What is a Screencast, and How Do You Use It?

A screencast is a digital video recording of your computer screen and usually includes audio narration. Screencasts are just one of the many types of videos you can create or watch on your computer.

Screencasting is the perfect solution for repeat questions at the office. Just send a video instead of answering the same question over and over again. 

Screencasts can be called a screen capture video or screen recording and are a great way to teach or share ideas with your team or customers!

Common examples of screencasts are step-by-step tutorials, training videos, video lessons, and recorded presentations.

A major benefit of screencasting is that viewers can watch the screencast at a time when it’s best for them because learning doesn’t always take place in an academic setting. You can answer their questions on your own time, and they can get those answers when they have time. Videos are a win-win solution.

Additionally, viewers can absorb the information at their own pace by pausing and rewatching portions. A 2024 TechSmith study found that 83% of people prefer to consume instructional or informational content by watching a video. 

Screencasts add a personal touch to your content in ways that other methods simply cannot.

5 Ways screencasting can make you more productive at work today

1. Revitalize your onboarding

Getting the new person up-to-speed can be a time-consuming process.

You’re not only trying to get your job done, but you’re also having to explain it every little step of the way. You feel like you’re on the spot (which you are), and it can be overwhelming. Take the pressure off you and record your screen instead.

With screencasting, you don’t have to continually start and stop to answer questions. This allows you to focus on the material. The new hire can start, stop, and re-watch the screencast as many times as they need. Nobody worries about interrupting a video recording!

Instead of in-person onboarding, create a screencast, which you both can refer to again later. Screencasting allows you to train your new hires effectively and free up your time. 

2. Make a basic tutorial

How many times a day do you have to answer the same question?

• “How do I reconnect to the printer?”
• “What is the best way to input the data?”
• “How do I access those Q4 files again?”

You’ve answered the question countless times, and by now your response is totally autopilot. Answer those questions by creating video screencasts that leave a lasting impression. With TechSmith’s Screencast integration, you can even create a collection of videos so your team has easy access to them.

What are you waiting for? Start recording those instructional videos today!

3. Use Screencasting in your classroom or school

You may be wondering why you would want to capture a screenshot or record a video of your screen. The short answer is that it can help you communicate with more clarity and impact than you can with written words alone.

Screencast ideas for your classroom:

• Record procedures and answer common questions.
• Give students audio-visual feedback (the next best thing to a 1:1 conversation).
• Record lessons that students can access anytime, anywhere.
• Make a video to help your substitute teacher if you have to miss class.

4. Make a software or product demo

Hear us out: show off your product by actually showing off your product! 

Did you ever consider that explainer videos, walkthroughs, tutorials, and helpful how-to videos all start with a solid product demo strategy? These videos also make for awesome marketing opportunities to show (and not just tell!) the value of your product.

Oftentimes potential purchasers need to feel what the experience is going to be like before they commit.

However, by viewing a screencast, they are demonstrating real interest in your product and possibly an intent to purchase.

A product demo video is a powerful tool that keeps visitors engaged on your website and interested in your product.

You can even create a YouTube video of your product demo to share it with a larger audience.

5. Provide clear feedback

Sometimes the best way to provide clear, concise feedback is to talk it out.

Yet what if the person needing feedback is in a different location? Or a different time zone?

Screencasting is a solution that helps bridge the gaps for today’s globally connected workforce. A major part of providing feedback isn’t what you say, but how you say it. Context is everything when giving constructive critique.

Recording a screencast allows the person on the other end to actually hear your voice and provides important context to your words. So the next time a webpage, PDF, or video edit is sent to you for feedback, consider dropping the red pen and recording a screencast instead!

What is the best screencast software to start with?

When you start screencasting, you want to make sure you have screen recording software that is simple to use but flexible enough to take on larger projects down the road. Look for a screen recorder with a built-in video editor. This will allow you to easily edit video and audio. Camtasia is built for anyone who needs to make any kind of screencast video.

Now write a script, tone down the background noise, and record that screencast.