Step 1. Create a YouTube Video Strategy
Choose the right topic (for the right audience)
Want to know the best-kept secret about being successful on YouTube (or any other content platform)?
It has very little with you as the creator.
You can be charismatic, funny, and smart — but if you don’t provide value, your videos are useless.
It’s not about you or what you can gain. If you show up to YouTube looking to get something out of it, you probably won’t be very successful.
You need to focus on your audience. Not yourself.
Find your perfect audience for YouTube
Before you start working on your first script or storyboard, you must answer this question:
“Who is your audience?”
Knowing your audience will guide nearly every decision you make about your video.
Knowing general information is helpful, but think about your specific audience.
Experts’ Take
As you start looking at what your audience wants and needs, there are some things you can do to help you narrow your focus.
Here’s advice from YouTube experts who have learned (from a lot of practice and work) what you need to define your audience.
YouTube Marketing Consultant Owen Video says, “The very first thing we do is run our clients through a questionnaire that helps them to get the biggest topics that the audience would be interested in.”
Jeremy Vest, Director of Marketing for vidIQ, suggests that listening is critical because “if you don’t listen to your audience then…you’re not going to serve them very well.” However, it’s not all about just seeking what the viewer wants.
Once you have a sense of your audience, you need to create content that matches your persona. It doesn’t matter if your video doesn’t work for other groups or other personas.
When you’re just starting out you want your audience to be as specific as possible.
Niche is good. Broad is bad.
Focus your content on helping the viewer achieve their goals. If you’re selling software, you need to make sure your video helps the viewer learn exactly what they need to be successful.
Fernando Silva, Account Executive for Wistia, emphasizes this need and suggests that we must “[get] a sense to what your audience is actually interested in and what they want to keep watching or maybe what doesn’t interest them. It … helps you make better content in the future.”
If you work hard to understand your audience but aren’t sure of what you should create for them, Tyler Lessard, Vice President of Marketing at Vidyard, stresses that you should, “focus more on the quality of the content and how you deliver it. Making sure it’s relevant to your audience, and I think that’s a simple way to start.”
Throw perfection out the window
Just start.
It’s really that simple.
I know it can be tempting to watch the big-name YouTubers and think you have to create videos just like that and engage a massive audience all at once, but all of those thoughts can be paralyzing.
What should you do if you find yourself stuck on making it perfect?
Start by asking yourself a few questions:
Step 2. Make sure your video is found on YouTube
A video can’t be successful if no one sees it! You must consider Search Engine Optimization (or SEO) when you start creating your video.
There is a lot to learn and figure out, but mainly you want to get your content found by the people who are searching.
Two key ways to rank your YouTube videos are:
Andrew Kan, of TubeBuddy, recommends that you make your content focused on a specific topic and niches, which will help your content be more searchable.
“Many people spend time on broad terms that have so much competition they’re never going to show up for [in search],” he said. “If you show up on the race day, and you’re [not] a runner and you’ve practiced once, you can’t expect to win. So by practicing, by understanding that being more specific helps you be more discoverable, it helps you win.”
In addition to focusing your content on specific topics, Jeremy Vest recommends that you make sure your content is helpful and answers questions your potential audience is asking.
“Match that search intent with ‘how do I fix this blank’, and you sell that blank,” he said. “Instead of just talking about how good your widget is, be the answer to questions being asked … And being the answer to those is…one of the easiest ways for brands to start doing well in this environment and then from there beat that expectation. Provide things they’re not expecting. Have guests they wouldn’t expect to be on your program. And, give more value than they can even believe.”
To make your content helpful and findable, consider the questions being asked and where they’re being asked. Then you can create the right content and post it where it will be found.
Step 3. Find YouTube ideas and topics
Now that you know your audience, you may be wondering “What should I make a YouTube video about?” The good news is that there are tons of ways to find YouTube video ideas that your audience is searching for.
Let’s say you run a home contracting business. You decide you are going to target your channel towards current homeowners looking to spruce up their house. Your initial video topics might include things like How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings or How to Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets.
That’s a great start, but for even more ideas than your initial list, here are some tips from Gord Isman of the best places you can use to get inspired and find highly-relevant topics for your specific audience.
1. YouTube search
YouTube search is one of the best ways to find what people are looking for. When you come up with a content idea, do a quick YouTube search and see what comes back.
Then look at the search results and decide if it’s a saturated area or there’s room to create a unique, valuable version.
You want to choose topics that you’re passionate about and that are relevant to your audience.
When you have a basic topic idea YouTube can help you narrow it down.
Search YouTube by typing some keywords into the search bar.
The auto-suggest/autocomplete feature will give you additional keywords that YouTube suggests.
Here’s an example where I typed “tutorial video” into the search bar, and a list of suggested topics appeared below.
You want to take those terms and write them down. You may find after all of your research that one video can cover a lot of the same topics, or that you can create a series of videos.
For a topic focusing on “video tutorial” I would want to focus on editing, video ideas, and background music as a good starting point.
2. Comments section
The comments section of videos and articles can be a great resource for YouTube video topics.
Viewers often suggest additional topics or ask questions that suggest areas of interest for creating additional content.
So start by looking at a competitor’s YouTube channel and start mining the comments.
3. Communities and groups
Whether it’s Twitter, a Facebook group, or a membership group, find like-minded people who will inspire you and help you out along the way.
Don’t discourage yourself by assuming you must go at it alone.
Find a group that you can bounce ideas off of and ask questions. You might even come away with some different (and better) video topics to start with.
4. Ask your audience
If you already have an audience (even a small one) it’s worth asking them what types of content they would like to see.
This is a surefire way to figure out what your audience wants to know, learn, and watch.
Step 4. Understand YouTube equipment for beginners
It can be easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you don’t have the right tools to create your video.
It’s fun to have high-end equipment and there is no question that better equipment can produce a better quality video.
Keep in mind, too, that highly specialized equipment that can be complex to run, and requires considerable time and training to master.
Especially as you’re starting out, try not to worry too much about equipment.
First, learn to get good at creating the content and worry about leveling up your gear later.
Tip: Check out TechSmith Academy courses about shooting, lighting, and audio for more information.
If you’re still worried about what gear you should use, Brian Fanzo, of iSocialFanz has some advice. He suggests baby steps, “…start with your phone, and then move to a web camera, then move to professional gear.”
A lot can be done with things like screen recording software, a simple video editor, or a smartphone and a little bit of creativity.
These tools can help you learn the basics of video creation, and help you to practice good techniques that will be beneficial no matter what gear you use.
