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When you need to learn something new, what do you do? You
probably look for a video. And you’re not alone.
Regardless of your industry, if you’re serious about teaching others, growing your business, or
building an online course, instructional videos are the best delivery method.
Research shows that when people look for answers to their questions, they prefer to consult a
video. In fact:
• 83% of people prefer watching videos to accessing instructional or informational content via
text or audio.
• More than half of online shoppers say they use video to help make purchase decisions.
• Two out of three employees complete tasks better when instructions are provided visually
and absorb information 7% faster.
• More than 70% of YouTube viewers turn to the platform for help solving problems.
You may be wondering, “How do I create online training videos?”
It can be a challenge for many small businesses, educators, and entrepreneurs to find the time to
create video content.
That’s why we’re here to help! It’s much easier than you might think.
This guide will share the secrets to easily creating high-quality training and tutorial videos.
We know what works (and what doesn’t), and we’ll show you exactly what to do to make how-to and
instructional videos.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this free guide to creating great instructional videos:
• The most popular types of instructional videos
• Common mistakes people make when creating instructional videos
• The best software for making instructional videos
• How to make an instructional video in 7 steps
• The actual cost of making tutorial, training, and explainer videos
Make your own instructional videos today!
Download Camtasia and FREE templates to quickly and easily make your own tutorial and
training videos.
Download Free Trial
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What is an instructional video?
An instructional video is any video that demonstrates a process, transfers knowledge, explains a
concept, or shows someone how to do something.
Creating instructional videos isn’t limited to instructional design professionals. Anyone in any
industry can (and probably should) create instructional videos.
Here are some of the most common types of instructional videos you can create:
• Microvideos are short instructional videos that focus on teaching a single, narrow topic.
• Tutorial videos are the go-to instructional method for teaching a process or giving step-by-
step instructions and are sometimes referred to as “how-to” videos.
• Training videos are designed to improve employees’ workplace skills and often use footage
of real people to connect the trainer to the trainee.
• Explainer videos explain a business concept or product in an entertaining, visual way.
They’re usually short and help simplify complex ideas.
• Recording a lecture or presentation can make that instructional content available for an
audience to consume or review after the fact. These videos tend to be longer than tutorial
videos and require a higher level of investment from your audience.
• Screencasts are quick, informal videos composed primarily of screen recordings designed to
teach someone to perform a task or share knowledge.
As you can see, instructional videos go by various names, but the goal is the same.
Unlike other forms of video, an instructional video instructs. While you don’t want your videos to be
boring, your main goal is for your viewers to comprehend and learn what you are teaching them.
Common mistakes people make when creating videos
When making instructional videos, people make a few common mistakes. Here are a few you can
easily avoid:
Mistake #1: Not knowing your audience
If you don’t know your audience, it’s all but impossible to make a helpful video. Understanding who
you are trying to help will guide critical decisions about your videos.
General information is helpful, but thinking about a specific individual who represents your audience
– what their problems are, why they will be watching your video, what they like and don’t like – will
help you make a more focused and detailed video.
We’ll go over more ways to get to know your audience later in this guide.
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Mistake #2: Trying to make your video perfect
Too often, people worry about making their videos perfect. It’s good to remember that perfect is an
illusion. If you start with perfection in mind, it can paralyze your creative process, and you’ll struggle
to get started.
Remember, the goal of creating an instructional video is to teach someone something, not create a
perfect video.
Mistake #3: Worrying too much about equipment
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you don’t have the right tools to create quality videos.
Having the latest and greatest gear is fun, but it’s not a necessity. Learn the basics, then start to
upgrade your tools.
You do not need fancy equipment to make professional-looking videos, and we’ll prove it later in
this guide when we show you the equipment we use to make great videos.
“Punch perfectionism in the face. Punch fear in the face, and just hit publish,
because you just got to put out your first videos, and the reality… is your first
videos are going to be your worst videos. We all start horrible, and I think
that’s the fear. We’re afraid of putting out some bad videos… just accept the
fact they’re going to be bad, and get those ones out there.”
Sean Cannell, THiNKmediaTV
“So many people focus on ‘I don’t have the right gear’ and ‘I don’t have the
right camera,’ but they don’t really think about, well, what is my message?
What am I trying to get across with my brand? They don’t want to just be
told, buy my product. If you can make someone feel something, if you can
make them relate to what you’re doing, that’s more important than any piece
of gear.
Andrew Kan, YouTube video creator
“[Y]our audience for your videos is the same people that you’re targeting
for your product in the first place. … [I]f people are buying your product, then
people are looking for how to use that product, how to get better at that
product. Things about that product that they might not know initially when
they take it out of the box. They’re looking for that kind of information.”
