Traditionally, onboarding and training new hires rely on long Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and static documentation. 

The result? Wasted time, lower engagement and completion, and inconsistent instructions and information. In an attempt to make businesses more efficient, more and more of them are turning to AI video tools for training. 

Those tools allow companies and organizations a quicker, more engaging, and standardized way to train employees. 

4 Reasons to Switch From Text-Based SOPs to AI Video Training

If your company still relies on static, long documents for training new hires, here are four reasons to rethink your approach and incorporate a smarter and faster solution to the training process.

1. Faster Information Absorption

According to various studies and research in cognitive psychology, such as Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (2001), or Paivio’s Dual Coding Theory (1971), people process visual information a lot faster than text. This is because video combines visual cues, audio, and text, creating a better learning experience.

Compared to traditional written SOPs, Chat GPT video tools can deliver the same information and instructions in a fraction of the time while improving comprehension.

While ChatGPT is a large language model (LLM), the app gives users access to various tools (e.g., video-related GPTs) via integrations.

Training MethodAvg. Retention Rate (percentage)Optimal Use Case
Text-based SOPs10-20Step-by-step technical instructions
Live training25-30Interactive sessions
AI video training40-60Standardized onboarding, role-based tutorials

If you also have in mind that visual learners make up around 65% of the population, video training is a smart choice for most companies. 

2. Standardization Across Teams

Even if companies write a very detailed SOP, employees can interpret it differently. With AI-generated videos, it’s easier to avoid ambiguity. All the employees receive the same information that is presented in the exact same way to eliminate inconsistencies. 

This standardization is especially important in industries that require strict regulatory compliance, precision, or repeatable outcomes. 

3. Higher Engagement and Completion Rates

Ask yourself, would you rather read a 20-page manual or watch a 5-minute video with a clear explanation and visuals? Most of you would probably choose a video. That’s why completion rates for video courses are much higher than text-based learning. 

According to the LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report (2023), companies that are adopting AI-generated training videos report higher completion rates for onboarding than traditional, written documentation. People are more motivated to complete training if it feels fast, simple, and easy to follow. 

Also, video platforms often offer some analytics, so you can track: 

  • Who watched the video – includes demographic data points.
  • How long they watched it – Did they finish the video, or did they stop at some point, and what point was that?
  • If they rewatched any parts – It can indicate that some sections are more confusing, or more important to them.

4. Easy Updates and Scalability

In fast-changing industries, processes can often evolve due to software updates, revised internal policies, or updated compliance requirements. Updating traditional, written training materials is often time-consuming and inefficient compared to AI video tools.

Thanks to AI, companies can just adjust the prompt and edit the script, and quickly regenerate a new, updated video. This removes the need for long document revisions, meetings, and mass email updates.

Best Ways to Use AI Video in Onboarding

Not all training processes need a video, but it delivers the biggest impact in a few areas: 

  • Employee Orientation: Use engaging welcome videos, help new hires connect with your organization, company culture, and more.
  • Software Training: Generate step-by-step tool walkthroughs, login procedures, and process demos to make it easier to learn.
  • Compliance Training: Deliver training on security protocols, GDPR policies, HIPAA, and other regulations.
  • Sales Training: Use videos for product overviews, messaging guides, and sales process videos.
  • Role-based Training: Make customized videos for different departments, job roles, or seniority levels. 

Text vs. AI Video Training Comparison

FeatureText SOPsAI Video SOPs
EngagementLowHigh
Update SpeedMediumFast
ConsistencyVariesConsistent
ScalabilityLimitedHigh
CostLow upfront, high maintenanceModerate upfront, low maintenance

AI-generated video SOPs outperform text SOPs in engagement, scalability, update speed, and consistency. Although text SOPs have lower initial costs, they need more ongoing maintenance. 

AI videos, on the other hand, have moderate upfront costs, but are much easier and more affordable to keep updated.

How to Add AI Videos to Your Training Workflows

Companies don’t need to completely change the existing training process to benefit from AI videos. Start by pinpointing the tasks that new hires find most challenging at the beginning. 

Then create short videos that are focused on those topics, and add them to your onboarding checklists or workflow templates

This approach helps managers to assign training easily, track progress, and ensure completion. 

Conclusion

Today if organizations want to grow faster, and achieve better operational consistency they should integrate AI-generated video into the existing onboarding process. With AI video training, organizations simplify training, and also create a more engaging and more standardized learning experience for new employees. 

It adds to efficiency, quality, and adaptability of companies and the training process, which is amazing for any business!