The Complete Guide to Corporate Video Production

Corporate videos have become the secret sauce of modern brand storytelling. From onboarding new hires to launching products, the right video can engage, inform, and inspire like no other medium. But how do you create a corporate video that not only reflects your brand but also achieves measurable results? That’s what this guide is all about.

Whether you’re new to corporate video production or looking to refine your strategy, this guide will equip you with the insights, inspiration, and steps needed to produce corporate videos that make a lasting impression. Let’s get started!

Jump to a section:

• What is corporate video production?
• 6 major types of corporate videos (with examples)
• The corporate video production process
• Essential do’s and dont’s of corporate video production
• How much does it cost to produce a corporate video?

[#TOC1]What is corporate video production?[#TOC1]

Corporate video production focuses on creating purpose-driven videos tailored to business needs.

Need impactful onboarding videos that kickstart your new employee’s journey? That’s a corporate video. Running product launches and want to show off its features in action? Corporate video. Or maybe your company just crushed its quarterly goals, and you want to rally the team with a motivational highlight reel? Yep, corporate video again.

For a video to qualify as a corporate video, it must:

1. Target a clear audience with a specific goal—whether it’s training employees, attracting job seekers, demonstrating a product, or something else.
2. Maintain a professional tone and quality that aligns with the company’s vision and brand value.
3. Offer measurable ROI through improved engagement, leads, or internal efficiencies.

The format can vary—from documentary-style clips and explainer videos, to animated content. The goal is to create a polished, purpose-driven video that resonates with its intended audience. They are a direct extension of your brand. A well-crafted video can:

• Reinforce your brand identity: From the colors and visuals used to the tone of voice, every aspect of the video should reflect your company’s personality and core values.
• Establish thought leadership: Industry-focused videos, like whiteboard sessions or panel discussions, help position your business as an expert in its field.
• Humanize your brand: Behind-the-scenes videos or employee stories show the real people behind the company, creating a sense of connection with your audience.

[#TOC2]What types of corporate videos are there?[#TOC2]

Corporate videos used to be stiff, formal, and packed with jargon—more of a chore to watch than anything else. 

Today, they tend to be more engaging, personal, and employ storytelling techniques that grab and keep attention.

They also come in different flavors, each designed to meet a specific need. Here are six of the most common ones and what makes them work.

1. Explainer videos

Explainer videos are perfect for breaking down complex ideas or products into something simple and easy to understand. They’re designed to quickly educate while keeping things engaging and visually appealing. Done right, they feel less like an information dump and more like a conversation that sticks.

Butter Scenes | Product Hunt '24 is a fantastic example of an explainer video driving brand awareness. The video walks you through how Butter’s new product, “Scenes” , can streamline brainstorming and collaboration in a way that feels natural, clear, and incredibly relatable.

Butter’s explainer video doesn’t just list features—it shows them in live-action, making it easier for viewers to imagine using the platform themselves. In short: It’s a perfect high-end explainer video that creates hype and credibility for Butter’s Scenes feature.  

2. Product demos

The goal of product demos is to show off how your product works in the real world. They’re designed for viewers who are ready to dig deeper and want to see exactly what your product can do for them.

Notion at Work: AI for Tech Teams showcases how Notion’s AI can simplify workflows for engineering teams. This video is a classic example of a screen recording with a voiceover walkthrough.

Here’s why this format works well; it addresses the pain points of its intended viewer base head-on and introduces Notion (their product) as a solution to the viewer’s problems.The script and subtle edits make Notion’s features clear and engaging, showing their target audience how to use them effectively.

3. Corporate training videos

A corporate training video should be engaging, memorable, and informative...something employees would actually want to watch. 

For example, instead of explaining cybersecurity policies with dry statistics, show a dramatized example of a security breach and how the employee’s role can prevent it. Remember: the goal is to create business presentation videos that resonate. 

This corporate training video nails it with its fun, engaging storytelling. It follows Rob, a relatable office worker, as he falls for a hilarious "miracle hair growth cream" phishing scam that spirals into a company-wide data breach. 

The clever rewind-and-explain format, complete with humorous narration and relatable scenarios, keeps viewers hooked while teaching key cybersecurity lessons. It’s proof that corporate training doesn’t have to be dry. Injecting humor and storytelling can make essential topics memorable and enjoyable.

4. Customer (success) stories

Customer story videos show how real people use your product or service to solve problems your potential customers may relate to. They’re powerful because they build trust—there’s nothing more convincing than seeing someone like you thrive with a solution. 

