So, you need to get new customers up to speed, but sending them walls of text or endless emails isn’t cutting it. You want something that holds their attention, actually teaches them what they need to know, and doesn’t make you look like you’re stuck in 2010. That’s where interactive video comes in—and why you’re probably curious about using Hippovideo.
This guide is for folks who want to build onboarding that works: SaaS teams, customer support leads, or really anyone who’s tired of seeing users bail before they get to the good stuff. We’ll walk through how to use Hippovideo to make interactive onboarding videos that are clear, useful, and worth your (and your customers’) time. You’ll get honest advice—no fluff, no empty promises.
Why Use Interactive Video for Onboarding?
Let’s be blunt: most onboarding materials are boring. People don’t read them, or they tune out and miss the important stuff. Interactive video, when done right, can keep people engaged and even help you spot where they’re getting stuck.
Here’s what works: - Short clips: Break up info into bite-sized pieces. - Clickable elements: Let viewers choose their own path or get more info only if they want it. - Quizzes or polls: Check for understanding without the “pop quiz” anxiety. - Personalization: Show relevant info for their use case.
But here’s what doesn’t:
- 20-minute “welcome” videos (no one watches these)
- Overloading the video with pop-ups or too many choices
- Gimmicks that distract from actually learning how to use your product
Hippovideo is one of the better tools for adding these interactive bits without needing a video editing degree. But it’s not magic—so let’s focus on the basics that actually help you onboard customers.
Step 1: Set a Clear Goal for Your Onboarding Video
Before you even open Hippovideo, decide what success looks like. Are you helping someone set up their account? Teaching them the three features they’ll use most? The more specific, the better.
Some examples: - “By the end, users can connect their email account.” - “Users know how to create and share their first project.” - “Customers understand where to get help if they get stuck.”
Pro Tip:
Don’t try to cram everything into one video. It’s better to have a short, focused video for each main step than a single monster video no one finishes.
Step 2: Script It Out (But Don’t Read Like a Robot)
You don’t need a Hollywood screenplay, but you do need a plan. Think about what you’d say if you were sitting next to a brand-new customer and showing them around.
- Write out a basic outline—intro, 2-3 main points, clear next step.
- Use plain language. Skip the jargon and “inside baseball” terms.
- Add a few natural pauses where you’ll put interactive elements (like “Want to try it yourself?” or “Need more info on this feature?”)
What to ignore:
Don’t stress about being perfect. If you stumble over a word, fine. People relate to real humans, not voice actors.
Step 3: Record Your Video in Hippovideo
Hippovideo lets you record your screen, webcam, or both. For onboarding, screen recording is your friend. Here’s how to keep it simple:
- Open Hippovideo and pick “Create Video” > “Screen Recording.”
- Show the actual steps the customer needs—don’t just talk about them.
- Keep each video under 3 minutes if you can. Two shorter videos are better than one that drags on.
- Use your real voice. If you sound a little awkward, that’s fine.
Honest take:
The built-in editing tools are good enough for trimming, cutting out mistakes, and adding simple annotations. You don’t need fancy transitions or background music. Clean and clear beats “slick” every time.
Step 4: Add Interactive Elements That Actually Help
This is where Hippovideo stands out. But a little goes a long way. Interactive elements can make your video useful—or just annoying if you overdo it.
Good uses for interactivity:
- Clickable buttons: “Want more details?” or “Skip ahead to the next step.”
- Branching: Let viewers pick their role (“I’m an admin” vs. “I’m a user”) and see tailored content.
- In-video forms: Quick polls or feedback (“Was this step clear?”)
- Links: Add a “Need help?” button that goes straight to your support docs or chat.
What to skip:
- Too many pop-ups or choices—this overwhelms people fast.
- Anything that distracts from the main goal.
- Gimmicky “gamification” features that don’t actually teach anything.
How to add them in Hippovideo: 1. In the editor, click the “Interactive Elements” tab. 2. Drag and drop your choice—button, form, quiz—onto the timeline. 3. Set what happens when someone clicks (jump to a section, open a link, etc.). 4. Preview the video. If you find yourself clicking around too much, dial it back.
Pro Tip:
Ask yourself: “Does this help the viewer succeed faster?” If not, leave it out.
Step 5: Personalize When It Makes Sense
Hippovideo lets you add variables—like the customer’s name, company, or plan—if you’re sending videos one-to-one or via automation. This can make onboarding feel a bit less generic.
When to use personalization: - Welcoming high-value customers (“Hey Sarah, welcome to AcmeApp!”) - Referencing their specific goals or setup - For support follow-ups where you already have their info
When to skip it: - For mass onboarding (it gets weird if the data is wrong) - If it slows you down or adds complexity
Honest take:
Personalization is nice, but clarity and usefulness matter more. If you’re short on time, focus on making the video clear to any new user.
Step 6: Distribute Your Onboarding Video the Smart Way
It’s pointless to make a great onboarding video if no one sees it. Hippovideo gives you several ways to share:
- Direct link: Fastest way—paste into your welcome email or chat.
- Embed: Add to your product’s dashboard, help center, or onboarding checklist.
- Email automation: Connect to your CRM or onboarding flow for sending at the right moment.
What works best: - Put your video where the user needs it. If it’s about setting up billing, show it on the billing page—not buried in a generic help article. - Send a short, personal email with the video link right after signup.
What to avoid: - Forcing users to create a Hippovideo account just to watch (they shouldn’t have to) - Burying the video under layers of navigation
Step 7: Track What’s Working (and Fix What’s Not)
Hippovideo gives you analytics—views, clicks, where people drop off, etc. This is gold for improving your onboarding.
- Check where people stop watching. Maybe that’s where you’re losing them.
- See if people click interactive elements—or ignore them.
- Use feedback forms or quick polls to ask, “Was this helpful?”
Don’t obsess over vanity metrics like total views. Focus on whether people actually take the next step (finish setup, use a feature, etc.).
Pro Tip:
Iterate in small chunks. If you spot a problem, fix that section only. Don’t redo the whole thing unless you really have to.
Step 8: Keep It Updated (But Don’t Chase Perfection)
Your product will change. Don’t let your onboarding videos get stale.
- Set a reminder to review videos every quarter (or whenever you update a big feature).
- If a step changes, just re-record that section—Hippovideo’s trim and replace tools make this bearable.
- Don’t worry about tiny UI tweaks. Focus on the parts that will actually confuse a new customer if they’re wrong.
The Bottom Line: Start Simple and Iterate
You don’t need a studio, a scriptwriter, or a ten-layer interactive epic. Just focus on what your customer needs to do, show them clearly, and give them a way to ask for help if they get stuck. A few well-placed interactive elements can make a big difference—but don’t let shiny features distract you from what actually matters.
Get something out there, watch how people use it, and tweak from there. Your onboarding will get better every time. And odds are, your customers will notice.