What Makes a Great Onboarding Video? (2026 Expert Tips)

Onboarding videos play a major role in how people experience a company for the first time. Whether the viewer is a new employee, a new customer, or a new user of a product, onboarding sets the tone for everything that follows. A clear, well-structured onboarding video helps people feel confident, informed, and ready to take the next step without confusion or frustration. This is why many teams work with experienced production partners like Get Camera Crew to plan onboarding content that stays practical, clear, and easy to follow.

As teams grow and processes become more complex, relying only on documents or live explanations often leads to inconsistency. Onboarding videos solve this by delivering the same message clearly every time, in a format people prefer to watch and revisit. With the right structure and production approach, onboarding videos become a reliable reference that supports scale, reduces repeated questions, and creates a smoother experience from day one.

What Is an Onboarding Video

An onboarding video is a video designed to introduce people to a company, system, product, or role. Its main purpose is to explain what someone needs to know at the beginning of their journey. Instead of reading long manuals or attending repeated meetings, viewers can learn through a structured visual guide.

Onboarding videos are commonly used in several situations:

• Welcoming new employees and explaining company culture
• Introducing customers to a service or platform
• Training users on software features or workflows
• Explaining internal processes, tools, or expectations

Unlike promotional videos, onboarding videos focus on clarity rather than persuasion. The goal is not to sell, but to guide. A good onboarding video answers basic questions early, so viewers feel prepared instead of overwhelmed.

Why Every Company Needs an Onboarding Video

Every company shares information repeatedly. New hires ask similar questions. Customers need the same setup instructions. Teams explain the same processes again and again. Onboarding videos reduce this repetition while keeping communication consistent.

One major benefit is time savings. Instead of explaining the same information in meetings or emails, teams can direct people to a video that covers the basics clearly. This frees up time for deeper conversations and support.

Onboarding videos also improve consistency. When information is delivered verbally, details can change depending on who explains it. A video ensures that everyone receives the same message, tone, and instructions. This reduces misunderstandings and errors early on.

Another benefit is accessibility. Viewers can watch onboarding videos at their own pace. They can pause, replay, or revisit content whenever needed. This is helpful for remote teams, global companies, and users across different time zones.

From a brand perspective, onboarding videos create a stronger first impression. Clear visuals, structured messaging, and friendly delivery show that the company is organized and thoughtful. This builds confidence and trust from the start.

What Information Should an Onboarding Video Include

An effective onboarding video focuses on what viewers need right now, not everything they might need in the future. The goal is to guide, not overload. When too much information is packed into one video, viewers lose focus and retain less.

Most strong onboarding videos include several core elements:

• A clear welcome and introduction
  This sets the tone and explains what the video is about. It helps viewers understand why the information matters to them.
• Context about the company or product
  A short explanation of who the company is, what it does, and how the viewer fits into that picture.
• Key expectations or goals
  For employees, this might include role expectations. For customers, it could explain how the product helps solve a problem.
• Essential tools, systems, or workflows
  Only the basics needed to get started. Detailed training can come later.
• Next steps and where to get help
  Viewers should know what to do after the video and who to contact if they have questions.

Tone plays a big role here. Onboarding videos work best when they feel welcoming and clear, not formal or overwhelming. Simple language, clean visuals, and a logical flow help viewers stay engaged.

Examples of Effective Onboarding Video

1. HubSpot

Industry: Customer Relationship Management
Video length: 3 minutes 31 seconds

This HubSpot onboarding video uses storytelling to create a strong emotional connection. Instead of only sharing information, the video focuses on how it feels to work at HubSpot. A clear voiceover, well-written script, and creative visuals work together to tell the story.

The video shows new employees what they can expect from their first days at the company. Real team members appear on screen in playful and dramatic scenes, which makes the content memorable and easy to watch. Storytelling like this helps onboarding videos feel more human and engaging.

