Video Release Notes: How to Turn Release Notes Into a Video (With 10 Examples)

Video release notes are short screen recordings or presenter videos that show users what changed in a software release. They sit next to, or replace, the written notes. To turn release notes into a video, record a 2-3 minute walkthrough of the fix or feature, keep each clip to one topic, and embed it in your changelog or announcement.

Text-only release notes are easy to skip, even after a team has put real effort into the update. A video captures attention and shows the new feature working, which is hard to do with a paragraph and a screenshot.

This guide explains what video release notes are, when a video is worth making, and how to produce one. It also walks through 10 real examples you can borrow ideas from.

Table of Contents

• What Are Video Release Notes?
• How Do Video Release Notes Improve User Understanding?
• Does Every Release Note Need a Video?
• How Do You Turn Release Notes Into a Video?
• 10 Examples of Video Release Notes
• How AnnounceKit Helps You Send Video Updates to Users

What Are Video Release Notes?

Video release notes are a way for product and engineering teams to communicate updates, improvements, and new features in a more engaging format than traditional written release notes.

Instead of text or screenshots describing what the engineers changed, a video gives the user a dynamic walkthrough of the update. Most include a live demonstration or a screen share. The engineer can show how a specific problem was addressed and how a new feature works in action.

Think of release notes as an opportunity to keep users excited about a product they have already invested in. Video makes it easier to:

• Reduce concerns about known issues or bugs
• Drive adoption of new features
• Strengthen your marketing, since a good clip doubles as a new feature announcement

AnnounceKit simplifies how companies publish release notes. You can embed a video or share a video link inside any post, so the walkthrough sits right next to the written update.

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Why Are Video Release Notes Valuable to Users?

Static screenshots and written explanations describe a change. A video shows it. Seeing a fix demonstrated, or a new feature in motion, builds a deeper understanding than text alone.

Users grasp the change faster, and the visual context holds their attention. They see where to click, what the result looks like, and how the change fits into their existing workflow. That combination is what makes video release notes valuable.

How Do Video Release Notes Improve User Understanding?

When you introduce a brand-new feature, an embedded video is the fastest way to raise comprehension. The creator shares their screen and guides users through:

• The issue
• The resolution to the problem
• Any new features now available

The engagement numbers back this up. Pages with videos average 6 minutes of user engagement, compared with 4.3 minutes on pages without video. Video release notes improve comprehension and keep users on the page longer.

Does Every Release Note Need a Video?

No. Video is a powerful communication tool, but not every release note needs one. Decide based on the significance and complexity of the change. A video is usually unnecessary for:

• Small bug fixes: For minor fixes that few people encounter, a detailed video is overkill. A concise written description will do.
• Simple updates or features: If the update can be explained in one sentence, it does not warrant a video. Clear, short text is the better choice.
• Changes impacting a small user base: Updates that affect only a small group rarely need a video. Focus on written communication targeted at the specific audience affected.

Weigh the scope and impact of each update, then reserve video for the releases where it adds the most value. That keeps your video output sustainable and makes each clip feel worth watching. For everything else, a clear entry in your versioned changelog does the job.

How Do You Turn Release Notes Into a Video?

Once you have decided a video adds value, you need it to be effective and engaging. Three rules cover most release note videos:

• Keep it simple: Effective videos do not need to be elaborate. A simple screen recording that shows what was wrong before and how it is fixed is enough. For a new feature, screen-share how it operates.
• Keep it short: People are more likely to watch shorter content. Attention spans keep shrinking, reportedly to less than that of a goldfish, so aim for 2-3 minute videos that cover the release note without overwhelming the viewer.
• Segment the content: If you cannot keep the video under 3 minutes, split it into several shorter clips. Give each clip one fix or one feature, and place the clips throughout the written release note.

Once the clip is ready, embed it where users already read your updates, so the video and the written note are seen together. The same rules that make written notes readable apply here. Our guide to release notes best practices covers structure and tone that carry over to video.

10 Examples of Video Release Notes

The videos below lift engagement, improve comprehension, and give users a dynamic experience. Many of the principles of written release notes apply to video as well.

Watch these demonstrations and borrow the ideas that fit your product for your next release note.

#1: Descript

Screen sharing is one benefit of video release notes. Descript takes it a step further by putting a presenter on camera. Talking directly to the user makes the video feel personal.

The closed captioning improves accessibility and makes the content more inclusive. The video shows a company that values improvement and a personal commitment to the user experience.

#2: Coffee Stain Studios

This example breaks the length and simplicity guidelines above, and it proves that some rules are worth breaking.

The animation is entertaining and funny, and it translates into strong engagement: about 2,000 comments on the YouTube video. If your business has the resources for video updates like this, go for it.

#3: Firewalla

In contrast to the previous video, this example shows the power of simplicity. Firewalla outlines the updates clearly at the start of the video.

Screen sharing, subtle animations that show where to click, and well-placed on-screen text give a clear showcase of the updated features.

#4: ServiceTitan

This video also breaks the brevity rule, and in this context it makes sense. ServiceTitan publishes seasonal video release notes that consolidate many updates into a single release.

If you wanted to, you could split a video like this into segments and distribute the shorter clips throughout the text of your release note.

#5: GameCross

The company behind the game Palworld took a unique approach. It communicated updates by showing the game as if players were actively engaged in it.

This method may be specific to gaming, but the lesson applies everywhere: consider your company's context. If you can bring a unique aspect of your product into the video, do it. Tailoring the approach to your context makes it more engaging for your users.

#6: Firebase

The presenter acknowledges that smaller updates are easy to overlook. He names the problem and offers a practical solution: highlighting favorite updates in regular release note episodes.

He also speaks directly to users while weaving in screen sharing and closed captioning. The result is a complete and engaging piece of communication.

#7: Talend

After several elaborate examples, this one shows that simplicity works. The video delivers a lot of information about new updates in a clear, concise format.

Transitioning slides break the content down and keep a smooth flow between updates. It is a reminder that a simple release highlights video can carry your message just as well.

#8: N-able

This presenter provides clarity by outlining the content at the start. He pairs short animated text with direct communication to the viewer.

Sections, or chapters, within the YouTube video let viewers jump to the topics they care about. The "coming soon" section adds anticipation and useful insight to the release notes.

#9: Windows 11

Windows publishes video release notes every month. The presenter warns users up front that their devices may not have every feature yet. He also admits the video is too short to cover each update in detail and points viewers to the link for the full release note.

This clip shows how video release notes can work as an educational tool. The presenter goes beyond announcements and adds tips and insights, which makes the video more instructive.

#10: GlassHive

A video release note should be more than a list of updates. This presenter explains why each update matters to the user and leads with the benefits. In two and a half minutes, GlassHive shows how a short, focused video can convey comprehensive information.

Quick Setup, Easy to Use, and Many Integrations

Manage your product announcements from a single place and easily distribute them
across multiple channels.

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How AnnounceKit Helps You Send Video Updates to Users

In a competitive software market, a compelling release note drives feature adoption and builds customer trust. Adding video makes it more effective.

AnnounceKit keeps the process simple, so your engineering hours go where they matter most: improving the product.

With AnnounceKit, you can take release notes further by:

• Embedding videos directly into your release notes.
• Adding feedback forms.
• Gathering and interpreting engagement data.

If you are still comparing release notes tools, look for one that handles video embeds, feedback, and analytics in one place. Then let AnnounceKit make sure the work you put into each update does not go unnoticed by your customers.