Over the past 2 decades or so, we have seen unprecedented levels of digitization in all aspects of life - from basic computing to payments, commerce, and more. People have increasingly become visual consumers, which is why video is a crucial format for businesses looking to build brand awareness, engage audiences, and drive conversions. Deciding between in-house video production and outsourced video production is an important consideration for any organization. Both options have their benefits and challenges, and choosing the right video production service for your needs requires careful evaluation of several factors.

In this blog, we'll explore the differences between in-house and outsourced video production, the pros and cons of each approach, and the factors to consider when making your decision. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of which method is best suited for your business's video production needs.

Why is Video Production Important?

Before diving into the comparison between in-house and outsourced production, it's crucial to understand why investing in video content is vital for any business. Videos have a unique ability to grab attention, convey information effectively, and connect with audiences on an emotional level. Studies show that viewers retain more than 90% of a message in video format as opposed to a static image or text. Furthermore, most consumers gain a better understanding of a product/service through videos than text. 

Given these benefits, a well-produced video can be a powerful tool in boosting brand awareness, increasing conversions, and building stronger customer relationships. But how do you decide between in-house production and hiring a video production company?

The Process of Video Production

Regardless of the production method, the video production process typically involves several key stages:

  1. Concept Development: Determine the purpose, target audience, and goals of the video.
  2. Video Content Strategy: Plan the type of content, platforms, and tone that align with the brand's objectives.
  3. Scriptwriting: Write a clear and engaging script that outlines the dialogue, narration, or scenes in the video.
  4. Storyboarding: Create a visual plan that maps out each shot, helping to visualize the flow of the video.
  5. Location Scouting: Identify and secure the right locations for filming.
  6. Equipment Setup: Gather and set up cameras, lighting, microphones, and props needed for the shoot.
  7. Pre-Production: Finalize schedules, cast, and all logistical elements needed for the shoot.
  8. Production: The actual filming process, capturing all necessary footage according to the storyboard and script.
  9. Post-Production: Editing the footage, adding sound, music, special effects, and color grading to complete the video.
  10. Review and Feedback: Share the rough cut with stakeholders for feedback and revisions.
  11. Final Delivery: Finalize the video and deliver it in the required format for publication or distribution.

This workflow is standard, whether managed internally or outsourced to a video production company.

In-House Video Production

In-house video production involves using internal teams and resources to create video content. This option is particularly appealing for companies that need to produce videos frequently and want more direct control over the creative process.

When to Use In-House Production?

In-house production is best suited for less formal, more frequent projects that focus on showcasing the company's culture or providing educational content. Examples include:

  • Company culture videos: Highlighting your team, values, and work environment.
  • Social media videos: Short, informal clips tailored for platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.
  • Product explainer videos: Demonstrating product features and uses.
  • Internal communication: Training videos or updates for employees.

In-house production also works well for projects that require a deep understanding of your company's values, brand voice, and image.

Pros of In-House Video Production

  1. Deep Brand Knowledge: Employees are inherently familiar with the brand's tone, values, and objectives. This intimate knowledge helps create content that resonates with the brand's message without the need for extensive briefings.
  2. Quicker Turnaround: Because the team is readily available, in-house production can be more agile and responsive. This makes it easier to produce videos on short notice for events, social media, or urgent marketing needs.
  3. Cost Efficiency Over Time: For companies that frequently produce video content, keeping production in-house can be cost-effective. Once the initial investment in equipment and software is made, ongoing costs are limited to salaries and operational expenses.
  4. Direct Communication and Control: In-house teams are typically more accessible, allowing for more direct communication and immediate feedback. This can result in smoother collaboration and fewer revisions.
  5. Brand Consistency: Internal teams are more likely to maintain consistency in branding across videos, from tone to visual style, ensuring alignment with the company's identity.

Cons of In-House Video Production

  1. Limited Creative Range: While internal teams may be skilled, they often lack the diverse experience and fresh perspectives that external professionals bring. This can result in a narrower range of creative ideas and less innovation in video production.
  2. Higher Initial Investment: Setting up an in-house video production service requires significant upfront investment in equipment (cameras, lighting, editing software, etc.), and ongoing training for employees.
  3. Productivity Challenges: In-house teams often juggle multiple responsibilities, and video production can become a secondary task. This can lead to inefficiency or lower-quality output if the team is stretched too thin.
  4. Risk of Overloading Employees: Expecting one team to handle all aspects of video production—from scriptwriting to editing—can lead to burnout, as employees are required to perform multiple roles.
  5. Idle Time: Video production demand is not always consistent. There may be periods of low demand when in-house production employees are underutilized, which can result in wasted resources.

