In a world where remote work and global teams are increasingly prevalent, effective internal communication is the backbone of a thriving organization. Leveraging video as a powerful tool can bridge gaps, enhance engagement, and ensure that everyone is on the same page, regardless of their location or time zone.
Biteable CEO, Brent Chudoba, joined Haily on The Video Vantage podcast to discuss Biteable’s internal comms journey, and how video can revolutionize internal communication to be more dynamic, engaging, and impactful than ever before.
Watch the episode below, or keep reading to catch Brent’s best tips and tricks.
The importance of internal communication
Biteable is a fully remote and global company — we have team members in all corners of the globe, from Australia to North America. And not to brag, but we kind of feel like we’ve mastered the art of using video to communicate within a dispersed, async team. But that didn’t happen by accident — Biteable’s CEO, Brent Chudoba, was the force behind bringing video to the forefront of Biteable’s internal comms toolkit.
When Brent joined Biteable at the start of 2020, he knew the importance of internal communication — but he had no idea how quickly he would need to master it in the face of a global pandemic and a rapidly changing world.
“When Covid happened in 2020, we realized how powerful our tool was for communicating and keeping our tool aligned,” Brent shares. “There was so much communication that had to happen… we found that video was an essential part of keeping our async team in the loop.”
Brent’s three pillars of internal comms
When asked what makes internal comms so important, Brent is prepared with a handy, wisdom-filled alliteration — “Awareness, alignment, and action,” he explains.
- Awareness. Think about how you might keep your team aware of what’s going on. How do you repeat that in a way that scales well?
- Alignment. Awareness helps action, but real alignment requires constant repetition to stick.
- Action. How will you make sure that people take action on the things you’re telling them?
While video isn’t the only way to achieve awareness, alignment, and action (written communication and live sessions are important too) “video is probably the most powerful way,” Brent shares.
“You can use visuals, incorporate text and images…you can make things exciting,” Brent says.
As another bonus, video doesn’t leave anyone out. “If someone misses a meeting because they’re out on vacation, video is a great way to have a library of content they can catch up on,” Brent shares.
How we use video to stay connected at Biteable
There are three key ways Brent uses video to communicate internally with the Biteable team. A weekly update, a monthly all-hands meeting, and the occasional ad hoc communication.
Weekly updates
Brent sends out a weekly video update every Sunday night (a tradition he’s maintained for over three years!). Unlike traditional email updates, video allows for a more engaging and informative delivery. It enables Brent to convey essential messages, address confusion, and maintain a consistent rhythm of communication.
“For me, that’s a way to stay in touch with folks. It keeps the rhythm going,” Brent shares.
All-hands meetings
Biteable’s monthly all-hands meetings are video-studded events. “Half of our all-hands is just people pressing play on a video, and then being available for a Q&A,” Brent says. “It’s a much more effective use of everyone’s time.”
Product managers and people from all departments can use video to create concise and visually appealing presentations, making the meetings more efficient and engaging for all team members.
Haily agrees that videos are a game-changer for efficient and stress-free company-wide meetings. “It really takes the pressure off the presenters and delivers the information so much faster than having someone present a live demo where there’s probably going to be some sort of bug that shuts the whole thing down,” she shares.
Ad hoc videos
The third type of video you can find Brent sharing is the occasional ad-hoc update or announcement. This might be something fun — like a bonus day off announcement, or something more serious that needs to be shared quickly and concisely. Video’s dynamic nature allows for creative and interactive messages that capture the team’s attention effectively.
The recipe for effective internal comms videos
We know we’re trying to achieve awareness, alignment, and action, but it can be overwhelming when thinking about where to start. Don’t stress! Brent shared a few of his top tips for creating internal communication videos that work.
Go in with a plan
Just like any other communication medium, videos require planning.
“Experienced video creators don’t jump into a video tool and just start adding stuff,” Brent explains. “Consider what your message is, and what you want your audience to get out of it.”
Outline your goals, message, and script before diving into video creation. A well-structured plan ensures that your video effectively conveys the intended message.
Pro tip: Try using Biteable’s AI-powered video assistant to assist with the planning, scripting and first draft of your video.
Get creative
A common misconception is that video is basically the same as a PowerPoint presentation. “Videos are not slides turned into moving slides — they can be much more interactive — video can be exciting,” Brent shares.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your videos. Use animations, vibrant colors, and different media to make your content engaging. Video is not merely a slideshow; it’s a dynamic tool that can include call-to-action buttons, interactive elements, and more.
Add, don't distract
When you’re armed with thousands of animations and graphics, it can be tempting to go to town on the visuals — but Brent warns that it’s all a balancing act that you want to get right.
“The role of animation is to support the message, not to deliver and carry the message,” Brent shares.
Visual elements and animations should complement your message, not overshadow it. Ensure that your video’s visuals enhance the message’s delivery without being distracting.
Pro tip: Browse Biteable’s animation library. Every animation is made by our in-house studio team, so you won’t find them anywhere else.
Brent’s best tips for boosting internal communication
Repeat, repeat, repeat
“If something matters, you have to say it three times in three different ways. You have to say it over and over again,” Brent says.
Important information should be reiterated through various channels. Say it in different ways, such as through all-hands meetings, Slack channels, emails, and videos, to ensure it reaches everyone.
“Not everyone is paying attention 100% of the time,” Brent explains. “If I’m sharing something that matters, I’m going to do it over and over again.”
Establish evolving communication guidelines
Establish clear communication guidelines and routines within your organization. Create a rhythm for updates and evolve these practices based on feedback and changing needs.
At Biteable, we have a set of communication guidelines that outline how to use public Slack channels for almost everything. The idea is that if people want or need to know something, all the information is available.
“My primary job is to make sure as many people as possible know what’s going on,” Brent shares. “I think we do a pretty good job with weekly updates and making sure people talk about what they’re working on.”
These frequent updates give others a chance to ask questions and clarify the task at hand.
“I really try to push that,” Brent explains. “Because often people don’t want to bother people, but no one thinks of information sharing as bothering.”
Use video
Borrow the communication superpowers of video to boost your internal comms. Start with a template, or ask AVA to help out with the planning and scripting.
Fast-track awareness, alignment, and action with a medium built for fast, concise, and engaging messages.
Boost your internal comms with Biteable
Add video to your internal comms toolkit with a free 7-day Biteable trial. Master awareness, alignment, and action with Biteable’s easy-to-use video maker and the power of video.