How To Create a New Employee Onboarding Video

Onboarding videos are an excellent way to welcome new employees to your company. They’re not just informative; they help convey your company culture, set expectations, and make new hires feel at home from day one. Making a great onboarding video is like being a friendly tour guide for someone who’s stepping into an entirely new world—you want to be warm, clear, and make the experience enjoyable.

Ready to start creating your onboarding video? Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Click on the green “Create Video” button
This is your starting point. The green button is like the doorway to your creative process, and it sets everything in motion.

The green "Create Video" button in Visla
The Advanced Voice and Video option in Visla

2. Click on the arrow next to the “Voice and Video” button
Once here, select “Advanced Voice and Video.” This option will take you into our most powerful AI Video Editor suite. You can think of this as your editing hub—it’s where you’ll bring everything together.

3. Upload, Import, or Record Your Footage
You have options here: upload files from your computer, import from an external source, or record directly using Visla (note: for recording, you’ll need to download the app). Pick whichever method suits your material best.

The interface in Visla where users can Upload, Import, or Record footage.
Our AI analyzing your clip in the Advanced Voice and Video feature.

4. Let the AI Analyze Your Footage
After choosing your footage, our AI will automatically analyze it, detecting key points. You can keep adding more footage at this stage if needed. This step helps you create a story that flows well without missing important parts.

5. Click the Blue “Refine Video” Button
In the top right corner, you’ll see a blue “Refine Video” button. This will take you to our Scene-Based Editing interface. It’s like zooming in and focusing on the details—you’ll be able to adjust and refine every part of your onboarding video to make it truly shine.

Visla's scene-based editing interface, where users can continue to refine their video project.

What a Good Onboarding Video Needs

Good onboarding videos aren’t just about hitting play—they’re about telling a story that speaks to new employees. Here are some essentials:

  • A welcoming Introduction: Start by introducing the company, and ideally, a friendly face should be in the video. Seeing a real person helps new hires feel connected.
  • Clear structure: Think of the video like a journey—from initial welcome to guiding new employees through their first week and beyond. Break it down into parts so that the flow makes sense. New hires should know what to expect, step by step.
  • Company values and culture: This is the “why” behind what your company does. Communicate what drives your business and the people in it. Use footage of teams working together or company events—these visuals help set the tone.
  • Role-specific information: Each employee is different, so don’t forget to include information that’s specific to the role they’re stepping into. Add footage or graphics to help explain each team’s function.
  • A call to connect: End with an invitation to connect—maybe an introduction to the HR team or a reminder about upcoming check-ins. People feel more comfortable when they know who to reach out to if they have questions.

How to Make an Onboarding Video That Won’t Have Employees Falling Asleep

Nobody wants to sit through a boring video. You want your onboarding video to feel fresh and engaging. Here’s how to make sure you’re holding your audience’s attention:

  • Keep it short and sweet: Ideally, onboarding videos should be 5-10 minutes. Don’t overload new hires with information. Instead, keep things snappy and highlight the key points they need to know.
  • Use a mix of media: Variety is crucial. Mix in graphics, text overlays, b-roll footage, or screen recordings to keep things visually interesting. Use animation or infographics when explaining something more abstract.
  • Tone matters: Make sure the tone matches your company culture. If your company is more relaxed, use a conversational tone. If you’re in a more formal industry, keep it professional but still engaging. Don’t be afraid to add humor, as long as it aligns with your brand.
  • Add personal touches: Small touches make a big difference—like adding bloopers at the end, a team member introducing themselves, or even sharing a “pro tip” about the office. These personal elements help new hires feel like they’re getting to know the people behind the job titles.
  • End with a call to action: Give employees a next step. It could be a reminder to complete a form, schedule a meeting, or simply reach out if they have questions. A call to action helps them feel that their onboarding journey is truly interactive.

FAQ

What Should an Onboarding Video Include?

Your onboarding video should cover the basics: a warm welcome, company values, an overview of the job role, the tools and software used, and what employees can expect in their first weeks. Try to make it a mix of practical information and a taste of company culture.

What Is Video Onboarding?

Video onboarding is a method of introducing new employees to your company through video content. It’s designed to help new hires understand what your company is about, feel comfortable with their new role, and learn the tools they need to succeed—all through an easy-to-digest format. Video onboarding is effective because it makes information more engaging and allows employees to learn at their own pace