The Ultimate Guide to Easily Make Instructional Videos

The Ultimate Guide to Easily Make Instructional Videos

Instructional videos are a powerful tool for anyone looking to teach colleagues, employees, and students. Whether you’re an employer, an educator, or a content creator, videos are an effective way to engage your audience and deliver information in a way that’s easy to follow along and understand.

After all, this TechSmith survey found that 98% of people who use video at work say it improves the effectiveness of their message.

Instructional videos are also a great way to help grow your business. By providing educational content to potential customers, businesses can establish themselves as industry leaders and earn the trust of their audience. Moreover, having video content on your website can increase traffic to your site and boost social media engagement. 

With such a wide range of uses and benefits, it’s no wonder that video content is the number one way people prefer to share knowledge and learn new skills.

In this guide, we’ll discuss why video is important, what makes a good instructional video, and show you how to create different types of helpful videos — from explainer videos to video demonstrations — in ways that will captivate your audience. 

What is an instructional video?

Instructional videos are visual tools that teach viewers how to do something or explain a subject, process, or concept. 

The best instructional videos are designed to be engaging and visually appealing through the use of visual effects, text, and audio. An instructional video might also feature several animations, graphics, and on-screen annotations.

Once you start creating your instructional videos, you might also find that they can help simplify your concepts, ideas, and processes while making both the teaching and learning process much more personal.

“Camtasia is incredibly versatile, yet easy to learn, set up, and use. I use Camtasia to edit nearly all of my instructional videos.”
Emy M. – Marketing Director

The most common types of instructional videos

The great thing about instructional videos is that there is no limit to the topics they can cover. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of instructional videos.

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1. Microvideos

Microvideos are brief and concentrated instructional videos that center on teaching a specific and narrow topic without going into too much depth. 

The term “microvideo” is just a different word for “short video.” They’re designed to be concise and are typically less than one minute long. 

Microvideos can deliver a targeted message without an overwhelming amount of information. By focusing on one particular topic, microvideos help viewers quickly learn a new skill or gain knowledge on a specific subject quickly.

Use a microvideo to teach or explain a simple concept in a few steps. For example, a microvideo could be perfect for explaining how to use a new software feature. On the other hand, more complex concepts could be broken down into several logical steps with a series of microvideos for each one. Some instructors shy away from long-form videos as many argue that microvideos offer the same outcomes but with better audience engagement. This strategy also allows for more control over the pace of learning and makes the content easier to consume.

2. Tutorial videos

Usually between two and 10 minutes long, video tutorials are the go-to instructional method for teaching a process or giving step-by-step instructions.

Unlike microvideos, tutorial videos typically explain more complex processes and will often give direct instructions and follow-along guidance. Sometimes, what makes the best tutorial videos are interactive elements, such as quizzes, which help captivate the viewer’s attention. 

As with all video content, understanding its purpose and the people who will be viewing it is key to knowing how polished it needs to be. 

For example, if you’re making a tutorial video for an audience outside your organization, such as customers or clients, you’ll probably want more professional polish. On the other hand, if it’s a tutorial video for staff training or internal communication then it can be as formal or informal as you need it to be.

Essentially, if there’s ever a time that you need to teach a process or share valuable information on how to improve a skill, a tutorial video will always be useful.  

3. Training videos

Training videos are a more specific type of instructional video than those that we’ve covered so far. They are a powerful tool for improving employees’ workplace skills and addressing topics that are important for maintaining a healthy work environment.

Training videos are more focused on improving job-specific skills and covering work-related topics such as compliance and health & safety training. 

Visual aids such as animations and graphics are useful for creating engaging and informative training videos. The most important thing to remember is that the best training videos will help businesses improve employee knowledge and performance while promoting a positive culture of learning and development.

Employers, trainers, and HR teams might use training videos when onboarding new staff, introducing new processes or technology, and providing refresher training. 

Businesses can use training videos to teach employees about any subject or process. This type of instructional video is used a lot in situations that lend themselves to live video, where the human connection can enhance knowledge retention.

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Camtasia is the best way to make training and instructional videos that keep your viewers engaged.

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4. Explainer videos

An explainer video is like a modern-day elevator pitch. They’re also designed to quickly capture the viewer’s attention and simplify ideas, products, and services.

These videos are a popular way for businesses to introduce and explain complex (and sometimes even simple!) concepts in an entertaining and visually engaging format. 

One of the primary advantages of explainer videos is their ability to communicate information in a way that’s concise, engaging, and entertaining. By using a combination of storytelling, animation, and visuals, explainer videos can help to establish a clear and memorable message.

Additionally, explainer videos can be easily shared on social media platforms and be featured on the website, making them a cost-effective and efficient way to reach large audiences.

Businesses use explainer videos to introduce a new product or service to prospective customers to help them understand how it works and why it’s valuable. It’s a simple idea but once you’ve got a well-polished explainer video ready, there are many different ways it can be used and shared.

5. Lectures or presentations

A recording of your lecture or presentation is an effective way to expand the reach of your content and offer viewers the flexibility to learn at their own pace. 

This type of instructional video also doesn’t need to be complicated to create. You could, for example, create a simple visual and audio presentation featuring just your slides and your voice. Or, for something more professional, you could set up a camera to complement your presentation.

There are a few reasons why you might want to record a lecture or presentation. First, you might want to make it available to a wider audience or be able to share it with people who couldn’t attend the live event. Second, you might want to review your content and presenting style later.

6. Screencasts

Screencasts are videos created primarily from screen recordings that aim to teach someone how to complete a task or share knowledge. For example, you could even create a screencast demonstrating how to make an instructional video with a screen recording.

While screencasts aren’t a specific type of instructional video, they can be used to create all the videos mentioned in this article. Generally speaking, they’re usually quick, informal, and intended for smaller audiences than tutorial videos.

The beauty of screencasts is that they allow the instructor to quickly grab information from their screen to answer a question or clarify a concept. Because they can be produced so easily, with minimal production value, many screencasts tend to be considered “disposable” videos, serving a specific purpose for a short time.

But that’s not to say that screencasts can’t also provide long-lasting value. For instance, a well-crafted software tutorial screencast may be useful for months (or even years!) and could be used to onboard new team members or educate customers.

Screencasts are great for sharing quick instructions in an informal format. For example, if you know your audience will be small and the stakes low, making a quick screencast is a great way to visually communicate an idea or help answer a question or solve a problem.

The best software for making instructional videos

Finding the right tool to capture your screen and edit your videos can be a daunting and difficult task, especially if you’re new to creating instructional videos.

Tools like TechSmith Camtasia are perfect for beginners and professionals alike as it’s easy to use and provide a range of advanced recording and editing tools.

With Camtasia, you don’t need any advanced video editing skills, but if you want to learn how to edit like a pro, we’ve got plenty of helpful tutorials to get you started. You can download a free trial of Camtasia to start recording & editing and get a feel for the software.

“Camtasia solves the problem of recording class videos efficiently, benefiting educators by enabling them to create engaging and high-quality instructional content for students.”
Tung H. – Teacher

How to make an instructional video

If you’re wondering how to make an instructional video, there’s one thing you need to remember: Always have a video plan. 

As with any creative process, ensuring you have a well-thought-out plan for what and how you want to create a video is crucial to making a successful instructional video. 

For a more in-depth analysis, check out this webinar on how to create successful video tutorials.

Taking the time to think about the purpose of your video, your audience, and the information you want to convey will help you get started, but let’s look at some of the other steps you should consider before recording your footage.

Step 1: Find the right software and equipment

First, ensure you have all the tools you need to record and edit your footage – this is an important step in making sure you’re happy with the final version of your instructional video.

Understanding your audience and the purpose of your video will help determine the hardware you need. For example, to film an hour-long presentation for hundreds of people, you might want to consider investing in more sophisticated recording equipment. 

When it comes to the software you use to edit your video, Camtasia is great for recording and editing both short and long-form video content.

Step 2: Determine and get to know your target audience

The more you understand your audience, their needs, and their interests, the better equipped you’ll be to create an instructional video that engages and captivates their attention. 

Things like age, interests, language, and even geographic location can all play a part in knowing how to best communicate with your audience. For example, an educational video about dinosaurs is different for a class of 10-year-olds than for a group of college students.

Step 3: Write a storyboard and script

Once you have a topic and know your audience, create a storyboard to outline and visualize what you plan to show.

Creating a storyboard ahead of time will help you make an instructional video that is clear, concise, and interesting to your audience. 

Some people get creative and draw detailed pictures, but you don’t have to be an artist. Your storyboard can be as simple as this:

Quick sketches and stick figures are perfectly fine for live video. If you’ll be recording your screen to demonstrate a process, use a series of simple screenshots to show what you plan to display with the narration.

After storyboarding is done, it’s time to write a video script. 

Even a simple script will help you be more efficient, saving both yourself and your viewers time. Plus, you’ll also be far less likely to forget something. You don’t need to start with a blank page. Using a general script template can help you write a successful script in less than 10 minutes.

Or, use an AI script generator to help you get started. Simply enter your prompt, desired length, and tone to render a script for your video. You can use it as a general outline or build on it to develop your script further. The possibilities are endless with the help of AI!

Step 4: Record your narration

With your script in hand, it’s time to record the narration. Camtasia comes with a built-in, easy-to-use voice recording feature that is a great option. Still, you can take your voiceover and narration recording to the next level with Camtasia Audiate.

Audiate transcribes your voice in real-time – as you record. This means you can edit your audio just as you edit the text in a document. Already have a voiceover recorded? Import it into Audiate, and the program will transcribe it for you. 

Next, 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.

If all that sounds too complex, don’t worry. Even if you don’t want to record your narration you can still get a high-quality narration. Audiate lets you go from text to studio-quality audio within seconds. You can type or import a script, and generate audio in a variety of customizable AI voices and languages.

Step 5: Record your video

Depending on your instructional video’s topic, you might need to capture a recording of a process happening on your screen, demonstrate something in real life, or both.

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Recording your screen for an instructional video

First, clean up your computer screen and close any unnecessary applications. Turn off notifications that might pop up before you start recording. Follow these directions to get a crisp screen video.

Then, open the application you want to record and conduct a few practice walkthroughs of exactly what you want to show your viewers. This practice will help you get smooth cursor motions, and you’ll have less editing to do in the end. 

After a few run-throughs, open the Camtasia recorder and capture your screen just as you practiced. Remember, if you make a mistake, pause and start again from that point. You’ll be able to smooth things out when editing later on.

TIP: When you choose a screen recorder 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.

A simple way to increase engagement and help viewers connect with your content is to try adding a camera recording to your screencast.

“Camtasia is the ultimate in screen-recording software. This allows me to create instructional videos, not only for my YouTube And TikTok accounts, but also for my students when creating explainer videos.”
Warwick V. – Lecturer

Recording an instructional video with a camera

Screen recordings and training videos with a camera are similar practices. For either, you’ll need a plan, a script, and the right tools, but stepping in front of the camera brings new challenges.

Here are a few things to consider when creating an instructional video that includes camera video:

  • Don’t get overwhelmed by equipment. Usually, you can get away with the basics: a tripod, a smartphone, a phone clip, a clean backdrop, and lights.
  • Make sure your recording space is well-lit. You’ll want to record in an area with a lot of natural light or add some video lighting to your equipment list.
  • 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.
  • Sometimes you don’t want to be on camera, and that’s okay. We all have bad hair days. Simply use life-like AI avatars to replace your presence on screen.

Step 6: Edit your video

Most people feel like they need to be a professional video editor to make a nice-looking video, but the truth is that you don’t need expensive editing tools or a lot of knowledge to get started.

In Camtasia, you can cut out mistakes by selecting them with the play head and then clicking cut. To trim extra footage from the ends of your recording, drag the end of the clip in.

Add your audio narration to the timeline when you finish editing your video. You can use clip speed and extend the frame to sync the audio and video in your project.

Here are some simple video editing tips to improve your instructional videos:

  • If you need more time explaining a concept, split the clip and use extended frames to freeze the video.
  • To speed up a boring part of your recording, add clip speed, then drag the handles to speed it up.
  • Add interactive elements like callouts, arrows, shapes, lower thirds, or sketch motions to highlight key points in your video.

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Step 7: Add a video intro

Use a video intro to lead viewers into your content, but don’t get too crazy. Keep your opening simple and to the point. 

Viewers want to get to the substance of your video. They don’t care about anything other than what you promised to teach them.

A good intro lays out the topic and quickly explains what viewers can expect to learn.

To create your video intro in Camtasia, add space at the beginning of your video. Hold the shift key on your keyboard and drag the play head to the right.

Then, open the media bin and select the Library tab. From the “Motion Graphics – Intro Clips” folder, drag the intro you like onto the timeline.

Step 8: Promote your video

After you’ve spent all that time preparing, recording, and editing your video, you’re probably going to want to share it with the world – and you should! 

Posting your videos online, sharing them on social media, and sending them to your friends, family, and colleagues are all great ways to promote your instructional video. However, there are other ways to expand the reach of your videos and grow your audience.

Here’s a quick round-up of just some of the ways you can promote your instructional video: 

Create an engaging title, ideally one that’s optimized for search engines, and try adding relevant keywords to the video’s description.

Promote the video on your social media with links and short clips.

Share the video in forums related to your video’s topic, but be sure to explain why it’s relevant in your comment.

Share the video with your email list and give some insight as to what went on behind the scenes.

Include links to your new video in your past videos, both in the old video descriptions and on the videos themselves.

Embed the video on your website or blog and write a post that either summarizes or expands on the topic.

Tell people about it! Sometimes the best way to promote your content is with some good old word-of-mouth, so share it with your friends and family, and encourage them to share it within their own circles.

By following these steps, you’ll be sure to maximize the reach of your video content. Who knows, your next video might become a viral sensation and people might start coming to you for the best instructional video examples.

Instructional video mistakes to avoid

While creating videos is, in many ways, easy, it’s still possible to make mistakes. If you’ve read this far you should be more than ready to go and make your first instructional video, but you should also consider the most common mistakes people make so that you know how to avoid them. 

  • Focusing on equipment: Don’t get distracted or overwhelmed by fancy equipment if you’re just starting. Instead, master the basics and focus on developing your video creation skills.
  • Striving for perfection: While it can be hard to let go of your need to perfect every little detail, being a perfectionist can also cost you a lot of time and we believe it’s much better to release a video that’s engaging and creative than to spend an unnecessary amount of time on things most people probably won’t notice.
  • Targeting the wrong audience: Make sure you know your audience and create your video with them in mind.
  • Explaining steps too broadly: The point of an instructional video is to provide clear, concise, and specific instructions. So be sure to thoroughly explain each step and include visuals to make everything easier to understand. 

Now that you know the most common mistakes to avoid, you are ready to start creating successful instructional videos. Have fun!

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Matt Pierce

Matt Pierce is a Learning & Video Ambassador at TechSmith. In this role speaks and teaches about video creation and visual communication. A graduate of Indiana University he has ten years of experience working in learning and development with a focus on visual instruction. He has directly managed the training, user assistance, video, and other teams for TechSmith. Teach him something @piercemr

A Comprehensive Guide to The Change Management Process

Gear icon representing the change management process of different organizational structures.

Change, although daunting, is a key element to a business’s success. But how can you implement changes effectively, without creating a whole lot of confusion along the way?

By using a well-structured change management procedure!

Organizational change management helps identify areas and prepare teams to achieve the company’s goals, no matter what they may be. In a nutshell, this method includes planning, providing the right tools, communicating changes, making them happen, ensuring they last, and checking the results.

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What is change management? 

Change management process is the procedure implemented to manage and successfully implement changes in a company or business.

Change management is important for business success, especially during times of significant transformation. Successful change management requires that employees are on board with the change and know how to effect it properly. It’s a tricky process.

This Forbes article explains that people resist change not because of the change itself but because of its uncertainty. Concerns include more work, job security, loss of control, strained relationships, and whether their team and managers will support the change. 

Effective change management, including a communications plan, can help mitigate these concerns, ensure employees understand the desired outcomes, and support successful implementation. Everyone has to be on board for the process to work. 

Change management tools and best practices

Change management best practices to consider

Successful change management processes lean on these core elements: 

  • The change – Understanding what needs to change, what effect it will have, and why.
  • Plan for implementing change – How will you/the team make the change happen? What are the impacts/risks that you need to include in your plan? What training is your organization going to need for the change? How will you engage stakeholders? 
  • Communication plan for the change – How will you communicate the change to get understanding and support for it with the people of your organization? 
  • Necessary tools for the change – Ensure you know what tools are needed for the change and equip your employees with the required tools and training. 
  • Implementing the change – Putting your plan into action to enact the change your organization needs. 
  • Retrospective of the change – Review how the implementation of the change went. What problems/concerns are there still? What went well? Is there any additional training needed for continuous improvement? 

Software for change management processes

In addition to these core elements, effective communication methods will ensure you can relay information to your team clearly, eliminating miscommunication along the way!

