What Is an Onboarding Video?

Onboarding videos bridge the gap between a user signing up and the moment they experience the product's core value — sometimes called the "aha moment." They typically cover account setup, key navigation, and the first action that delivers value (sending the first message, creating the first project, recording the first clip). Effective onboarding videos are short and sequential, addressing one step per video rather than trying to cover every feature in a single recording. They are often embedded directly in the product onboarding flow, in welcome emails, or in the help center.

The production standard for onboarding videos is higher than for internal async updates because the audience — new users — has not yet formed a mental model of the product. Every interface element that appears on screen needs to be visible and identifiable, every click needs to be trackable, and every keyboard shortcut or input needs to be shown rather than assumed. This is exactly where flat screen recordings fail new users: a cursor moving across a dense UI without zoom or spotlight leaves new users guessing what they are supposed to look at.

Limelight's recording features are well-suited to onboarding video production. Automatic click zoom draws the viewer's attention to each interaction point; the cursor spotlight maintains a visual anchor between clicks; on-screen keystrokes show exactly what to type or press; and freehand annotations can call out specific buttons or regions for emphasis. Because Limelight records these elements in real time rather than adding them in post-production, creating an onboarding video series is fast — record the flow, trim in the built-in editor, export, and embed.