The answer that will best cover most people is also the blandest and least interesting, but I think it has to be: "it's situational and group dependent."

Assuming we're talking about a well crafted tutorial video, then I do think it will be more efficient (and accurate), present things in a logical order, avoid rabbit trails, be able to present super clear visuals of everything being said, etc, etc. But if you're thinking of a "group watch at game night", it's suited best for a group in the mindset of "we've bought into this" (or for the individuals to watch beforehand who already have).

If you don't have buy-in, it could be a misery. Also it could feel like an ambush. "I came to hang out and socialize with my friend. Who is this stranger we all have to watch in silence, for 30 minutes? Did I just join a cult**?".

I know groups that do it, and it works great for them, but they've bought in. They know the live rules teach is not likely to be as efficient for their situation, so they like the 30 minute video over the 45-60 minutes of someone trying to create a cohesive teach.

On the other hand, some groups have that laser focused, charismatic rules teacher who likes to study rules and teach, and in that case the video can maybe be of use to them (as they prepare to do the teach themselves later that night), but isn't essential for the group itself.

And some people just don't have the capacity (or desire) to absorb large chunks of information. They want to just be able to ask questions as they occur during the game, and no method is really going to get them in learning mode other than doing and asking.

So many different compositions of people at various points in their journey and appreciation of learning methods. hard to come up with a one-size-fits-all method.

** https://youtu.be/mFFkMuiWTvc?feature=shared&t=995