Asana does incredibly great multimedia customer stories. Here’s a great example of how their customers (Morningstar) walk you through how Asana helped them achieve tangible results.

This testimonial video mixes reality and virtual space by placing graphically designed elements against real-life environments. Asana’s features appear as pop-ups throughout the video, set against real-life backdrops. The script shares the customer’s challenges and how Asana addresses them, building context and relatability.

5. Company profile videos

Company profile videos are a way for businesses to introduce themselves and share their story with the world. They highlight who you are, what you do, and what makes your brand unique.

Where a product demo focuses specifically on the features and benefits of a product, company profile videos take a step back to tell the bigger story. They explain why your company exists and what drives you. 

A great example of this is Kit’s rebrand journey video, which does so much more than simply showcase a new look.

This company profile video by Kit offers a behind-the-scenes look at their rebranding journey and goes beyond introducing a new logo or aesthetic. It’s about building trust and connection with Kit’s audience—creators and businesses—by showing them the care, effort, and intention that went into crafting a brand that resonates. 

From moments of humor and vulnerability, like concerns over public reactions, to showcasing team efforts in implementing the brand changes across hundreds of assets, the video humanizes the company while reinforcing its commitment to excellence.

6. Video ads

You’ve probably seen thousands of video ads by now on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Corporate video ads are no different than regular ads you see, except they’re tailored to showcase a business’s product, service, or brand in a way that speaks directly to a professional audience.

This video ad for Superside is a lighthearted and relatable take on the struggles faced by video marketing teams dealing with tight deadlines, or as they humorously call it, "deadline disorder."

The video ad positions Superside as a fast and reliable solution, delivering high-quality creative work within 12, 24, or 48 hours. It uses a playful, mock-infomercial style, complete with exaggerated scenarios and a testimonial from a "creative director" who’s gone from stressed tears to joyful success thanks to Superside.

[#TOC3]The 3-stage corporate video production process[#TOC3]

Creating a corporate video doesn’t have to be complicated. By breaking it down into three key phases—Pre-production, Production, and Editing—you can simplify what might seem like a daunting task. Each phase builds on the last, ensuring your video meets its goals without unnecessary headaches. So, if you’re making a corporate video for the first time, use this as your blueprint.

Stage 1: Pre-production

Pre-production is the foundation of your video project—the planning stage where ideas take shape and potential challenges are addressed. Think of it as drawing up blueprints before constructing a building. A solid pre-production plan ensures your project stays on track and within budget.

Define the audience and goal

Every great video starts with crystal-clear objectives. Before even a single frame is shot, you must deeply understand two fundamental elements: your audience and your objective. These aren't just checkboxes to tick—they're the north star that will guide every creative decision moving forward.

Consider the key differences between various video types. A recruitment video targeting LinkedIn professionals requires an entirely different approach from an employee training video or a product demonstration. 

Who are you making the video for? Is it your employees? A specific ICP? 

Next, think about what this video will be used for. Are you trying to showcase your company's vibrant culture to potential job seekers? Demonstrating a complex new software tool to your team? Sharing a customer success story? 

Next, describe the outcome. Will the video result in you attracting like-minded, high-quality job candidates? Will it create awareness for your new product? Something else?

Once you answer all of those questions, jot everything down into a coherent plan and share that with your team. Remember, the more well-defined your goal, the bigger your final video’s impact.

Allocate resources

Next, figure out who’s involved and what’s needed. Assign roles to team members who can handle specific tasks. 

Once you have your production team in place, align your resources with your budget. Video production costs can range from $300 for a DIY internal project to $5,000-$10,000 for a professional agency production. Understanding your budget will help you decide not just what’s possible, but where it’s worth investing for maximum impact.

From there, think about how your budget interacts with your team’s skills and the project timeline. These three factors—skills, budget, and timeline—will guide your production method. 

Facing a tight deadline with little video experience? Hiring professionals might be the safest route. With years of experience in filmmaking, a video production agency can cater to your diverse video needs. 

Working on a smaller project with a bit more flexibility? A do-it-yourself approach could save both time and money. Especially with tools like VEED that offer pre-designed templates, creating corporate videos becomes faster—be it animated videos, event videos, or simply brand videos produced for an event you’re hosting. 

Once you’ve decided how to handle production, the next big question is: who will appear on camera? Your on-screen talent can shape the tone, credibility, and relatability of your video. Think about what best aligns with your initiatives and audience.