For easy communication, consider Snagit! Snagit is a versatile screen capture tool with built-in editing, perfect for creating clear and engaging visual documentation to support your team.

Visuals are super important for managing change because they provide helpful examples of what your team needs to complete. Without visuals, communication can be unclear and lead to problems down the line.

With Snagit’s Step Capture feature, you can click through a process and Snagit will capture each of your clicks and compile them in an editable how-to guide. Your team can then follow steps one by one without missing a beat. This feature is perfect for any process, simple or complex, and is an integral part of any change management.

Snagit has helpful editing tools that make communication easier. Add annotations, callouts, and stamps to any image to point out important information and clear up confusing details. 

An image with steps marked out on a screenshot to guide others.

Last but not least, you can share your guides and images with your team with Screencast. Click the Share Link button in the Snagit Editor and a unique link will be copied to your clipboard, ready to paste anywhere. 

Or, you can compile your guides and images in a folder in Snagit’s library and share a link to the folder instead. This way, your team will be able to access any documentation in one spot! Snagit is a must-have tool when managing changes within your organization.

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How to implement change management procedures

Step 1: Prepare your documentation

The first step in the change management process is preparation. Clearly explain the change and the desired outcome the organization wants to achieve. Identify your key stakeholders and the timeline for implementation. 

Use Snagit’s screen recorder to create quick videos to convey the change and desired organization to your stakeholders. Share a link to the video to save management and stakeholders time in understanding the information. 

Then, collect questions and concerns from stakeholders in your video’s comment section. Snagit’s Screencast integration is made with team collaboration at the forefront.

A screencast video of a manager talking about changes in the workplace

If videos aren’t your strong suit, use Snagit’s powerful screen capture to create screenshots ready to add to your documents. Visual communication, whether it is images or videos, is crucial.

Step 2: Develop a change management plan 

Create a detailed plan that outlines the various steps in the change. In this plan, include a timeline, a communication plan, and any additional resources needed. Then, ask yourself these questions: 

  • Who needs to be involved? 
  • Do you need external knowledge or assistance? 
  • Who is your project manager? 
  • Who is the sponsor of the change, and who is the decision-maker if something unexpected comes up during implementation? Will there be checkpoints along the way? 
  • What meetings, training, etc., need to be scheduled? Proactively identify potential resistance.

Snagit allows you to create visual guides that compare changes, explain a concept, or provide a timeline of events. With Snagit, you can visually map out the change management plan and share it with your team. 

Step 3: Implement the change 

After your communications plans are set, you can execute the change plan. This includes training, supporting, and continuing to communicate. By reinforcing the change, its benefits, and what success looks like, you remind the organization of its goals and keep everyone focused. Create a sense of urgency to urge stakeholders to act swiftly. 

Snagit is an excellent tool for creating training materials, recording tutorials, and capturing real-time feedback during implementation. It is especially great for making quick tutorials or step-by-step instructions on new or changing technology, systems, or processes to help employees get up to speed.

a screenshot of a comment with a screenshot in it, showing feedback of a UI

Step 4: Monitoring and managing resistance 

Managing resistance to change is crucial for successful implementation. Start by implementing a structured approach from the start, engaging senior leaders as active sponsors and direct managers, and communicating the need for change and its benefits. 

Expect resistance as a natural response, and plan for it by understanding its root causes, such as fear of the unknown, disruption of routines, and loss of control. Use active listening to gather feedback and address specific concerns with care.

Engage key stakeholders and influencers as advocates and ensure transparent communication so employees understand the reasons for the change and its benefits, such as the desired outcomes.

Monitor progress and be prepared to adjust strategies based on feedback and shifting circumstances. 

Step 5: Reinforce change

To ensure the change is sustained over time, it is essential to reinforce it through continuous support, communication, and training. Regularly update employees on the progress and benefits and provide ongoing training to help them adapt to new processes. 

Use Snagit to create follow-up materials, such as video tutorials and annotated screenshots, to reinforce learning, and provide easy reference guides. Capture best practices and document success by recording success stories and performance metrics. 

This continuous reinforcement helps embed the change into the organizational structure, ensuring its long-term success while pushing against the status quo and achieving short-term wins for teams across your organization.

Step 6: Gather feedback and reassess

If your change was implemented without any issues, pat yourself on the back! Change is tricky and more often than not, you will find flaws that need to be smoothed out in the process. That’s okay. 

Give yourself the time to reassess the process and gather feedback from stakeholders. Make a list of what went well, what did not, and how the process could be improved.

Remember that change is ever-evolving so there more than likely will be a next time. 

Reflect on the feedback and make notes on future improvements. The more you enact change, the smoother it will be if you listen and react to feedback positively. 

Why change management matters 

Change management is crucial for organizations to navigate transitions and achieve desired outcomes. The benefits of change management include ensuring changes are implemented in a structured manner and minimizing disruptions and resistance. 

Organizations can achieve strategic goals and maintain a competitive edge, creating a better future state, by preparing, equipping, and supporting individuals to adopt new processes, technologies, or structures. 

Addressing the human side of change improves employee engagement, reduces resistance, and increases the likelihood of successful implementation. This leads to faster adoption, higher usage rates, and better proficiency in new systems or processes. 

Ultimately, organizational change management drives success by aligning people with desired outcomes, realizing benefits, and sustaining improvements over time. 

Here are three key benefits of effective change management and how Snagit can assist in each part: 

Minimizes disruption

Implementing a structured change management approach reduces the disruptions that often accompany change. Snagit can help by creating clear visual guides and tutorials that explain new processes or systems, making it easier for employees to understand and adapt quickly. This ensures that business operations continue smoothly, minimizing the impact on productivity and employee morale. 

Enhances employee engagement

Change management involves clear communication, active listening, and addressing employee concerns, which helps to engage employees in the process. Snagit can capture and share feedback visually, making it more impactful. Creating engaging and informative updates enhances any organizational change management strategy, and Snagit can also keep employees informed and motivated, fostering a more cohesive and supportive environment. 

Increases the success rate of change initiatives

With a well-planned strategy, organizations can increase the likelihood of successful change initiatives. Snagit can assist by documenting best practices, capturing success stories, and creating follow-up materials such as video tutorials and annotated screenshots. These resources can reinforce learning, provide easy reference guides, and showcase the benefits of the outcome, leading to higher adoption rates and better usage of new systems or business processes. 

Looking to improve your change management process? 

Are you looking to improve your change management process? TechSmith’s Snagit is a versatile tool that can significantly enhance your efforts by capturing, communicating, and sharing information throughout the change management journey.

Snagit allows you to create clear visual guides, record video tutorials, and capture feedback, making it easier for employees to understand and adapt to changes. To help your team get started, TechSmith offers a variety of tutorials and resources, ensuring that everyone can leverage Snagit’s full potential to support a smooth and successful change initiative.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the biggest challenges in change management?

The biggest challenges in change management often include resistance to change, where employees may be reluctant to adopt new processes or technologies. Communication issues can also arise, leading to misunderstandings and a lack of buy-in.
Additionally, resource constraints such as limited time, budget, or personnel can hinder the implementation of changes. Without strong support from your management teams, implementation processes may struggle to gain momentum.

How do you measure the success of a change management process?

Success in change management can be measured through various metrics, such as employee adoption rates, which indicate the percentage of employees who have adopted the recent changes. Performance metrics, including improvements in productivity, efficiency, or other key performance indicators (KPIs), are also important. 
Feedback and surveys from employees and stakeholders provide insights into its effectiveness. Achieving specific goals and milestones within the change management plan is another measure of success. Finally, evaluating the return on investment (ROI) helps determine the financial benefits gained from the outcome compared to the costs incurred.

What tools can assist in effective change management?

Several tools can facilitate effective change management, including project management software like Asana or Microsoft Project, which help plan, track, and manage change initiatives. Communication platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom enable seamless communication and collaboration among team members. 
Training and development tools like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera provide resources to help employees adapt to changes, while Camtasia and Snagit can be used to create tailored training materials. 
Snagit is a vital tool for capturing visual content, documenting processes, and facilitating clear communication during change management. It allows you to create screenshots and screen recordings, annotate images, and share visual instructions, making it easier to explain new processes and ensure everyone is on the same page.

What is a change management model?

A change management model is a framework designed to guide organizational levels through the process of change.

What types of organizational change require official change management techniques?

Organizational change that requires official change management techniques are those that are likely to significantly affect processes, people, culture, or technology usage within an organization. This could include technology implementations and upgrades, mergers and acquisitions, organizational restructuring, cultural transformations, process improvement initiatives, and regulatory or compliance changes. 

TechSmith

TechSmith is the market leader in screen capture software and productivity solutions for daily in-person, remote, or hybrid workplace communication and customer-facing image and video content. Our award-winning flagship products, Snagit, Camtasia, and Audiate, empower anyone to create remarkable videos and images that share knowledge for better training, tutorials, and everyday communication.

How to Record a Voice Over: The Complete Guide

How to do a voice over like a pro

When you make videos — especially tutorial videos and instructional videos — you will almost certainly need to record voice overs.

So how do you record voice overs that grab and keep your audience’s attention? And, what AI tools can you leverage to create great voice overs?

In this article, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of what a voice over is, how you can record your own, and go over some voice over tips for beginners.

What is a voice over?

A voice over recording is a person speaking during a video — often describing, highlighting, explaining, or providing additional context to what a viewer sees. 

Voice overs are often confused with narration. And, while they are similar, they are not quite the same thing.

Narration is a specific type of voice over that describes all the on-screen action, often telling a story based on what’s happening. While narration is more commonly used for entertainment, non-narration voice overs are often used on instructional and educational videos.

Is there a difference between a voiceover and a voice over? No, although voiceover is technically more correct, voice over is the most commonly used term on the internet.

Why is a good voice over important for your video?

Some might think that the audio portion of a video is less important than the visual aspects, but that’s not true. Most people who watch videos say they are more likely to stop watching a video with bad audio vs. one with lower-quality video.

In fact, a 2024 TechSmith study of video viewing habits showed that people noticed a quality presenter and audio as an aspect of the video they found engaging.

This isn’t that surprising when you think about it. While the on-screen elements of your video are what makes it a video, in many cases, it’s a high-quality voice over that helps people truly understand what’s being shown.

Muddy, muffled, or otherwise garbled or difficult-to-understand audio tracks are frustrating to viewers. And, for people who are blind, but still need the information your video provides, good audio is essential.

So great audio isn’t just important. High-quality audio is a fundamental necessity to keep an audience interested and engaged — and to ensure they get the information they need.

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An image of a voice actor with a UI for choosing a voice over for a script in audiate

The essential elements of a good voice over

When most of us think of great video voice overs, we probably think of actors like Morgan Freeman or James Earl Jones, usually because there’s a tendency to associate voice overs with having a great voice. And while that can help, it’s not a prerequisite for doing a voice over.

In fact, with a little know-how and some practice, almost anyone can produce a professional-quality voice over for a video. All you have to keep in mind are the key elements that make a voice over stand out: 

  • Audio clarity and volume
  • Pacing
  • Vocal tone and inflection
  • Diction

1. Audio clarity and volume

The clarity of your voice and speaking at a comfortable volume may be the most essential parts of great audio.

If your voice over recording is fuzzy or muddy sounding, it will be difficult for people to understand and your audience will be distracted and unable to absorb the information or may simply switch your video off. Either way, they’ll miss your message and you’ll miss an opportunity to share your knowledge.

Similarly, if the volume of your audio is too low, it may be difficult for people to hear. And if it’s too loud, you risk distorting it. Fortunately, there is a solid sweet spot for getting the volume just right, which we’ll talk more about in a moment.

2. Pacing

Ever talk with someone who has an exciting story to tell, but they’re so excited about it that they rush through it and when they’re done you can’t even remember what they were saying? Or, someone who drones on and on with no end in sight, while you struggle to keep your eyes open? 

This is called pacing, and it’s important to get right. Too fast and your audience won’t know what hit them. To slow and they’re likely to get bored. 

The best voice overs have a natural and deliberate pace, which is why you should always write a script (and practice it!) before you start recording as this will help you speak naturally. You should also remember that pacing includes things like pausing now and then to take a breath, either for effect or to give the listener a break to process important information.

3. Vocal tone and inflection

Like pacing, vocal tone and inflection refer to ensuring you speak naturally and pleasantly. You want to sound friendly and engaging, but not so much that you sound fake.

No one wants to sound like a game show host (or like Troy McClure). But, you also want to avoid a monotone robot voice which, like pacing that’s too slow, can be boring and off-putting.

4. Pronounce and enunciate clearly

The final element of great voice over work is ensuring that you pronounce each word correctly and that you speak clearly enough to be understood. Avoid mumbling, but don’t shout or over-enunciate, either.

Be mindful of your regional accent (yes, we all have them) as they relate to your audience. While it’s perfectly acceptable to “warsh” your hands in Missouri or have a great “idear” in New England, those pronunciations may confuse people from other locations.

Don’t worry, though. No one expects you to sound like a professional voice actor. The best thing you can do is speak naturally and clearly — the rest will follow with practice.

How to record a voice over

1. Preparing to record

Not all videos need a ton of preparation. Quick one-off screencasts or a fast demonstration of a new user interface for a colleague can probably be done on the fly. But, for videos where you want a more polished look or need to cover more information, a bit of preparation goes a long way.

Find a quiet place to work

You can create a great voice recording space with minimal effort and little expenditure.

You want a space that’s free from distracting noises and where you are unlikely to be interrupted. Most decent microphones pick up even faint ambient sounds, and those sounds will make it into your recording.

Nowhere is going to be completely silent, so find the best place you can — even if that means thinking outside the box.

For example, you might find the quietest place you can find to record is in your car (with the engine off, of course). It might not be the ideal setup, but if all you need to do is speak into a microphone, it might be the quietest environment you have access to — and you might be surprised by the results! 

Choose a microphone

Next, you need a decent microphone. We won’t go too in-depth with this here, but we do have another article detailing the best microphones for recording video.

What we will say, however, is you should definitely avoid recording your voice overs on your laptop microphone, if possible. While built-in mics are fine for the likes of Zoom meetings, even a low-cost external microphone will be better for a video voice over. 

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars, either. You can get a decent USB microphone for $50-$100, which is well worth the investment if you’ll be doing a lot of voice over work. However, even the headphones that come with your smartphone (which usually have a small built-in mic) will record a better sound than just your computer’s microphone.

If you do intend to use an external mic, we’d also recommend investing in a pop filter. They’re cheap and help minimize the distracting sounds caused by hard consonants such as “p” and “b.”

Choose your audio software

Audio editing software is incredibly important to polish and perfect your recordings. Audiate is a great example of that, but it comes with extra features that’ll make your recording process even easier! 

Audiate is text-based editing software, which means that you can edit your voice over as text instead of nondescript soundwaves. Look out for hesitations, umms, ahhs, and other mistakes so you can delete them simply by hitting backspace.

Remove hesitations with Audiate

2. Write a script

Writing a script is probably the single most important thing you can do to ensure your voice over sounds professional. Nothing ruins a good voice over faster than a lot of “uhms” and “ahs” as you try to remember what you wanted to say.

The best scripts will include everything you intend to say, word for word. Taking the time to write this out before recording helps ensure that you will cover everything you want to without the risk of wandering off into unrelated topics.

And if you don’t want to write a script, you don’t have to! Audiate’s Generate Script feature lets you enter a prompt and writes the script out for you. You simply need to edit it to your liking and you’re done. You’ll never have to stare at a blank page again!

Generate a script with audiate

3. Do a test recording

Now that all the essential tools are in place, it’s time to record your voice over!

Before you get down to the real thing, though, be sure to run a test recording to ensure your equipment is working as it should, and your audio levels are good.

Even if nothing has changed from the last time you did a voice over, run a test first. Nothing is worse than jumping straight into the recording, only to finish and find that something wasn’t set up properly. 

You don’t need to record the entire script for your test recording, but a few paragraphs will give you enough to ensure that the audio is clear and doesn’t include any stray or ambient noises.

Top Tip: When you listen back to your test recording, use headphones to check the audio quality. These will be much better than your computer speakers at picking up any unclear audio, feedback, or weird noises.

While you’ll obviously want the audio to sound good on the cheapest speakers, you (and your audience) will be much happier if you use headphones to check for quality. Remember, many of your viewers will probably listen via headphones, so you want to make sure they have the best possible audio.

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An image of a voice actor with a UI for choosing a voice over for a script in audiate

Microphone placement

You also want to consider where to place your microphone. If it’s too close to the person speaking, it will pick up all kinds of weird mouth noises and air puffs. However, if the mic is too far away you might sound lost in a large room.

Ideally, place the microphone about six to eight inches from your mouth, and slightly below your chin. If you’re using an LAV (clip-on mic), make sure it’s about six to eight inches below your mouth.

