off. What do you do?"* Buttons: scenario choices.
{% endhint %}

Three steps. A video that makes one clear point. A decision that puts the learner in the situation. That's the whole structure.

***

## Summary

{% hint style="info" %}
Video steps work when they're **short**, **placed early**, and **paired with something that requires a response**. Without those elements, a video is just something to sit through. With them, it becomes a focused moment that moves the learner from watching → thinking → doing.
{% endhint %}