Why it works:

• The style feels fun, polished, and self-aware without feeling forced
• New hires learn about company culture in a clear and entertaining way
• Real employees appear on camera, which builds trust and personality

2. Intuit

Industry: Financial Software
Video length: 2 minutes 36 seconds

The “We Are Intuit” video introduces new employees to the onboarding experience through the voices of existing team members. Each employee shares one word to describe how their onboarding felt. This approach helps new hires quickly sense the company culture and the people behind it.

The video uses strong production quality and shows different teams and departments across the company. Real moments from meetings and onboarding sessions are included, which makes the video feel honest and relatable. An onboarding video like this can support orientation by setting a positive tone from the start and helping new employees feel welcomed.

Why it works:

• Short, positive one-word answers keep viewers curious and engaged
• The story flows naturally through clean editing and simple questions
• Real footage from actual onboarding sessions adds authenticity and trust

Also read: 15 Marketing Video Types to Boost Results in 2026

3. Google intern’s first week

Industry: Technology
Video type: Intern onboarding

This Google intern onboarding video uses real experiences to show what the first week feels like. The video follows a clear story and focuses on how teams work together, how projects move forward, and how interns fit into daily work. It gives new hires a realistic picture of life inside Google.

By featuring real employees and interns, the video feels warm and welcoming. Personal stories help viewers connect emotionally and feel less nervous about starting. The video highlights collaboration, creativity, and inclusion, which helps new interns feel excited and confident before their first day.

Why it works:

• Real stories make the onboarding experience feel personal
• Clear storytelling shows what new hires can expect in their role
• Team interactions highlight collaboration and company culture

4. Zendesk “This Is Zendesk”

Industry: Customer Support Software
Video type: Onboarding and recruitment

Zendesk’s onboarding video shows how a friendly tone and simple visuals can communicate culture clearly. The video works well for both onboarding and hiring since it explains how the company operates and what it values. It combines animated interface elements with real office footage, which keeps the visuals clear and engaging.

A calm voiceover guides the story and explains key points without feeling formal or overwhelming. The mix of animation and live action helps viewers understand Zendesk’s work style, values, and environment. This approach makes the company feel open, approachable, and easy to relate to.

Why it works:

• Clean visuals keep the message easy to follow
• Animation and real footage balance clarity and personality
• Friendly narration creates a welcoming first impression

5. Netflix “Company Culture”

Industry: Entertainment and Streaming
Video type: Culture and onboarding

Netflix’s culture video focuses on one of its core values, “Freedom and Responsibility.” The video explains what this value means in real situations and how it shapes daily work across the company. Instead of using abstract ideas, the video shows how employees apply this principle in their roles.

By featuring team members from different regions, the video presents a global view of Netflix’s work culture. Employees share their own experiences, which helps new hires understand expectations and work style. This approach gives viewers a clear sense of how decisions are made and what it takes to succeed at Netflix.

Why it works:

• A single core value keeps the message focused and easy to understand
• Real employee perspectives make the culture feel authentic
• Global representation shows consistency across teams and locations

Best Practices for Creating a Strong Onboarding Video

Creating an onboarding video is not just about saying welcome. It is about helping new hires feel comfortable, informed, and ready to start their role with confidence. A good onboarding video explains what the company stands for, how things work, and where the new hire fits in. Below is a clear and practical breakdown of what an effective onboarding video should include, written in a way that is easy to follow and easy to remember.

Company overview and values

Start by explaining who the company is and what it believes in. Share the mission, the vision, and the values that guide daily work. This helps new hires see the bigger picture and understand why the company exists. It also shows what kind of behavior, attitude, and work style are expected. When values are explained early, people feel more connected and know how to make decisions that align with the company culture.

This section does not need to be long or formal. Simple language works best. Showing real examples of how values are applied in daily work makes the message clearer and more relatable.

Team introductions

Starting a new job can feel awkward when everyone is unfamiliar. Introducing the team helps remove that barrier. This can include leaders, managers, or key team members the new hire will work with often. Seeing faces and hearing voices helps the company feel more welcoming and human.