You should also be mindful of the surface where you place your mic. Some microphone stands will be susceptible to picking up noises from the desk or table they’re sitting on, so be sure to listen for those types of sounds on your test recording.

Check your volume levels

Getting the volume level right for your audio ensures that it’s easily heard and not distorted. If the volume is too low, your audience will have trouble hearing what you say. If it’s too high, you risk garbled audio or blowing out your people’s ear drums.

While you can always make a video louder and adjust levels when you edit, starting with the best possible audio level as you record is always your best bet.

  • Audio levels are measured in decibels (dB).
  • In audio editing, 0db is actually the maximum you want to achieve. It sounds weird, but trust us. 
  • Usually, your ideal audio level is between -10db to -20db. Your audio should peak around -6db.
  • Never go above 0db, as your audio will distort or “clip.”

Most audio recording software will have indicators that let you know when your audio is in danger of being too loud and clipping.

Audio level indicator in Camtasia

The image above shows TechSmith’s Camtasia interface with the waveform (a graphical representation of your audio recording) on the left and the level indicator on the right. The indicator shows that the audio peaked at just under -6db and is well within the acceptable levels.

4. Record your voice over

Once you’re satisfied with your microphone placement and audio levels, you’re ready to record your voice over! With Audiate, it’s as simple as clicking the record button and speaking.

As you record your script, remember these key tips for ensuring a great voice over:

  • Speak slowly and clearly: Enunciate each word, but don’t concentrate on it to such an extent that you sound like a robot.
  • Consider your tone: You want to sound pleasant, but not overjoyed or overly excited.

Pro Tip: Smiling while you read your script can help you sound happier and more natural.
  • Don’t stop: If you make a mistake, you don’t have to start over — you can always fix it when you edit. Just go back a sentence or two in your script and start again.
Pro Tip: With Audiate, you’ll be able to see and edit your voice over’s text, so you can easily go back and fix any mistakes when you’re done.
  • Take breaks: If you struggle with the script or it just gets too hard to keep going, pause your recording and take a break. Rewrite any parts of the script that may be giving you too much trouble and try again.
  • Practice makes perfect: As with anything, voice overs get easier the more you do them. Don’t give up if it’s not perfect the first time!

5. Edit your audio

When you finish recording, it’s time to edit. Even if you didn’t make any mistakes, there’s a good chance there’ll be a few things that need fixing. Minimally, you’ll want to trim the beginning and end to remove any dead space.

However, Audiate makes it so easy to edit that you’ll barely have to lift a finger. The video below gives a great overview of how to work in Audiate.

With traditional audio software, you have to hunt through your recording to find your mistakes and edit them individually. Even a short video could take an hour or more to edit depending on how complicated your edits were.

Traditional audio software only displays your recording as an audio wave, making it much more difficult to edit your audio.

But with Audiate, you can just read the text before highlighting and deleting any mistakes you find. You might also notice that the Audiate interface (below) is much less complicated than the software shown in the screenshot above.

Automatic transcription in AudiateWith Audiate, you can still edit with the waveform if you like but you can see that the text is displayed, allowing you to more easily see where to make your edits.

When editing a voice over, it’s always worth listening to the entire recording from start to finish, before making any changes.

While you might find it useful to make some notes to remind yourself of something you want to edit later on, you should try and focus on listening to the overall pacing and tone of your recording on the first listen. 

Does it sound like you hoped? Are there any parts that sound rushed, or too slow? Are any words unclear? Did you mumble? Are there weird silences or strange sounds? 

The best time to answer these questions is during your first listen. 

Once you’ve listened to your voice over, you can go back to the beginning and start editing and reducing audio noise. You might also want to cut out any abnormally long silences between sentences or statements.

But remember, pauses are ok! In fact, they’re necessary to help break up the audio and make it feel more natural.

6. Import your audio into your video editor

In Camtasia, importing and working with audio only takes a couple of clicks and with Audiate, it’s even easier. You might also want to check out this post on syncing audio and video in Camtasia! You have just successfully recorded your voice over!

Remember, Camtasia can also be used to add music to your video, trim your footage, and even crop the frames of your videos. 

Edit audio like text

You don’t have to be a professional to record and edit audio. Audiate makes it as easy as editing a text document.

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Add captions and audio transcription

A large portion of your audience will probably listen to your video via headphones. But, what if we told you that there’s also a high chance that many people will watch your video without sound?

 

This is why adding captions and subtitles to your video, as well as providing an audio transcription, are so important. For those who can’t, or otherwise won’t, listen to the audio elements of your video, captions allow them to digest the information your video provides.

This is another reason Audiate is so incredibly helpful.

With most other audio tools, you would have to send your audio out to a professional transcription service to have an audio file transcribed and timestamped. Even if you typed out a full script, it wouldn’t have the necessary time stamps to be used as a captions file.

However, with Audiate, the transcription happens automatically, complete with time stamps that can be used as captions.

Once you’ve recorded and edited your voice over, you can export that transcription as a caption file (and SRT file) and import it directly into Camtasia. Then, Camtasia will automatically insert the captions into your video. Audiate is practically magic! 

Clémence Daniere

Content Marketing Specialist Contractor at TechSmith where I write, edit, and create content that informs and entertains. I also read too many books.

How to Get the Perfect Video Lighting

There are many ways to set up the studio lighting for your video.

Creating high-quality videos isn’t complicated if you get the basics right. Lighting is one element that can make or break a video. Because cameras don’t capture light like the human eye, it is crucial to learn how to get the best lighting for video recording.

Your set will need a lot of lighting to make the image on the screen appear natural. But not just any lighting will do—there are specific ways to manipulate the light for optimal results, and bad lighting can be very distracting. So distracting, that it can cause your message to get lost, or worse yet, it can make people stop watching altogether. 

Whether you want to look great on your next PowerPoint presentation or shoot a new instructional video, this guide’s lighting tips and tricks will give you everything you need to improve your video recording lighting.

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Step 1: Optimize the lighting in the room for a video shoot

The best shooting environment is one where you have as much control over lighting as possible.

Get rid of clutter

A clear, distraction-free space is ideal for filming. When shooting in an indoor space like an office or home, be sure to declutter the space that will be seen on camera thoroughly. 

Anything that takes away from the message of your video should be removed. The goal is to create a clean canvas that will help to keep your audience focused and engaged. Having photos and decorative objects in the frame can easily distract your audience and reduce the effectiveness of your video, so removing them is an easy way to set your video out on the right foot. 

Pro tip: Take a photo before you start moving items so that you have a reference point for putting them back properly when filming is complete. 

Clean the space

Anything selected to remain in your filming space should be thoroughly cleaned. Dust and smudges on frames or furniture can be distracting. Even the floor should be cleaned if it is visible on camera. 

Add props

This may seem odd after the decluttering step, but hear us out. The props used should fulfill a function and not distract from the message of your video. Here are a few ideas for props and how and why they should be used as part of your set. 

  • Blankets and throw pillows can be used in a living room or rec room setting to add some texture or a pop of color to a solid-colored sofa or chair
  • Fresh flowers are a very popular addition to a set. Arranged nicely and placed in a vase they can add color and perspective to a neutral space.
  • Shelves and tables should be styled, minimally and authentically, with books, plants, lamps, and other generic items. Always be careful not to use popular books or representations of licensed characters on your set. 
  • Any artwork used as part of the staging should be carefully curated. Only use pieces of art and photos that you have the right to capture and distribute on film. If you’re unsure about any of the pieces in your frame, check into the usage rights, consider other backdrop options, or contact the artist directly to ask for usage rights.

Be considerate of mirrors

Filming in locations with mirrors can be difficult, not only from a lighting perspective but also because it can be tricky to ensure that no reflections of equipment or crew members get captured in them.

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Step 2: Choose your video lighting type 

There are several options to choose from when searching for the best lighting for a video. It’s a good idea to try a few different setups and learn which one works best for you. Some will work more effectively for face lighting, and others for creative or dramatic effects. The best way to learn about how to get good lighting for videos is to practice!

Key light

Description: A video that uses key lighting is bright and powerfully lit. A high-key light is your primary light source.

Pros: Illuminates the subject of your video.

Cons: LED options can be pricey, and must be used with a fill or backlight.

Who should use it: Live Streamers, and individuals using three-point lights, two lights, or four lights lighting schemes.

Fill light

Description: Fill lights are used to eliminate any dark shadows caused by the key light.

Pros: Eliminates shadows.

Cons: Must be used in conjunction with a key light and/or backlight.

Who should use it: Individuals using a three-point light, four-light, or loop lighting scheme.

Backlight

Description: A backlight shines on the subject from behind. It can be hung from above or placed directly behind or to the side of the video’s subject. 

Pros: Creates separation between the subject and the background.

Cons: Must be used in conjunction with other light sources.

Who should use it: Anyone filming without a ring light.

Ring light

Description: A ring of light, usually LEDs, which often comes equipped with a tripod and mechanism to hold your phone or camera in its center.

Pros: Can be used alone.

Cons: Can be harsh to look directly into.

Who should use it: Beginners or makeup tutorial creators.

Who should use it: Beginners or makeup tutorial creators.

Step 3: Choose a video lighting scheme 

There are many ways to set up the studio lighting for your video. Three-point lighting is a popular lighting choice for video, but two lights, four lights, and loop lighting setups can be used effectively for video lighting as well. 

Each of these options creates a slightly different result, so read below to learn more about which scheme you should use to get the best lighting for your videos.  While you can, of course, find great lighting for video recording outside, we will be focusing on lighting schemes for videos filmed indoors.

Three-point lighting

Description: Three-point lighting uses three lights; a key light, a fill light, and a backlight. In this video lighting setup, the high key light and fill light are positioned on either side of the camera, pointing toward the subject. The backlight is positioned either above or to the side of the subject. 

Pros: Separates the subject from the background and creates nice highlights around the subject.

Cons: Many pieces of lighting equipment are required.

Who should use it: Youtubers and Streamers or any videos with one person speaking to the camera will benefit from this video lighting scheme. 

Two lights

Description: The two-light scheme for video lighting uses a key light and a fill light. With the addition of a bounce card, this scheme can be amplified. Whether it is used alongside a natural light source or with your key light pointed at it, it will help to improve the video’s face lighting. The lights should be positioned above your subject’s height for the best lighting results. 

Pros: Flexibility within a filming location.

Cons: Reliance on natural light can limit the filming timeframe.

Who should use it: This type of video lighting is good for use with subjects who may want to get up and move around. 

Four lights

Description: This is an expansion of the three-point lighting system for video and introduces a background light. The background light is positioned at waist height behind the subject, pointing at the wall or backdrop they are in front of. 

Pros: Brightens the wall behind the subject, and offers a more creative exploration of the use of light in video.

Cons: Longer setup and teardown, as well as more equipment required.

Who should use it: Video creators looking for more creative opportunities.

Loop lighting

Description: Loop lighting, another excellent option in lighting for video recording, uses two light sources, a key light positioned next to the camera and a backlight on the other side of the camera behind the subject. 

Pros: Minimal equipment required.

Cons: Movement is restricted with this lighting scheme.

Who should use it: Those creating professional videos.

One light

Description: A video lighting system requiring only one light. A ring light is the best choice for a one-light studio lighting setup. 

Pros: Minimal equipment required.

Cons: Less depth is created with this scheme than with multi-light options.

Who should use it: Video creators who use their cell phones for filming.

Step 4: Choose your light color temperature for video shoots

Not all lights are created equal. Based on the type of bulb, lights can appear “cooler” or “warmer” on camera. The human eye perceives this difference too.

Consider how a doctor’s office looks (cool fluorescent light) compared to a comfortable living room setting. Warmer light typically has a more yellow color, while cooler light has more white or light blue tones.

This concept is called color temperature and can be measured on a scale of kelvin.

As we stated earlier, it’s best not to mix lights of different color temperatures. We suggest finding direct sun color bulbs, which are around 5000K. 

For LED, it’s helpful to be able to adjust the color by temperature to ensure even coloration. Mixed temperatures can lead to improper color balance, which can lead to unnatural-looking footage.

Light temperature chart.

Step 5: Fix glare, the enemy of video lighting

Glare on glasses can be a big issue, especially with fixtures that have harder, more direct light.

You can often fix it by raising your lights higher on their stands. If you have someone who can assist, have them raise the lights while you look through the camera viewfinder until the light is no longer visible in the glasses lens. 

If raising the lights doesn’t help, try moving your key and filling the lights farther out, while keeping them relatively equal to one another.

In the three-point lighting image above, your key would be closer to 3:15, and your fill would be 8:45.

If your subject is comfortable with removing their glasses, that’s always a good last resort, but certainly not always an option — especially if they’re reading from a teleprompter.

It’s best to accommodate your shooting subject as best you can before asking them to adjust their appearance for a technical reason.

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Video lighting FAQs

How much does video lighting cost?

Video lighting can range widely in cost. It can be free if you have the option of using a window, or you can find bundles including a full studio lighting setup for around $200.

What color bulb should I choose for video lighting?

The color of the bulb itself is up to you and what best serves the lighting needs of what you are filming. The important detail to remember is not to mix different colors of light, as that will create a low-quality video. 

How do I avoid glare in video lighting?

If you notice a glare, you can either raise the lights until the glare disappears or try moving your key light and fill the light further out. 

Can you have too much light when filming videos?

Yes, you can! Too much light in the wrong places can cause, harsh shadows to appear.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Ryan Knott

Ryan Knott is a Marketing Content Strategist at TechSmith, where he creates content about easy, effective, and efficient video creation, editing, and tips and tricks, as well as audio editing for creators of all kinds. He/him.

How to Write a Script for a Video

decorative image

Creating a stunning video requires a wide variety of skills and talents. One of the key factors in a video’s success happens long before any lighting or editing decisions are made. Excellent videos require excellent scripts, but writing a script for a video can be a difficult task 

 

Because of that, we’ve created this step-by-step guide to creating a great video script! We’ve even included a free video script template that you can use to make sure all of your videos start with a solid foundation.

Why do you need a video script?

To get more inspiration

How often have you found that getting words flowing from your mind onto paper just opens a floodgate? Ideas and inspiration just seem to multiply once you allow them to flow. Because of this, the process of writing a video script can unlock ideas you may otherwise have missed. 

Often when we put pen to paper we can access pieces of our imagination that add important elements to our video. Writing a video script can be a springboard for what will make your video impactful.

To deliver your message efficiently 

Structure and clarity are two non-negotiables for successful videos. Writing a script for your video is a great way to make sure that your message follows a logical pattern and that the viewer is able to clearly understand the point you are trying to get across. 

Writing a video script also helps to make sure that the message is delivered in a way that is in line with established brand standards – audience confusion is not efficient!

To save editing time

The script for your video will outline the audio and visual components that the final product should display. This could include sound bytes, illustrations, and animations among others. An editor who is able to work from a prepared video script will be able to do their job in a more timely way than the editor who is left to guess where each element belongs. 

A narrator or main character who is guided by a full script will have fewer instances of hesitation or interjections of fillers like “um”, “like”, and “uh”, which can significantly impact editing time.

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To make recording easier

Recording is made infinitely easier when the process is guided by a well-developed script. If you are recording solo, having a script to refer to can help calm your nerves and keep you on topic. 

If you are recording an interview, being able to provide the script to the interviewee in advance can help them prepare, often resulting in fewer takes and less editing required to create an excellent end product.

How to write a video script?

You don’t need fancy screenwriting software to create a stand-out script. In fact, we recommend writing scripts in collaborative ways, like by using Google Docs, so stakeholders can comment and react to the script as it’s developing.

Identify your audience 

A key step in video script writing doesn’t involve a pen, paper, or a video camera. Identifying the target audience for the video being developed is an all-important first step. Your choices around language, humor, and tone will vary depending on the audience identified for the video. 

Creating a script that is engaging for teenagers is different than writing a script for a video targeting retirees! If you don’t know exactly who you are speaking to it is likely that your message won’t be well received.

Knowing your audience is also important for how the end product is used. A video geared toward teenagers may be only a few minutes long, recorded vertically, and placed on TikTok, while a training video for new employees would be much longer in duration and require less focus on an attention-grabbing hook. 

Set a goal for your video

The key question to ask yourself at this pivotal point is “Why is this video being made?” Is it meant to teach people something? To unify a group of people? To establish a brand’s identity? Knowing and sharing the answer to this question will help steer your video script writing and the work that everyone else involved is doing as well.

Choose the main characters

Good storytelling is key to creating compelling videos, and what is a story without some engaging and relatable characters?

If you are struggling to identify the main character, go back to your target audience and your goal. Think about who that audience would relate to and want to hear from concerning the goal you have established for the video. 

For example, if your video‘s goal is to build trust with a company following a public failure, having the CEO as the main character may suit, whereas if your video is a solution to a recurring workplace accident, the health and safety representative might be a good choice.

Your audience will dictate which character speaks to them. 

