As a writer, I am asked way more often than I am comfortable with as to why we need writers. This question comes in multiple forms. One of the most common ways is “Why do we need writers when we have video?”

My first reaction is usually…are you kidding? This question again? But, then, I remind myself that a part of a writer’s job is to create a content strategy that will work best for their employer and to evangelize that strategy within the organization.

I prefer to read instructions rather than to watch a video, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to content. Each consumer has their own preferences and each medium has its own strengths and weaknesses. All of these factors should be taken into consideration when developing content.

This article provides you some guidelines to help you make your content choices and explains what role a writer can fill, even when it comes to video content.

Content (Type) Reviews: Let the Assessment Begin

In order to determine how to develop content that best meets your needs, you will want to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each content type from your perspective (as a content producer) and from your customer’s perspective (as a content consumer).

Video: Cheers and Jeers

Cheers

Video is a great medium for conveying information quickly and efficiently. It is especially helpful for hardware installation instructions when you need to see how parts fit together. Even with my preference towards the written word, I do watch videos for some things, like when I needed to learn how to tie a Windsor knot so that my son could wear a long necktie at a debate tournament while his dad was out of town. It was certainly easier to understand how to tie the tie while watching someone demonstrate then it would have been to stare at static illustrations of the process.

I also use video to record interviews with engineers about complex subjects that need to document. Recording these sessions allows me to focus on what the speaker is saying rather than worrying whether I captured minor points in my notes.

Jeers

Although it is helpful to watch a video for complex tasks with a substantial visual element or to use as a reference to capture information that you might have missed from a meeting or lecture, you should think twice before trying to use videos as a replacement for written content.

Videos take a long time to produce. Even a short, one-minute video can take hours to create, edit, and render. This is especially true if you are recording live footage or incorporating complex animations.

Videos can be very difficult to edit after they have been created. Sure, you can trim the beginning and end off of a recorded clip, but if you want to make substantial changes, like swapping out footage or revising the audio, you might find yourself starting from scratch.

Videos are also not always the best option for delivering content to some audiences. If you are catering to an international audience, you will need to create multiple versions of your videos to include translations of embedded text and audio. This is an expensive and time consuming venture. It may be more cost-effective to provide written content that can be more easily translated.

Additionally, video can be challenging for hearing impaired audiences. If you are going to produce videos, you should take the time to provide captions that are timed correctly with the action on the screen.

Writing: Cheers and Jeers

Cheers

Text is a great medium for providing in-depth information and step-by-step instructions. It is especially helpful for tasks that require multiple steps or for people who want to take their time in reviewing information needed to complete the task.

You can easily search through text, if you are looking for something specific. Search engines or search functions in your authoring tool allow users to quickly find particular words and phrases. Searching through a long video is much more difficult, unless you have taken the time to create annotations.

Like video, writing can be time consuming. Planning, drafting, and revising a piece of written content can take hours or even days to complete. However, once the initial investment has been made, it is usually much easier to edit than video. You can simply revise the text and republish it without having to create an entirely new piece of content.

Beyond having some functional advantages over video, some types of content must be provided in written form. Compliance and quality management programs such as ISO and FedRAMP require that your organization provide documented policies and procedures that meet the necessary program standards.

Jeers

Although there are many advantages to writing compared to video, there are some potential drawbacks that you should consider.

Some content, like installation instructions, is more difficult to convey in text than it is in video. Just think, if a picture is worth 1000 words, how many words must a video be worth? In these cases, when there is a substantial benefit to your user, you might want to consider spending the additional time and expense to create and maintain a video.

Another drawback of writing is that it can be more difficult for some users to consume. Auditory learners or individuals with reading disabilities such as dyslexia may prefer watching a video to reading a long document.

Do You Still Need Writers for Your Video Productions?

Even if you decide that videos are the best medium for your content, your writing staff has a key role to play. They have the experience and expertise to ensure that your videos are engaging, informative, and easy to understand.

When you are planning your video productions, consider the following roles that your writers can fill:

• Concept development: Helping you to come up with the initial idea for your video and developing the concept further.
• Scriptwriting: Creating a script that will guide the production of your video. The script will include the dialogue, narration, and any on-screen text.
• Storyboarding: Developing a storyboard is an important part of the pre-production process. A storyboard is a visual representation of your video, showing the sequence of scenes and shots. Your writers can help you to create a storyboard that will ensure your video is well-organized and easy to follow.
• Screencasting: Making video that shows the actions that takes place on a computer screen. Writers can create screencasts to show how to use a software application or to demonstrate a complex process.
• Editing: Once your video has been shot and edited, your writers can help to revise the script and make any necessary changes to the storyboard or screencast.

As you can see, there are many ways that writers can help to ensure the success of your video productions. So, even if you decide that video is the best medium for your content, don’t forget the importance of having a good writer on your team.

Summary

Both video and writing have their place in the content world. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each medium, we can create more effective content that meets the needs of our audiences and that is engaging, informative, and easy to consume.

There are many factors to consider when determining whether video or writing is the best choice for your content. These include the nature of the information, the preferences of your audience, and the resources available to you. If you’re trying to decide whether video or writing is right for your next piece of content, consider these elements, and that should help you make the right decision.

While there are advantages and disadvantages to both writing and video, the best content strategy is often a combination of both. By using video to supplement your written content, you can create a more engaging and informative experience for your audience. And by using writing to supplement your video content, you can provide more detailed information and reach a wider audience.

So, don’t feel like you have to choose one or the other. Instead, use both video and writing to create content that is truly effective and engaging.