Not every onboarding video needs to show the full team. At minimum, it helps to include company leaders such as founders or department heads. Short introductions where people explain their role and what they enjoy about working there can make a big difference. This gives new hires a sense of who to approach and how teams work together.

Benefits and growth opportunities

New hires want to know more than just their tasks. They want to know how the company supports them. Use the onboarding video to explain benefits such as health coverage, flexible work options, time off policies, or wellness programs. Clear explanations help avoid confusion later and show that the company values its people.

Growth is just as important. Explain how employees can learn, improve, and move forward in their careers. This can include training programs, mentorship, internal promotions, or chances to work on new projects. When people see a future for themselves, they feel more motivated and committed from the start.

Setting expectations and next steps

A strong onboarding video also explains what happens next. This might include the first week schedule, tools they will use, or who to contact for help. Clear expectations reduce stress and help new hires focus on learning rather than guessing.

Ending the video with encouragement and reassurance helps new hires feel supported. It shows that the company wants them to succeed and that help is always available.

A well-made onboarding video that covers these areas helps new hires feel welcomed, prepared, and confident. It gives them clarity, builds trust, and creates a positive first impression. When done right, onboarding videos support long-term success and help people feel like part of the team from day one.

Also read: How to Build a Video Production Brief That Gets Results

What Is the Ideal Length for an Onboarding Video

There is no single ideal length, but attention span plays a major role. Shorter videos usually perform better, especially for first-time viewers.

General guidelines that work well:

• 2 to 3 minutes for welcome or overview videos
• 3 to 5 minutes for process explanations
• Short segments rather than one long video

When onboarding requires more detail, creating a series works better than extending one video. This allows viewers to move step by step and focus on what they need at each stage.

Shorter videos are easier to update as well. If one process changes, only that specific video needs revision instead of redoing everything.

How Onboarding Videos Improve Long-Term Efficiency

The value of onboarding videos goes beyond first impressions. Over time, they reduce repetitive questions, shorten ramp-up periods, and improve confidence.

Employees start roles with clearer expectations. Customers understand products faster. Teams spend less time explaining basics and more time supporting growth.

Onboarding videos also help scale operations. As teams grow, videos ensure new people receive the same guidance without adding workload.

When onboarding content is well planned, it becomes a long-term asset rather than a temporary solution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Onboarding Videos

Are onboarding videos only for employees?

No. Onboarding videos are used for customers, users, partners, and internal teams. Any situation that requires a clear introduction benefits from video.

Can onboarding videos replace live training completely?

They handle foundational information well, but live sessions still help with discussion and deeper learning. Videos reduce repetition rather than replace human interaction.

Should onboarding videos include subtitles?

Yes. Subtitles improve accessibility and help viewers who watch without sound or speak different languages.

Is animation or live action better for onboarding videos?

Both work well. Animation suits systems and abstract ideas. Live action helps build connection. Many onboarding videos combine both.

How often should onboarding videos be updated?

Whenever tools, processes, or messaging change. Keeping content accurate helps maintain trust and usefulness.

Can Get Camera Crew Create Onboarding Videos?

Yes. Get Camera Crew works with companies to plan and produce onboarding videos that focus on clarity, structure, and long-term usability. Each project begins with a clear discussion around the audience, the goal of the onboarding, and how the video will be delivered, whether through internal platforms, websites, or learning systems.

The production process covers content planning, scripting, and selecting the right visual format. Some onboarding videos use live action to build human connection and trust. Others use animation, screen capture, or mixed formats to explain tools, systems, or workflows clearly. The approach is chosen based on what helps viewers learn faster, not on visual effects alone.

By keeping the structure clean and the messaging focused, onboarding videos stay relevant longer and are easier to update as teams and processes change. If you are planning to improve your onboarding experience or replace long documents with clear video guidance, contact Get Camera Crew today to discuss how an onboarding video can support your team and scale with your growth.