Write an outline

Starting with an outline helps to give structure to your video script. An outline is a great starting place to get all of your ideas out of your head and onto paper so that you can see which ones fit well in a structured video script and move you toward your goal and which ones may actually end up as distractions.

It can be tempting to jump right into video script writing but skipping this important step can cause your message to be lost and the video to appear overstuffed and disorganized. Your outline should help to establish what the beginning, middle, and end of the video script will include. You can include any details that might be helpful as you move into the next step – video script writing. 

Generate a script

We get it, writing can be tough and it’s not easy to start from scratch. Luckily, you don’t have to! With Audiate’s Generate Script feature, you can request a script about anything and Audiate will write it for you. Then, tweak and edit as needed to add your personality back into it.

Audiate's Generate Script feature.

The A.A.A.A Formula

This formula is a perfect way to structure your script so that it is easy to follow and helpful to your viewers. While there is no industry standard, you can use this script format as a guide for your videos. Take a screenshot now and save it for whenever you need to refer back to the structure.

  • Attention (Grab their attention in the first line)
  • Agitation (Agitate the pain that you can solve)
  • Activity (Show them how to solve it)
  • Action (Call them to action and tell them how to get the solution)
Anatomy of a successful video script.

Breaking your outline down and writing a video script section by section is an excellent way to make sure your thoughts stay organized and the storyline for your video follows a logical progression.

Beginning: attention & agitation

Start writing with a hook, or a compelling introduction that delivers an accurate preview of your video. No clickbait here! Try phrases like “Have you ever…” and “The top three…”, as your starting point.

Ensure the viewer can recognize your brand and associate this video’s message with it. You can do this by using brand colors in the scheme for the video, displaying a logo, and writing your video script using brand-aligned language and tone. This helps establish your video as something familiar and trustworthy.

Middle: activity

Deliver your message. You’ve drawn them in with the hook and established who you are, so now is the time to tell them exactly what you came here to tell them. Be sure to write this portion of your video script to be as concise as possible so that the message is clear.

End: action

Include a Call to Action (CTA). This is the opportunity in your video script to tell the audience exactly what you want them to do. Whether that’s “book now”, “watch the next video”, “buy now”, or anything else, do not miss this opportunity to provide that extra bit of clarity around what you want the viewer to do with the information you have just provided.

Tips to write an amazing video script

Pro tip: Start your video with “Hey Mom” to create a comfortable environment and conversational tone. Just don’t forget to cut it out in post-production!

Stay true to yourself

We’ve all had the experience of watching someone speak, whether live or on video, and being painfully aware that they are reading from a script. 

So how do you prevent that from happening with your video scriptwriting? Well, a focus on writing like a real conversation is a huge help with this.  If you’re writing a script that you will be speaking from, write it the way that you talk normally.

Make sure to write your video script using language that feels comfortable, is aligned with the brand you’re representing, and feels familiar. If you are comfortable and remain true to your natural communication patterns (or those of the speaker you are writing for) your audience will be more fully engaged than if it feels obvious that you are “putting on a show”.

Get to the point

The average human attention span is a maximum of 8 seconds, and people are used to being entertained.

For this reason, it’s important to get right to the point and be as concise as you can be when writing a video script. Surrounding your message with too much back story or context can be distracting and confusing for viewers. Save any of the information that you think is important to share but doesn’t fit well within a concise video script for use in future videos or other types of content.

Stick to the video script (mostly)

You are writing this video script for a reason right? And part of that reason is to make sure the message gets delivered and the video fulfills its goal. A little riffing or adlibbing here and there is alright but do try to stick to the script as much as possible. A few additions to add personality can go a long way, but too much will likely have a negative impact. 

If you or the person who will be presenting the script is likely to go off script, try to include some of the content that may inspire the adlibbing in the video script itself. This can reduce the temptation to go rogue. And if, in the end, the video script just isn’t working, a rewrite is often more effective than an improvised, unscripted video. 

Do a verbal run-through off-camera

A verbal run-through, or table read, is a great opportunity to take your video script out for a test drive and identify any challenges you may have missed in the writing phase. Sometimes a word or phrase looks great on paper but sounds ridiculous when spoken out loud. That’s okay!

An off-camera run-through can also help to shorten sentences, cut unnecessary words, and make sure the real-life impact of the words chosen is the same as what you were hoping for during the video script’s writing.

Support any B-roll with the proper callouts in your main narrative

B-roll is a term used to describe secondary shots that are shown while the storyline continues audibly. Using B-roll footage can allow you to feature products, employees, happy customers, charts and graphs, testimonials, and other content that enhances the message presented by your video. 

Be sure to include cues and instructions for your narrator or main character to help integrate B-roll footage without causing confusion or distraction for the viewer. Phrases like “…in the chart you see here…” can help the viewer connect what they see on the screen and guide the speaker to gesture or position themselves.

We’ve all seen the videos where the subject points in one direction and the B-roll footage points somewhere else, but that’s much less likely to happen to you with a properly scripted video.

Don’t forget – there is no need to start from scratch every time you need to write a script for a video. If you have a video script that has worked well in the past, you can easily templatize it and keep using it!

If you need some help to get started, click here to download the free video script template we created for you. You simply document some background information, like your target audience and goals, and then fill in the blanks – what could be simpler?

The easiest way to edit videos

Stop wasting time and discover how Camtasia makes creating incredible videos easier than ever.

Free Download
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Clémence Daniere

Content Marketing Specialist Contractor at TechSmith where I write, edit, and create content that informs and entertains. I also read too many books.

How to Create a Link to a Video You’ve Made

Create Video Link

Sharing videos has become essential to effective communication, whether it’s for business, education, or just staying connected. But what if you want to make sharing even easier by creating a link to your video? This guide will walk you through the process, including tips and tools to make your workflow smooth and efficient.

Imagine this: You’ve crafted the perfect tutorial, recorded a killer presentation, or captured a memorable event. Now, you want to share it without the hassle of bulky email attachments or confusing download links. Creating a video link simplifies sharing and ensures your content is accessible anytime.

Video messages > meetings

Record your screen and camera with Snagit for quick updates and feedback.

Learn More
Screenshot of a video message with a dark-themed dashboard and various reaction emojis

Step 1: Host your video

Before sharing a video link, you’ll need to host your video on a platform that generates shareable links. You can host your video on social media sites like YouTube and Instagram or use services like Screencast. Each option has its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s explore the best choices for your needs.

Screencast

Screencast makes it incredibly easy to upload videos directly from tools like Snagit and Camtasia. Once uploaded, Screencast generates a unique, shareable link. This is great for sharing updates or giving feedback at your own pace.

Screenshot of screencast media library

Cloud services

When you send a large attachment through your Gmail account, it will transform into a Google Drive file. 

Google does this automatically, but it doesn’t work for everyone. One simple reason is that people might question a random Google Drive attachment. 

Another cloud-sharing service option is Dropbox. 

This is convenient when you need to send large files consistently.

However, if everyone isn’t on the same service, it can easily become confusing to maneuver. Every user needs their own account to view the files, and keeping track of passwords can be a pain.

Social media platforms

Social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook make hosting and sharing videos quick and accessible. You can quickly upload your video, copy a link, and share it easily. These platforms are ideal for public sharing and engaging with a wide audience.

The main benefits are their wide reach and features like likes, comments, and shares that boost visibility. Additionally, they offer free hosting, making them an attractive option for casual or promotional content.

However, there are drawbacks to consider. Social media videos might lose quality and show platform logos instead of your own. Most platforms limit privacy because they are designed for public sharing.

Use a platform like Screencast for secure, professional sharing for better control, higher quality, and private sharing.

Step 2: Record and edit Your video (optional)

If your video isn’t ready yet, tools like Snagit and Camtasia can help:

  • Snagit: Ideal for quick screen recordings or annotated captures. If you need to explain a concept or provide visual instructions quickly, Snagit is your go-to tool. Once you’ve captured your video, you can share it to Screencast in just a few clicks.
  • Camtasia: Great for making professional videos with transitions, text, and effects. After editing, you can upload directly to Screencast for instant sharing.

The easiest way to edit videos

Stop wasting time and discover how Camtasia makes creating incredible videos easier than ever.

Free Download
An image of a laptop showing the camtasia drag-and-drop editing feature

After you decide on the right place to host your video, generating and sharing the link is quite straightforward with most apps. Here’s how to get a link to your video on Screencast:

  • Navigate to your Screencast library.
  • Select the video you want to share.
  • Click on the “Share” button to generate a unique link.

Now, you can share the link via email, social media, or embed it in your website.

Why use TechSmith tools for video sharing?

TechSmith tools like Snagit, Camtasia, and Screencast offer a seamless experience when it comes to sharing videos effectively. These tools make video sharing easy, customizable, and effective. Here’s why they stand out:

  • Efficiency: Tools like Snagit and Camtasia integrate seamlessly with Screencast, reducing the steps needed to share content.
  • Customization: Camtasia lets you add branded elements to your videos before sharing.
  • Feedback made easy: Screencast lets viewers comment directly on your video, making collaboration straightforward and organized.

Frequently asked questions

Can I create a video link without using hosting services?

Yes, but Screencast makes your video easy to view on any device without downloads.

Is Screencast free to use?

Screencast offers both free and premium plans. The free version provides all the basics, while premium plans unlock additional storage and features.

How can I share large video files?

Hosting your videos on platforms like YouTube or Screencast eliminates the need to email large files. These services create a link you can easily share, regardless of file size.

Can viewers download my videos from hosting platforms?

It depends on the platform. Screencast lets you decide if viewers can download your videos. On platforms like YouTube, downloads usually require third-party tools.

Danielle Ezell

Danielle Ezell is a Marketing Content Strategist at TechSmith, where she writes about effective workplace communication, offering tips and strategies for using images and videos to collaborate more effectively in hybrid and remote environments.

How to Use Snipping Tool Shortcuts

A stylized illustration depicting a user interface element with sliders and a large clickable button, highlighted by a cursor icon. The background features a gradient of blue tones with dashed lines and a crosshair, symbolizing selection or focus.

You’re in a crunch and your boss needs crucial information from you. Cool. I’ll just screenshot. Wait… How do you do that again?

We’ve all been there. Luckily, you are in the right spot. In this article, you will learn how to efficiently and effectively open and use the Snipping Tool shortcut to take a screenshot. We will also cover a better way to take and edit screenshots. 

The best snipping tool for Windows and Mac

Don’t let clumsy built-in tools hold you back. Take and edit screenshots with Snagit!

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Why use a shortcut key for Snipping Tool?

The most common keyboard shortcuts are copy and paste, but imagine you have to revert to the days when you didn’t know shortcuts. 

Ah yes… the old right-click and scroll method. How many extra seconds did that add? Multiply that by the amount of times you copy and paste a day, multiply by 365 and you’ll see the numbers add up year over year.

Our time is priceless, and those seconds add up. 

The primary benefit of keyboard shortcuts is saving time, so why not invest the time to learn them? Since you are reading this article, you are on the right track. 

Fun Fact: The first screenshot ever taken was back in 1960, over 60 years ago! Humans have always sought ways to share visual information.

Open the Snipping Tool with shortcut

To open the Windows Snipping Tool, use the snipping shortcut by pressing the Windows key + Shift + S. The full screen will dim. 

Snipping Tool menu.

From there, you have 4 different snipping tool options that can be located at the top of your screen:

Rectangular snip 

With this option, you can screen-snip rectangular shapes. This is generally used for most captures.

Free form snip

This option gives you the ability to capture screenshots in any shape your free hand can make. This tool is used out of preference over the rectangular snip.

Window snip

 If you want to capture the full screen of your browser, use this option. This can be helpful when you need to provide a POV of your screen for a coworker. 

Full screen snip

This option will capture all of your monitors simultaneously. If the information is across multiple screens, this is an effective way to capture all of it.

The Windows Snip & Sketch window will pop up. Click on this to retrieve your screenshot. You can also find this at the bottom of the screen next to the start menu.

Capture your screen faster with Snagit

The Snipping Tool has a clunky shortcut key. What if you want an easy-to-remember shortcut key that makes sense to you? 

Snagit, the leading screen capture tool, allows you to create shortcut keys that are unique to you! If you haven’t already, give Snagit a try here. Open up Snagit Capture. Under the big red “Capture” button click the phrase below. Here you can change your shortcut to whatever you like!

Snagit’s capture options are extensive. You can screenshot a scrolling website as one, drop-down menus, and even adjust your capture down to individual pixels with the arrow keys on your keyboard.

You might find that the Snipping Tool is limited in the editor department. Instead of dragging a screenshot from platform to platform to edit, you can do everything in Snagit. 

Once you capture your screenshot, it will go straight to Snagit’s Editor where you can edit your screenshot with arrows, callouts, annotations, and more! Look at this before and after: 

Snagit vs. Snipping tool editing options.

Snagit vs Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a great built-in tool for quick, simple screen captures, but it doesn’t go much further than that. However, Snagit has a variety of features that can spruce up a simple screenshot and take complex ones.

What tool is right for me?

If you take an occasional screenshot, the Snipping Tool is fine, but if you rely on screen capture every day, it’s worth the investment to get Snagit. 

Snipping Tool benefits: 

  • Free with the Windows computer
  • Easy-to-use
  • Basic editor

Snagit benefits: 

Want to learn more about what tool is right for you? Check out this article where we compare both tools.

Stop repeat questions

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FAQ

How do I overwrite the Snipping Tool hotkey?

You can change the key to the print screen shortcut.
Go into settings/ Press the Windows shift and I keys.
Click on “Ease of Access”
On the left-hand side of the screen, scroll down to “Keyboard” and click
Scroll down and you will see “Print Screen Shortcut.” Slide this on.

Can I edit in the Snipping Tool?

Yes, the Snipping Tool has some editing options. You can use the highlighter, pencil, or pen tool.

Is there a better Snipping Tool?

If you are looking for more advanced capturing and editing options then it is worth giving Snagit a try.

Amelia Dame

How to Use AI Voices Effectively

Image of Audiate using AI to generate a script

From your everyday car navigation to in-home virtual assistants and human-like video avatars, AI voices dominate the tech landscape.

But, how do we use them effectively at work?

In this guide, we dive into voice AI solutions, how to train an AI voice to reflect your needs, and how to use text-to-voice generators.

Without further ado, let’s discover the world of AI voices. 

Understanding AI voice technology

If you’re asking yourself: “How does voice AI work?” You’ve come to the right place.

AI voice technology is a system that can produce human-like speech using AI tools. It incorporates both text-to-speech and speech-to-text technologies. 

These AI systems can mimic human-like speech, making them a great tool for beginners and professionals.

Benefits of using AI voices

AI voices offer countless use cases. Unlike our human voices, they can’t get tired, sore, or rusty from a little mid-December cold, which means content is always consistent and high-quality.

Some key benefits include: 

  • Consistency in tone and high-quality voice
  • 24/7 availability of audio content
  • Customization options for brand alignment
  • Scalability at a lower cost

These key benefits make AI voices a great solution for business, education, customer service, and voice assistants. 

5 tips for better AI voice results

Ai voices can be tricky to master, so we’ve compiled these tips to help you out!

1. Use proper punctuation

Add commas, periods, and other punctuation to indicate natural pauses in speech. Consider using ellipsis to dramatize longer pauses. This will help the AI voice to speak at a more natural cadence.

2. Write for spoken clarity

Keep your sentences short and don’t be afraid of using contractions and natural phrasing even if it is grammatically incorrect. Use conversational language instead of overly complex sentences. This will make your narration more life-like. 

3. Select the right voice for your project

Every project has a different feel to it, and sometimes a specific voice can bring it all together. Consider using a warm, approachable voice for instructional content and a more formal, authoritative voice for corporate content.

4. Adjust speed and tone

This is super important to create a life-like voice. Depending on the context of your script, you may need the voice to speak at a higher pitch or a faster pace, like to convey excitement.

5. Test, and test again

It’s unlikely you’ll get the perfect voice right off the bat, and that’s okay! Test out different phrasing, tones, and voices until you have the rendition you like best. Most AI voice generators, like Audiate, are unlimited so you can try and try again.

Instant lifelike AI voice over

No voice over? No problem. Audiate generates incredibly life-like voice over right from your script!

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An image of a voice actor with a UI for choosing a voice over for a script in audiate

How to use AI voices 

As mentioned earlier, there are two main AI voice options: text-to-speech and speech-to-text. Let’s discover how they work individually and in tandem.

Text-to-speech technology 

Usually thought of as an AI voice generator, text-to-speech technology is useful when you have text that needs to be read out loud. 

Audiate, a top-of-the-line tool, has automated transcription and voice recognition capabilities that allow you to generate an AI voice right from your text. Or, you can make it really easy by using the script generation feature and generating the audio to match. Video creation has truly never been easier. 

Here’s how you do it:

You first need a script. You can either upload your own text or use one created by Audiate’s Generate Script feature. 