Here is some of the basic gear (outside of your phone) you may want to consider if you are going to create high-quality YouTube videos:
1. Microphone
Whether for your mobile device, input directly into your camera, or even a digital recorder, a microphone will improve the overall quality of you your video. A decent mic doesn’t have to be expensive, but it is well worth it.
2. Screen recorder and video editor
When you choose screen recording software, pick a tool with built-in recording, editing, and sharing features. It will save you time and let you do all of your work in one tool.
Recording your screen is a great way to make a YouTube video without a camera. At TechSmith, we think Camtasia is the perfect video editing software for beginners.
If you want to learn more about Camtasia and it’s simple video editing functionality, check out this quick video from Tim Schmoyer of Video Creators.
3. Lighting
If you’re recording camera video or even a webcam, video lighting will make a big difference in how you look, and the overall quality.
Lights will even improve the look of mobile device videos and can be a great investment. You don’t have to pay a lot of money for lights when starting. Since lighting is a mixture of science and art, a basic set will help you create a professional-looking video.
4. Camera or webcam
Cameras can be large investments, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
While DSLRs or other high-end cameras can drastically improve the look of your video, they also add a ton of settings and options that need to be managed, increasing the complexity of shooting your video.
An external webcam is a relatively inexpensive option to improve your video quality. Most built-in webcams are pretty low quality when compared to their external counterparts.
Step 5. Learn the first YouTube video you should make
There are all kinds of videos that people create on YouTube. The best video you can start with is an instructional video.
According to a recent TechSmith study, 53% of people reported watching two or more instructional videos per week (up 152% compared to 2013).
A simple tutorial or how-to video is a great way to get your feet wet.
A tutorial video simply answers a question someone asked. It could be How to Freeze Panes in Exel or How to Change Your Oil. Either way, you’re simply sharing your expert knowledge with others.
These types of videos are all over YouTube, and with good reason.
According to a Pew research study that surveyed over 4,500 Americans in 2018, 87 percent of users said that YouTube is important for helping them figure out how to do things they haven’t done before.
That means you have a great opportunity to take create helpful and valuable instructional videos for your audience.
Do you have dog training tips to share? Gather a list of all the questions a dog owner might have and create a series of how-to videos to give them answers.
If you are an expert in Photoshop and want to help others get better, a tutorial video or training video would be a great place to start.
And if you’re a business or entrepreneur, there’s no better place to start than a product demo video or explainer video.
These videos will help your potential customers see exactly what your product or service does without having to read a ton of material.
People look for video help every day. Learning and educational content alone drives over a billion views a day on YouTube.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make a high-quality YouTube video using screen recorded content, just like this one from TubeBuddy:
Step 6. Set up your video recording
Now that you know your audience, have you topics planned out, and know what video to make it’s time to get started making your video.
Write a script or outline
A script may seem pretty formal, but it’s a great tool to help you stay focused. Plan out the visuals (shots, angles, graphics, etc.) that go along with each line of dialogue.
If you already have a blog post for a topic, I’d suggest you write a script based off of the original post. It doesn’t have to be elaborate.
If a script seems like overkill, a simple outline will help you talk through your points, and is better than hitting record without a plan.
Clean up your desk (and desktop)
One of the top mistakes to avoid when you record yourself is to have too much clutter, both on and off the screen.
If you’re shooting a video at your desk, business, or home you want your environment to be clean and presentable.
Next, you’ll need to adjust your camera or webcam, and video lighting (if you have them). Use an external webcam mounted behind your laptop, or—even better—turn a DSLR camera into your webcam for superior video quality.
Here’s everything you need to know about setting up your workspace for a perfect video:
Clean up your mess
Position yourself in front of a solid color wall or hang a sheet behind you so your viewers aren’t distracted by a busy background.
If your video includes a screen capture or screen recording, clutter on your computer screen is just as distracting. And there’s nothing worse than having to fumble through unnecessary apps and programs to get what you actually want to show in your video.
Make sure to close any unnecessary programs and windows before you record.
Avoid recording in front of windows
If you record near a window, avoid recording in front of it. Position yourself next to the window or facing the window. This way, you won’t be washed out or become a silhouette. Pro tip: this is also a great way to enhance your lighting, though be careful, as it can be hard to control the amount of light.
Position your camera correctly
Tilt your webcam or camera so that it’s at eye level and your viewers don’t have to look up at you. Stick to the Rule of Thirds or position yourself in the center of the frame.
Step 7. Record your desktop
Pick your favorite screen recorder and walk through your script as you record your desktop.
Here at TechSmith, we use Camtasia for a lot of our YouTube videos.
It’s perfect for anyone who needs to make instructional videos on YouTube and we have a ton of help videos to get you started.
Your recording can be as simple or complex as you want to make it. You can record webcam to give it some personality, create an intro, add music, or simply hit record and share it out.
Part 1: What is an instructional video?
An instructional video is any video that demonstrates a process, transfers knowledge, explains a concept, or shows someone how to do something.
Creating instructional videos isn’t limited to instructional design professionals. At least, not anymore. Anyone, in any industry, can (and probably should) create instructional videos. Examples of instructional videos you can create include:
Micro videos
Micro videos are short instructional videos that focus on teaching a single, narrow topic. They’re usually less than a minute long and appeal to today’s media consumers, who have notoriously short attention spans.
Tutorial videos
Tutorial videos are the go-to instructional method for teaching a process or providing step-by-step instructions. Usually between 2-10 minutes long, tutorial videos may leverage multiple instructional methods.
Sometimes referred to as “how-to” videos, the best ones are carefully planned and have a professional touch.
Training videos
Training videos are designed to improve an employee’s workplace skills. Companies often create online training videos to cover interpersonal topics, such as compliance and harassment training, or job-related topics, such as hardware and software training.
Training videos often use footage of real people to connect the trainer and trainee. These can be interactive videos and often fit in among a larger training course.
Explainer videos
Explainer videos are short videos (usually less than two minutes) that explain a business concept or product in an entertaining, visual way. They typically use basic animations to explain a larger topic, product, or service. Explainer videos simplify complex ideas into easily digestible content.
Presentation videos
Recording a presentation makes it available for an audience to watch after the fact — perfect for people who want to rewatch and reabsorb the content or for those who may not have been able to attend the in-person event. This might be as simple as recording just the audio for a presentation, or as advanced as recording PowerPoint point slides, a webcam, and a separate microphone all at once.
Lecture and presentation capture tend to be longer than a tutorial video and span the length of the entire class or presentation. This makes them more time intensive to consume and requires a higher level of investment from the audience.
Screencast videos
Screencasts tend to be quick and informal, and are usually intended for a smaller audience than tutorial videos. These videos are digital video recordings of your computer screen and usually include audio narration.
