The Benefits of Creating Remote Testimonial Videos

Testimonial videos are incredibly powerful marketing tools—they help build trust, overcome buyer hesitations, and humanize your brand. But a common misconception (one I definitely held) is that they are super costly and time-consuming to produce. Not so! Sure, there is a time and place for a full-blown in-person studio or onsite shoot, but for start-ups or businesses with a limited marketing budget? A remotely produced testimonial video is likely the better option. 

In this post, I’ll cover the ins and outs of producing a remote testimonial video, plus some tips for how to make your first one excellent. 

What are Remotely-Produced Testimonial Videos?

We’ve already covered the value of testimonial videos. Whether you’re featuring a real customer or client; employee; or credible expert, they are a great way to showcase what’s special about your product or service in a super relatable way. But what does it mean to produce a testimonial video remotely vs. in-person?

In a nutshell, a remote testimonial video is captured using a video recording tool like Zoom (or something more sophisticated like what we use at Legit) instead of capturing an interview the traditional way, with a camera, in-person, in a studio or “on-location” setting. 

For a long time, I was super hesitant about going this route as a marketer. Wouldn’t the quality be compromised? But the truth is, the production that goes into a remote testimonial video ensures the end-product is just as compelling as an in-person shoot. And, with user-generated content exponentially increasing thanks to TikTok, Reels, and YouTube, audiences are more used to seeing remotely captured footage on their phones and screens. Testimonial video content, which had previously been one of the most expensive line-items in my marketing budget, became something obtainable for even the smaller brands I worked with—and immensely scalable for the big ones. 

How Do Remote Testimonial Videos Work?

Just like videos made from in-person shoots, remote testimonial videos are typically composed primarily of interview footage, i.e. a subject repping your brand speaks directly to camera (in this case the one on their computer) about your product or service. In post-production, animations, text-callouts, b-roll or stock footage are added to help tell the story beyond what the subject is sharing. Though not strictly essential, I have definitely found that adding elements like those create visual interest that makes the final video perform better. 

Just like a video made from an in-person interview, the most successful remote testimonial videos feature an engaging, articulate subject talking authentically about their experience. Think a real client talking about how a product changed their life or a verified expert explaining why they trust a brand. 

What are the Benefits of Filming Testimonials Remotely?

While I want to reiterate that there is definitely a time and place for in-person video production, there are a number of major benefits to going the remote route; chief among them, they make video content more accessible for brands with smaller marketing budgets. Here are a few others:

Cost-Effective

• No need for expensive studio rentals, lighting, or professional camera crews

• Saves money on travel and logistics

• Ideal for startups, small businesses, and solopreneurs with limited budgets

Convenience and Accessibility

• Easy scheduling—no need to coordinate in-person availability.

• Interview clients or customers from anywhere in the world.

• Removes location barriers, expanding the range of potential testimonials.

Faster Turnaround

• Quicker setup with minimal technical requirements

• Streamlined editing process due to fewer moving parts

• Ideal for time-sensitive campaigns or product launches

Increased Authenticity

• Remote interviews feel less polished but more genuine

• Testimonial-givers are often more relaxed in their own environment

• Adds a relatable, human touch that resonates with audiences

Flexibility for Iterations

• Easy to re-record sections without costly reshoots

• Ability to add supplementary footage, b-roll, or other visual elements later

The Bottom Line

Remotely-produced video testimonials make video content even more accessible for start-ups, smaller businesses, or marketing teams looking to scale content quickly. They’re an excellent addition to the content toolkit—especially when you work with a partner that knows exactly what they’re doing (which, of course, is where we come in!). 

We’re experts in remote-first video testimonials. Reach out to start collaborating on yours.