Nick Nimmin, YouTube content creator and educator
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The best software for making instructional videos
Finding the right tool for capturing your screen and editing your videos can be intimidating,
especially if you’ve never made an instructional video before. There are a lot of options out there!
If you’re looking for a screen capture and video editing tool that is quick to learn and doesn’t require
fancy video editing skills, we recommend TechSmith Camtasia.
Camtasia is great for making any type of instructional video. Plus, we oer a ton of helpful tutorials
to get you started. Download a free trial of Camtasia and hop right in!
How to make an instructional video
The secret to making a great instructional video is a well-thought-out plan. Taking the time up front
to develop a plan for your instructional video is critical to its success.
Here are the essential steps to making a great instructional video:
• Step 1: Determine and get to know your audience
• Step 2: Write a storyboard and script
• Step 3: Record your narration
• Step 4: Record your screen or capture video
• Step 5: Edit the video
• Step 6: Add a video intro
• Step 7: Share your video
Step 1: Determine and get to know your target audience
Before you even think about hitting the record button, you need to know your target audience and
understand why they need help.
If you have a product or service, talk to your customers about how they use your product and where
they struggle.
If you’re teaching a class, find out what knowledge or skills your students hope to gain.
RECOMMENDED VIEWING
How to Make Tutorial Videos
Learn how to create great tutorial videos as we
take you through the entire process.
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Are you training a new hire? Ask yourself what questions they might have and the information they
need to succeed.
Then, use that information to choose tutorial topics that will help the most people.
WARNING: As tempting as it may be, DO NOT skip this first step. Even if you know your audience
like the back of your hand, it’s still vital to put that information into an outline.
Before you move on to the next step, make sure you can answer these questions:
• What is your topic? Pick only one subject to cover per video, and your instructional video
will be more focused and easier to create.
• Who is your audience? Start by determining demographic information, like education, age,
professional organizations, etc. and then consider their interests, concerns, and goals.
• Why does your audience care about this topic? If you understand why your audience would
watch the video, you can more easily address their concerns.
• What is the learning objective of your video? A clear learning objective helps you provide
more straightforward instruction with a more achievable outcome.
• How will your video benefit your audience? What value will they take away if someone
invests their time in watching your video?
Step 2: 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 the image to the right.
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You Hit Record
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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 script.
Even a simple script will help you be more
ecient, saving both yourself and your
viewers time. Plus, you’ll also be far less likely
to forget something.
It’s helpful to match your narration to what will
be happening on-screen during your video.
If you were creating an instructional video
about using the default calculator on a Mac,
your script might look like the image to the
right.
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.
Here are a few more scriptwriting tips to help you get started:
• Avoid jargon. Using simple language as if you’re explaining the process to a friend will help
make your script easier to follow.
• Show AND tell. Instead of simply giving a play-by-play of your onscreen actions, take time to
explain both what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.
• Practice, practice, and then practice some more. Read your script aloud before you record.
If you get tripped up, go back and make sure you’re using natural language.
• Get feedback. It might seem scary at first, but getting feedback during the scripting process
will improve your instructional video and save you time later.
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Script Writing Basics (Examples +
Templates)
In this episode of our Video Workflow series, learn
how templates can help you create high-quality
videos.
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Step 3: 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 TechSmithAudiate.
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.
With Audiate, you don’t have to stare at a waveform all day to figure out exactly what you said and
where. Audiate even automatically finds and deletes all of your “ums,” uhs,” and other hesitations for
you.
Already have a voiceover recorded? Import it into Audiate, and the program will transcribe it for you.
You can save your edited audio file and import it right into Camtasia. You can even export the edited
text as a transcript or SRT file for captions.
Even if you’re comfortable using professional audio recording software like Adobe Audition, Audiate
is the best (and easiest) way to record voiceovers.
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.
Then, find a quiet place to record. TechSmith has a recording studio with sound dampening foam,
but that isn’t feasible for everyone. A broom closet or small oce can sometimes get you a pretty
similar sound if you want a low-cost solution.
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Which Microphone?
In this episode of our Video Workflow series, learn
how to get the most bang for your buck when
choosing the right microphone.
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When you’re ready to hit record, make sure you speak slowly and clearly. If you make a mistake,
don’t start over. Pause, then start again right before you made the mistake. You can remove any
mistakes when you’re finished recording.
Step 4: 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.
Recording your screen for an instructional video
First, clean up your computer screen and close any unnecessary applications. Turn o notifications
that might pop up before you start recording. Follow these directions to get a crisp, clear 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.
If you want a simple way to increase engagement and help viewers connect with your content, try
adding a webcam recording to your screencast.
Recording an instructional video with a camera
There are a lot of similarities between recording your screen and creating a training video with a
camera. You still need a plan, a script, and the right tools, but stepping in front of the camera brings
new challenges.
