Videos are great. They’re engaging, easy to consume, and can make even the driest topic feel mildly entertaining. But let’s be honest—watching a video is a passive experience. It’s like being on a long road trip where someone else controls the radio. You just sit there, helplessly enduring whatever is thrown at you.
Enter interactive videos—where viewers actually get to do something. Click, choose, explore, and maybe even influence the outcome. When done well, interactive videos boost engagement, make your brand more memorable, and (if you play your cards right) convert more leads than a traditional video ever could.
So, how do you make an interactive video that doesn’t just feel like an overcomplicated gimmick? Let’s break it down.
What Is an Interactive Website Video? (And Why Should You Care?)
An interactive website video is a video that doesn’t just sit there looking pretty—it lets viewers interact with it. Whether through clickable elements, branching storylines, embedded quizzes, or real-time forms, interactive videos take engagement to the next level.
Imagine watching a product demo where you can click on the exact features you’re interested in instead of suffering through an entire presentation about every feature. Or taking a tutorial where you choose what to learn next, rather than waiting for the instructor to get to the good part.
With interactive website videos, viewers become participants instead of passive consumers, leading to longer watch times, better engagement, and—if you play it right—more conversions.
How Can Interactive Videos Convert More Leads? (A.K.A. The Secret Sauce)
An interactive video isn’t just there to entertain—it’s there to convert. Here’s how businesses are using them to turn casual viewers into actual leads:
1. Product Demo Videos with Purchase Links (Because Nobody Wants to Search for the Buy Button)
Instead of hoping viewers will remember to check out your product later, let them click right there in the video to learn more or buy instantly. Want that fancy coffee maker you just saw in action? Click. Boom. It’s in your cart.
2. Interactive Tutorials with Call-to-Actions (Because People Love Free Advice—Until You Ask for Their Email)
A software company might create a tutorial that walks users through key features, letting them interact with different parts of the interface. Somewhere along the way: “Want access to our full training? Sign up for free!”—and just like that, you’ve captured a lead.
3. Branching Story Videos with Lead Forms (Because Who Doesn’t Love Making Choices?)
A consulting firm could create an interactive “Choose Your Business Strategy” video where users pick between different business scenarios. At the end? “Want a custom consultation? Drop your email below.” It’s basically gamifying lead capture.
4. Interactive Webinars (Because Long Videos Need Breaks—And CTAs)
Instead of making viewers watch an hour-long webinar in one go, let them jump to sections they care about. Need more info? Click here to schedule a call. Want extra resources? Enter your email to download our guide.
How to Choose the Right Interactive Video (Without Overthinking It)
Not all interactive website videos are created equal. Some make sense, and some feel like someone added buttons just because they could. Here’s how to make sure your video actually serves a purpose:
1. Know Your Audience (Because Grandma Probably Doesn’t Want to Click Through a Product Demo)
Are your viewers looking for product comparisons? Do they need tutorials? Are they just looking to be entertained? Understanding their needs helps you pick the right interactive features.
2. Define Your Goal (Because ‘More Engagement’ is Too Vague)
Are you trying to:
- Get people to buy something?
- Collect emails?
- Teach a concept?
- Get users to book a demo?
Your goal determines how much (or how little) interactivity your video needs.
3. Use Data to Make Smart Choices (Because Guessing is for Amateurs)
Look at past video performance. If your audience drops off after two minutes, maybe try a shorter interactive video with quick decision points. If they’re watching product demos all the way through, add clickable “Buy Now” buttons.
How to Build an Interactive Video (Without It Feeling Like a Clickbait Trap)
Building an interactive video isn’t hard, but it does require some planning. Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose a Platform (Because Manually Coding One is a Nightmare)
There are plenty of great platforms that let you add interactive elements without losing your mind. Some top picks:
- Wistia – Perfect for adding forms, CTAs, and analytics to your videos.
- Vizia – Great for embedding quizzes and surveys.
- Wirewax – If you want next-level interactivity (think clickable hotspots and custom paths).
2. Keep It Simple (Because No One Wants to Play a Mini-Game to Watch a Video)
Just because you can add 20 clickable elements doesn’t mean you should. Stick to a few key interactions that genuinely add value—like letting users skip sections, choose a product variant, or sign up for more info.
3. Personalize the Experience (Because One-Size-Fits-All is Boring)
If your video is helping users find the right product or service, let them make choices that tailor the content to them. Example: “Are you shopping for home use or business?”—their choice changes what they see next.
4. Use CTAs Naturally (Because ‘BUY NOW’ Flashing in Neon is a Bit Much)
Your CTAs should feel like the next logical step in the user journey:
- “Want to see more product details? Click here.”
- “Need help choosing? Book a free consult.”
- “Get a special discount—just enter your email.”
How to Get the Most Out of Your Interactive Video (So It’s Not Just a Fancy Widget No One Uses)
1. Promote It Everywhere
Post it on social media, embed it on landing pages, feature it in email campaigns—because an interactive website video without traffic is like a billboard in the middle of the desert.
2. Track the Right Metrics
Look at where people are clicking and when they drop off. Are they skipping ahead? Are they clicking the CTA? Use that data to tweak your video for better conversions.
3. A/B Test Different Interactive Features
Test different CTAs, quiz formats, or clickable elements to see what gets the most engagement.
4. Repurpose It
Break the video into smaller interactive clips for social media. Turn the script into a blog post. Use customer responses to refine your future content.
5. Follow Up with Leads
If someone gave you their email mid-video, don’t just sit on it. Follow up with a personalized offer based on their interaction.
The Bottom Line: Interactive Videos Work (If You Don’t Overdo It)
When done right, interactive website videos engage viewers, boost conversions, and make your content more fun. But the key is keeping it simple, intuitive, and goal-oriented—because no one wants to feel like they’re taking a pop quiz when they’re just trying to watch a product demo.
Want to build an interactive video that actually works? Check out our interactive digital experience services at Insivia and let’s create something your audience will actually click on.
Written by: Tony Zayas, Chief Revenue Officer
In my role as Chief Revenue Officer at Insivia, I am at the forefront of driving transformation and results for SaaS and technology companies. I lead strategic marketing and business development initiatives, helping businesses overcome plateaus and achieve significant growth. My journey has led me to collaborate with leading businesses and apply my knowledge to revolutionize industries.