Once you have a script uploaded to Audiate, open the Generate Audio menu. 

Audiate's Generate Audio feature

Click through the wide range of options available to you. 

You can customize voices between a variety of languages and people. Female and male voice options allow for you to refine your audio to your liking. 

Then, choose the tones of voice that convey your message’s intent whether that be friendly, cheerful, angry, or more! Audiate uses realistic AI voices so your recordings always turn out professional.

If you have a voice recording and a script, you can also combine the two into one. This allows you to add details you may have missed after you’re done recording.

Just toggle “Apply to entire project” before you generate the audio, and watch it all come together.

If you craft your perfect voice style, you can also save it as a preset for easy retrieval. 

Audiate's Generate Audio feature with a preset

This makes it perfect to keep consistent, reliable narration throughout all of your projects, no matter if you’re creating videos days later or years later. Your favorite voice is there for you anytime.

With Audiate it is that easy to transform your text to AI-generated speech. Try Audiate, your new favorite text-to-speech software, now to see how you can transform your content.

Instant lifelike AI voice over

No voice over? No problem. Audiate generates incredibly life-like voice over right from your script!

Get Audiate
An image of a voice actor with a UI for choosing a voice over for a script in audiate

Speech-to-text technology

This technology, also known as voice transcription, is especially useful when you need to get a video file or audio file into writing. 

Audiate will automatically transcribe any video or audio file into editable text. From there, you can use the edited text to recreate the audio with the voice generation option. 

This AI voice tech is especially useful for voiceovers and other video content that needs a specific script for dynamic captions and accessible subtitles. 

 

Translate your content

Bonus: Audiate can translate your voice generation and text generation into multiple languages and dialects. Instead of sticking to one region, your AI-generated voices can now reach international audiences. 

Audiate's Generate Script feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get voice AI to work?

To get voice AI to work, you need to use an audio AI app or software that can generate a voice from text. Audiate is a great solution for voice AI technology since it is easy to fine-tune and even multilingual!

Are AI voices the same as synthetic voices?

Synthetic voices are another term for AI voices. They usually use similar AI voice models and customization options to create a human-like voice generation. 

Can I redo the voice generator if it’s not perfect?

Yes! With Audiate, you can play around with the options until you have the perfect voice There are no limits on how many time you can use the generation tool. You can fine-tune your project until it is exactly what you want by using a different style, speed, and/or pitch. 

Clémence Daniere

Content Marketing Specialist Contractor at TechSmith where I write, edit, and create content that informs and entertains. I also read too many books.

How to Crop a Video Quickly and Easily

Illustration of a video editing interface showing a profile of a person being framed for cropping, with a media player control bar at the bottom.

Do you need to change the focus of your video clip without having to re-shoot your footage all over again? This post will teach you all you need to know about how to crop a video with a simple video cropper tool.

While it’s often used for photo editing, cropping is just as useful for editing video. With cropping, you can remove unnecessary or distracting portions of a video clip or change its dimensions to fit within a certain area. 

Camera footage is often cropped to change the emphasis of a shot or remove unwanted and distracting portions. So, whether you’re working with footage from a camera or a screen recording, there will likely be plenty of times that you need to crop these clips.

The easiest way to edit videos

Stop wasting time and discover how Camtasia makes creating incredible videos easier than ever.

Free Download
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What is video cropping?

In a nutshell, video cropping refers to removing unwanted portions from the outer edges of a video to focus on a specific subject or area. For example, if you have a photograph, and you cut out the parts you don’t need so you can zoom in on what’s most important — that’s essentially what you’re doing when you crop a video.

While you might think that cropping sounds similar to trimming or cutting, it’s not. Trimming and cutting generally refers to shortening the length of a video by removing bits of footage. Cropping, on the other hand, doesn’t alter the duration of the video; it simply changes the dimensions and the framing to center the viewer’s attention where you want it.

How to crop a video on Windows or Mac

One of the fastest, simplest (and best) ways to crop a video is with TechSmith Camtasia’s video editor. The user-friendly editing suite comes with a wide range of advanced tools that are super easy to use — making it perfect for professionals and beginners! 

With Camtasia’s video editing software, you can change the speed of your videos, add music to your footage, and even create closed captions and subtitles. But, before we cover all the wonderful ways you can use Camtasia, let’s get back to the matter at hand. 

Here are step-by-step instructions to crop a video using Camtasia:

Step 1: Upload your video

Upload your video to Camtasia and drag and drop it onto the timeline to start editing.

Step 2: Select the Crop tool

With a video clip, or image, selected on the canvas, you can select the Crop tool.

Crop Tool in Camtasia

Step 3: Select your clip

With the Crop button selected, select the video clip or image that you want to crop. 

Select the recording on the timeline

Step 4: Resize your cropped video

A thin blue line (and handles) will appear on your clip, which shows that Crop mode has been enabled. Click and hold the handles to drag the edges of the clip or image until your frame looks exactly how you want it. 

Crop your video on the canvas

Step 5: Finalize your video

When you’re finished, toggle back to Edit mode by clicking the cursor icon above the canvas. 

Once a clip has been cropped, you can move it to wherever you need it on the canvas.

How to un-crop a video

Using Camtasia to crop a clip is particularly useful because it’s “non-destructive.” This means that when you crop your footage, the original clip remains intact. So, if you look back on your edits at a later stage and realize the shot looked better as it was, or want to crop it differently, you can! 

Simply follow the steps above to toggle Crop mode back on and make the necessary changes by adjusting the edges. Camtasia will keep your video high-quality no matter how much you crop!

How to crop video on iPhone

To crop a video on an iPhone, open the Photos app and select the video you wish to crop. Tap Edit in the top right corner, then tap the crop icon at the bottom of the screen. Drag the corners to crop your video, and tap Done to save your changes.

How to crop a video on iPhone

How to crop video in Premiere Pro

To crop a video in Adobe Premiere Pro, first position the play head over the clip you want to crop in the Timeline panel and ensure the clip is selected.

Next, go to the Effects panel and navigate to Video Effects › Transform › Crop, then double-click to apply it to your clip.

Finally, go to the Effect Controls panel, select the Crop effect, and either drag the handles in the Program Monitor or adjust the numeric controls to crop your video more precisely.

How to crop a video on Android

To crop a video on Android with Google Photos, open the video you want to edit and tap on Edit, followed by Crop.

If you’d like to change the aspect ratio, tap on Aspect ratio, or to adjust the video’s perspective, tap Transform and then drag the dots to crop the video. Once you’re satisfied with the crop, tap Save Copy at the bottom right to save your changes.

Conclusion

That’s all there is to it! Your videos are ready for social media, internal communication, and anything else. And don’t forget that whether you want to blur your footage, rotate the final video, or merge two videos into one, Camtasia has everything you need! 

Ryan Knott

Ryan Knott is a Marketing Content Strategist at TechSmith, where he creates content about easy, effective, and efficient video creation, editing, and tips and tricks, as well as audio editing for creators of all kinds. He/him.

How to Edit a Video: An Introduction

How to edit a video (step-by-step)

Video is everywhere, which means that knowing how to make quick edits on videos is now more important than ever.

Whether you’re looking to create videos for education, for social media platforms like YouTube, or for your business, learning how to edit videos helps you connect with your audience.

Let’s dive into the basics of video editing!

The easiest way to edit videos

Stop wasting time and discover how Camtasia makes creating incredible videos easier than ever.

Free Download
An image of a laptop showing the camtasia drag-and-drop editing feature

Before you start editing

First, upload your footage to your computer from your camera or phone. 

Next, create a project in your go-to video editor. If you don’t have one, no worries! Try out Camtasia for free to get the process started. Camtasia is a powerful video and audio editor that makes creating professional content simple and efficient. With features like free templates and an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced creators​​​.

You’ll want to import your files into the video editor. This makes it super easy to keep your footage and media assets organized because they’re being saved to the same project file.

Practical editing techniques (CLIP)

Editing videos starts with a video clip, that’s why we’ve come up with an easy way for you to remember the four important steps of video editing: 

C– clean up your footage

L- layer on effects and animations

I– integrate your audio

P- polish your edited video

Clean up your video footage

When you add your footage to the timeline, a good practice is to make any large cuts to the footage. If you know that the first two minutes of a clip need to be cut, do it now!

Effective editing often involves removing parts of your video to keep the content concise and engaging. If you’d like to experiment with more advanced editing techniques, you could even try adding some L-cuts and J-cuts to your video.

Clean-cut video clips are the foundation of a good video and a great starting point in the editing process.

Layer on effects and animations

Animating your videos is a powerful way to captivate your audience, and Camtasia makes it intuitive no matter if you’re brand-new at video editing or a seasoned professional.

A popular video effect is adding text. In Camtasia, simply drag-and-drop your text box onto the timeline to add it to your video, then customize it to look the way you like. You can even add animations to make it more dynamic. For example, add an animation to your text box to make it slide across your video clip exactly when you need it!

Use Camtasia’s high-quality assets, like customizable animated titles and fun graphics to introduce your content with flair and align with your brand’s colors and fonts. This cohesive approach not only strengthens your brand identity but also elevates the professionalism of your videos.

Additionally, drag-and-drop transitions are a great way to give your video a polished look, and they’re easy to use in Camtasia! You may want to apply a simple fade to your scenes or use a more complex transition like ripple or dissolve, if that’s fitting for your video. 

But did you know that transitions aren’t only useful between scenes? You can also use transitions with annotations or other images shown on-screen to provide a more focused and polished look.

Lastly, consider adding captions to your videos. Not only will they increase the accessibility of your video, which is always a plus, but they can make it more engaging for your viewers. All of these video editing tools, and much much more are available with Camtasia!

Integrate your audio

Even if you did everything to keep your audio crisp, it most likely will benefit from a little pick-me-up. A few common techniques are to remove background noise, normalize the track, and remove plosives. You can also add music to the background of your videos.

Sound effects can also be a fun addition to your videos, but don’t overdo it as they can become distracting quickly. 

 

Polish your edited video

Now that all of the editing is done, it’s time to double-check your work. Always try to get feedback on your videos and make sure there are no errors. Mistakes happen so it’s always better to be extra cautious before you publish your video. 

After that, you’re done! Share your video content with your social media channels, your team, and anywhere else you have an audience. Creating engaging, stunning videos is easy with Camtasia, so get started today!

If you want even more engaging content on making your first video, our full five-part course is available for free on the TechSmith Academy.

The easiest way to edit videos

Stop wasting time and discover how Camtasia makes creating incredible videos easier than ever.

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Frequently Asked Question

How to edit videos on iPhone?

To edit videos on iPhone, you can use the built-in iMovie app. Simply import your footage, select the clips you want to use, and then use the editing tools to trim, adjust, and add effects to your video. Once you’re happy with your video, you can export it in a variety of formats and share it with others.

How to edit TikTok videos?

To edit TikTok videos, you can use the built-in editing tools in the TikTok app or Camtasia video editing software. Simply select the clip you want to edit, and then use the editing tools to trim, adjust, and add effects, text, music, or filters. Once you’re happy with your video, you can post it to your TikTok account for others to see.

How to edit Youtube videos?

To edit YouTube videos, you can use the Camtasia video editing software. All you need to do is import your footage, select the clips you want to use, and then use the editing tools to trim, adjust, and add effects, transitions, text, or music to your video. Once you’re happy with your edits, you can export your video directly to YouTube, or export it locally before manually uploading it.

How to edit videos on Windows?

On Windows, you can use video editing software such as Camtasia, which offers a simple interface with powerful editing tools. First, import your footage, select the clips you want to use, and then use the editing tools to trim, adjust, and add effects, transitions, text, or music to your video. Once you’re happy with your edits, export your video in a variety of formats and share it with your colleagues, friends, and family.

How to edit video on mac?

The Camtasia editing suite offers a range of powerful and intuitive features to help you create professional-quality videos on Mac and Windows. To start editing, simply import your footage and use the editing tools to trim, adjust, and add effects, transitions, text, or music to your video. Once you’re satisfied with your edits, you can export your video in a range of formats and quickly share it with your audience.

Robert Trudeau

I'm a content marketing specialist contractor for Techsmith. In plain language, I write blogs, social posts, video scripts and more to help support the marketing team's efforts. Organic growth gets me excited, both in the tech space and in my in garden.

How to Record Your Screen on Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide

Digital illustration of a desktop computer with a Windows logo on the screen, indicating a guide for screen recording on a Windows operating system. A camera icon with focus brackets is positioned to the right of the monitor, symbolizing a webcam or video capture function. A control panel with buttons and dials is seen to the left of the screen, suggesting software tools for video recording.

The ability to record your screen on a Windows PC can be a real lifesaver if you are trying to create a tutorial or video presentation. After all, showing is better than telling! But how do you get started? We got you!

The good news is screen recording has become easier than ever, thanks to built-in tools and powerful third-party options. Whether you’re looking to record quick how-to videos or need more advanced editing, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

4 ways to record what’s on your monitor on Windows 10 and 11

Best methods for screen recording on Windows

When it comes to recording your screen on a Windows machine, you have a couple of built-in options to start with.

Xbox Game Bar

The Xbox Game Bar is readily available on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. Initially designed for gamers wanting to capture their gameplay, it can be used to record anything!

Here’s how to make a Windows screen recording using the Game Bar:

Step 1: Open the Game Bar

Starting up the Game Bar is super easy. All you need to do is press the keyboard shortcut Windows logo key + G at the same time. This will open a control panel near the top of your screen.

Xbox Game Bar toolbar with the screen capture option highlighted.

Step 2: Choose your audio inputs

If you want to narrate or add live commentary to your screen recording, click on the Record Mic option. But remember, you can also record your audio separately and add it later if you prefer.

Xbox Game Bar capture widget showing options to take a screenshot, record, or turn the microphone on.

You might want to think about the equipment you’re using and whether you’ve got the best microphone for recording videos. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can make a difference.

Step 3: Start recording

Next, start your screen recording by clicking on the bright red recording icon. Then, when you want to stop recording, click on the red recording panel that appears in the top right corner of your screen. 

All screen recordings are automatically saved on your laptop as MP4 files and can be found in the videos folder.

While the Xbox Game Bar is enough for quick recordings, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:

  • You can’t trim, cut, or add effects to your recordings without using separate software
  • You can record the full screen or a specific window, but it lacks the flexibility to easily select a specific region of the screen
  • Some users report performance slowdowns during recording

Snipping Tool

Did you know that the Snipping Tool on Windows isn’t just for screenshots anymore? The new Snipping Tool, available only on Windows 11, now offers limited screen recording capabilities. 

Step 1: Open the Snipping Tool

Simply search for Snipping Tool in the Start menu search box.

Using the Snipping Tool in Windows 10 and 11

Step 2: Select what you want to record

Press the Record button, then click to draw a rectangle over the area of your screen you want to record.

Step 3: Press start

Once the area of your screen is selected, press Start. You will see a 3-second countdown begin for your recording. Once you’re done, click the Stop button. Your recording will be saved in the Videos folder by default.

The Snipping Tool is ok for basic recordings, but has some limitations

This route will be ok for some basic recordings, but Snipping Tool has some screen recording limitations you should know about:

  • No ability to edit video without using separate software
  • The only supported file format is MP4
  • There is no keyboard shortcut for recording

Other ways to record your screen on Windows

While built-in tools can get the job done for quick capture, they often fall short when you need more control, higher quality, or advanced editing options. 

If you’re creating professional tutorials, presentations, or online courses, upgrading to a third-party app is going to save you a lot of time and headaches. 

Snagit

When you need more than just basic screen capture and editing capabilities all in one tool, Snagit is your BFF. It’s ideal for everything from walking your co-worker through a process to more detailed tutorials and how-to videos. 

Unlike built-in tools, Snagit lets you record your screen, camera, microphone, and system audio simultaneously. In this section, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of video recording your screen using Snagit. 

Record your screen with Snagit

Snagit makes it easy to share quick updates and how-to’s by capturing exactly what’s happening on your screen.

Get Snagit
Screen recording of a dashboard showing conversion rate, spend, and monthly performance with a picture-in-picture webcam view of a smiling man.

Step 1: Choose what you want to record

To start, open Snagit and select the video tab from the start menu. Make sure that Region is selected from the drop-down menu, as this will make it easy to record part or all of your screen.

When you’re ready, hit the Capture button—you can’t miss it! The crosshairs will then appear, allowing you to select the area you want to record.

Configuring options, including region selection and audio capture.

You’ll notice that the selection will automatically snap to the windows you have open. However, to manually select a portion of your screen, just click and drag the crosshairs accordingly.

Adjusting audio settings, including microphone and system audio.

