Training videos are a core part of learning and development for many teams, because a video library is an efficient and scalable resource. Video is also a great way to share information across distributed teams using internal communication platforms.
To evaluate video training tools, you’ll need to consider whether they support all the different types of training you need — from software walkthroughs to compliance courses. Your platform should also make it easy to edit and publish lessons fast, so your team always has access to the latest information.
In this article, we’ll explore eight of the top training video software options, then talk about how to build resources that engage participants and create real results.
How to choose the right instructional video software
Training video software is a toolset for planning, recording, editing, and publishing instructional content. Most platforms start with screen and webcam recording, then add editing and publishing features so you can create structured, engaging lessons.
Companies use videos to make training consistent and easy to maintain. Instead of conducting the same onboarding walkthroughs or policy refreshers repeatedly, you can create training videos once and update them whenever something changes.
To match a platform to your training needs, consider:
- Capture options: Make sure you can record your screen, webcam, or both, since a lot of virtual training relies on demonstrating steps.
- Editing speed: Look for features like quick trims and pre-made templates to keep content creation quick. And a built-in video editor is a must, so you don’t have to juggle videos between separate software.
- Interactive learning: Quizzes, surveys, links, and overlays keep learners more engaged in the training process.
- Captions and transcripts: Built-in captions and video transcripts make training easier to follow and revisit later.
- Analytics and reporting: Completion and drop-off data tell you which lessons need more work.
- Collaboration and review: Shared workspaces for video collaboration help your team create together, even if they’re widely distributed.
- Security and access control: Look for role-based permissions and two-factor authentication, so you know sensitive company data stays secure.
8 best training video software options
These e-learning video software tools cover a variety of common needs, from fast screen recording and capture to deep editing workflows and interactive programs.
1. Vimeo
Vimeo Learning and Development is built for teams that want to create professional training videos they can improve over time. You can easily add interactive touchpoints like quizzes and polls, so trainees stay interested for longer and retain more information.
Plus, you can use Vimeo’s Analytics to see what learners engage with, and connect this platform to your learning management system (LMS) so embedded training videos support progress tracking and reporting.
Key features:
- Helps you add interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and in-video prompts
- Shows engagement and completion data so you can refine future training videos
- Supports secure hosting and controlled sharing for employee training
Best for: L&D teams that want interactive video creation plus data-driven insights
Create effective training videos with Vimeo →
2. Camtasia
Camtasia combines screen recording with built-in video editing software, making this platform a good fit for screencast training and instructional tutorials. You can access screen capture, audio, and editing tools from one dashboard.
Key features:
- Records screen, webcam, and audio in a single workflow
- Includes effects, callouts, and animations for clearer instruction
- Supports interactive elements like quizzes and surveys
Best for: Teams that need screen recording and video editing in one tool
3. iSpring Suite
iSpring Suite is best for structured employee training, not just standalone clips. This tool is designed for building course-style content with assessments and narration, and it includes publishing options for various learning environments.
Key features:
- Helps you build structured courses and knowledge checks for learners
- Supports screen recording with narration and webcam capture
- Offers publishing options designed for training delivery
Best for: Course-style training with quizzes and packaged lessons
4. Panopto
Panopto is a video platform that offers secure hosting and content management tools. Thanks to its searchable libraries — which work like knowledge bases for video content — Panopto is often used for employee training that needs a centralized home and unified reporting.
Key features:
- Organizes training videos in a searchable library
- Tracks engagement and completion data across employee training programs
- Supports live sessions and on-demand playback
Best for: Large training libraries with analytics and structured delivery
5. ScreenPal
ScreenPal is a screen recording and capture tool with lightweight video editing capabilities. The no-cost starter tier makes this an accessible free training video software, especially when you need quick turnarounds without the complexity of a full editing suite.
Key features:
- Offers easy screencast creation with screen and webcam capture
- Provides basic editing tools for trimming, captions, and overlays
- Works well for quick employee training updates
Best for: Fast screen recording and simple editing
6. DemoCreator
DemoCreator focuses on screen recording with fast editing and annotation features. This option can be useful if you want to guide learners through complex training steps using clear callouts and overlays.
Key features:
- Includes annotation tools for arrows, highlights, and captions
- Speeds up editing with AI script generation
- Exports in common formats for publishing
Best for: Step-by-step walkthrough videos
7. LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds is an LMS built around course delivery and interactive learning. This platform is a solid fit for lengthy training programs, especially when you want structured paths for learners.
Key features:
- Supports interactive video elements inside course experiences
- Provides analytics tied to learner engagement
- Includes video marketing options for monetized courses
Best for: In-depth, multi-session training courses that need a lot of structure
8. Snagit
Snagit is a screen capture tool focused on producing short recordings fast. While its feature set is limited, Snagit is easy to use, and it works well for casual training that relies on lots of static visuals along with quick, to-the-point videos.
Key features:
- Includes screen capture tools with clear markups and callouts
- Offers quick recording for micro-lessons and fast clarifications
- Lets you combine screenshots with short training videos
Best for: Screenshot-driven training with associated video clips
Tips for how to make an effective training video
Whether you’re building video training and development programs from scratch or improving existing content, these best practices will set you up for success:
- Start with one outcome per video: Choose a narrow focus to keep the project achievable, and map the steps before you get started. Then record a clean screencast that flows in the same order your learners will complete the task.
- Keep screen recordings clear and readable: Zoom in on small UI details, and use screen capture settings that don’t blur text.
- Don’t neglect the audio: Use a quality microphone, and pause after key steps so the narration doesn’t run ahead of what’s on screen.
- Edit drafts to remove friction: When editing your training videos, trim dead space and distracting elements, and add simple callouts when information on screen is easy to miss.
- Show learners the goal: If you’re teaching a workflow, end with a visual of the finished result or a quick verification step so learners know when they’ve done it right.
- Plan for hosting and sharing upfront: Video creation is much simpler if you can do everything in the same place. An all-in-one tool like Vimeo lets you host, edit, track, and collaborate on training videos in a single secure platform.
FAQ
How long should a training video be?
There’s no one right length for a training video — just make sure each is focused on one topic and doesn’t include unnecessary elements. Short videos on specific subjects are often ideal, but you can structure longer content using chapters.
How can I make instructional videos?
All you need to make a training video is a recording or screen capture tool, but for high-quality results that actually educate, you’ll want robust video editing software. Look for tools that let you add interactive elements and organize large training libraries.
Can ChatGPT create a training video?
No, ChatGPT can’t make training videos, although it can generate scripts and visuals. Even if it could, AI doesn’t understand what makes training effective, so this technology is best used as a tool to support human video editors.
How can I make training videos for free?
To make a training video for free, you can simply record it on your phone or use your computer’s built-in screen recording tool. However, effective educational content tends to include features only available in paid video software, such as chapters and quizzes.
Create professional, educational training videos with Vimeo
Your training video software shapes what you can create, which means it has a big impact on what learners take away. When you opt for editing features packaged with analytics, you can ship training videos faster and improve lessons based on what learners watch and complete.
Vimeo’s Learning and Development serves teams that need high-quality video creation, a centralized learning hub, secure hosting, and granular engagement metrics. Our platform also provides collaboration and controlled access features, and it scales easily for distributed and growing teams.