Consider these options:

• Featuring actual team members for authenticity and a personal touch, especially if the video is about company culture or team introductions.
• Hiring professional actors for a polished look and professional delivery, ideal for product demos or promotional videos.
• Using AI avatars from tools like VEED for a modern, tech-savvy approach, great for training or professional explainer videos with consistent messaging.
• Inviting industry experts or influencers to lend credibility and expand your video’s reach.
• Incorporating customer testimonials where real users share their experiences directly, building trust and relatability.

Your choice of talent should match the tone and purpose of your video while keeping your audience’s expectations in mind.

Write a script and a vision

A well-crafted script is the backbone of any successful video. Think of it as your production roadmap—it ensures everyone involved knows what’s happening and when, saving you time and last-minute hassle. The script should detail not only what will be said but also how it will be conveyed, helping to align the tone, visuals, and message.

Start by defining the essentials:

• What’s the story you want to tell? Whether it’s showcasing your team, explaining a product, or sharing a customer success story, define the core message upfront.
• Who’s speaking? Decide if it’s a single narrator, multiple team members, or a voiceover with on-screen visuals.
• What’s the tone? Fun and approachable for a culture video? Or professional and inspiring for an investor pitch? The tone shapes everything, from language choice to music and visuals.

For example, in a "Meet Our Team" video, your script might include:

• Interview questions that encourage authentic responses, such as “What’s your favorite part about working here?” or “What makes our team unique?”
• Visual directions like shots of the office, collaborative moments, or team events.
• A unifying theme that reflects your brand culture, be it casual and friendly or innovative and driven.

Pro tip: A good script isn’t just about dialogue. Map out non-verbal elements like visuals, transitions, or music cues. For instance, a fun video might include candid team bloopers, while an inspiring one could feature testimonials from customers or partners.

Stage 2: Production

This is the phase where your ideas, script, and storyboards transform into real footage. Careful preparation during pre-production will make this stage smoother, ensuring your team knows exactly what to do and when.

Storyboard

Once your script is complete, creating a storyboard helps you bring it to life visually. A storyboard is a visual outline of your video, breaking it down scene by scene. For each scene, include details like camera angles, transitions, and any specific elements (e.g., graphics or animations) you plan to use.

A well-designed storyboard will help you see how the video will flow and ensure everyone on the production team—from the camera crew to stakeholders—has a shared understanding of the vision. 

Arrange the equipment

Whether you’re working with a corporate video production company or creating the video yourself, having the right equipment is important for getting the best results. 

At a minimum, you’ll need:

A camera

While professional cameras are ideal, relatively recent smartphones like the iPhone 11 Pro also deliver high-quality video. For professional-grade results, consider a mid-budget DSLR camera, like the Canon G7 X Mark II.

Lights

Good lighting can elevate your video from amateur to professional. A basic softbox lighting kit starts at $50 and provides consistent illumination for interviews or product demos. For more control, look into ring lights for close-ups or LED panel lights that allow you to adjust color temperature.

A microphone

Poor audio quality can ruin an otherwise great video. Use lapel mics (e.g., the Rode Lavalier Go) for interviews or a USB microphone like the Blue Yeti for voiceovers. Starter options begin at $74, but investing in high-quality audio gear definitely pays off in clarity and professionalism.

A tripod

Shaky footage can be distracting, so a sturdy tripod is non-negotiable. Options like the Manfrotto Compact Action start at $154 and offer smooth panning and adjustable heights.

A memory card

Don’t risk running out of storage mid-shoot. A 64GB card costs as little as $9 and provides plenty of space for HD or 4K footage.

Pro Tips for Budget-Friendly Solutions

• Renting Gear: If you’re not ready to buy equipment, check local rental services or platforms like BorrowLenses to access high-quality gear at a fraction of the cost.
• DIY Lighting: If you’re on a tight budget, use natural light or DIY setups with household lamps and diffusion materials (like white sheets or parchment paper) to soften harsh light.
• Test Your Setup: Always do a trial run before your shoot. Test your camera, mic, and lighting setup to ensure everything works and looks good.

If you’re working with an agency, they’ll handle all the equipment and setup, saving you time and effort.

Shoot the video

This is where your storyboard translates into action. Whether you’re shooting a team-focused video or a sleek product demo, make sure your team follows the plan laid out in your storyboard. Keep an eye on small details. Things like lighting, sound quality, and framing can make or break the final output.

