Creating Video Content for Developers

Video is no longer an optional add-on in developer marketing—it’s a must-have. Research shows that 62% of developers prefer long-form video over blogs, documentation, or short-form videos for learning.

But creating developer-focused video content requires a strategic approach. Developers are highly technical, skeptical of marketing fluff, and demand practical, valuable insights. This guide explores the best practices for crafting compelling developer videos that drive engagement and conversions.

What Makes Developer Video Content Different?

Developers consume content differently from general audiences. To capture and retain their attention, your videos should prioritize:

• Technical Accuracy & Depth – Developers want in-depth explanations from credible experts.

• Practicality – Demonstrate real-world applications with code snippets and walkthroughs.

• Problem-Solving Focus – Offer solutions, not sales pitches.

• Concise Delivery – Get to the point quickly to respect developers' time.

The bottom line: If your content lacks depth or practical value, developers will move on.

Structuring Video Content for Developer Audiences

Creating effective videos starts with understanding who you’re targeting. Developers have diverse needs based on their journey stage, experience level, and technical focus.

1. Aligning Content with the Developer Journey

Kevin Blanco, Senior DevRel Advocate at Appsmith, emphasizes that the developer journey is crucial in determining video content:

2. Tailoring Content to Experience Level

• Beginner-friendly: Simplify explanations, introduce foundational concepts.

• Advanced developers: Focus on efficiency, scalability, and real-world problem-solving.

3. Considering Developer Specialization

• Frontend vs. Backend – Focus on UI/UX frameworks vs. server-side performance.

• DevOps & Data Science – Address automation, CI/CD, and big data topics.

• Language-Specific Content – JavaScript, Python, Go, etc., require tailored examples.

Choosing the Right Topics for Developer Videos

Effective video topics should be data-driven and community-informed. Strategies include:

• Analyzing User Engagement Data – Track watch time, completion rates, and feedback.

• Listening to the Community – Monitor forums, social media, and event discussions.

• Aligning with Business Goals – Ensure content supports adoption, lead gen, or brand awareness.

Content Categories:

• Product Videos – Feature showcases, demos, customer success stories.

• Skill-Based Videos – Tutorials, best practices, coding walkthroughs.

• Engagement Videos – Live Q&As, community spotlights, hackathon recaps.

The Video Production Process: Best Practices

Both Jake Ward (Co-founder, Data Protocol) and Kevin Blanco stress pre-production planning as key to video success. Here’s a structured approach:

1. Meticulous Pre-Production

• Define clear objectives and target audience.

• Develop a compelling narrative to maintain engagement.

• Create a detailed shot list to streamline recording.

2. Scripting & Storyboarding

• Write concise, structured scripts to eliminate fluff.

• Use visual aids like diagrams and animations to enhance comprehension.

3. Filming & Technical Setup

• Optimize lighting, audio, and camera angles for professional quality.

• Consider multi-camera setups for coding walkthroughs and live demos.

4. Editing & Post-Production

• Maintain a fast-paced, engaging flow.

• Use B-roll, code overlays, and animations to reinforce key points.

• Add subtitles (80% of videos are watched on mute).

The Role of Entertainment in Developer Videos

While developers seek education over entertainment, injecting subtle humor or relatable scenarios can enhance engagement. Kevin Blanco highlights:

• Entertainment can help break negative preconceptions (e.g., making low-code platforms more approachable).

• Avoid overly flashy or distracting elements—keep the focus on learning.

• A strong hook in the first few seconds improves retention.

Distributing & Repurposing Developer Video Content

Even the best content won’t succeed without effective distribution. Kevin recommends a multi-channel approach:

1. Strategic Distribution

• YouTube – The primary hub for long-form content.

• LinkedIn & Twitter – Ideal for industry professionals and technical discussions.

• Reddit, Dev.to, Stack Overflow – Organic engagement within developer communities.

• Physical & Virtual Events – Showcasing demos at conferences and meetups.

2. Repurposing for Maximum Reach

• Shorter vertical clips for social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok).

• Code snippets & transcripts converted into blog posts.

• Live Q&A highlights repackaged into standalone videos.

Pro Tip: If targeting CTOs, prioritize LinkedIn over TikTok—know where your audience spends time.

Delivering Value Through Developer Videos

Developers engage with content that is educational, practical, and problem-solving-focused. To create impactful videos:

✅ Prioritize technical accuracy and depth

✅ Align with the developer journey and experience level

✅ Use structured scripting and strong visuals

✅ Leverage multi-channel distribution and repurposing

Most importantly, provide genuine value. As Jake Ward puts it:

“Nobody’s watching our videos for entertainment value. They’re trying to get the information they need.”

By focusing on usefulness over promotion, you can create developer video content that truly resonates—and drives business results.