Internal Communication
DO YOU REALLY WANT TO SEND ANOTHER MEMO?
Spread the word with more than words.
Sometimes, email is great. Event reminders, quick updates, meeting minutes. Type it out and send it out. Sometimes, it’s not great enough. Big announcements, new initiatives, critical messages. You need everyone to pay complete attention to what you have to say.
The short answer
What makes a good internal communication video?
A good internal communication video explains a change, a strategy, a benefit or a process so every employee hears the same message, clearly and at the same time.
It works best when it answers the question every employee asks first: what does this mean for me?
At Epipheo, whiteboard videos typically cost $8,000–$25,000 and take four to six weeks, and 2D animated videos typically cost $15,000–$45,000 and take five to six weeks.
Since 2009, Epipheo has made more than 6,000 videos for over 3,000 brands.
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The Problems
Overload
Problem is, they’re already hearing a lot. Email comes in at a faster and faster pace, so anything that pops into their inbox is quickly drowned out. Not only does that mean most emails get skimmed (at best), but it also means your message is competing with a zillion others. That’s not good enough. And that’s if they even open the email in the first place.
Inconsistency
The reason people often resort to emails for internal communication is that at least it says the same thing to everyone. They’d rather say it in person, but they can’t. Sometimes, the next-best approach to that is to have managers or regional directors do an in-person announcement, but that inevitably means the message gets shared in slightly different ways. All that does is create confusion when this person from this department is chatting with that person from that department, and one says to the other, “That’s not what I heard.”
Inertia
People are loathe to change. You have to give them a good reason. Even more than that, you have to give them a good reason in a way that they’ll be persuaded by. Even if YOU know that your message is important, everyone else might not. They might not see the urgency of a new initiative, or the opportunity in a new project, or the potential impact of a new acquisition. It takes more than logic and facts. It takes a compelling vision that connects with their emotions and shows them why change is necessary.
THE SOLUTION: VIDEO
Video Compels
Video stands out from emails because it’s engaging, it’s quick, and it’s clear. Studies have found that email rates rise significantly just by having the word “video” in the subject line. So that helps with the first hurdle. Because video can use both words and images, it can communicate your message more quickly. Plus, when it’s well done and focused, it creates a clear a-ha moment in people’s minds, helping them understand your message and feel inspired to act.
Collaborate with an expert video strategist to bring your ideas to life.
Video Coheres
Because everyone will watch the same video, everyone will hear the same message. Plus, now that you have their attention, you can follow it up with more details in a longer memo or presentation to help make it clear what they can do now and what’s coming next.
Video Motivates
Because of its emotional impact, video inspires people to change. They don’t really want to hear the minutiae of a product launch timeline; you can fill them in on all that stuff later. They want to care about it. Through the dynamic medium of video, you can get them to share your passion for whatever it is you’re trying to say.
Internal communication videos: what to know before you start
What these videos usually need to explain
- What is changing and why
- What it means for each employee, in their day-to-day work
- What people need to do next, and by when
- Where to go with questions
Which video style fits
| Style | Typical range | Timeline | Good fit for internal communications when… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whiteboard | $8K–$25K | 4–6 weeks | You are walking people through a process, policy or training topic |
| 2D animation | $15K–$45K | 5–6 weeks | You want a warm, engaging story for a big change or new strategy |
| Live action | $40K–$250K | 6–12 weeks | You want leaders or real employees on camera |
Ranges are typical Epipheo project costs; your quote depends on length, style and complexity. See the full pricing guide.
How an Epipheo project works
- Discovery & content strategy. A kickoff call to learn who you are, what you do and why it matters to your audience.
- Video planning. A story arc and visual concept that fits your budget, delivered as “The Story Plan.”
- Pre-production. Script, a custom illustration style sample and storyboards, usually delivered as an animatic timed to a rough voiceover (“The Production Plan”).
- Production & post. Animation or filming, final voiceover, music and sound, then delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a internal communication explainer video cost?
Most Epipheo explainer projects cost $5,000 to $150,000+. Whiteboard ($8K–$25K) and 2D animation ($15K–$45K) are the most common styles for internal videos.
How long does a internal communication explainer video take to make?
Most take four to twelve weeks from kickoff to delivery, depending on style. A 2D or motion graphics video typically takes five to six weeks, 3D animation eight to ten weeks, and live action six to twelve weeks.
What internal topics work best as videos?
Change announcements, company strategy, benefits enrollment, onboarding, safety and compliance training, and new tools or processes.