The format lends itself to just-in-time teaching, where an instructor, colleague, or manager can quickly create a screencast to answer a question or clear up a problematic concept. Often considered “disposable” videos, screencasts can be made quickly, with lower production value, and for a specific purpose — often with a short lifespan.
As you can see, instructional videos go by a variety of different names. But whether you need to make a how-to video or a tutorial, the goal is the same. Unlike other forms of video, an instructional video instructs. Of course, while you don’t want boring videos, your main goal is for your viewers to comprehend and learn what you are teaching them.
Part 2: Common mistakes people make when creating videos
When it comes to making instructional videos there are a few common mistakes people make. Here are a few you can easily avoid:
1. Not knowing your audience
Knowing your audience is critical. If you don’t know your audience, it’s all but impossible to make a helpful video. Understanding your audience will guide key decisions about your videos.
General information is helpful, but thinking about a specific individual that is representative of your audience – what their problems are, why they will be watching your video, what they like and don’t like – will help you make a more focused and detailed video.
Later in this guide, I’ll show you the right questions to ask to get a clear picture of your audience.
2. Trying to make it perfect
Too often people worry about getting things perfect. It’s good to remember that perfect is an illusion. If you start with perfection in mind, it will paralyze your creative process and you will struggle to begin.
Remember, the goal of creating video content isn’t to create the perfect video, it’s to create a video that teaches something.
3. Worrying too much about equipment
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you don’t have the right tools to create quality videos. It’s fun to have the latest and greatest gear, but it’s far from a necessity. Learn the basics, then start to upgrade your tools. It doesn’t take fancy equipment to make great videos, and I’ll prove it later in this guide when I show you the equipment we use to make great videos.
Part 3: How to make an instructional video with screen recording
Most people who end up making videos didn’t expect that someday they’d be making videos. They stumbled upon the job. The result of this is a lot of people don’t approach their first video with a well thought out plan.
But, the greatest secret of all is that great videos start with great planning.
The essentials for a complete tutorial video plan include:
Step 1. Determine and get to know your audience
Before you even think about hitting the record button, get to know your audience and understand why they need help.
If you have a product or service, talk to your customers about how they use your product and where they struggle. If you’re teaching a class, find out what learning outcomes your students hope to gain. Are you training a new hire? Ask yourself what questions they need to be answered to be most successful.
Then use that information to choose tutorial topics that will help the most people.
WARNING: As tempting as it may be, DO NOT skip this first step. Even if you know your audience like the back of your hand, it’s still vital to get that information out of your head and into an outline.
Before you move on to step two, make sure to answer these questions about your audience and video:
1. What is your topic? Pick ONE topic per video. By narrowing your scope, your video will be more focused, and easier to create. You’ll also ensure your video is the appropriate length to keep your viewers’ attention.
2. Who is the audience? Start with basic demographic information like education, age, professional organizations, association with other groups and then advance to their interests, concerns, and goals.
more questions to consider when planning your video, like:
Step 2. Write a storyboard and script
Storyboard
Once you have your topic and know your audience, I recommend you create a storyboard to outline and visualize what you plan to show.
Some people get really creative and draw elaborate pictures.
Honestly, though, they can be as simple as this:
Quick sketches and stick figures are perfectly fine for live video. For a screencast or screen recording, you can use a series of simple screenshots to roughly show what you plan to display with the narration.
When you finish storyboarding and you have your plan in hand you’re ready to record, right?
Not quite. Before you go any further, write a script.
Script
A script (even a simple one) will help you be efficient with what you say, saving you and your viewers time. You’re also far less likely to forget something.
Here are a few scriptwriting tips to get you started.
With your script in hand, it’s time to record the narration. Camtasia comes with a built-in, easy-to-use voice recording feature and can be an excellent option.
But I also want to take this opportunity to introduce you to TechSmith Audiate.
Audiate takes voiceover recording and editing to an entirely different level by transcribing your voice in real time — as you record. Then, you can literally edit your audio just like you would edit text in a document.
So, rather than staring at a wave form and trying to figure out exactly what you said and where, you can see it right on your screen.
Audiate even automatically flags all your “ums,” “uhs,” and other hesitations so you can easily find and delete them. You can even delete them all at once.
Already have a voice over recorded? Import it into Audiate and it will transcribe it for you.
When you’re done, save audio file and import it into Camtasia. You can even export the edited text as a transcript or as an SRT file for captions.
I’ve been doing video and audio recording work for years and I’m quite comfortable using professional audio recording software like Adobe Audition, but if I’m doing voice over work, you can bet I’m using Audiate because it’s the best and easiest way to record voice overs.
Next, if you can, get your hands on the best microphone you can find. Even a middle of the road mic (like the one connected to your headphones) will provide much better sound quality than the one built into your computer.
Then, find a quiet place to record. At TechSmith, have a recording studio with sound dampening foam, which is great, however, we realize this isn’t feasible for everyone. If you want a low-cost solution, a broom closet or small office can sometimes get you a pretty similar sound.
When you’re ready, record your script and make sure to speak slowly and clearly. If you make mistakes, don’t start over, simply pause, then start again right before you made the mistake. You can always remove the mistakes when you’re finished.
I recommend using Audacity or Adobe Audition to remove mistakes and any extra noise from your audio.
With your audio narration done, you can record your video.
Check out this blog for more information on how to record the perfect voice over for your instructional videos.
Step 4. Record your screen
Start by cleaning up your computer screen and closing unnecessary applications. Turn off notifications that might pop up. Follow these directions to get crisp, clear, screen video. The last thing you want after you record all your footage is to realize you have a blurry video.
TIP: When you choose a screen capture or screencasting software, pick a tool with built-in recording, editing, and sharing features. It will save you time and let you do all of your work in one tool.
Open the application you want to record and conduct a few practice walkthroughs of exactly what you want to show your viewers. This will help you get smooth cursor motions and, in the end, you’ll have less editing to do.
Then, open the Camtasia recorder and record your screen just as you practiced. Remember, if you make a mistake, simply pause and then start right before the mistake. You can always smooth things out when editing later on.
If you want a simple way to increase engagement and help viewers connect with your content, try adding a webcam recording to your screencast.
When you finish recording your desktop, you can edit your video.
Step 5. Edit the video
Most people feel like they need to be a professional video editor to make a nice looking video. But you don’t need expensive editing tools or a lot of knowledge to get started.
It takes just a few steps and some simple video editing tips.
Recommended Viewing: How to Edit Video
To start, cut out mistakes by selecting them with the playhead, then clicking cut. To trim extra footage from the ends or your recording, drag the end of the clip in.
Editing In-Depth | Camtasia | TechSmith
When you finish editing the video, add your audio narration. With your narration on the timeline, you can use clip speed and extend frame to sync the audio and video in your project.