Your background plays a huge role in the professional look and feel of your video. Avoid cluttered environments that might distract viewers. If you’re including props like bookshelves or artwork, spread them out evenly. This creates balance and gives the impression of shooting in a larger, more polished space. If your wall feels dull, try a fresh coat of vibrant paint to make your content pop and stand out in busy feeds.

If you’re using an agency, this step is in their hands. However, it’s still a good idea to stay involved and check in to ensure the shoot aligns with your vision. For in-house projects, allocate extra time for multiple takes and unexpected adjustments.

With a clear plan, the right tools, and a focused team, the production stage is where your video starts to take shape. Now, onto editing, where the real magic happens!

Stage 3: Post-production

Post-production aka the editing phase is where your video truly comes together. It’s the phase where raw footage is transformed into a polished, engaging final product that tells your story. A well-edited video is not just about piecing clips together—it’s about creating a narrative, adding visual flair, and ensuring the tone matches your vision. 

Compile the footage

Before diving into edits, review all the footage you’ve captured to make sure you have everything you need. Organize your clips into folders based on scenes or sections of your video. 

If you notice any gaps or realize you’ve overlooked key scenes, it’s not too late to do a reshoot. For example, maybe you need a close-up of your product or an additional interview snippet. Catching these early prevents last-minute panic during the editing phase.

Edit the video

Once your footage is organized, the real work begins. Start by arranging clips in the order outlined in your storyboard or script. This is where you refine transitions, add branding elements, and enhance the overall look and feel of the video. Don’t forget to include captions or subtitles to ensure accessibility and increase viewer engagement.

If you’re outsourcing editing to a professional, stay involved by reviewing drafts and providing feedback. It’s important to communicate your vision clearly so the final product aligns with your goals. 

However, outsourcing can be costly—on platforms like UpWork, video editors charge around $35/hour or more, and the costs can add up depending on the length and complexity of your project.

For an in-house solution, tools like VEED are a game-changer. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes editing simple, even for beginners. Add transitions, overlay text, and use one-click AI features to streamline the process.

Feedback

Feedback is one of the most important steps in creating a corporate video that hits the mark. It’s how you make sure the video aligns with the vision and meets everyone’s expectations. 

The earlier you involve key stakeholders, the better. Getting their input upfront helps you avoid endless back-and-forth that can delay timelines and frustrate the team.

To make the process smooth, use tools like VEED that simplify reviews. Stakeholders can leave comments and suggestions directly on the video, cutting out long email/Slack threads and messy communication. 

Once you’ve got their feedback, refine the video as many times as it takes. Every tweak gets you closer to a final version that everyone’s happy with—and one that delivers the impact you’re aiming for.

Distribute

Your video is ready—now it’s time to share it with the world. Decide where your video will have the most impact. Is it for your website’s homepage, social media platforms, or internal communications? 

Each platform may require adjustments, like resizing or adding platform-specific call-to-action elements.

Don’t forget to track the performance of your video after distribution. Use metrics like views, engagement, and conversions to understand how it’s resonating with your audience and refine your future video marketing strategy. 

[#TOC4]Essential do’s and dont’s of corporate video production[#TOC4]

✅ Do…

• Set a clear goal and vision for your video.
• Get approval for an appropriate budget.
• Prepare a solid script and storyboard.
• Decide if you want to do everything in-house or outsource to an agency.
• Invest in good lighting and sound equipment.
• Involve your team and stakeholders early for input.
• Test your equipment before the shoot to avoid surprises.

❌ Don’t…

• Underestimate the time and resources you’ll need.
• Skip planning—going in unprepared leads to chaos.
• Ignore your audience’s preferences and expectations.
• Overload your video with unnecessary information.
• Forget to optimize your video for the platform you’re using.
• Shy away from properly distributing your video once it’s done.

[#TOC5]How much does it cost to produce a corporate video?[#TOC5]

Some corporate video projects may run on a shoestring budget, while others involve professional agencies and hefty price tags. The reality? It all depends on your vision, the tools you need, and the level of expertise involved.

Let’s look at what you might spend—and where you can save—on equipment, crew, editing, and other factors.

Video equipment cost

Estimated cost: $600 to $3,000 (one-time purchase)

If you’re diving into video production for the long haul, buying your own gear can be a smart move. It’s a one-time investment that pays off over time, especially if you’re producing videos regularly.

