How To Create Effective Video SOPs

If you're reading this, you probably know how important SOPs are for organizations.

But we're here to discuss what we think is a better way of presenting these documents - video. 📹

Keep reading to learn:

• how and why SOP videos are beneficial
• how to make SOP videos with no equipment using AI technology

But if you're not familiar with these 3 letters, let us walk you through the basics first.

Otherwise, use the handy table of contents on the left to skip ahead to the interesting parts. 😉

What does SOP stand for?

SOP can mean a lot of things - depending on who you ask. 🤷🏻‍♀️

In the business world, it typically stands for "Standard Operating Procedure."

But if you ask a group of high school students, they might tell you it stands for "Same Old Place."

And if you ask a group of medical professionals, they'll probably tell you it stands for "Standing Order Protocol."

So what does SOP really stand for? 🤔

In this blog post, SOP stands for Standard Operating Procedure.

What is a Standard Operating Procedure?

An SOP is a set of step-by-step instructions that outline how to perform certain tasks.

SOPs are designed to promote consistency and efficiency within an organization/business, and they can be used for everything from operating machinery to cooking a meal.

While SOPs may seem like a pain at first glance, they can actually be quite helpful in ensuring that everyone is on the same page. After all, would you rather have your employees follow a set of simple instructions or try to figure tasks out on their own?

In most cases, the answer is quite clear.

Why are video standard operating procedures better?

Let's face it: no one likes reading a wall of text. It's dry, it's boring, and chances are that you'll zone out before you even reach the end. 🥱

But what if there was a better way to convey important information?

That's where video SOPs come in. 🚀

2 reasons to consider video SOPs

1. Videos are much more engaging than text, making it more likely that employees will actually pay attention to the procedures being outlined. Video also allows for a more visual understanding of complex procedures, which can be helpful for employees who are visual learners.

2. Video can be easily shared and accessed on demand, making it a convenient way to ensure that everyone in the organization is up to date on the latest procedures.

So if you're looking for a better way to communicate standard operating procedures, ditch the text and switch to video.

Sounds easier said than done?

So let us show you the easy way of making video SOPs.

How to make video SOPs using AI

If there's one thing that can make your job easier, it's automation.

Automating complex or tedious tasks can free up your time to focus on more important things.

And now, thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, you can make the process of video creation as easy as writing an email.

Here's how. 👇

1. Determine the purpose of your video

The first step in creating a video SOP is to determine the purpose of the video.

Answer these questions to start:

• What will the video be used for? Will it be used to document processes or procedures? Will it be used for training employees on certain tasks?
• What sort of platform/process/task are you going to demonstrate?
• Who is the target audience? New hires or current employees?

2. Write a video script

If you already have SOP documents, you will have to chunk and shave the information to turn it into a video script.

You can just watch this quick video showing the process of Shaving and Chunking:

Otherwise, you will have to create a video script from scratch.

Worry not, it's not as hard as it seems. We've also created an in-depth guide on writing training video scripts you can check out.

3. Create the video using an AI video maker

Using an AI video maker like Synthesia, create the video by pasting in your video script slide by slide.

Then, choose the language and voice for the narration, and add visuals elements, like:

• realistic AI avatars to act as a presenters
• images, videos, backgrounds
• shapes, icons, transitions

A little confused? Maybe this short video will clear things up:

4. Distribute to your team

Your video is now complete!

You can download it, share via link, embed it, and even integrate your Synthesia video into the LMS/LXP of your choice to keep track of the video's performance.

Say goodbye to boring, text-heavy SOPs...

... and hello to engaging videos!

Are you still relying on text-heavy SOPs to communicate your processes? If so, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to engage and educate your employees.

The best part is that it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming to produce high-quality videos.

Synthesia's free AI video generator will show you how easy it is.

And if you want to learn even more facts, tips and stats about training videos, we have just the right resource for you 👇