Five Different Types of Video Productions

Why Online Video Works So Well

Complicated ideas can be easily transformed into an interesting video. But do you think TED’s educational videos can be as successful as they are if the same content were simply published in a magazine article? Obviously not! Although there is plenty of excellent content published in print, they are rarely shared or rarely go viral compared to TED videos.

The video medium can engage with its viewers on an emotional level. The job of the video producer is to convey the ideas as well as the value of these ideas. He will tell the story in such a way that it can be easily understood and in an efficient manner so that it can make a huge impact.

Basically, there are five major classifications of videos. Nowadays, businesses, entrepreneurs, and professional organizations of all ranges have been trying to adapt to how they can use videos for their needs. Not so long ago, the videos that are found online were simply about news clips or entertainment and had low resolutions. However, since video content is now considered the best medium for conveying a story, it has become more popular than ever. At the same time, its quality and accessibility have also grown proportionally.

What Are the Five Types of Video Production?

Rather than simply telling a message, video is used for displaying the meaning. Simply put, video is the ultimate show and tell. With the help of modern technology, successful videos express messages as a form of entertainment, all over the world, all the time. The following are the top five types of videos with some samples and explanations.a video.

1. Educational Videos

One of the best methods for teaching and learning concepts is through the use of educational videos. Since videos use the basic senses of sight and sound, then they are considered the best way of educating. Education through the use of videos can help in teaching concepts more easily, and the knowledge can be retained efficiently compared to reading straight from a page.

This is made possible due to the models of “dual-coding theory” and “multi-modal learning” which have proven that communication through audio and visuals can greatly help in increasing comprehension and retention of newly acquired ideas.

With the capability of demonstrating in a video, viewers can easily understand the concepts being illustrated and discussed.
You might think that educational videos are merely used for providing information to the viewers. But actually, it goes beyond that, they go deeper to answer the question “why is such a thing so important?” rather than answering the question of “what.”

For instance, an educational video about learning how to Scuba dive will likely explain why you should not hold your breath as you rise to the surface, instead of just saying “don’t hold your breath” without giving any explanation.

This is the reason, “why” is very significant since it is capable of delivering actual understanding to the viewers. The amazing thing about educational videos is their ability to easily share complicated ideas and teach learners properly, providing comprehension that is not hindered by language barriers.

Some examples of Educational Videos include Video Lesson Series, Student ‘Show and Tell’ Videos, Online Courses with Video Lessons, Remote Online Classroom Instruction, How-To Training Videos, Webinar Informational Videos, Animated Explainer Videos, etc.

2. Promotional Videos

Undoubtedly, promotional videos have become very popular, especially for businesses. Also, this is because powerful mobile devices and fast wireless internet are now easily accessible. Most businesses have come to realize that using videos for marketing is very affordable with a great return on their investment.
It seems that modern viewers have quickly adapted to this particular style of video since they are very engaging, provide relevant information, have a short duration, and are always available when the viewer is interested in viewing them. Not only that, but videos can be shared on social networks, which is great for online marketing!

It is important to know that promotional videos are not similar to the advertisements that we usually see on television during commercial breaks. When it comes to promotional videos, viewers will decide if they want to watch them. These people are likely interested to know if these videos contain solutions to their problems. In order to know, they have to press play.

If this promotional video marketing does not provide them with the information that they need upfront, then they can choose to stop viewing it anytime, contrary to TV or online video ads which play intrusively without the consent of the viewer.

Promotional videos vary from educational and instructional videos since they target specific viewers and address their needs. These videos provide solutions then offer a “call to action” in the conclusion, asking the audience to take action. By using the art of rapport and persuasion, which is the same approach taken by an experienced salesperson, the viewer can sense that the video is offering something valuable and it is their decision whether or not they will respond to the call to action. Taking action means making a purchase, or choosing to “share,” or “like” on social media. These are the typical goals for promotional video marketers.