Ripple Move & Extend Frame | Camtasia | TechSmith
Here are a few examples of simple edits:
A video intro leads your viewers into your content, but don’t get too crazy. Keep your intro simple and to the point. Viewers want to get to the meat of your content. They don’t care about anything other than what you promised to teach them.
A good intro clearly lays out the topic and quickly explains what the viewers can expect to learn.
To create your own video intro, add some space at the beginning of your video. Hold the shift key on your keyboard and drag the playhead to the right.
Then, open your media bin and select the Library tab. From the “Motion Graphics – Intro Clips” folder, drag the intro you like onto the timeline.
Camtasia comes stocked with a few built-in video intro templates, but you can get an entire catalog of pre-made video assets, including intro templates from TechSmith Assets.
To customize your intro clip, select it on the timeline and then edit the text and shapes in the properties panel. Enter text, choose a font, and change any colors or other settings for the shapes and text.
After you have your video all put together, now is a great time to add some music to your video. While it’s not required, music can make a good video that much better. For a how-to or video lesson, try to choose something upbeat and positive. You want your viewers to feel good as they’re learning.
Step 7. Produce and share
Finally, think about where your video will live. There are many video hosting options to choose from these days. You can share your video to an online video platform like YouTube, Vimeo, or Screencast, or you can choose to save the video as a local file. You can also share directly to your favorite social media site.
We’ve found that the majority of our users prefer to store finished videos on YouTube, especially for external videos. There are many great reasons to put your education and learning videos on YouTube.
We also have a free guide, if you want to learn our exact tips and tricks on how to make a YouTube video.
Before sending your video out into the world, I recommend sharing your video with a few people to get some video feedback.
This helps ensure your message is clear and your video accomplishes your goals.
Part 4: How to create a training video with a camera
This is where we start to level up. There are a lot of similarities between a screencast and creating training video with a camera. You still need a video plan, a script, and the right tools, but stepping in front of the camera also brings some new challenges.
Here are a few unique things to consider when creating a training video that includes camera video.
HOW TO MAKE A TRAINING VIDEO
How to Create Training Videos | Camtasia | TechSmith
Start by gathering any equipment you need for your video. Remember, don’t get overwhelmed by equipment. For example, in the video above, we only used five tools:
Place your camera on a tripod and position it as close to your subject as possible, while still getting everything you need in the shot. Being close to the subject will help you get the best possible audio when recording with a smartphone camera.
When the scene is set, use your storyboard and script to guide you through each step.
Remember, just because you have a camera video, it doesn’t mean you can’t also use screen video. Some of the best tutorial and training videos include both! Camtasia makes it easy to combine camera and screen video in one project.
Part 5: The true cost of making tutorial, training, and explainer videos
Before you roll up your sleeves DIY style or hand off your project to a professional video company, let’s take a step back and make sure the right people are making your video.
Budget often plays a large role in this decision, you may want to start by considering the impact you want the video to have.
Here are a few questions to ask when weighing the options.
Hire an outside company
If there’s a lot depending on this video (and you only need one), you might want to consider hiring an external company to produce a “knock their socks off” level video. But buyer beware. This will cost you a lot of time and money. Furthermore, if you want to edit the video further for use in other places, you’ll have to pay extra for that.
Pros
Video production companies have the talent, skills, and experience to create the best explainer videos. Good companies work with you to make your video exactly how you want it.
Cons
It’ll cost you. The average cost for a custom 60-second explainer video is roughly $8,000. And just one professionally-made tutorial video can cost $10,000 or more.
Make your own videos
This is my favorite option because if you create your videos in-house you’ll have more control over the budget and complete creative freedom. A screencast tool like Camtasia is a perfect option for those looking for a DIY option.
Pros
You have complete creative freedom and more control over the budget.
Cons
You’re limited by your own skills, time, software, and hardware.
And, while you might never reach the level of a full-time video producer, you’ll be amazed at the quality of the videos you can create with just a little bit of practice.
What’s next?
Whether you’re just getting started, or you’re a video ninja, you’ve learned some of the key tools and strategies to create successful instructional videos.
Take this guide, download a free trial of Camtasia, and hop in.
Camtasia is built for anyone who needs to make any kind of instructional video. We offer a ton of helpful tutorials to get you started. And, for the record, we make 100% of our tutorials and other screencasts using Camtasia.
If you want to learn even more about creating videos, try out the new TechSmith Academy. It’s a totally free resource designed to level-up new video creators!
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Frequently asked questions
How long should instructional videos be?
According to TechSmith research, the majority of viewers prefer videos of 1-6 minutes in length. However, there is also an appetite for longer videos of up to 20 minutes. It all depends on your topic and audience. In some cases, a longer video may be more successful.
How do you make a training video?
You can make a training video with a camera, screen recorder, and video editor. Just make sure you plan out your content first and know exactly who the audience is for your video.
What is the best software for making video tutorials?
Camtasia is the best software for making tutorial videos. You want to have a tool that is simple use, but flexible enough to take on larger projects down the road. Camtasia is a screen recorder with a built-in video editor.
What are video tutorials?
Tutorial videos are the go-to instructional method for teaching a process or providing step-by-step instructions. Usually between 2-10 minutes long, tutorial videos may leverage multiple instructional methods.
Can streaming video be recorded?
Absolutely! You can easily capture or record live streaming video and share it with your friends, your coworkers, or save it for later viewing. It’s easy, it’s fast, and it will bring order to a chaotic media landscape.
Choose the right topic (for the right audience)
Want to know the best-kept secret about being successful on YouTube (or any other content platform)?
It has very little with you as the creator.
You can be charismatic, funny, and smart — but if you don’t provide value, your videos are useless.
It’s not about you or what you can gain. If you show up to YouTube looking to get something out of it, you probably won’t be very successful.
You need to focus on your audience. Not yourself.
Find your perfect audience for YouTube
Before you start working on your first script or storyboard, you must answer this question:
“Who is your audience?”
Knowing your audience will guide nearly every decision you make about your video.
Knowing general information is helpful, but think about your specific audience.
- What are their problems?
- What will they learn from your video?
- How does your video benefit them?
Experts’ Take
As you start looking at what your audience wants and needs, there are some things you can do to help you narrow your focus.
Here’s advice from YouTube experts who have learned (from a lot of practice and work) what you need to define your audience.
YouTube Marketing Consultant Owen Video says, “The very first thing we do is run our clients through a questionnaire that helps them to get the biggest topics that the audience would be interested in.”
Jeremy Vest, Director of Marketing for vidIQ, suggests that listening is critical because “if you don’t listen to your audience then…you’re not going to serve them very well.” However, it’s not all about just seeking what the viewer wants.
