How to Make a How-To Video
A how-to video is a video format that provides the viewer with a clear set of instructions to accomplish a task or learn a new skill. After watching the video, the viewer should be able to replicate the actions shown in the video and perform what they set out to learn.
Below, you’ll find instructions on how to make such a video with iSpring Suite (the instructions to do this using iSpring Presenter and iSpring Cam Pro are identical).
And if you want to get a better idea of what types of tutorial videos exist and which factors you should consider in order to create a really effective and captivating video, check out our in-depth blog article on this topic.
If you don’t have iSpring Suite yet, download the trial version. Install and open iSpring, click on the icon to bring up the Quick Start window, and then click the Screencasts tab.
Once you’ve clicked New Recording, you’ll have the options to create a presenter-style video or a screencast. Note that iSpring’s advanced video studio enables both the webcam and screencast recordings to be displayed simultaneously. This picture-in-picture mode allows either your talking head or screencast to appear as a background, while the other is minimized and shown near the bottom corner of the screen.
If you’re going to record a talking head video without a screencast, then select camera mode in the Recording Settings window. Set your video resolution by choosing from one of the presets, then adjust your camera and microphone.
Now that you’ve checked your recording settings, simply press the red Capture or record button.
Once you’ve finished recording, the iSpring Cam Pro editor will open and you’ll be able to perform some basic edits.
For example, you can remove or trim parts of the video and eliminate background noise.
You can also incorporate multimedia, including images, animations, text overlays, etc. But to do so, you’ll need to add transition effects so each shot will flow to the next one smoothly. To do this, simply navigate to Transition Effects at the top of the window, and then drag and drop your chosen effect into the timeline.
To stay organized, slate each shot with the title of the step or scene number. Doing so provides a usable thumbnail in your editing window, and you’ll know which shot is associated with what, just by looking at the timeline.
And that’s it! This is how you create a how-to video in a nutshell. If you make how-to videos for your eLearning and have tips and tricks to share, feel free to do so in the comment section below. ;)