Virtual training platforms: The ultimate guide for business professionals

Vimeo Staff
Virtual training online platform with Vimeo

Hybrid and remote workplaces are here to stay

The modern workplace has evolved rapidly, and video is now an essential part of how organizations communicate, onboard, and train employees. A video-forward company culture begins on an employee’s first day and grows alongside your business. It’s a scalable, effective way to share, learn, and collaborate—while delivering content in a format employees actually want.

With 97% of professionals open to a virtual onboarding experience and almost half reporting it as the most engaging form of communication, video creates an interactive environment that improves collaboration across every department. Even as hybrid and flexible schedules become the norm, virtual learning remains critical to how teams stay connected and productive.

Onboarding, training, enablement, and leadership teams all need solutions for providing video communication, training, and company updates as the workplace continues to modernize.

Why video is central to eLearning and online training

Video is not only convenient and inclusive—no matter distance or schedule—but it’s a more effective way to train employees, boost productivity, and improve morale. Employees want virtual training options that give them more autonomy in their learning journeys. Adults prefer self-directed or experiential learning, and giving learners flexibility to watch on their own time improves satisfaction and retention.

Video dominates across all digital channels, making up a large portion of overall traffic, and reflecting how deeply embedded the medium has become in everyday experience. As more people consume more video content—on platforms like TikTok, Netflix, or Vimeo—they come to expect similar experiences at work through modern learning management systems (LMS) and virtual training platforms.

The benefits of video-based learning

1. Video boosts productivity

According to the report This Should Have Been a Video, organizations that use video as a learning tool are more likely to maintain productivity, provide adequate training, and align on company goals. Teams not leveraging video often struggle to keep pace with industry changes or maintain confidence in leadership.

2. Building an inclusive team culture

Remote video training acts as a great equalizer—giving everyone a seat at the virtual table. Teams using video report stronger communication, higher engagement, and better overall performance.

3. Improving learning retention

Video helps people learn and process information better than text alone. HR professionals overwhelmingly identify live video training (69 %) as the most effective alternative to in-person sessions. Video improves memory storage, processing speed, and focus—key pillars of any eLearning or microlearning strategy.

Common use cases include:

  • Compliance and onboarding sessions
  • Department-level workshops
  • Manager and leadership seminars
  • Sales enablement and partner training

Video-based learning supports recruitment, retention, ramp time, and engagement across all departments.

Practical tips for building effective virtual training programs

The guide outlines ten best practices for creating engaging video-based courses and learning sessions.

1. Recognize and manage Zoom fatigue

Set expectations around when employees need to be visually present vs. when passive engagement is enough. Tools like Stanford’s 15-point questionnaire can help managers identify and address virtual fatigue.

2. Create a detailed agenda

Provide clear schedules, objectives, and preparation materials in advance so learners can plan effectively.

3. Allow learners to rewatch at their own pace

Recording live sessions lets employees learn when they’re most focused. Vimeo automatically archives live events for on-demand access—ideal for asynchronous LMS experiences.

4. Keep it short and sweet

Training trends show that learners prefer videos under 20 minutes, with 3- to 6-minute segments performing best.

5. Measure engagement with analytics

Track engagement metrics such as views, Q&A activity, and knowledge checks to continuously improve training outcomes.

6. Encourage active participation

Use polls, chat, overlays, and Q&A to make sessions interactive.

7. Optimize visual aids

Follow simple presentation rules (5-5-5, 10-20-30, and 1-6-6) to keep content digestible. Avoid text-heavy slides.

8. Make content personal and candid

Show authentic company culture in onboarding or training videos—employees value transparency and real examples.

9. Keep training organized and secure

Centralize your video library within a secure, searchable platform. Use SSO and permission controls to manage access—core requirements for enterprise LMS integrations.

10. Ensure high-quality video and audio

Clarity and reliability are essential for comprehension. Avoid lag or poor quality that can cause learners to miss key information.

Real-world examples of virtual training platforms in action

Industrial workforce training

A 150-year-old company modernized its training program with Vimeo’s live streaming and auto-archiving, enabling seamless re-certification and product updates remotely.

Read more in the guide  

Global eCommerce marketplace

A large marketplace used Vimeo for secure internal and external training, leveraging SSO and private portals for sensitive content.

Explore the full story  

Iconic athletic brand

An athletic company trained retail partners worldwide using secure, branded Vimeo Showcases with detailed viewer analytics.

Read more in the guide  

How Vimeo supports modern learning management systems

Implementing video into your LMS or eLearning workflow doesn’t have to be daunting. Vimeo helps organizations:

  • Transfer knowledge instantly through instant recording and sharing.
  • Discover relevant content fast via organized, branded video hubs.
  • Secure access for every learner with SSO and permission management.

These capabilities align with advanced course-creation and analytics tools across today’s virtual training platforms, integrating seamlessly with SCORM/xAPI-compliant systems and supporting a range of microlearning initiatives.

Some alt text for this image

Explore the full virtual training guide

To explore all 10 tips, real-world examples, and best practices for implementing video in your learning strategy, read the full Vimeo Go-To Guide for Virtual Trainings:

Download the full training guide  

FAQs

What is a virtual training platform?

A virtual training platform is a digital environment (often integrated with an LMS) that allows organizations to create, deliver, and track learning experiences through video and interactive tools.

How does video improve employee learning?

Video enables self-paced, visual learning that enhances memory retention, processing speed, and engagement compared to text-only formats.

How can Vimeo integrate with LMS tools?

Vimeo Enterprise supports secure video hosting, analytics, and SSO, integrating seamlessly with SCORM/xAPI-compliant systems like Docebo or iSpring.

More from the Vimeo blog

Vimeo analytics dashboard showing performance metrics on top of and next to a video

Video analytics 101: Understanding the metrics that matter

Video results show up in Google through good video SEO practices

6 ways Vimeo maximizes your video SEO impact

Curious how to launch your organization’s first hybrid event experience? Get inspired with the best hybrid events 2021 and 2022.

The best hybrid event examples of 2022

NaturalAnnie Essentials founder Annya-White Brown is taking on TikTok with Vimeo Create — and raking in serious results.

How this family-run candle company is crushing TikTok advertising

Learn how to increase video clicks and views on YouTube and Vimeo with eye-catching thumbnails by creating and uploading custom video thumbnails.

How to optimize video thumbnails to increase engagement

What video should you make for your business? We're making that an easy answer with a list of our favorite types of videos you can create on Vimeo Create. 

9 types of videos you can make with Vimeo Create

Still images from ten different Staff Pick films from the month on a pastel green background

Best of the Month: Festival faves and star-crossed lovers

Our publish to social feature now includes LinkedIn. Distribute your videos across your professional networks directly from Vimeo, with the click of a button.

Publish to social, now for LinkedIn