We could briefly say that interactive videos are audiovisual content that requires the active participation of the viewer, being able to interact with the video and thus be involved in options that add value to the content.
Who would dare to deny the influence of the audiovisual on the internet? Today, any specific need or demand (be it a makeup tutorial or a business training) is supported by a video available on the web.
However, there is an interesting novelty that transforms the appeal and effectiveness of this type of content: interactive video. Instead of just seeing the content, passively receiving the message, the viewer can interact.
The change, of course, provides a number of incredible possibilities, mainly in relation to distance learning. Are you curious to understand how to apply this trend in marketing? Cool!
In this post, you will understand a little more about the concept and how to apply interactive videos. In addition, you will also receive valuable advice for you to develop your own production strategy. Let’s go?
What is the importance of interactive videos?
The situation is common, and you can certainly fit into the role of our main character: on a nice day, you discover that you need to use a new tool. It is natural that there is some difficulty at the beginning, right? You are not yet familiar with all the resources that a certain platform offers.
It is right at this moment, therefore, that you have a great idea: search the internet for a simple, video tutorial, perfect for you to learn exactly what you want quickly and efficiently.
The result is precise: in a few minutes, you manage to execute your tasks and are satisfied with the newly learned skills.
Although, in this case, the situation is merely indicative, such initiatives are increasingly common in everyday life.
According to data from , released in the middle of 2018, the study was carried out among men and women aged between 16 and 65 years. Of this Spanish population, 82% are Internet users and, of these, 95% are online video users. It is a market that is almost fully mature.
The boom in the audiovisual sector was already foreseen by companies in tune with market behavior. This trend is upwards, it has grown about 12 points since 2014, and if we try to read it to understand the reasons for this growth, we can summarize it in three points: the progressive growth of video consumption on social networks, mobile consumption.
What are interactive videos?
With the success of the audiovisual, investments in this practice increase. This scenario allows innovations to be constant and heat up the . It was precisely this promising context that guaranteed the emergence of an even more incredible and useful modality: interactive video.
In practice, interactive video is similar to its predecessor — also called linear video — except that it supports and encourages the viewer to actually interact with the content on the screen. More to see, the user has to participate.
The magic happens from a series of tools integrated into the platforms. Viewers can click, drag, slide, hover and answer questions, completing actions to really positively interfere with the delivery of content.
Some of the main functionalities available are:
- Hotspots, which create “clickable areas” within the video and allow the user, when interacting, to be taken to another page directly related to the content (a subject complement or even an ecommerce product, to stimulate the purchase of a certain element);
- 360° view, which allows the viewer the ability to see the full extent of the image, with a 360-degree turn;
- Ramifications, pointing out that the user can choose different paths in his interaction with the video, personalizing the contents he receives while he is watching them;
- Data input, which incorporates some informative fields into the video, so that the viewer can share their name, age and whatever is most convenient for the producer;
- Quizzes, which intersperse buttons and branches to personalize the experience and give individualized results at the end of the video.
Examples of interactive videos
Netflix
An example of interactive video that has given a lot to talk about in 2019 was the audiovisual content Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.
Netflix was a pioneer in launching an experience that gives the viewer the opportunity to choose the fate of the protagonists and, thus, actively participate in the narrative.
There are several different endings, according to the choices we make throughout the story. Very interesting, right?
Hello Eko
On the platform you can control several different stories in super fun interactive videos.
The site even has an alliance with BuzzFeed and it is possible to carry out tests in this innovative format.
You can even , by clicking on the desired ingredients!
You already noticed that the possibilities are wide, right? Interactive videos are an incredible novelty to boost the quality of (and satisfaction with) audiovisual materials — and DL may be one of the biggest beneficiaries.
What are the tips for creating interactive videos?
Now that you must be excited about the prospect of creating interactive videos, it’s worth taking a look at the best techniques and practices of .
After all, to create valuable content, capable of entertaining and engaging, you need to keep up to date with the demands of the public and the possibilities of technology. Check out the tips!
1. Work on the script
When talking about script, the cinema then comes to mind, right? In EaD with interactive videos, the purpose is similar: before preparing the class, think about all the details of the material.
Imagine, for example, when a quiz will be relevant and when a 360° view can help the student to internalize the explanation.
2. Create links that make sense
We know that the innovation of interactivity is very attractive, but it is essential that you be careful when inserting the links of the content, okay? From the script that you have built, you will be able to see when it is more feasible to intervene to propose a quality interaction.
3. Surprise the viewer
Interactive videos have a great advantage: they can surprise the student at any time. Instead of the monotony of a traditional online class, take risks for resources that make the interaction interesting, in order to value the spectator’s initiative from beginning to end.
4. Value the user experience
Last but not least, make sure you treat Distance Learning as a continuous process of experience. In each class, think about the student’s position in front of the content of the interactive videos and have empathy for their learning process.
The interactive features are excellent for you to be able to make your journey even more transformative.
How to create an interactive video?
Interactive videos are still a novelty in the market and, therefore, not everyone knows how to create them.
The good news is that there are already tools, some free and some paid, that can help you with this task.
Vizia
is a very simple tool that allows you to add quizzes and CTAs to your videos.
It is used for more basic interactive content, but it can be a good option for you to start familiarizing yourself with this type of format (and it’s free)!
Vidzor
It is a much more complete option than the previous one and even so it has a free version. With this editing platform you can put points to click, insert links, put buttons to share on social networks and much more.
wirewax
The tool is already a much more professional option, ideal for those who are willing to invest and obtain high-quality interactive videos. To give you an idea, Disney and Honda are included on their customer card!
How do interactive videos help in EaD?
Distance education is a global trend, and its growth is remarkable. According to the , released at the beginning of 2018, 51% of EaD students in Mexico use an online platform.
Considering such promising numbers, it is inevitable that the sector invests in innovations and is constantly reinventing itself in the delivery of valuable materials. This makes it easy to list several reasons why the bet on interactive videos in EaD should be taken seriously, such as:
- during class, perfecting not only the learning process, but also the level of content retention;
- Simplification of complex concepts, making use of complementary resources (extra references and/or incorporated infographics) to facilitate theories;
- Personalization of the experience, allowing individual evaluations (quizzes and ramifications, for example) and favoring the assimilation of the content in a particular and much more effective way.
Interactive videos are therefore an interesting resource for the evolution of distance education.
Thus, the two parties involved (student and teacher) win: the instructor has a wide range of possibilities and can explore the content that he wishes to transmit from a series of formats. The student, in turn, increases his interaction with the material and maximizes its assimilation, learning in a more attractive way.
Light camera and action
At this point, you have already let yourself be convinced that your EaD strategy needs to have interactive videos, okay? Great: it’s time to prepare the script and position yourself.
It invests in innovation in learning to, in addition to gaining market share, also prioritize a more technological, productive and efficient education.
Have you gotten excited about the opportunities and even had a number of promising ideas already? It’s time to put planning into practice!
If you want to further explore this matter, !
Facebook Comments
Disqus