Once you have a sense of your audience, you need to create content that matches your persona. It doesn’t matter if your video doesn’t work for other groups or other personas.
When you’re just starting out you want your audience to be as specific as possible.
Niche is good. Broad is bad.
Focus your content on helping the viewer achieve their goals. If you’re selling software, you need to make sure your video helps the viewer learn exactly what they need to be successful.
Fernando Silva, Account Executive for Wistia, emphasizes this need and suggests that we must “[get] a sense to what your audience is actually interested in and what they want to keep watching or maybe what doesn’t interest them. It … helps you make better content in the future.”
If you work hard to understand your audience but aren’t sure of what you should create for them, Tyler Lessard, Vice President of Marketing at Vidyard, stresses that you should, “focus more on the quality of the content and how you deliver it. Making sure it’s relevant to your audience, and I think that’s a simple way to start.”
Throw perfection out the window
Just start.
It’s really that simple.
I know it can be tempting to watch the big-name YouTubers and think you have to create videos just like that and engage a massive audience all at once, but all of those thoughts can be paralyzing.
Too many people worry about getting things perfect from the beginning. We paralyze ourselves into not creating anything or releasing our content because we’re so concerned about whether we have all the right equipment, or if every part is perfect.
What should you do if you find yourself stuck on making it perfect?
Start by asking yourself a few questions:
- Will my audience not clearly understand the purpose of the video if these changes aren’t made?
- Will the video, as is, achieve your goal?
- Does the video contain something incorrect that would seriously impact the viewer?
- What is the worst that will happen if the current version is released as is?
- Can the time that could be spent continuing to edit be put to better use on another project?
Step 2. Make sure your video is found on YouTube
A video can’t be successful if no one sees it! You must consider Search Engine Optimization (or SEO) when you start creating your video.
There is a lot to learn and figure out, but mainly you want to get your content found by the people who are searching.
Two key ways to rank your YouTube videos are:
- Make content that is good for the users
- Make content that is good for search engines
Andrew Kan, of TubeBuddy, recommends that you make your content focused on a specific topic and niches, which will help your content be more searchable.
“Many people spend time on broad terms that have so much competition they’re never going to show up for [in search],” he said. “If you show up on the race day, and you’re [not] a runner and you’ve practiced once, you can’t expect to win. So by practicing, by understanding that being more specific helps you be more discoverable, it helps you win.”
In addition to focusing your content on specific topics, Jeremy Vest recommends that you make sure your content is helpful and answers questions your potential audience is asking.
“Match that search intent with ‘how do I fix this blank’, and you sell that blank,” he said. “Instead of just talking about how good your widget is, be the answer to questions being asked … And being the answer to those is…one of the easiest ways for brands to start doing well in this environment and then from there beat that expectation. Provide things they’re not expecting. Have guests they wouldn’t expect to be on your program. And, give more value than they can even believe.”
To make your content helpful and findable, consider the questions being asked and where they’re being asked. Then you can create the right content and post it where it will be found.
Step 3. Find YouTube ideas and topics
Now that you know your audience, you may be wondering “What should I make a YouTube video about?” The good news is that there are tons of ways to find YouTube video ideas that your audience is searching for.
Let’s say you run a home contracting business. You decide you are going to target your channel towards current homeowners looking to spruce up their house. Your initial video topics might include things like How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings or How to Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets.
That’s a great start, but for even more ideas than your initial list, here are some tips from Gord Isman of the best places you can use to get inspired and find highly-relevant topics for your specific audience.
1. YouTube search
YouTube search is one of the best ways to find what people are looking for. When you come up with a content idea, do a quick YouTube search and see what comes back.
Then look at the search results and decide if it’s a saturated area or there’s room to create a unique, valuable version.
You want to choose topics that you’re passionate about and that are relevant to your audience.
When you have a basic topic idea YouTube can help you narrow it down.
Search YouTube by typing some keywords into the search bar.
The auto-suggest/autocomplete feature will give you additional keywords that YouTube suggests.
Here’s an example where I typed “tutorial video” into the search bar, and a list of suggested topics appeared below.
You want to take those terms and write them down. You may find after all of your research that one video can cover a lot of the same topics, or that you can create a series of videos.
For a topic focusing on “video tutorial” I would want to focus on editing, video ideas, and background music as a good starting point.
2. Comments section
The comments section of videos and articles can be a great resource for YouTube video topics.
Viewers often suggest additional topics or ask questions that suggest areas of interest for creating additional content.
So start by looking at a competitor’s YouTube channel and start mining the comments.
3. Communities and groups
Whether it’s Twitter, a Facebook group, or a membership group, find like-minded people who will inspire you and help you out along the way.
Don’t discourage yourself by assuming you must go at it alone.
Find a group that you can bounce ideas off of and ask questions. You might even come away with some different (and better) video topics to start with.
4. Ask your audience
If you already have an audience (even a small one) it’s worth asking them what types of content they would like to see.
This is a surefire way to figure out what your audience wants to know, learn, and watch.
Step 4. Understand YouTube equipment for beginners
It can be easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you don’t have the right tools to create your video.
It’s fun to have high-end equipment and there is no question that better equipment can produce a better quality video.
Keep in mind, too, that highly specialized equipment that can be complex to run, and requires considerable time and training to master.
Especially as you’re starting out, try not to worry too much about equipment.
First, learn to get good at creating the content and worry about leveling up your gear later.
Tip: Check out TechSmith Academy courses about shooting, lighting, and audio for more information.
If you’re still worried about what gear you should use, Brian Fanzo, of iSocialFanz has some advice. He suggests baby steps, “…start with your phone, and then move to a web camera, then move to professional gear.”
A lot can be done with things like screen recording software, a simple video editor, or a smartphone and a little bit of creativity.
These tools can help you learn the basics of video creation, and help you to practice good techniques that will be beneficial no matter what gear you use.
Here is some of the basic gear (outside of your phone) you may want to consider if you are going to create high-quality YouTube videos:
1. Microphone
Whether for your mobile device, input directly into your camera, or even a digital recorder, a microphone will improve the overall quality of you your video. A decent mic doesn’t have to be expensive, but it is well worth it.
2. Screen recorder and video editor
When you choose screen recording software, pick a tool with built-in recording, editing, and sharing features. It will save you time and let you do all of your work in one tool.
Recording your screen is a great way to make a YouTube video without a camera. At TechSmith, we think Camtasia is the perfect video editing software for beginners.
If you want to learn more about Camtasia and it’s simple video editing functionality, check out this quick video from Tim Schmoyer of Video Creators.
3. Lighting
If you’re recording camera video or even a webcam, video lighting will make a big difference in how you look, and the overall quality.
