Recent advancements in internet technologies and open and distance education have led to increased research on instructional video. The current study reveals the influential aspects of instructional videos, emerging trends, and critical factors. This study analyzed 221 peer-reviewed articles published until the end of 2022 to provide an overview of recent research on the use of educational videos. A bibliometric approach identified common keywords and their interactions through co-occurrence and thematic analysis. The findings showed the growing importance of video-based research in education, focusing on cognitive aspects such as learning performance, cognitive load, attention and their relations. The study highlights the need for further research on cognitive variables and design-related issues. Affective variables and the theoretical aspects of multimedia learning and cognitive load theory are also emphasized. Future exploration areas include video modelling examples, emotional design, and instructional aspects of video lectures in online learning environments.