Step 2: Select the elements you want to record

Unlike built-in tools, Snagit makes it easy to create more engaging screen capture recordings. Before you start recording, you can adjust the following settings to fit your needs: 

  1. Cursor: Add a custom highlight to your cursor or an eye-catching animation to your clicks
  2. System audio: Include sounds that come from your computer
  3. Webcam: Include a webcam overlay on your screen recording
  4. Microphone: Record your voice while you record
Adjusting audio settings during screen recording, including microphone and system audio.

Pro tip: You can create custom keyboard shortcuts in Snagit for common captures, so you don’t have to make these adjustments every time. 

Step 3: Start your screen recording

Click Record. Snagit will then give you a three-second countdown, and anything that appears in the recording area will be captured in your video. 

If you want to highlight a specific area of your screen, you can use the screen draw tool to add elements like arrows and step numbers while you record.

Highlighting a web element with annotation tools.

Once you’ve recorded everything that you want to be included in your video, click the Stop button in the toolbar. Your video will automatically open in the Snagit Editor. 

Step 4: Trim your video

Of course, once you’re finished with your screen recording, you’ll probably want to edit it a little. Even the most carefully planned recordings will likely have something you want to cut, and with Snagit, you can easily trim your recording to remove unwanted clips.

Trimming a video segment using the 'Cut Out' option in a screen recording tool.

On the other hand, to combine multiple clips or snippets and produce a longer video, you can use Snagit’s Combine Videos feature. This allows you to merge several clips together to create one cohesive video.

Step 5: Save or share

To save your video, go to File and click Save as. Then, decide where you want to save your file and click Save.  

Sharing to various platforms using the sharing menu in a screen capture tool.

However, you can click on the Share Link button in the top-right corner of the Snagit Editor too. This will automatically upload your video to Screencast. 

The link to your video will be automatically copied to your clipboard so that you can share it instantly with anyone. Simply paste the link into an email, a direct message, a Slack channel, or any other form of communication and send it!   

Camtasia

Camtasia is the go-to screen recording tool for creating polished training videos, software demos, and other professional content. It uses Screentelligence to capture not only your screen but also layers of information that allow you to edit your cursor movements, remove distractions, and more.

Camtasia also offers full non-linear editing functionality with an intuitive interface, making it easy to produce high-quality videos with animations, transitions, and effects. 

Take control of your screen recordings

With Camtasia you can adjust your cursor, edit your webcam footage or tweak your screen content without worrying about them being burned into the recording.

Try Camtasia Free
Camtasia icon

Step 1: Set up your recording

First, open Camtasia and click the New Recording button to open the recorder window. From there, you can make the selections for what you want to include in your recording:

  1. Recording area: Choose the full screen, a specific window, or a custom region.
  2. Camera: Include video from your computer’s built-in camera or select an external one.
  3. Microphone audio: Include audio from your computer’s built-in microphone or select an external one.
  4. System audio: Include the sounds of your computer. 
  5. Camtasia Rev: Speed up your editing process with a selection of customizable screen and camera layouts.
Camtasia recording setup screen showing options to record screen, webcam, microphone, and system audio.

Step 2: Start recording

Once you’ve configured your settings, click the Record button. You’ll see a quick countdown before your recording starts.

Step 3: Edit your video

Once you’re done recording, hit the stop button on the recorder window and drag your recording from the media bin onto the timeline.

Camtasia video editing timeline with multiple tracks, showing video and webcam footage, along with visual effects options on the left panel.

What sets Camtasia apart from other screen recorders we’ve covered is that all of the elements you include in your recording will be put on separate tracks. This means you can edit each element individually. For example, you can trim and move your webcam footage independently of the main screen recording. 

You can trim unnecessary sections, add transitions, and make your video look more polished with text callouts, annotations, and animations. You can also adjust the audio levels and add background music. 

Additionally, Camtasia’s screen recorder captures an impressive amount of metadata, like cursor movements. After you record, you can resize and even change the path of your cursor within your video. These cursor effects can save you a lot of time since you won’t have to re-record when you make a mistake.

Camtasia video editing interface with visual effects and cursor effects tools.

Step 4: Export and share

Once you’re satisfied with your video, it’s time to export. Click Export to export your video as a file or send it directly to platforms like YouTube, Google Drive, and Screencast.

Camtasia export menu with options to save the recording as a local file, share to YouTube, or other destinations.

Frequently asked questions

How do I screen record on Windows without downloading additional software?

Windows 10 and 11 come with a built-in screen recorder called Xbox Game Bar. You can activate it by pressing Win + G, but it’s primarily designed for recording games and may lack advanced features.

Can I record my screen with audio on Windows?

Yes, many screen recording tools, including Xbox Game Bar and third-party apps like TechSmith’s Snagit or Camtasia, allow you to record your screen with audio. These tools offer more customization, like choosing between system audio, microphone input, or both.

Is screen recording on Windows free?

The Xbox Game Bar is free to use on Windows. However, if you need advanced editing tools or higher-quality output, software like Snagit (for simple captures and edits) or Camtasia (for more advanced video creation) may be worth considering.

How long can I record my screen?

There is no inherent time limit for screen recording on Windows using tools like Camtasia. However, free tools or built-in features like the Xbox Game Bar may impose restrictions.

What’s the best format for saving screen recordings?

MP4 is the most commonly recommended format because it’s widely supported and provides a good balance of quality and file size. Tools like Camtasia let you save in multiple formats depending on your needs.

Clémence Daniere

Content Marketing Specialist Contractor at TechSmith where I write, edit, and create content that informs and entertains. I also read too many books.

How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 10 and 11

Image of a Windows machine taking a screenshot.

We’ve all needed to take a screenshot at some point, and if you’re a Windows user, it’s important to know how to take a screenshot on Windows 10 or 11.

You can use screenshots to demonstrate a process, share feedback with your team, and send silly memes to your favorite coworker!

Windows has a built-in screenshot tool like the Snipping Tool, which can sometimes fill your basic screenshot needs. Third-party applications however are handy to take more advanced captures you can edit and share quickly. 

The best snipping tool for Windows and Mac

Don’t let clumsy built-in tools hold you back. Take and edit screenshots with Snagit!

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Someone capturing a screenshot of a mountain scene with a person and goats using Snagit, showing cropping tools on the screen.

How to screenshot on Windows 10 & 11 using the built-in tool

To use the Snipping Tool, press the following key combinations: 

Print Screen (PrtSc key) captures a full-screen snip. This is the most straightforward option available.

Windows logo key + Shift + S opens the Snipping Tool. This menu has different options like a rectangular snip or full-screen screenshot to pick from. 

Additionally, you can choose from the following options: 

  • Capture the entire screen
  • Capture part of the screen
  • Capture the active window
  • Free form snip
  • Screen record
Windows snipping tool

Once you’ve captured your screen, the snip will automatically be saved under your picture’s screenshots folder. We recommend you save the screenshot in a folder you can easily access later.

How to screenshot on Windows 11 & 10 using Snagit

When it’s time to go beyond basic screenshots, Snagit combines powerful features with an easy-to-use interface. You can download a free trial here to start taking great screenshots! 

Step 1: Select what type of image you want to capture

Taking a screenshot with Snagit starts the same way: with the print screen button. With Snagit open, simply click the red Capture button. You can also do this from the Snagit icon in your toolbar.

Snagit's all in one capture

In the toolbar, you will notice different screenshot options. You can select either All-In-One or Image to screenshot your screen. 

All-In-One gives you the option to select image, video, or panoramic capture. This is a great option if you aren’t sure exactly what type of screenshot you need.

The Image setting will display your options for a still screenshot, including panoramic, window, full screen, and more. This is a great option when you need to tailor your capture dimensions to your screen.

To use Snagit super efficiently, you can program keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys to speed up your screenshotting process. For example, you can program the Windows logo key or the PrtScn button to take the screenshot once you press it.

For this tutorial, let’s use the All-in-One capture setting.

Step 2: Use the crosshairs

If you’re wondering how to take a selected screenshot on Windows, look no further than Snagit’s crosshairs feature. It makes it easy to select the area you want to capture and leave out the rest! 

Hover over windows or regions to auto-select the area, or click and drag across a portion of your screen to make a custom selection.

Use crosshairs to select a region

Step 3: Preview your selected region

Release the crosshairs to preview your selection. If needed, use the handles at the edges to make adjustments.

Then, when you’re ready, click the camera icon in the Snagit toolbar to take your screenshot.

Take a screenshot of the selected window

Adding annotations and effects to screenshots on Windows

After you capture your screenshot, your images and videos open automatically in the Snagit editor. Then, you have the option to add various annotations and effects such as text callouts, symbols, blur, and more.

Snagit's toolbar editing options

Snagit also makes it easy to crop and change the size of your screenshot.

You can find more in-depth tutorials on editing and adding effects to Snagit screen captures here.

How to record your screen on Windows 10

Need to record a video of your screen instead of a still image in Windows? Snagit makes screen recording incredibly simple. It can even record audio and video at the same time!

You can select either All-In-One or Video from the capture options. From there, follow the same steps as you would to screenshot your screen.

When you need to take your screen recording to the next level, TechSmith Camtasia offers a lot more tools for annotation, picture-in-picture recording with your webcam, and more. Compare TechSmith screen capture and recording options here.

Read an in-depth tutorial on how to record your screen on a Windows machine.

How to share screenshots and screen recordings on Windows

With Snagit, it’s easy to share screen captures on any platform. You can easily copy and paste a link or file into a chat or email.

To save or share a screenshot to your computer, a network drive, or a hosting platform, simply click the Share button in the top right corner of the Snagit editor. Then, select where you’d like to share your captures.

Or, click the Share Link button and watch as a unique link is copied to your clipboard. Paste it in any messaging application to easily share!

Sharing options in snagit

To copy and paste your screen capture, right-click on your finished image and select copy. From there, you can paste your screenshot wherever you want!

Still, you can drag and drop your screenshot into several applications including Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and more.

How to store and organize your screenshots

No need to clutter your desktop with screenshots or create a bunch of folders. Any captures taken with Snagit are automatically saved to the Snagit library!

Snagit's library

Screenshots can be organized in the Snagit Library by capture type, date, applications, windows, and more. You can even create custom tags to organize your screen captures.

Get ready to amaze your coworkers and friends with your clear, easy-to-follow screenshots and annotations. You now can communicate information anytime, anywhere!

For a great video walkthrough of the instructions in this post, check out this video:

Ready to get started with screenshots? Download a free trial of Snagit!

Annotate and edit screenshots with Snagit

Professional mark-up tools and powerful features make it easy to create helpful images.

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Screenshot of a document about puffin migration patterns with a section for changing styles highlighted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I screenshot a specific region only?

With Snagit’s screen snipping tool, you can drag your cursor from the corner of your screen or anywhere on top of your screen to take a screenshot. Your screenshot will be saved automatically in the Snagit library.

Can I set a keyboard shortcut for easy capture?

Yes, you can! On Windows, we recommend you use the Windows key and Print Screen key simultaneously to take a window snip.

Are there other alternatives available?

Yes. Windows has a built-in Snip & Sketch tool or the Xbox game bar available to take basic screenshots, but they are unmatched compared to Snagit’s powerful screen capture tools.

Clémence Daniere

Content Marketing Specialist Contractor at TechSmith where I write, edit, and create content that informs and entertains. I also read too many books.

How to Record Your Screen on Any Device: A Complete Guide

How to Record Your Computer Screen

Ever need to show someone exactly what’s happening on your computer screen? Whether you’re creating a tutorial or troubleshooting an issue, knowing how to screen record is an essential skill these days.

If you’re new to screen recording, figuring out how to start can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of recording your screen and share how to get the best results.

 

What is screen recording?

Screen recording is the process of capturing everything that happens on your computer, phone, or tablet screen in real-time. It is especially useful in professional and educational settings. 

Capturing video of your screen can make it easy to communicate information visually without the need for long explanations. You might use screen recording to:

Record your screen with Snagit

Snagit makes it easy to share quick updates and how-to’s by capturing exactly what’s happening on your screen.

Get Snagit
Screen recording of a dashboard showing conversion rate, spend, and monthly performance with a picture-in-picture webcam view of a smiling man.

How to record your screen record on different devices

In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps for recording on different devices, so you can find the method that works best for your needs—no extra downloads or fancy tools required. Let’s dive in!

Windows 10 or 11

To record your screen on Windows 10 or 11, you can use the built-in Xbox Game Bar. Just hit Win + G to bring up the Game Bar, and then click the record button to start capturing your screen.

When finished, press Window +G again to stop the recording. Your video will be saved in the Videos > Captures folder.

Screenshot of the xbox game bar recording tool interface over a tropical beach background. The capture menu is open, with a cursor hovering over the record button. The Windows key and 'G' key are shown, indicating the keyboard shortcut for opening the tool.

If you’re on Windows 11, you can also use the Snipping Tool to record your screen.

Mac

To record your screen on Mac, you can use the built-in QuickTime Player. Open QuickTime Player, go to “File” > “New Screen Recording,” and click the record button to start. When you’re done, click the Stop button in the menu bar, and you’ll be prompted to save your recording.

Screenshot of QuickTime Player with the 'File' menu open, highlighting the option for 'New Screen Recording.' A cursor hovers over the selection, with a mountain and aurora borealis background.

iPhone and iPad

To record your screen on an iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the upper-right corner to access the Control Center. Then, tap the Screen Recording button, it is a circle icon. Your recording will start after a three-second countdown.

Image showing an iPhone screen with the Control Center open, highlighting the screen recording button. A larger version of the screen recording icon is displayed next to the phone.

Android

To record your screen on an Android device, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings menu. Then, tap the Screen Recorder icon, choose whether you want to record with sound, and tap Start.

Image showing an android phone with the quick settings menu open, highlighting the screen recorder option. A larger version of the screen recording icon is displayed next to the phone

Chromebook

To screen record on a Chromebook, press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows to open the screen capture tool. Switch to the recorder option, and select whether you want to record your entire screen or a specific area, and click the start button. 

Once you’re done, stop the recording, and the video will be saved in your Downloads folder.

Image showing a screen recording toolbar with options for capturing screenshots and videos. Below it, the keyboard shortcut 'Shift + Ctrl + record button' is displayed, set against a soft, mountain-themed background.

Why isn’t my screen recording working?

Screen recording is generally straightforward, but there are a few common issues that can trip you up. Here are some of the most common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

No audio in your recording

One of the most frustrating issues is realizing when you’re done recording that there’s no audio. This can happen if your microphone isn’t properly selected or the recording settings aren’t configured correctly.

How to fix it: Check your screen recording tool’s audio settings and ensure that the correct microphone is selected. If you’re trying to capture system audio, keep in mind that it’s not supported in most built-in apps.

Screenshot of the TechSmith Camtasia Recorder interface. The display shows input options for screen, camera, and audio. The microphone input is selected as 'MacBook Pro Microphone,' with other options visible. A large red 'rec' button is on the right, ready to start recording.

Screen recording is laggy or freezes

Choppy screen recordings usually happen when your computer’s processing power is stretched too thin. This is common when you’re recording at a high resolution or frame rate on an older or less powerful machine.

How to fix it: Lower the resolution or frame rate of your recording and close any unnecessary applications to free up system resources. For example, Camtasia allows you to adjust these settings to optimize performance without sacrificing too much quality.

Screen recording won’t start

Sometimes, a screen recording tool won’t start or the record button is grayed out. This is usually due to software permissions, outdated software, or conflicts with other applications.

How to fix it: Make sure your screen recording software has the permission it needs to access your screen. On Mac, for example, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Screen Recording to grant access to tools like QuickTime or Snagit. On Windows, make sure there aren’t any background processes interfering with the tool and check to see if your software needs updating.

Screenshot of the macOS 'Screen & System Audio Recording' settings, with toggles for allowing Camtasia 2024 and Snagit 2024 to record screen and audio. A cursor is hovering over the Snagit toggle, and the 'Privacy & Security' section is selected in the sidebar.

Screen recording comes out as a black screen

Some content, especially through streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu, cannot be recorded due to Digital Rights Management (DRM) protections. It may appear like your screen recording is working, but the end result will be a blank or black screen.

How to fix it: Unfortunately, there’s not a legitimate way to bypass DRM protections since the intention is to protect copyrighted material from unauthorized redistribution.

 If you’re having this issue with non-streaming content, try disabling hardware acceleration in your browser or adjusting the display settings, as that can sometimes trigger this issue as well. 

Screen video is blurry or low-quality

If your screen recording appears blurry or pixelated, it’s often due to recording at a lower resolution or improper export settings.

How to fix it: Make sure you’re recording at a resolution that matches the screen you’re capturing. Most built-in tools capture at 1080p, but if you’re using a 4k monitor, you’ll want to use a tool like Camtasia that proves more control over resolution, export quality, and frame rate.

Screenshot of the recording settings in Camtasia 2024, showing options for the target capture frame rate. The dropdown menu highlights 'Full-motion (30 fps),' with other options like 60 fps, 50 fps, and lower frame rates available. Additional settings include countdown timer, microphone recording, and cursor scaling.