Lights will even improve the look of mobile device videos and can be a great investment. You don’t have to pay a lot of money for lights when starting. Since lighting is a mixture of science and art, a basic set will help you create a professional-looking video.
4. Camera or webcam
Cameras can be large investments, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
While DSLRs or other high-end cameras can drastically improve the look of your video, they also add a ton of settings and options that need to be managed, increasing the complexity of shooting your video.
An external webcam is a relatively inexpensive option to improve your video quality. Most built-in webcams are pretty low quality when compared to their external counterparts.
Step 5. Learn the first YouTube video you should make
There are all kinds of videos that people create on YouTube. The best video you can start with is an instructional video.
According to a recent TechSmith study, 53% of people reported watching two or more instructional videos per week (up 152% compared to 2013).
A simple tutorial or how-to video is a great way to get your feet wet.
A tutorial video simply answers a question someone asked. It could be How to Freeze Panes in Exel or How to Change Your Oil. Either way, you’re simply sharing your expert knowledge with others.
These types of videos are all over YouTube, and with good reason.
According to a Pew research study that surveyed over 4,500 Americans in 2018, 87 percent of users said that YouTube is important for helping them figure out how to do things they haven’t done before.
That means you have a great opportunity to take create helpful and valuable instructional videos for your audience.
Do you have dog training tips to share? Gather a list of all the questions a dog owner might have and create a series of how-to videos to give them answers.
If you are an expert in Photoshop and want to help others get better, a tutorial video or training video would be a great place to start.
And if you’re a business or entrepreneur, there’s no better place to start than a product demo video or explainer video.
These videos will help your potential customers see exactly what your product or service does without having to read a ton of material.
People look for video help every day. Learning and educational content alone drives over a billion views a day on YouTube.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make a high-quality YouTube video using screen recorded content, just like this one from TubeBuddy:
Step 6. Set up your video recording
Now that you know your audience, have you topics planned out, and know what video to make it’s time to get started making your video.
Write a script or outline
A script may seem pretty formal, but it’s a great tool to help you stay focused. Plan out the visuals (shots, angles, graphics, etc.) that go along with each line of dialogue.
If you already have a blog post for a topic, I’d suggest you write a script based off of the original post. It doesn’t have to be elaborate.
If a script seems like overkill, a simple outline will help you talk through your points, and is better than hitting record without a plan.
Clean up your desk (and desktop)
One of the top mistakes to avoid when you record yourself is to have too much clutter, both on and off the screen.
If you’re shooting a video at your desk, business, or home you want your environment to be clean and presentable.
Next, you’ll need to adjust your camera or webcam, and video lighting (if you have them). Use an external webcam mounted behind your laptop, or—even better—turn a DSLR camera into your webcam for superior video quality.
Here’s everything you need to know about setting up your workspace for a perfect video:
Clean up your mess
Position yourself in front of a solid color wall or hang a sheet behind you so your viewers aren’t distracted by a busy background.
If your video includes a screen capture or screen recording, clutter on your computer screen is just as distracting. And there’s nothing worse than having to fumble through unnecessary apps and programs to get what you actually want to show in your video.
Make sure to close any unnecessary programs and windows before you record.
Avoid recording in front of windows
If you record near a window, avoid recording in front of it. Position yourself next to the window or facing the window. This way, you won’t be washed out or become a silhouette. Pro tip: this is also a great way to enhance your lighting, though be careful, as it can be hard to control the amount of light.
Position your camera correctly
Tilt your webcam or camera so that it’s at eye level and your viewers don’t have to look up at you. Stick to the Rule of Thirds or position yourself in the center of the frame.
Step 7. Record your desktop
Pick your favorite screen recorder and walk through your script as you record your desktop.
Here at TechSmith, we use Camtasia for a lot of our YouTube videos.
It’s perfect for anyone who needs to make instructional videos on YouTube and we have a ton of help videos to get you started.
Your recording can be as simple or complex as you want to make it. You can record webcam to give it some personality, create an intro, add music, or simply hit record and share it out.
Part 1: What is an instructional video?
An instructional video is any video that demonstrates a process, transfers knowledge, explains a concept, or shows someone how to do something.
Creating instructional videos isn’t limited to instructional design professionals. At least, not anymore. Anyone, in any industry, can (and probably should) create instructional videos. Examples of instructional videos you can create include:
Micro videos
Micro videos are short instructional videos that focus on teaching a single, narrow topic. They’re usually less than a minute long and appeal to today’s media consumers, who have notoriously short attention spans.
Tutorial videos
Tutorial videos are the go-to instructional method for teaching a process or providing step-by-step instructions. Usually between 2-10 minutes long, tutorial videos may leverage multiple instructional methods.
Sometimes referred to as “how-to” videos, the best ones are carefully planned and have a professional touch.
Training videos
Training videos are designed to improve an employee’s workplace skills. Companies often create online training videos to cover interpersonal topics, such as compliance and harassment training, or job-related topics, such as hardware and software training.
Training videos often use footage of real people to connect the trainer and trainee. These can be interactive videos and often fit in among a larger training course.
Explainer videos
Explainer videos are short videos (usually less than two minutes) that explain a business concept or product in an entertaining, visual way. They typically use basic animations to explain a larger topic, product, or service. Explainer videos simplify complex ideas into easily digestible content.
Presentation videos
Recording a presentation makes it available for an audience to watch after the fact — perfect for people who want to rewatch and reabsorb the content or for those who may not have been able to attend the in-person event. This might be as simple as recording just the audio for a presentation, or as advanced as recording PowerPoint point slides, a webcam, and a separate microphone all at once.
Lecture and presentation capture tend to be longer than a tutorial video and span the length of the entire class or presentation. This makes them more time intensive to consume and requires a higher level of investment from the audience.
Screencast videos
Screencasts tend to be quick and informal, and are usually intended for a smaller audience than tutorial videos. These videos are digital video recordings of your computer screen and usually include audio narration.
The format lends itself to just-in-time teaching, where an instructor, colleague, or manager can quickly create a screencast to answer a question or clear up a problematic concept. Often considered “disposable” videos, screencasts can be made quickly, with lower production value, and for a specific purpose — often with a short lifespan.
As you can see, instructional videos go by a variety of different names. But whether you need to make a how-to video or a tutorial, the goal is the same. Unlike other forms of video, an instructional video instructs. Of course, while you don’t want boring videos, your main goal is for your viewers to comprehend and learn what you are teaching them.
Part 2: Common mistakes people make when creating videos
When it comes to making instructional videos there are a few common mistakes people make. Here are a few you can easily avoid:
1. Not knowing your audience
Knowing your audience is critical. If you don’t know your audience, it’s all but impossible to make a helpful video. Understanding your audience will guide key decisions about your videos.
