We began 2025 with a look at emerging trends in the Communications industry. Those who read that article may remember its discussions on AI, VR, CX enhancements, and hybrid work. The hybrid work section includes this excerpt:
“Another hybrid work trend we can see emerging is asynchronous videos. These can often replace meetings, saving everyone time and possibly even headaches.” Now we’re firmly in the latter half of 2025, it’s time to revisit this trend and look in greater detail at the benefits of asynchronous videos.
Synchronous live calls require everyone to be present and logged in while the call progresses. There are plenty of cases where this is the right choice. However, in the hybrid world, time differences and lifestyle interruptions can make it difficult to keep the team synced up.
Asynchronous video solves this problem by allowing participants to record and share pre‑recorded video clips—complete with voice tone, body language, and screen sharing—without needing to meet in real time.
Techsmith published an article in June of 2025 that includes a laundry list of asynchronous video benefits. We’ll go ahead and summarize them into our own list of the best features of this technology.
Teams that require global collaboration are a lot more common than you might think, and for them, time zones can be a serious issue. Asynchronous video lets team members engage in video collaboration when it suits them.
Not only is this critical for strategy, it’s also a great way to keep a US-based team from upsetting their sleepy European coworkers.
“Why did we even have a meeting? This could have just been an email!”
Ever heard that before? Unfortunately, it’s often true, at least to a certain degree. The good news is if it could be summarized in an email, your meetings could also be summarized in video.
Asynchronous video makes meetings less of a pain to engage with (especially since users can pause and go to the bathroom whenever they want). Less time spent in meetings also means more time being productive and less overall stress.
Asynchronous videos aren’t just good the first time. Once they’re recorded, you can use them repeatedly whenever the need arises. This saves time and ensures consistency.
It can also be used for important documentation. Asynchronous video stores both audio and visual information that can be dug up for reviews, handovers, or audits.
The irony of saying this in a written blog article is not lost on me, but the truth is video is much more engaging than text. This is truer now more than ever as the average person’s attention span continues to atrophy.
It’s also much more accessible to various disabled or neurodivergent users, particularly those struggling with dyslexia or ADHD.
Asynchronous videos take away the pressure of real-time response. Users have the opportunity to pause, reflect, and deliver more thoughtful replies. Many platforms that include asynchronous video allow threaded comments and reactions, giving users more space for contextual, articulate replies and back-and-forth dialogue with other team members.
Meetings don’t involve much beyond sitting, paying attention, and occasionally speaking. Nevertheless, they somehow make people exhausted.
By removing the need for back-to-back calls, asynchronous video removes the exhaustion. Users engage at their own pace, managing their energy, attention, and stress much more sustainably.
The benefits of asynchronous video are clear, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a relatively new phenomenon. Earlier I mentioned using video for important documentation. That may raise red flags for companies not used to video who may think it’s inherently less secure, or at least less worth taking seriously.
Adopting asynchronous video successfully isn’t just about flipping on a webcam—it requires a bit of structure and intentionality. Here are some key strategic points to keep in mind:
Not every conversation should happen over video, and not every video needs to be async. Use asynchronous for updates, walkthroughs, or anything that doesn’t need live dialogue or immediate feedback. Keep complex decision-making or sensitive topics live when possible.
Aim for clarity over completeness. Asynchronous videos should be concise—ideally under 7 minutes—and focused on a single topic or update. No one wants to watch a rambling monologue when a short, structured update will do.
Set norms around when team members are expected to watch and respond to videos. Encourage comments, emojis, or follow-up questions to make sure the asynchronous format remains interactive, not isolating.
Asynchronous video has a wide range of business applications. Here are some high-impact areas where it shines:
Use asynchronous video to create evergreen onboarding libraries, product walkthroughs, or policy refreshers. It reduces the burden on HR and ensures every new hire gets the same, high-quality intro.
Instead of dragging five people into a status call, record a quick update and share screen walkthroughs or progress demos. Threaded comments let others chime in on their own time.
Executives can record short updates or vision statements to be watched company-wide without scheduling conflicts. It’s more personal than an email and more scalable than a town hall.
Rather than typing out lengthy troubleshooting steps, support agents can send personalized video responses or reusable tutorials—especially effective for visual demos.
Use asynchronous video for introductions, celebrations, or informal updates. It humanizes remote interaction and helps maintain a sense of team identity and morale.
Some teams—especially those coming from a more traditional comms background—might wonder whether asynchronous video is a “less serious” or even less secure format.
The reality is, most modern asynchronous tools, like Zoom Clips and Microsoft Stream, are built with enterprise-grade security in mind. These platforms offer features like end-to-end encryption, audit trails, role-based access, and expiration controls.
As with any form of communication, the key is to use tools that match your compliance and governance standards.
Bottom line: asynchronous video is no less secure or valid than a live call or text document—it just requires the same diligence in tool selection and policy enforcement.
Bottom line: asynchronous video is no less secure or valid than a live call or text document, it just requires the same diligence in tool selection and policy enforcement.
Asynchronous video goes beyond giving your organization a glorified YouTube channel. It respects people’s time, improves clarity, and keeps teams moving forward without requiring everyone to be in the same room, physical or virtual, at once.
If you’re looking to include asynchronous video into your business, we at Continuant can help. With 30 years of experience in business communications, we’ve helped organizations of all sizes implement new technology without disruption.
Whatever you use for communications –Zoom, Microsoft, or anything else—we’ll help you form strategies around tools like asynchronous video.
Ready to reclaim your calendar? Contact us today to build a communication strategy that fits the way your team actually works.