5 Simple ways to get better screen recordings

With a few simple adjustments and best practices, you can capture high-quality screen recordings every time.

Preparation is key

Especially for instructional videos, taking a moment before you hit record to plan will set your video up for success. Identify the key points you want to cover, and create a shot list if necessary to stay on track and organized. It can be as simple as a bulleted list, or you could write a script to help keep you on track.

Let Audiate write your script!

No more blank pages! Instantly generate amazing, customizable scripts in any length, tone, and style!

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An image of man rock climbing and a UI prompting a script to generate about safety while hiking and climbing

Optimize your recording settings

Setting up your recording correctly can make all the difference in video quality. Making sure settings like the area you’re recording, frame rate, and audio inputs before you hit record will help your video look more professional. Here’s how to optimize these settings.

Resolution

Record at a resolution that matches your audience’s viewing preference. For most screen recordings, 1080p will help balance quality with file size. However, more viewers are watching content on 4k-capable devices. 

If you’re recording on a large monitor or showing intricate detail, it’s worth using a tool like Camtasia that can record your screen in 4k.

Image comparing different screen resolutions, displayed on a monitor. The resolutions shown include HD (1280x720), FHD (1920x1080), QHD (2560x1440), 4K (3840x2160), and 8K (7680x4320), each represented by progressively larger sections of the same mountain landscape.

Frame rate

Frame rate, measured in frames per second (FPS), impacts the smoothness of your screen recording. For tutorials, software demonstrations, or presentations, 24-30 FPS is generally enough. If you’re recording fast-moving screen activity like video games, recording at 60 FPS or higher will help prevent choppy playback.  

If you plan on adding slow-motion effects during the editing process, recording at 60 FPS or higher will prevent the slow-motion playback from appearing jittery.

Image illustrating frame rates in one second of video, comparing 60 FPS, 30 FPS, and 24 FPS. Each frame rate is represented by a row of tick marks, with 60 FPS showing the most frames and 24 FPS showing the fewest.

Audio quality

Poor audio in your video can distract your videos and make it harder for them to engage with your content. Here’s a few simple ways to optimize your audio recording:

  • Use an external microphone: Most computers have a built-in microphone, but they tend to deliver low-quality sound. Investing in an external microphone that is best for video can make a dramatic impact. 
  • Control background noise: Recording audio in a quiet environment will limit distracting background noise, but screen recorders like Snagit and Camtasia have built-in noise reduction features that are rare in built-in tools.
 
  • Check audio levels: Inconsistent audio levels can distract or make your video harder to follow. Camtasia has extensive audio editing features like audio normalization, so you don’t have to export your audio to another tool to even out the volume.

Crystal-clear screen recording

Why settle for blurry screen content? Camtasia’s screen recorder captures everything at up to 4K!

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A image showing the user interface for the recorder in camtasia

Limit screen clutter

Are people following the steps or are they checking out all those files hanging out on your desktop? Here’s how to tidy up your screen and why it makes a difference:

  • Close unnecessary apps and windows: Background apps that aren’t relevant to your video are not only distracting, but they could slow down your computer while you’re recording or result in unexpected notifications and pop-ups. 
  • Clean up your desktop: Move any unnecessary files and icons into folders or temporarily hide them by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting “View” > “Show desktop icons” (Windows) or “Use Stacks” (macOS). This creates a cleaner, more focused viewing area.
  • Turn off notifications: On Windows, you can enable “Focus Assist” mode, and on macOS, use “Do Not Disturb” to pause alerts while recording. This helps maintain a professional look and keeps viewers focused on the content and not on your latest Slack message.
  • Limit browser tabs: If you’re recording browser-based content, keep only the necessary tabs open to limit distractions and prevent lagging. 
  • Only record the area you need: Using a tool like Camtasia to record your screen allows you to select the exact area of your screen you want to record, or you can crop the area within the editor. Your screen recording and camera video are recorded on separate tracks, which provides more flexibility and control over the final product.
Image comparing two desktop screens. The left screen, marked with a red 'X,' shows a cluttered desktop with multiple overlapping windows. The right screen, marked with a green checkmark, shows a clean desktop with a single browser window open to Google.

Edit for clarity

Even the most carefully planned and executed screen recording will benefit from some thoughtful editing. Whether it’s removing awkward pauses or emphasizing key points with visual effects, editing can help make your video look more professional. Here are some small edits that will go a long way:

  • Trim pauses and mistakes: No matter how well you prepare, there will always be parts of your recording that are better left on the cutting room floor. Long pauses, repeated information, or unnecessary steps can confuse your audience or make them lose interest.
  • Add annotations: Annotations and callouts are critical for guiding your audience’s attention to the most important parts of your recording. Using a screen recorder like Camtasia makes it easy to add text callouts, highlights, and arrows to your screen recording to emphasize key points, clarify the steps of a process, or add additional context.
  • Zoom in: If you’re working with a dense user interface with lots of detail, zooming in on important elements can make a big difference in how well your audience can follow steps. Camtasia’s Smart Focus feature automatically adds zooms and pans based on your cursor movements, saving you editing time. 
  • Add cursor effects: The cursor is the unsung hero of screen recordings. It plays a vital role in helping viewers know where to look. Screen recorders like Camtasia not only record your screen but also metadata. This enables you to change the size, shape, or path of your mouse cursor and add visual effects like click animations.
  • Add transitions: For longer videos, use transitions to clearly segment different sections. Nothing too flashy though. We recommend simple transitions to maintain the focus on your content.

Editing transforms a raw screen recording into professional and highly effective content. With easy-to-use tools like Camtasia, you don’t have to be a professional video editor to get impressive results.

The easiest way to edit videos

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An image of a laptop showing the camtasia drag-and-drop editing feature

Practice and refine

Recording videos is a skill, and just like any skill, it gets better with practice. Over time, you’ll find that certain techniques work better than others, or shortcuts can speed up your process without sacrificing quality. 

Share your recordings with colleagues or your audience and gather feedback. Understanding how others perceive your content can help you refine future recordings.

Both Camtasia and Snagit allow you to easily share your recordings for feedback, whether it’s through Screencast for real-time collaboration or directly exporting your video to cloud platforms like Google Drive. Use feedback as an opportunity to refine and grow. 

With the right tools and resources, practice and refinement become much smoother. Snagit and Camtasia not only provide industry-leading software for screen recording and editing, but we also offer a full suite of tutorials, certifications, webinars, and world-class support to help you continue growing your skills. 

Whether you’re refining your first video or pushing your creative boundaries with advanced techniques, Snagit and Camtasia are tools designed to grow with you every step of the way.

So, keep practicing, take advantage of the rich resources available, and watch your screen recording skills—and your videos—get better with each project.

Looking for professional screen recording software?

From simple screen captures to polished video editing, TechSmith has everything you need to create professional-quality content.

Learn More
Screen recording options showing toggles for capturing screen, camera, system audio, and microphone, with visual indicators for audio levels and user-friendly interface.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record my screen on any device?

Yes! Most modern devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, have built-in screen recording features. For instance, Windows has the Xbox Game Bar, macOS offers a built-in Screen Recorder, and iOS and Android have native screen recording options.

How do I screen record with sound?

Ensure you’ve selected the correct audio source before recording to include audio in your screen recordings. You can choose between internal audio, microphone input, or both on most devices.

Is it legal to record my screen?

Screen recording is generally legal for personal use, but be mindful of privacy laws. Avoid recording private conversations or copyrighted material without permission.

Clémence Daniere

Content Marketing Specialist Contractor at TechSmith where I write, edit, and create content that informs and entertains. I also read too many books.

Top 10 OBS Alternatives for Screen Recording in 2024

Green gradient background with a circular logo in the center and arrows pointing in opposite directions.

If you’re looking for OBS alternatives, you’re probably searching for a screen recording tool that meets your unique needs without the learning curve or complexity of OBS. Whether you’re recording video tutorials, recording gameplay, or crafting professional videos, here’s a list of 10 top OBS Studio alternatives, starting with the very best: Camtasia.

Crystal-clear screen recording

Why settle for blurry screen content? Camtasia’s screen recorder captures everything at up to 4K!

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A image showing the user interface for the recorder in camtasia

1. Camtasia — Best overall OBS alternative for video professionals

Camtasia is a powerhouse for screen recording and video editing, making it an excellent OBS alternative for those seeking both simplicity and power. Perfect for creators at all levels, it combines an intuitive interface with powerful features like drag-and-drop editing for video and audio, animations, and visual effects. With Camtasia, you can create polished videos that look professional without needing a degree in filmmaking.

Key Features:

  • Non-linear editing with transitions, text overlays, and more​.
  • Intuitive screen recording setup, including webcam and audio capture.
  • Built-in assets like music and templates for easy content creation.

Ideal for trainers, educators, and marketers, Camtasia’s video recording software lets you produce engaging, on-brand content quickly and efficiently. It’s the best choice for anyone looking to up their video game and has a free trial period.

the interface of two software applications layered on top of each other. The primary software interface in the background is OBS alternative Bandicam, while the secondary, smaller window in the foreground shows gameplay from the video game.

2. Bandicam

Bandicam is tailored for gamers who need high-quality screen recording with minimal performance impact, making it a niche OBS alternative. While it excels in capturing gameplay, it feels limited for other use cases, like video tutorials or business presentations.

Key features:

  • High FPS recording with 4K resolution support.
  • Real-time drawing while recording.
  • Customizable recording settings for gamers.
OBS alternative Icecream Screen Recorder interface, specifically the History tab. The interface has a clean and organized layout with a predominantly white and gray color scheme.

3. Icecream Screen Recorder

Icecream Screen Recorder keeps things simple, making it a beginner-friendly OBS alternative. While it’s easy to use, it lacks the advanced features needed for professional-grade content.

Key features:

  • Annotation tools during recording.
  • One-click sharing to popular platforms.
  • Supports scheduled recordings.
OBS alternative Screenpal software interface showing an assignment tracker spreadsheet, a smiling man, and an editing toolbar with options like Cut, Copy, and Narrate.

4. ScreenPal

ScreenPal (formerly Screencast-O-Matic) is a basic OBS alternative that offers simple screen recording and minimal editing capabilities. While it’s affordable and easy to use, its dated interface and limited features may frustrate users who expect more from their tools.

Key features:

  • Basic video editing tools.
  • Direct upload to YouTube and Google Drive.
  • Free version available with watermarks.
OBS alternative Streamyard interface with two participants, a man labeled 'Geige' and a woman labeled 'Dana', and a customized options menu on the right.

5. Streamyard

Streamyard prioritizes live streaming over screen recording, positioning itself as a niche OBS alternative for content creators. While it’s excellent for broadcasting live or streaming video, its recording features are an afterthought.

Key Features:

  • Browser-based, no installation needed.
  • Allows multi-streaming to platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
  • Integrated audience engagement tools.
OBS alternative Lightstream software interface showing a woman recording a podcast with elements like layers, audio mixer, chat, and scenes.

6. Lightstream

Lightstream’s cloud-based approach to recording and live streaming makes it an interesting OBS alternative, but it comes with a steep learning curve. It’s good for streamers who need flexibility, but it may not be the best fit for those seeking a more straightforward recording tool.

Key Features:

  • Drag-and-drop scene builder.
  • Remote guest management for interviews.
  • Free cloud backups for your projects.
Laptop showing OBS alternative Screenflow software interface with a metal working tutorial video.

7. ScreenFlow

ScreenFlow is a Mac-exclusive OBS alternative that offers screen recording and editing features, but its appeal is limited by its high cost and lack of cross-platform availability. While it shines in video quality and editing tools, it can feel restrictive for users who need more advanced or flexible recording options.

Key features:

  • Multi-track editing with motion graphics.
  • Optimized for Retina displays.
  • Built-in stock media library.
OBS alternative Wondershare Filmora video editing software with media library, video preview, editing tools, and timeline.

8. Filmora

Filmora includes screen recording as part of its video editing suite, positioning it as a versatile OBS alternative. However, screen recording is not its main focus, and while it offers a wealth of effects and templates, its recording features are basic at best.

Key features:

  • Extensive effects library with keyframe animation.
  • Simple drag-and-drop editing.
  • Affordable pricing for casual users.
OBS alternative Riverside.fm's software interface displaying a video of two individuals with microphones and a transcription of their conversation.

9. Riverside.fm

Riverside.fm is built for podcasters and interviewers, making it a niche OBS alternative that focuses on high-quality audio and video recording. While it’s good for this niche, it lacks versatility for broader use cases.

Key features:

  • Local recording for high-quality output.
  • Separate audio and video tracks for editing.
  • Live streaming with audience engagement tools.
Snagit interface with options for selection, sharing, recording, and a large "Capture" button.

10. Snagit

Snagit is a user-friendly OBS alternative tailored to capture and edit screen recordings quickly and effectively. It simplifies the entire process- from recording to sharing- designed for professionals and educators who need clear, concise content.

Key features:

  • Simple screen recording and basic trimming
  • Create video from screenshots
  • Seamless sharing options

Why Camtasia stands out as an OBS alternative

While other OBS alternatives focus on specific niches, Camtasia offers unmatched versatility and user-friendliness. Whether you’re creating professional videos or training tutorials, these tools ensure you can work efficiently without sacrificing quality. Ready to see it for yourself? Try Camtasia today!

The easiest way to edit videos

Stop wasting time and discover how Camtasia makes creating incredible videos easier than ever.

Free Download
An image of a laptop showing the camtasia drag-and-drop editing feature

TechSmith

TechSmith is the market leader in screen capture software and productivity solutions for daily in-person, remote, or hybrid workplace communication and customer-facing image and video content. Our award-winning flagship products, Snagit, Camtasia, and Audiate, empower anyone to create remarkable videos and images that share knowledge for better training, tutorials, and everyday communication.

The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your YouTube Subscriber Count

youtube interface

There’s no magic formula to success on YouTube. However, various pieces work together to signal to YouTube that you and your content are worth promoting and surfacing to the billions of viewers each month.

One important area to monitor is your YouTube subscriber count. Although increasing your subscriber count may feel overwhelming, the effort is worthwhile for you and your future audience.

This guide will explore some key reasons why subscribers still matter and try to debunk some myths about the YouTube algorithm.

Keep in mind a few things:

  • YouTube and your channel generally benefit when you get viewers to subscribe.
  • Subscribership signals credibility to new potential subscribers and viewers about the trustworthiness of your content, which can help overall viewers and engagement.
  • Subscriber count was a significant indicator of success (hello, silver, and gold play buttons!), but it’s not a central indicator of overall success.

Why YouTube subscribers matter

Even though subscribers aren’t the number one leading indicator of success, they are still important.

First, various YouTube programs, like their Partnership Program, require a minimum of 1,000 subscribers.

Second, a growing subscriber base means you have more viewers to share your video with every time you publish. These YouTube users are interested in having your content served to them. They’ve asked to see it, which can help increase views and engagement, which are crucial to a successful channel.

Third, good subscriber numbers indicate that you are trusted and that people want to watch your content. If you rely on channel subscriber numbers, you will likely find some potential pitfalls. However, don’t ignore the benefit of growing your channel’s subscribers.

@techsmith_camtasia

Learn to build a genuine YouTube audience organically! 🌱 Didn't catch our live event? You can still watch the entire session with Nick. Check it out! https://bit.ly/47JC9fC

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Optimize your YouTube channel for growth

Suppose you want to grow your channel, including gaining more subscribers on YouTube. There are a few ways to optimize your channel.

Craft a compelling channel description

One of the opportunities to help your channel’s success is to write a compelling yet concise channel description. Your description should give both your viewers and YouTube a clear understanding of what your channel is about.

To do this well, you need to understand who you are trying to reach and the focus of your channel. For instance, are you focused on workplace productivity, gaming, or something else?

You may not be entirely sure, and you can adjust later, but having a focus will help your channel be found by those looking for it and help YouTube know who to show it to.

As you write, include relevant keywords in your description. This YouTube SEO best practice will help clarify what your channel is about. Keywords will also help your channel appear in YouTube and Google searches.

As you write, you should avoid keyword stuffing or adding keywords just to be found. This can have adverse effects and may cause your channel not to be found.

If you have to choose, go for concise and focused, and add information that helps set you apart.

Create eye-catching channel art and thumbnails

Another way to optimize your channel for growth is to create compelling channel art and thumbnails that catch viewers’ attention.

Channel art provides an opportunity for unique expression and branding of your channel. This can help further indicate to your viewers what your channel is about. It should be related to and in support of your channel description.

A YouTube thumbnail with a person and a greenscreen background.

Some creators will use the channel art as an opportunity to provide more content, information, and, of course, a sense of personality, which will encourage viewers to become and stay subscribers.

Video thumbnails are gateways to attracting viewers to your videos. As viewers scroll through YouTube, most likely, the first thing they see is video thumbnails. Yours must stand out.