Outsourced Video Production

Outsourcing video production involves hiring a video production company or freelance professionals to handle the creation of your videos. This is often the best option for high-quality, polished content or complex projects that require specialized skills and equipment.

When to Outsource Video Production?

Outsourced video production is ideal for projects that require a higher level of expertise and production quality, including:

  • Brand films: Professional-grade videos that tell your brand's story in a compelling way.
  • Ad campaigns: Videos designed for advertising across platforms.
  • Customer testimonials: Well-produced interviews with clients to showcase positive experiences.
  • High-quality product explainers: Detailed videos that demonstrate complex products or services.
  • Animation and special effects: Videos requiring motion graphics, animation, or other complex visual elements.

Pros of Outsourced Video Production

  1. Access to Expertise: A video production service brings specialized skills and a wealth of experience to the table. Their familiarity with industry-standard tools and techniques ensures high-quality output that might not be achievable in-house.
  2. Creative Innovation: External video production professionals often bring fresh ideas and diverse creative perspectives, helping your brand stand out with unique and innovative video content.
  3. Flexible Scalability: Outsourcing allows businesses to scale video production up or down based on demand. You only pay for the videos you need, which makes outsourcing cost-effective for companies that require high-quality content intermittently.
  4. Cost Savings on Equipment: A video production service comes equipped with state-of-the-art gear, from cameras to editing software. You won't need to invest in expensive equipment, saving you both initial costs and maintenance expenses.
  5. Project Focus: Since outsourced video professionals work exclusively on your project, they are often more focused and dedicated to delivering the best possible result without distractions from other in-house duties.

Cons of Outsourced Video Production

  1. Higher Costs for Complex Projects: While outsourcing can be cost-effective for short-term needs, the cost can rise significantly for larger, more complex projects. High-quality work from a video production service may come with a premium price tag.
  2. Less Immediate Control: Working with an external team means less direct control over the creative process. Miscommunication or differences in vision can sometimes occur, resulting in more rounds of revisions.
  3. Finding the Right Partner: It can be challenging to find a video production company in India or elsewhere that aligns with your brand's voice and understands your needs. Vetting potential vendors and building a strong working relationship takes time.
  4. Limited Availability for Last-Minute Projects: Most video production companies work on multiple projects simultaneously, so they may not always be available for urgent or last-minute requests. This could lead to delays or scheduling conflicts.
  5. Lack of Long-Term Relationship: Because outsourcing is often project-based, building long-term relationships can be difficult. Unlike an in-house team, outsourced vendors might not develop the same deep understanding of your brand over time.

Key Considerations for Choosing Between In-House and Outsourced Video Production

When deciding between in-house and outsourced video production, several factors must be considered:

  1. Budget: Evaluate the total cost of producing videos in-house versus outsourcing. While in-house production requires upfront investment in equipment and training, outsourcing might incur higher costs per project but without long-term expenses.
  2. Project Complexity: Complex videos requiring special effects, animations, or high-end equipment are best outsourced to professionals. Simpler, less formal content can often be handled effectively in-house.
  3. Frequency of Video Production: If your business requires regular video content (e.g., social media updates or product explainer videos), an in-house team might offer better value. For infrequent but high-quality projects, outsourcing is usually more practical.
  4. Brand Control and Consistency: In-house teams have a deeper understanding of your brand's identity, ensuring consistent messaging and tone across all video content. However, a video production company can bring fresh ideas and elevate your brand with top-tier production quality.
  5. Scalability: If your video needs fluctuate, outsourcing provides flexibility. You can hire a video production service as needed, without worrying about managing idle time or underutilized in-house resources.

Conclusion

Both in-house and outsourced video production have their strengths and weaknesses. In-house video production provides greater control, faster turnaround, and deeper brand knowledge, making it suitable for regular content such as social media posts and product explainers. On the other hand, outsourcing to a video production company offers access to industry expertise, professional equipment, and higher production quality for larger projects like brand films and ad campaigns.

Ultimately, the best approach for your business may involve a combination of both. Leveraging an in-house team for day-to-day content creation, while partnering with an outsourced video production company in India for high-profile or complex projects, can give you the flexibility and quality you need to succeed in the competitive world of video marketing.