General information is helpful, but thinking about a specific individual that is representative of your audience – what their problems are, why they will be watching your video, what they like and don’t like – will help you make a more focused and detailed video.
Later in this guide, I’ll show you the right questions to ask to get a clear picture of your audience.
2. Trying to make it perfect
Too often people worry about getting things perfect. It’s good to remember that perfect is an illusion. If you start with perfection in mind, it will paralyze your creative process and you will struggle to begin.
Remember, the goal of creating video content isn’t to create the perfect video, it’s to create a video that teaches something.
3. Worrying too much about equipment
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you don’t have the right tools to create quality videos. It’s fun to have the latest and greatest gear, but it’s far from a necessity. Learn the basics, then start to upgrade your tools. It doesn’t take fancy equipment to make great videos, and I’ll prove it later in this guide when I show you the equipment we use to make great videos.
Part 3: How to make an instructional video with screen recording
Most people who end up making videos didn’t expect that someday they’d be making videos. They stumbled upon the job. The result of this is a lot of people don’t approach their first video with a well thought out plan.
But, the greatest secret of all is that great videos start with great planning.
The essentials for a complete tutorial video plan include:
- Step 1: Determine and get know your audience
- Step 2: Write a storyboard and script
- Step 3: Record your narration
- Step 4: Record your screen
- Step 5: Make a few edits
- Step 6: Add a video intro
- Step 7: Produce and share
Step 1. Determine and get to know your audience
Before you even think about hitting the record button, get to know your audience and understand why they need help.
If you have a product or service, talk to your customers about how they use your product and where they struggle. If you’re teaching a class, find out what learning outcomes your students hope to gain. Are you training a new hire? Ask yourself what questions they need to be answered to be most successful.
Then use that information to choose tutorial topics that will help the most people.
WARNING: As tempting as it may be, DO NOT skip this first step. Even if you know your audience like the back of your hand, it’s still vital to get that information out of your head and into an outline.
Before you move on to step two, make sure to answer these questions about your audience and video:
1. What is your topic? Pick ONE topic per video. By narrowing your scope, your video will be more focused, and easier to create. You’ll also ensure your video is the appropriate length to keep your viewers’ attention.
2. Who is the audience? Start with basic demographic information like education, age, professional organizations, association with other groups and then advance to their interests, concerns, and goals.
- Why do they care about this topic? Make sure you know why your audience will care. This will ensure you address their concerns and reasons for watching the video.
- What is the learning objective? Having a clear learning objective helps you provide clearer instruction with a more achievable outcome.
- How does it benefit them? If someone is going to invest time watching your video, what value are they going to take away.
more questions to consider when planning your video, like:
- Where is your video going to be hosted or end up?
- What is the best size for that location?
- Do you want to add interactivity, like quizzes or interactive hot spots?
- Do you need accessibility features, like captions?
Step 2. Write a storyboard and script
Storyboard
Once you have your topic and know your audience, I recommend you create a storyboard to outline and visualize what you plan to show.
Some people get really creative and draw elaborate pictures.
Honestly, though, they can be as simple as this:
Quick sketches and stick figures are perfectly fine for live video. For a screencast or screen recording, you can use a series of simple screenshots to roughly show what you plan to display with the narration.
When you finish storyboarding and you have your plan in hand you’re ready to record, right?
Not quite. Before you go any further, write a script.
Script
A script (even a simple one) will help you be efficient with what you say, saving you and your viewers time. You’re also far less likely to forget something.
Here are a few scriptwriting tips to get you started.
- Write your script like your explaining the process to a friend. Use simple language and avoid jargon.
- Show and tell. Instead of simply giving a play-by-play of your on-screen actions, “first I click this, then I click that,” let the actions speak for themselves. Take time to both say what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.
- Practice, practice … and then practice some more. Be sure to read your script aloud before you record. Many times you’ll find that something that sounded great in your head can be hard to say out loud. If you find yourself getting tripped up, go back and make sure you’re using natural language.
- Get feedback. Find someone who’s not afraid to tell you what they really think and send them your script. This might seem scary at first, but once you get used to receiving feedback, it becomes an essential part of the scripting process.
With your script in hand, it’s time to record the narration. Camtasia comes with a built-in, easy-to-use voice recording feature and can be an excellent option.
But I also want to take this opportunity to introduce you to TechSmith Audiate.
Audiate takes voiceover recording and editing to an entirely different level by transcribing your voice in real time — as you record. Then, you can literally edit your audio just like you would edit text in a document.
So, rather than staring at a wave form and trying to figure out exactly what you said and where, you can see it right on your screen.
Audiate even automatically flags all your “ums,” “uhs,” and other hesitations so you can easily find and delete them. You can even delete them all at once.
Already have a voice over recorded? Import it into Audiate and it will transcribe it for you.
When you’re done, save audio file and import it into Camtasia. You can even export the edited text as a transcript or as an SRT file for captions.
I’ve been doing video and audio recording work for years and I’m quite comfortable using professional audio recording software like Adobe Audition, but if I’m doing voice over work, you can bet I’m using Audiate because it’s the best and easiest way to record voice overs.
Next, if you can, get your hands on the best microphone you can find. Even a middle of the road mic (like the one connected to your headphones) will provide much better sound quality than the one built into your computer.
Then, find a quiet place to record. At TechSmith, have a recording studio with sound dampening foam, which is great, however, we realize this isn’t feasible for everyone. If you want a low-cost solution, a broom closet or small office can sometimes get you a pretty similar sound.
When you’re ready, record your script and make sure to speak slowly and clearly. If you make mistakes, don’t start over, simply pause, then start again right before you made the mistake. You can always remove the mistakes when you’re finished.
I recommend using Audacity or Adobe Audition to remove mistakes and any extra noise from your audio.
With your audio narration done, you can record your video.
Check out this blog for more information on how to record the perfect voice over for your instructional videos.
Step 4. Record your screen
Start by cleaning up your computer screen and closing unnecessary applications. Turn off notifications that might pop up. Follow these directions to get crisp, clear, screen video. The last thing you want after you record all your footage is to realize you have a blurry video.
TIP: When you choose a screen capture or screencasting software, pick a tool with built-in recording, editing, and sharing features. It will save you time and let you do all of your work in one tool.
Open the application you want to record and conduct a few practice walkthroughs of exactly what you want to show your viewers. This will help you get smooth cursor motions and, in the end, you’ll have less editing to do.
Then, open the Camtasia recorder and record your screen just as you practiced. Remember, if you make a mistake, simply pause and then start right before the mistake. You can always smooth things out when editing later on.