Thumbnails can also help you establish and maintain your overall brand. While a viewer might not watch the first video or their third video from you, having a style that ties them together is helpful. If they see one they like, maybe they’ll watch another. 

Or if they see multiple videos from you, they might realize you have a good amount of content and that they are worth checking out.

Numerous tools can help create a successful YouTube video. Regardless of the tool you use, we recommend taking a photo of yourself or the person who will be on screen either while recording or just after. Use these images as part of your thumbnail.

Need to grab a unique image? Or are you working with screen content or other types of content?

Grab a frame from your video editor. For instance, TechSmith Camtasia can save the frame of an image, which can then be further edited or used for your thumbnail. This is a great way to represent and show what your content is about accurately.

Produce high-quality, consistent content

Growing your channel requires more than a good description and catchy graphics; it also requires consistently creating high-quality content.

Focus on video quality and production

In the recent 2024 Video Viewer Trends Report, which surveyed 1000 individuals about their preferences for informational and instructional videos, most respondents reported that “clear audio and clear video footage” were the most critical aspects of videos to keep viewers interested.

Two graphs and a quote saying "people noticed a quality presenter and audio as an aspect of the video they found engaging"

Audio and visual quality are just a few attributes of what makes a high-quality video.

A major reason people stop watching is that they feel the video isn’t relevant. As you create your videos, make sure they align with your title and descriptions.

What you show in your video matters. Your viewers want to see content that fits and isn’t static or boring. You’ll need to find ways to enhance your videos.

One of the simplest is to keep things changing and moving. This could be cuts, pans, or other on-screen elements.

If you want to create high-quality, engaging videos, check out TechSmith Camtasia. Camtasia allows you to capture your screen clearly and edit your video to engage your viewers. For instance, with screen recordings, you can enhance your mouse cursor by changing its size, adding effects, and even adjusting your cursor path.

Camtasia also allows you to add annotations, animate objects on your screen, remove the background from your camera video, and much more. Using these effects and others, you can create engaging and interesting content that will keep your viewers watching.

Stick to a consistent upload schedule

As you launch your channel and aim to grow, setting up and sticking to a consistent schedule is essential. This doesn’t mean you have to publish a video daily or every week, but you do need to carefully consider your schedule. Once you establish it, try to stick to it.

Being consistent is challenging.

However, consistency is a promise to your target audience. That consistency will also keep you at the forefront of your viewers’ minds, bringing them back to visit your YouTube channel.

YouTube seems to favor channels that publish regularly and consistently. Too infrequent or erratic posting makes it hard for viewers to tune in or even to know when to expect a new video. This can lead viewers to forget to watch or find another channel with the information they need.

Feel free to explore different options if you aren’t sure what your schedule should look like, but try not to change it too often or too soon.

Experiment frequently and with purpose. You may find that certain days and specific times of day perform better. Use this data to help you refine and adjust your decisions.

Ultimately, your publishing schedule is a balance between serving your audience’s viewing habits and what you can realistically and sustainably stick to. If you have to pick one over the other, for most things, the audience wins. However, in this case, your ability to publish with the quality and impact you want should be the priority.

 Don’t worry about being perfect, but hold to that schedule.

Amy Landino, creator and author of Good Morning, Good Life, emphasizes that striving for perfection often hinders consistency. 

She notes that creators delay starting because they feel unprepared or lack the right resources. 

Even after beginning, they may become overwhelmed by the effort required to produce and repurpose content, making consistency the most challenging aspect.

“Perfection leads us to not be consistent.… We can’t start because we don’t have the right gear. We can’t start because we don’t have the right person on camera…. Then, maybe, you do start and you find out how much work it takes to just do one project, or make all the repurposable pieces of that one project to make it truly worth the one, and then continuing. Consistency ends up being the hardest thing.” Amy Landino, Author, Creator

Leverage YouTube SEO to boost discoverability

As much as the content in your video matters, the content around your videos on YouTube matters as well. Understanding a little about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for your content can go a long way in helping it be discovered.

Perform keyword research for YouTube searches

YouTube has billions of videos and tons of competition, but many people are also searching for content.

This means you need to both stand out and understand what people are looking for. If you can align with these opportunities, you’ll be on your way to having YouTube and Google bring your videos up in the search results.

First, you’ll need to understand what people are looking for and the words they use to search for a particular topic.

A simple first step to finding this is opening YouTube in your browser and conducting searches.

 For example, let’s say you are interested in teaching people about freezer meals: the benefits, savings, and how to make them. On YouTube, search for the keywords ‘freezer meals.’

 What do you find? What videos show?

Image of someone searching "freezer meal" in youtube.

Are the videos that appear in the search surprising? Are they using any words or phrases that you could work into your content?

The next step is to take that same phrase, “freezer meal,” hit the space button, then the letter ‘a’—YouTube or Google’s autofill will show you a list of items that are searched for.

Image of someone searching "freezer meal a" in youtube.

Write or screenshot the options that fit your niche and make sense for your channel. Then, repeat this process for the other letters of the alphabet.

As you go through this process, you want to note keywords and phrases that are being used. These will become important to work into your video titles, video descriptions, scripts, or conversations. These keywords help YouTube determine whether to show your video to someone searching for a specific term. 

One shortcoming of using YouTube’s auto-complete to gain keywords is that the amount of information about each keyword is limited. Other available tools can help you understand how many people search for specific phrases. They can also tell you if there are related keywords.

Tools like VidIQ, Tubebuddy, SEMRush, Moz, and Ask the Public have suites of sophisticated tools to help conduct SEO research. These can be extremely helpful as you narrow in on your niche topics and find ways to integrate keywords and phrases to help your content rise to the top of search results and be more likely to be presented on YouTube.

Optimize video titles, descriptions, and tags

As you look to optimize your surrounding content, you first need to make sure that the video you created fits with the keywords you’ve chosen. If your keyword is ‘Freezer Meals Fast’ and your video is a reaction video about a new Gordon Ramsey recipe, it doesn’t help you, your channel, or the viewers of the video.

Your keywords and your content need to be aligned.

Using that same example, we might need to make our title specific so our viewers know what the video is about and why they should watch it. For example, ‘How to Make 3 Freezer Meals Fast – 20 minutes or less each’ could be a good title.

Work to ensure that anyone searching knows exactly what they will get.

That same video should also have a description. YouTube descriptions can have up to 5000 characters. You don’t have to use all of them, but longer descriptions provide more opportunities to use your keywords and give context and additional information about your video.

Best practice suggests using your keyword two to three times in your description.

Remember that most of your description will not be visible without a click. Typically, only about the first 25-30 words are visible. Use your first sentence, about 50 to 100 characters, to highlight the benefit a viewer will get from your video.

As you integrate keywords and conduct SEO research, do not just fill your titles, descriptions, and tags with keywords. Keyword stuffing, if detected, may cause YouTube to deprioritize showing your content. Use your keywords responsibly and appropriately, and you’ll be fine.

SEO is important to help your video be found, but remember that numerous factors can impact whether your video is viewed and found. However, good SEO will put your videos and your channels on a good footing and make them more likely to be found.

Use the YouTube algorithm to your advantage

The ever-present but mysterious algorithm is the key to being found and having video success. But what the algorithm uses to make its decisions isn’t publicly known. That doesn’t mean we can’t work with it to help give you the best opportunities for success.

Understand how the YouTube algorithm works

One of the most important concepts about the YouTube algorithm is that it has one main job: helping viewers find what they want to watch and then continuing to provide them with relevant options.

That’s its whole job.

From a creator’s perspective, that means that the key is to create content that people want to watch, that they start watching, and that they keep watching—and do it again and again.

Easy right?

Well, no, of course not, and it becomes a process of experimenting and learning to continue to adjust to make content. To do that, you need to understand how to use the metrics YouTube provides so you can make more informed decisions about your content.

YouTube provides many more metrics, which will vary in helpfulness and value. A key metric to learn to read and understand is viewer retention.

Video analytics engagement overview on YouTube

Viewer retention

Viewer retention shows you when viewers stop watching your video and if people have watched a portion of the video more than the rest.

Many YouTube videos experience a quick decline in viewership within the first few seconds. Pay attention to these trends in your videos. This initial drop-off often occurs because viewers decide the content isn’t what they’re looking for.

Retention display of a YouTube video.

How do they decide this so quickly? It could be that the video doesn’t dive into the topic quickly enough, the audio or visuals are off-putting, or they get distracted.

To combat this, make the beginning of your video as engaging and captivating as possible—this is known as the hook.

A strong hook encourages viewers to keep watching. You might use an intriguing story, showcase the end result of a process upfront, or present something that directly connects with your audience’s interests.

Use viewer retention data to identify other points where viewers drop off. Analyze those moments to determine if any content might be causing viewers to leave, and consider making adjustments accordingly.

Engagement

Another important metric to watch is viewer engagement. Engagement is another signal to the algorithm that your content is worth sharing.

Engagement has several inputs, such as people liking (or disliking) your content and leaving comments.

You can’t manufacture engagement, but you can encourage people to like your content and leave comments on your video. You might ask them to answer a question that you ask during your video or encourage them to ask questions in the comments.

Encourage engagement through calls to action

As you look for ways to engage your videos, you can make several invitations. CTAs can take several forms. The invitations can come through the video, pop-ups on the video, or YouTube info cards.

Some of the common opportunities include asking viewers to click the like button, leave a comment, or to ‘hit the subscribe button’.

Screenshot of a YouTube video.

As you plan your video, find ways to incorporate the prompts organically and naturally. Inviting your viewers to take action at points in your video that won’t disrupt the flow.  

In addition to stating or asking in your video, you can use your video editor, like Camtasia, to place visual prompts in your video. Camtasia allows you to easily add subscribe buttons, which can then be made clickable through YouTube’s editor.

With Camtasia templates and asset library, it’s easy to add these types of CTAs for all of your videos. These assets will speed up your creation and allow a consistent approach throughout your videos. 

Stardom awaits!

Camtasia is the perfect way to create exciting content for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and more!

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An image of a phone and laptop both showing variation of a cooking videos in both device sizes

Promote your channel across platforms 

As you look to grow your channel, look beyond YouTube. Connect with your audience where they are, including social media, your own site, and various communities and forums.

Share videos on social media and blogs

In marketing your content, there are platforms that you ’own’ and should be promoting your content on. One of these is social media platforms. 

Each social media platform has its own unique focus. For instance, LinkedIn is oriented toward business professionals, while Instagram caters more to casual users.

Each platform will have different requirements. Some platforms allow you to share videos from YouTube directly, but many don’t. 

When you can’t post your YouTube video, you may post part of it or create supporting content that points viewers on other platforms to your full video. 

Another space you own is a blog. Blog posts are useful tools for sharing your message and content. They can also be natural places to embed your videos. 

Embedding-related videos allow you to increase the SEO on that page, which can correlate with increased traffic and views. In addition, you can use content from your blog posts to further promote your video on social media.

Engage with communities and forums 

Another opportunity to connect with your audience is by engaging in online communities, such as Reddit or topic-specific forums related to your niche.

As you enter these spaces, each will have specific promotion rules and guidelines. Pay attention and abide by their guidelines. Avoid spamming the community, including over-promotion and posting content or videos that don’t relate. 

Being active and present in these communities can help people discover you and your content. As community members recognize your value, they will be more likely to take an interest in what you have to offer.

In addition to a promotion opportunity, both communities and forums are full of ideas for new video topics. Participants may be asking questions you can use to generate content ideas. You may also find conversations about topics that you have comments and thoughts on that would make for an interesting video.

Utilize YouTube Studio for analytics and growth 

As you work to grow your subscribers on YouTube, pay close attention to the provided metrics. These will guide you and help you make informed decisions about what you should continue doing and what you should stop doing. 

Track performance metrics in YouTube Studio 

YouTube provides individual video and overall channel metrics. These both will give you insights into your channel’s performance. Take the time to learn how to use each metric and what it means for your content. 

Your metrics will tell you if a video resonates with your audience. You can also see data such as where your viewers watched your content. Additionally, you can view other metrics like the search terms viewers used to find your content, the number of unique viewers, and the number of subscribers gained.

If you are serious about success on YouTube, learning to use YouTube Studio metrics is a must. 

A/B testing and experimenting with content 

As you get comfortable with the metrics and data in YouTube Studio, you can start optimizing your content. 

For instance, YouTube has allowed most channels to use its Test & Compare feature. This test allows you to provide two to three different thumbnails for the same video, which YouTube will then test to see which one got the most people to watch. 

There are various tools, including new ones being rolled out by YouTube, that can help you run comparisons for titles, descriptions, tags, or even videos. Split testing can be done manually but requires attention to detail and scrutiny of the data.

Monetize your YouTube channel with the YouTube Partner Program

Many creators are on YouTube, dreaming of making money for the content they create. It’s possible and can be done. It is helpful to temper your expectations, but with focus and determination, you’ll find yourself receiving your first payout. 

Qualify for the YouTube Partner Program

To qualify for the YouTube partner program, you will need to meet the minimum requirements. These requirements are subject to change. Make sure you check with YouTube to ensure that you qualify. 

As of publishing, creators need at least 1,000 subscribers with 4,000 or more valid public watch hours in the last 12 months. Or you’ll need 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.

While a high bar, being part of the Partner Program will provide enrolled creators with monetization opportunities and resources. 

Maximize revenue opportunities

The Partner program is not the only way to make money from your YouTube channel. 

YouTube creators often try to monetize their efforts through programs like affiliate marketing. By placing links to products or services with tracking codes in the URL, the creator is credited for any sales that come through that link. 

Remember, the Federal Trade Commission in the United States and governments in other parts of the world regulate rules on what must be disclosed, such as whether links will earn the creator a commission. 

Another potential revenue stream is sponsorships. Sponsorships are a great way to promote a product through mentions or reviews.

Sponsorships are harder to obtain since they usually require a relationship with a company. Sponsor organizations determine their sponsorship through various metrics, including subscribers, engagement rates, and views per video.

While sponsorships offer many opportunities, they can also distract or disrupt your audience. If you take a sponsorship opportunity, it needs to fit with your audience. Too many sponsorships, or those that don’t align with your audience’s interests, can turn away viewers and subscribers. 

Other revenue sources include selling merchandise, creating extra content for paid subscribers, mastermind sessions, and selling online or in-person courses. 

Each revenue opportunity has pros and cons. Seek the ones that make the most sense for you and fit your goals. 

Avoid common pitfalls in growing YouTube subscribers

Growing your channel subscribers can be challenging. If you’re not mindful, you can run into problems in several ways. 

Don’t buy YouTube subscribers 

You may be tempted to take a shortcut to grow your subscribers by buying subscribers. 

Don’t do it. 

In the short term, it will give the impression of growth. However, in reality, it will result in inactive accounts. It won’t increase the overall engagement, retention, or other metrics that matter.

In addition, accounts that are caught purchasing subscribers are in violation of YouTube’s terms of service.

Organic growth, while challenging, is far more sustainable. Focusing on those genuinely interested in your content can help increase your other metrics, leading to high-quality engagements. 

Remember, YouTube is trying to serve content people want to watch. You will benefit from doing the same. 

Avoid overloading videos with calls to action (CTAs) 

Another pitfall is having too many calls to action in your video. Whether you’re asking people to click on the YouTube subscribe button, watch the next video, or visit your website, too many choices will turn viewers away. 

You want viewers to take an action. The general rule of thumb is to focus on one primary CTA and one secondary CTA. 

Each CTA should provide a clear benefit to the viewer, showing how it can help them or meet their needs. You can place the CTA in various spots throughout the video—there’s no one perfect answer.

However, when you do add a CTA, ensure it fits within the video’s context and doesn’t distract from what you are trying to say or show.

For example, your primary CTA may invite viewers to subscribe and click the bell icon to be notified of new videos. This could come after you’ve introduced or hooked your viewer. The secondary CTA could be to watch another video on a similar topic. Pace it at the end of the video or when the topic is mentioned in the current video. 

Ultimately, there’s a delicate balance between creating content people want to watch and encouraging them to take action. Experiment and try different approaches to see what works for you.

Conclusion

The path to success on YouTube isn’t guaranteed. It takes hard work and dedication. However, you can find success by using skills like SEO optimization, understanding data, and promoting your channels. 

On your YouTube journey, be consistent. Keep trying new approaches and techniques. Use tools that allow you to harness your creativity and abilities. Remember, tools like Camtasia are easy and powerful, allowing you to create effective and engaging content.

And remember, it takes time. Many successful YouTube Creators didn’t find success in a week, a month, or even a year. Many have worked at it year after year after year. And as you put forth the effort, you will find success too. 

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TechSmith

TechSmith is the market leader in screen capture software and productivity solutions for daily in-person, remote, or hybrid workplace communication and customer-facing image and video content. Our award-winning flagship products, Snagit, Camtasia, and Audiate, empower anyone to create remarkable videos and images that share knowledge for better training, tutorials, and everyday communication.