How to Make Interactive Videos (+6 Video Templates)

Strategic Advisor at Synthesia

Create interactive videos in 160+ languages.

Adding interactivity to your videos can help you to reduce drop-off rates, increase your average watch times, and keep your viewers engaged.

Interactivity in video typically takes the form of clickable hotspots and CTAs, quizzes and knowledge checks, and branching scenarios.

What are interactive videos?

Interactive videos are videos that accept a viewer input, which can take the form of clicks, choices, quizzes, or forms. This input then influences what the viewer will see.

A good analogy is that standard video is like watching a lecture, whereas interactive video is like participating in a workshop.

It's common to see interactive videos used in product demos, training, and education. Interactivity makes a lot of sense in training and education contexts because interactive video supports active learning, which is when learners participate in their own learning rather than passively receiving information.

Which interactive video elements should you use?

Here's a quick overview of the different types of interactivity you can add to a video:

Buttons and hotspots: Clickable areas that can open links, jump to a specific scene, or reveal hidden content.
Branching scenarios: Let your viewers choose their own path through your video, ideal for training and simulations.
Quizzes and knowledge checks: Multiple-choice questions to test understanding.
Polls, surveys, and forms: Collect feedback or lead information directly within the video.
Chapters and navigation menus: Help your viewers navigate through longer videos.
CTAs (Call-to-Actions): Interactive elements that drive specific actions.
360° explorations: Used for virtual tours or immersive experiences.

Are interactive videos effective?

Adding interactivity to training and educational videos leads to improved learning outcomes like higher completion rates and better performance. Studies have shown that interactive video beats normal video in various aspects, including viewer satisfaction.

When to use interactive video

If your video is made to drive conversions, convey complex information, or is for training purposes, adding interactivity can be beneficial. However, avoid adding it to videos aimed at storytelling as it can distract from the narrative.

Common interactive video pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Too many choices per scene: Limit to 2-4 options to prevent decision paralysis.
Overlong modules: Break videos into chapters no longer than 5 minutes.
Dead-end branches: Always provide a path back or a clear conclusion.
Non-responsive design: Ensure videos are mobile-friendly.
No measurement plan: Define success metrics before publishing.
Ignoring accessibility: Add captions and ensure readability.

How to create interactive videos with Synthesia

Step 1: Login to Synthesia

Click here to log in or sign up for a free account.

Step 2: Select 'Create with AI' from the homepage

Step 3: Create your video

Use the Create with AI option to generate an interactive video from a text prompt or existing documents.

Step 4: Outline your video

Create an overview of your video’s scenes with a draft script.

Step 5: Edit your video

Review and refine your scenes in the Synthesia editor.

Step 6: Adding interactivity

Add interactive features to make your video engaging.

Choose an AI avatar and voice

Select from various AI avatars and voices.

Step 7: Generate your video

Click Generate to create your interactive video.

Step 8: Publish and share your video

Step 9: Publishing and analytics

View analytics like views, watch time, and interaction rates.

Step 10: Measure and iterate

Use data to identify knowledge gaps and improve future videos.

High-quality interactive video templates you can use right away

Interactive Corporate Training: Create video from template
Interactive Minimalistic Training: Create video from template
Stylish Corporate: Create video from template
Interactive Tech Product Tour: Create video from template
Interactive Corporate Quiz: Create video from template
Interactive Tech Course: Create video from template

Frequently asked questions

What are interactive videos?

Interactive videos are those that accept viewer input and influence their experience based on that input.

Is interactivity beneficial in training and educational videos?

Yes, adding interactivity leads to improved learning outcomes, higher engagement, and better performance.

When should you add interactivity to videos?

If aiming for conversions, complex information delivery, or educational purposes, it is advised to incorporate interactivity.