TIP: When you choose a screen capture or screencasting software, pick a tool with built-in
recording, editing, and sharing features. It will save you time and let you do all your work in
one tool.
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How to Make a Training Video
In this tutorial, we take you through the entire
process to create online training videos.
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Here are a few things to consider when creating an instructional video that includes camera
video:
• Don’t get overwhelmed by equipment. In the video above, we only used five tools: a tripod,
smartphone, phone clip, a clean backdrop, and lights.
• Make sure your recording space is well-lit. You’ll either 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.
Step 5: Edit the 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 playhead, 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 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 extend frame 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.
• Adding music to your video isn’t required, but can take a good video to the next level.
Choose something upbeat. You want your viewers to feel good as they’re learning.
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Editing in Depth: Part 1
In this tutorial, we cover techniques that will help
you edit video more eciently.
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TIP: Camtasia comes with built-in templates, but you can access even more professional
royalty-free options with TechSmith Assets for Camtasia.
Step 6: 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 clearly lays out the topic and quickly explains what viewers can expect to learn.
To create your own video intro in Camtasia, you will need to add some space at the beginning of
your video. Hold the shift key on your keyboard and drag the playhead to the right.
Then, open the media bin and select the Library tab. From the “Motion Graphics – Intro Clips” folder,
drag the intro you like onto the timeline.
You can customize your intro clip by selecting it on the timeline and then editing the text and shapes
in the properties panel. Enter text, choose a font, and change any colors or other settings for the
shapes and text.
Step 7: Share your video
Finally, think about where your video will live. There are many video hosting options to choose from
these days.
You can share your video directly to online video platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Screencast in
Camtasia or save the video as a local file to upload on social media.
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There are many reasons to share your education and learning videos on YouTube. Plus, we have a
free guide with tips and tricks on how to make a YouTube video.
Before sending your video out into the world, share it with a few people to get some video
feedback. This input helps ensure your message is clear, and that your video accomplishes your
goals.
The actual cost of making tutorial, training, and explainer videos
Before you roll up your sleeves DIY style or hand o your project to a professional video company,
let’s take a step back and make sure the right people are making your video.
Budget often plays a significant role in this decision. Start by considering the impact you want the
video to have.
Here are a few questions to ask when weighing the options:
• How many videos do I need?
• How much money am I willing to spend?
• Is this video going to lead the marketing eorts for a campaign?
• Will this video live in a prominent place, such as on a website landing page?
Hire an outside company
If a lot depends on this video, you might want to consider hiring an external company to produce a
“knock their socks o” level video.
But buyer beware. This option will cost you a lot of time and money. Furthermore, if you want to edit
the video further for use in other places, you’ll have to pay extra for that.
Make your own videos
Creating your videos in-house gives you more control over the budget and complete creative
freedom. A screencast tool like Camtasia is perfect if you’re looking for a DIY option.
PROS
Video production companies have the
talent, skills, and experience to create the
best explainer videos. Good companies
work with you to make your video exactly
how you want it.
CONS
The average cost for a custom 60-second
explainer video is roughly $8,000, and just
one professionally-made tutorial video can
cost $10,000 or more.
PROS
You have complete creative freedom and
more control over the budget.
CONS
You can be limited by your skills, time, and
resources when going the DIY route.
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While you may never reach the level of a full-time video producer, you’ll be amazed at the quality of
the videos you can create with just a little bit of practice.
What’s next?
Whether you’re just getting started or a video pro, you’ve learned some of the key tools and
strategies to create successful videos. Take this guide, download a free trial of Camtasia, and get
started.
Do you want to learn even more about creating videos? Head over to the TechSmith Academy. It’s a
free resource designed to level-up new video creators.
Frequently asked questions
How long should instructional videos be?
According to TechSmith research, most viewers prefer videos of 1-6 minutes in length. However,
there is also an appetite for longer videos of up to 20 minutes. It all depends on your topic and
audience. In some cases, a longer video may be more successful.
How do you make a training video?
You can make a training video with a camera, screen recorder, and video editor. Just make sure you
plan out your content first and know exactly who the audience is for your video.
What is the best software for making video tutorials?
TechSmith Camtasia is the best software for making tutorial videos. It’s simple to use, but flexible
enough to take on larger projects down the road.
What are video tutorials?
Video tutorials are the go-to instructional method for demonstrating a process or providing step-by-
step instructions. They’re usually between 2-10 minutes long and may leverage multiple instructional
methods.
Can a streaming video be recorded?
Absolutely! You can easily capture or record live streaming video, share it with your friends and
coworkers, or save it for later viewing. It’s fast, easy, and will bring order to a chaotic media
landscape.
Try Camtasia FREE for 30 Days
Enjoy Camtasia free with no restricted features or
recording limitations and see what makes it the #1
choice for creating professional-looking videos.
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