If you want a simple way to increase engagement and help viewers connect with your content, try adding a webcam recording to your screencast.
When you finish recording your desktop, you can edit your video.
Step 5. Edit the video
Most people feel like they need to be a professional video editor to make a nice looking video. But you don’t need expensive editing tools or a lot of knowledge to get started.
It takes just a few steps and some simple video editing tips.
Recommended Viewing: How to Edit Video
To start, cut out mistakes by selecting them with the playhead, then clicking cut. To trim extra footage from the ends or your recording, drag the end of the clip in.
Editing In-Depth | Camtasia | TechSmith
When you finish editing the video, add your audio narration. With your narration on the timeline, you can use clip speed and extend frame to sync the audio and video in your project.
Ripple Move & Extend Frame | Camtasia | TechSmith
Here are a few examples of simple edits:
- If you need more time to explain a concept split the clip and use extend frame to essentially freeze the video.
- To speed up a boring part of your recording, add clip speed, then drag the handles to speed it up.
- Or to focus your viewer’s attention, use animations to zoom in on the important parts.
A video intro leads your viewers into your content, but don’t get too crazy. Keep your intro simple and to the point. Viewers want to get to the meat of your content. They don’t care about anything other than what you promised to teach them.
A good intro clearly lays out the topic and quickly explains what the viewers can expect to learn.
To create your own video intro, add some space at the beginning of your video. Hold the shift key on your keyboard and drag the playhead to the right.
Then, open your media bin and select the Library tab. From the “Motion Graphics – Intro Clips” folder, drag the intro you like onto the timeline.
Camtasia comes stocked with a few built-in video intro templates, but you can get an entire catalog of pre-made video assets, including intro templates from TechSmith Assets.
To customize your intro clip, select it on the timeline and then edit the text and shapes in the properties panel. Enter text, choose a font, and change any colors or other settings for the shapes and text.
After you have your video all put together, now is a great time to add some music to your video. While it’s not required, music can make a good video that much better. For a how-to or video lesson, try to choose something upbeat and positive. You want your viewers to feel good as they’re learning.
Step 7. Produce and share
Finally, think about where your video will live. There are many video hosting options to choose from these days. You can share your video to an online video platform like YouTube, Vimeo, or Screencast, or you can choose to save the video as a local file. You can also share directly to your favorite social media site.
We’ve found that the majority of our users prefer to store finished videos on YouTube, especially for external videos. There are many great reasons to put your education and learning videos on YouTube.
We also have a free guide, if you want to learn our exact tips and tricks on how to make a YouTube video.
Before sending your video out into the world, I recommend sharing your video with a few people to get some video feedback.
This helps ensure your message is clear and your video accomplishes your goals.
Part 4: How to create a training video with a camera
This is where we start to level up. There are a lot of similarities between a screencast and creating training video with a camera. You still need a video plan, a script, and the right tools, but stepping in front of the camera also brings some new challenges.
Here are a few unique things to consider when creating a training video that includes camera video.
HOW TO MAKE A TRAINING VIDEO
How to Create Training Videos | Camtasia | TechSmith
Start by gathering any equipment you need for your video. Remember, don’t get overwhelmed by equipment. For example, in the video above, we only used five tools:
- Tripod
- Smartphone
- Phone clip (to keep the camera steady and attach it to the tripod)
- A clean backdrop
- Lights
Place your camera on a tripod and position it as close to your subject as possible, while still getting everything you need in the shot. Being close to the subject will help you get the best possible audio when recording with a smartphone camera.
When the scene is set, use your storyboard and script to guide you through each step.
Remember, just because you have a camera video, it doesn’t mean you can’t also use screen video. Some of the best tutorial and training videos include both! Camtasia makes it easy to combine camera and screen video in one project.
Part 5: The true cost of making tutorial, training, and explainer videos
Before you roll up your sleeves DIY style or hand off your project to a professional video company, let’s take a step back and make sure the right people are making your video.
Budget often plays a large role in this decision, you may want to start by considering the impact you want the video to have.
Here are a few questions to ask when weighing the options.
- How many videos do I need?
- How much money am I willing to spend?
- Is this video going to lead the marketing efforts for a campaign?
- Will it live in a prominent place, such as on a website landing page?
Hire an outside company
If there’s a lot depending on this video (and you only need one), you might want to consider hiring an external company to produce a “knock their socks off” level video. But buyer beware. This will cost you a lot of time and money. Furthermore, if you want to edit the video further for use in other places, you’ll have to pay extra for that.
Pros
Video production companies have the talent, skills, and experience to create the best explainer videos. Good companies work with you to make your video exactly how you want it.
Cons
It’ll cost you. The average cost for a custom 60-second explainer video is roughly $8,000. And just one professionally-made tutorial video can cost $10,000 or more.
Make your own videos
This is my favorite option because if you create your videos in-house you’ll have more control over the budget and complete creative freedom. A screencast tool like Camtasia is a perfect option for those looking for a DIY option.
Pros
You have complete creative freedom and more control over the budget.
Cons
You’re limited by your own skills, time, software, and hardware.
And, while you might never reach the level of a full-time video producer, you’ll be amazed at the quality of the videos you can create with just a little bit of practice.
What’s next?
Whether you’re just getting started, or you’re a video ninja, you’ve learned some of the key tools and strategies to create successful instructional videos.
Take this guide, download a free trial of Camtasia, and hop in.
Camtasia is built for anyone who needs to make any kind of instructional video. We offer a ton of helpful tutorials to get you started. And, for the record, we make 100% of our tutorials and other screencasts using Camtasia.
If you want to learn even more about creating videos, try out the new TechSmith Academy. It’s a totally free resource designed to level-up new video creators!
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Frequently asked questions
How long should instructional videos be?
According to TechSmith research, the majority of viewers prefer videos of 1-6 minutes in length. However, there is also an appetite for longer videos of up to 20 minutes. It all depends on your topic and audience. In some cases, a longer video may be more successful.
How do you make a training video?
You can make a training video with a camera, screen recorder, and video editor. Just make sure you plan out your content first and know exactly who the audience is for your video.
What is the best software for making video tutorials?
Camtasia is the best software for making tutorial videos. You want to have a tool that is simple use, but flexible enough to take on larger projects down the road. Camtasia is a screen recorder with a built-in video editor.
What are video tutorials?
Tutorial videos are the go-to instructional method for teaching a process or providing step-by-step instructions. Usually between 2-10 minutes long, tutorial videos may leverage multiple instructional methods.
Can streaming video be recorded?
Absolutely! You can easily capture or record live streaming video and share it with your friends, your coworkers, or save it for later viewing. It’s easy, it’s fast, and it will bring order to a chaotic media landscape.