Some samples of Promotional Videos include Corporate Videos, Presentation Videos, Human Resources Videos, Product Demonstration Videos, Event Videos, Keynote Slideshow Presentation Videos, Comparison Videos, Product Review Videos, Destination Videos, Talking-head Videos, Testimonial Videos, Explainer Videos, Unboxing Videos, Real Estate Tour Videos, Presentation Videos, Advertising Videos, Giveaway Videos, Announcement Videos, etc.

3. Informational Videos

Among the different types of videos, informational videos are arguably the easiest to make. This type of video offers cut and dry information that is delivered as briefly as possible. Imagine a newscaster delivering the current news by telling a quick story and then moving on to the succeeding story rapidly. These videos offer answers to the “what” on a particular subject, however, it does not go much deeper than that. Therefore, the “why” is simply left unexplored, unlike promotional videos or educational videos.

One good example of a completely informational video is journalism. Due to the sights and sounds of the news events, it can feel like you are right there on location. So, there is no need to imagine what might happen since you can hear and see it for yourself.

Since smartphones now include an HD or 4K camera with video capabilities, anybody can already make their newsgathering. Rather than a television station with an interviewer, cameraman, and producer, any person can now record, upload, or stream live videos from almost anywhere, anytime.

Some samples of Informational Videos include Interview Question & Answer Videos, Socially Shared News Snippets, Television Newscasts, Streaming Video Online News Websites, Public Service Announcements, etc.

4. Documentary Videos or Films

Documentary Films are defined as nonfictional motion pictures that are designed for documenting some aspects of reality, specifically for education, instruction, as well as keeping a historical record. However, it is important to consider that most documentaries are now done digitally rather than using celluloid film.

Generally, documentaries are a combination of information dispensing and entertainment. There are three major types of documentaries. These are observational, expository, and participatory. An observational documentary does not include any narration, an expository documentary shows the narrator doing some explanations as we watch the events, and finally, a participatory documentary shows the filmmaker taking part in the events. Aside from these, there are still other genres of documentaries.

Some samples of Documentary Genres are Observational documentaries, Performative documentaries, Participatory documentaries, Poetic documentaries, Reflexive documentaries, Expository documentaries, etc.

5. Entertainment Videos

Lastly, this is fun stuff. Entertainment videos are simply used for entertainment’s sake. In this category, the sky’s the limit and most of the samples of videos that we’ve mentioned above could also fall under this category as well. This is not a hard and fast category. Entertainment videos can differ in genre, scope, and purpose. Online movies, video clips, videos on Netflix, YouTube videos, and many more belong under the category of entertainment.

Some samples of entertainment videos include Travel Videos, Wedding Videos, YouTube Channel Stars, Movies, Streaming Services such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc, Music Videos, Automotive Enthusiast Videos, Comedy Shows, Reality Shows, Drama Shows, Solid Media such as Blu-Ray and DVD plus a lot more.

What are the Differences and Similarities of These Video Types?

There are a lot of varieties of videos and so much overlap and crossover, which is why the list and combinations could likely go on forever. The types of videos that we mentioned above are just the main genres of video. First, let’s take a look at the differences.

The Differences Between Video Genres

A lot of video types, except entertainment videos, have an objective of persuading and motivating action from the viewers. Usually, promotional videos require a call to action, wherein the video will explain what is the next step that the viewer must take so they can obtain the outcome that is being proposed.

Although, every video style has a degree of bias on the featured issue, yet it is the promotional videos that follow a certain formula in persuading viewers to take action at the end. The whole purpose of the promotional videos is to encourage viewers to change their opinions on something while educational and informational videos are more passive.

Similarities Between Different Videos Types

All types of videos share the same goal which is to share a story or knowledge with the viewers. This means that all of them are informational videos at their core. Additionally, all of these videos have a specific target audience in mind. They all consider the gender, language, age, or political opinion of the audience. At some point, entertainment can also be an aspect. Videos should not be boring because of modern audiences’ short attention spans.

BA Productions Group is a multiple award-winning video production company that can deliver different types of videos, whether it is for entertainment, documentaries, corporate videos, etc. For your booking and inquiries, just call us at 877-378-7225.