To reiterate, here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Lights: Lighting is everything. A basic softbox kit starts at $50 and helps ensure your shots look clean and professional. Poor lighting? Your video might end up looking amateurish, even with a great camera.
• Microphone: Clear audio is just as important as good visuals. A simple lapel mic or a USB mic like the Blue Yeti starts at $74. This is crucial for interviews or voiceovers.
• Camera: While professional cameras can cost thousands, you don’t need to break the bank. An iPhone 11 Pro (starting at around $254) or other newer smartphones offer excellent video quality.
• Tripod: Stability is key to avoiding shaky footage. A reliable tripod will cost around $154 and is worth every penny for smoother shots.
• Memory card: At just $9, a 64GB card gives you plenty of space for a day’s worth of filming.

You could save money by renting equipment if you’re not ready to commit to buying.

Want to explore more video equipment options? Check out our in-depth guide: A Beginner’s Guide to Video Equipment. 

Video crew cost

Estimated cost: $1,000 to $5,000 (per project)

This is where things can get tricky. Your crew's size depends on your video's complexity and budget. 

• Hiring an agency: Hiring a corporate video production company is convenient because they handle everything—scriptwriting, storyboarding, filming, and editing. For a 2-3 minute video, expect to pay $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the agency and your requirements. While this can seem pricey, it’s often worth it for one-off video projects with high ROI-potential.
• Freelancers: If you want to save, consider hiring a freelance videographer. Platforms like UpWork list videographers at an average rate of $35/hour. A basic project might cost $1,000, while a larger production could go higher. Freelancer videographers often double as editors, which can reduce your overall cost.
• In-house crew: If your production team creates or plans on creating videos regularly, hiring a full-time videographer might make sense. The average salary for a videographer in the U.S. is around $126,000 annually. While this is a big commitment, it can be cost-effective if you’re producing videos monthly.

Not sure whether to go in-house or outsource? If you’re making videos every few months, staying on retainer with a freelancer or agency could give you flexibility without the long-term costs of a full-time hire.

Video editing

Estimated cost: $105 to $180 (for most 3-minute projects)

Editing is where your raw footage turns into a polished final product. This step can make or break your video, so it’s worth investing in a skilled editor—or learning some basics if you’re on a tight budget.

• Freelance editors: On UpWork, the median hourly rate for video editors is $35. For a short 3-minute video, editing typically takes about three hours, costing you $105. For more experienced editors, the rate might climb to $60/hour, pushing the total closer to $180 or more. Complex edits like motion graphics or heavy color grading will increase these costs.
• DIY editing: Want to save on editing? Try doing it yourself on a user-friendly platform like VEED. Its intuitive interface simplifies editing, from trimming footage to adding your brand’s logo and subtitles, all in just a few clicks. For busy teams, VEED’s cloud-based platform enables seamless collaboration, ensuring your video stays on-brand without the hassle of switching between tools. 

Pro Tip: Even if you outsource editing, it’s important to stay involved. Provide clear feedback and review drafts to ensure the final product matches your vision.

Other potential costs to consider...

Depending on your video, you might need to budget for extras like:

• Location rental: If you’re not filming in your office, renting a studio or venue can cost $500 or more per day. For example, the average hourly cost of production studios on Peerspace in Los Angeles (U.S.) is $45- $70. The lower-priced options start as low as $25 to $50 per hour, often requiring a one- or two-hour rental minimum.
• Actors: Need on-screen talent? Hiring professional actors can cost you $50-$500/hour. Alternatively, you could feature your team for free—if they’re comfortable being on camera
• Props and set design: For product-focused video content or storytelling, props can enhance your visuals. Budget anywhere from $50 for simple items to $500 for more elaborate setups. 

Is making corporate videos worth the effort? 

Absolutely. Corporate videos go beyond professionalism; they connect with audiences in ways words or images alone can’t. They tell your story, showcase your products, and bring your brand to life, all while building trust and engagement.

Sure, the process might seem overwhelming at first—there’s scripting, planning, shooting, editing, and figuring out where to share it. It’s easy to feel stuck, especially if you’re juggling deadlines, a tight budget, or don’t know where to begin. 

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it all perfectly. With the right plan and tools, it’s totally manageable.

That’s where VEED comes in. It’s like having a video-editing sidekick that makes the process way less stressful. Whether it’s quick edits, adding captions, or creating smooth transitions, VEED keeps things simple so you can focus on making a video that actually resonates. No steep learning curves, no stress—just an easy way to get your videos done right.

With a bit of creativity and the right tools, you can create something your audience will genuinely enjoy—and maybe even share! So, take a deep breath, dive in, and let VEED help you bring your ideas to life. You’ve got this.