Video portfolios have been trending for a couple of years now, and I keep getting asked whether everyone should have one. The honest answer is: it depends. Video can be incredibly powerful for some professionals and a complete waste of time for others.

Let me break down when it works, when it doesn’t, and how to do it well if you decide to go for it.

When Video Works Brilliantly

Presenting and training roles. If your job involves standing in front of people and communicating ideas, video is your best friend. Trainers, facilitators, teachers, public speakers — a two-minute clip of you presenting does more than any written description ever could.

Creative professions. Filmmakers, animators, videographers, and content creators obviously benefit. But so do less obvious creatives like event planners (show the event), interior designers (walk through the space), and architects (narrate a building tour).

Client-facing consultants. If clients are hiring you as much for your personality and communication style as your technical skills, video lets them experience what it’s like to work with you before they pick up the phone.

Career pivoters. A short video explaining your transition story can be more compelling than any written cover letter. It shows confidence, clarity, and commitment in a way text struggles to match.

When Video Falls Flat

Highly technical roles. If you’re a data engineer or financial analyst, a video of you talking about SQL queries isn’t going to impress anyone. Show the work instead — dashboards, code samples, project documentation.

When production quality is low. A poorly lit, badly framed video with muffled audio does more harm than good. If you’re not willing to invest in basic production quality, skip it entirely.

When it replaces rather than supplements. Video should enhance your portfolio, not replace the written content. Recruiters and hiring managers often browse portfolios in environments where they can’t play audio. If your key information is only accessible via video, you’re losing part of your audience.

When it’s too long. Nobody — and I mean nobody — is watching a 15-minute portfolio video. Two minutes maximum for an introduction. Individual project videos should be 60-90 seconds each.

How to Do Video Right

If you’ve decided video is right for your portfolio, here are the practical steps:

Keep it short. Your introduction video should be 60-120 seconds. Introduce yourself, state what you do, mention one or two standout projects, and invite the viewer to explore your portfolio. That’s it.

Invest in audio. People will forgive average video quality but not bad audio. A $50 lapel microphone makes a massive difference. Record in a quiet room with soft furnishings to reduce echo.

Script it, but don’t read it. Write out what you want to say, then practice until you can deliver it naturally while glancing at bullet points. Reading from a script kills authenticity.

Use natural lighting. Face a window. The soft, even light you get from an overcast Australian day is better than most ring lights. Avoid direct sunlight and overhead fluorescents.

Add captions. Always. This is both an accessibility requirement and a practical one — many viewers watch without sound, especially during work hours.

Platform Considerations

Where you host your video matters:

• YouTube (unlisted) is free and reliable but looks casual
• Vimeo offers more professional presentation and better privacy controls
• Embedded on your portfolio site is ideal for control but watch your page load times
• Loom works well for walkthrough-style videos where you’re talking through your screen

Whichever platform you choose, make sure the video is embedded in your portfolio, not linked out to a separate page. Every click you add is an opportunity for someone to leave.

The Hybrid Approach

The portfolios that impress me most use a hybrid approach. The core content is text and images — case studies, project descriptions, outcomes, and reflections. Then, selected projects include a short video that adds dimension.

Maybe it’s a 60-second walkthrough of a completed project. Maybe it’s a client testimonial recorded on a phone. Maybe it’s a time-lapse of your creative process. These video elements add personality and proof without replacing the substance underneath.

Start with one video. Your portfolio introduction is the safest place to begin. Film it, watch it back, refine it, and publish it. If it adds value and you enjoy the process, add project-specific videos over time. If it feels forced, trust that instinct and focus on making your written content stronger instead.