The growing dominance of mobile devices for learning means many professionals today use mobile learning video. EdTech companies, online educators, and L&D professionals must know what mobile e-learning entails. They have to take into account the small screens, varying internet speeds, and differing mobile devices viewers use. To accommodate these they must use best practices for mobile-friendly video creation.
It is also vital for them to take accessibility and engagement strategies into account. Videos should be accessible to a wide range of learners. They should use storytelling, interactive elements, and emotional cues to make it easier for learners to absorb and recall information.
Key considerations for mobile-optimized video content
1. Consider video resolution and file size
Video resolution impacts the quality of a video. It refers to the total number of pixels in a video frame rate and the more there are, the higher the resolution. High resolution ensures videos stay sharp, even on smaller screens. However, high resolution videos need more processing power and storage. It is possible to balance video resolution and file size by controlling the amount of data used per second and selecting the right video format.
2. Streaming vs. downloading video content for offline access
Video content is transforming online education. Educators can stream content that viewers can watch immediately while online. The browser will play the video without copying and saving it. Live streaming offers them a way to connect with learners. This can reduce the sense of isolation that often comes with online learning. They can host online classes and webinars and receive feedback from learners.
Downloading saves a copy of a video to a device for playback even when there’s no internet connection. This means learners are able to watch it in their own time and fit learning in when it suits them. Videos in a video library that learners can access when they need them can encourage continuous learning.
3. Using responsive video players
Responsive video design ensures an optimal experience across multiple devices. Video players that are responsive will automatically adjust sizes and layouts to fit various screen sizes and devices. The videos maintain the original ratio aspect across devices without distortion. No manual resizing is necessary. Users can watch without having to zoom in or turn the phone sideways to see a video. There’s no pixilation or poor viewing quality, even on small screens.
Design video content for mobile engagement
1. Keep videos short and focused
One of the top elearning trends at the moment is the use of microlearning. It breaks information down into short manageable units. These units are often about three to five minutes long. Each unit focuses on a specific skill or topic. Learners can access this content when they need it and immediately apply it. This type of learning improves attention and helps learners to retain information because it is easier to digest. It is more engaging, less time-consuming, and cheaper to produce than long videos.
2. Optimize text overlays and visuals for small screens
Text overlays and visuals can reinforce key points in videos. You can use them to offer additional information or give context to what’s in a video. Optimizing them for small screens may involve using different colors or fonts for contrast or emphasis. The placement and alignment of the text shouldn’t interfere with the video but align with its pace, focus, and tone. You need to check that text overlays work well with the video content and benefit the viewers.
3. Add interactive elements to increase participation
Interactive video is revolutionizing corporate training. When videos are interactive they make learning more engaging and immersive. Learners can complete quizzes in videos to determine their progress. Access to annotations can provide them with more information. Clicking a link in a call-to-action can direct them to additional resources, such as an ebook to download or the next video in a series to watch.
Ensure accessibility to mobile learning videos
Many users find accessing and consuming video content challenging. Video accessibility helps to level the playing field.
1. Provide captions and transcripts
Many users prefer watching videos without sound, especially when they’re in public. Using subtitles and captions allows viewers to follow a video without audio. Video transcripts are not only beneficial to individuals who are hard of hearing. Non-native speakers can use transcripts to follow along with a video and improve their understanding. Re-reading key points in a transcript can help viewers to retain information. Text-based search makes it easy to find specific information in a transcript.
2. Offer multiple playback speeds
People process information differently. When you offer different playback speeds, learners are able to adjust the information delivery pace to suit their learning styles. They can go slower when trying to understand complex concepts or speed up when reviewing familiar material. The ability to control the playback speed gives learners more control over the content and allows them to actively participate in the learning process.
3. Make videos ADA-compliant
- Include accurate closed captions for all spoken dialogue and important sounds. Sync captions precisely with the audio.
- Ensure viewers can control the video player from the keyboard. They should be able to play, pause, adjust the volume, and navigate through a video using keyboard commands.
- Use sufficient color contrast between text and background to improve readability. Contrast must be high enough so viewers can differentiate between visual elements with ease.
Technical best practices for mobile video optimization
Mobile video optimization involves using various technical best practices.
1. Adaptive bitrate streaming
Adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR) adjusts video quality and resolution according to network conditions and device capabilities. This ensures that videos offer quality without buffering, regardless of the user’s network speed.
2. Compressing and transcoding videos
Video files are large and can take up plenty of bandwidth and storage. To reduce the size and improve performance you need to compress and transcode them before you upload them to a hosting platform or server. Compression removes unnecessary data and transcoding converts videos into different resolutions, formats, and bitrates. Using the right video codecs maintains high quality while compressing video files. The codes are supported across devices and platforms.
3. Use of a content delivery network (CDN)
A content delivery network (CDN) allows you to deliver content to learners based on their geographic location from a network of distributed servers. This ensures you can offer fast-loading and buffer-free playback. A CDN enables you to handle high traffic and scale up and down when necessary.
The Cincopa video hosting platform ensures seamless playback across all devices. It has a content delivery network and offers adaptive bitrate streaming. You don’t have to worry about the technicalities of hosting videos as it takes care of them for you.
Measuring engagement and effectiveness
Video analytics allow you to track learner behavior. You can measure engagement with your videos and see how effective they are. Heatmaps with colors show exactly how learners engage with videos. You can see which content they engage with most, what they skip, and where they lose interest. This gives you some valuable insights you can use to improve your videos.
A/B testing is putting two different versions of a video head-to-head to see which one performs better. You can use this method to determine which video formats and lengths work best.
Gathering feedback from mobile learners can also help you to make improvements. Surveys, polls, and feedback forms can help you to collect this information.
Conclusion
Today it’s essential to prioritize mobile-friendly video learning experiences. This involves being aware of technicalities such as ensuring videos can play seamlessly across all devices. It also means offering accessibility and interactivity for more engagement. Cincopa can help e-learning professionals deliver high-quality, accessible mobile learning experiences. Try a free trial to see how you can optimize your video content for mobile learning.
