Creating an engaging and informative tutorial video can seem daunting, but with the right tools and a clear process, anyone can produce high-quality educational content. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the essential steps to create your first tutorial video.

Step 1: Understand Your Audience and Define Your Goals

Before diving into the technical details, start by identifying who your audience is, the specific problem your tutorial aims to solve, and what the viewer should be able to do after watching your video. This initial planning phase helps tailor the content to the needs of your viewers, ensuring that it addresses their skill level and learning preferences.

For example, if your tutorial is about adding a follower in a project management software, don't overwhelm the viewer with an exhaustive overview of the software. Instead, focus solely on the task at hand to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Step 2: Scripting Your Tutorial

Once you understand your audience's needs and your video’s objectives, it's time to script your tutorial. A well-constructed script ensures that you cover all necessary points without deviating from the topic. TechSmith offers a helpful script template which includes two columns:

  • Visual Cues: What will appear on screen.
  • Narration: What you will say.

This dual-column approach helps synchronize on-screen actions with your verbal instructions, making your tutorial easier to follow.

Step 3: Recording Audio and Video

Effective communication in tutorials heavily relies on the quality of both audio and video. We recommend recording your narration first using high-quality microphones like the Blue Yeti or Shure MV7 to ensure clear audio. For video, minimize distractions in your recording environment, use a neutral or branded background, and practice your script several times to reduce the need for extensive edits.

Step 4: Editing—Bringing It All Together

Editing might seem intimidating, but it's a skill that improves with practice. Start with the raw footage and your audio recordings:

  • Sync audio and video: Ensure your spoken words match the timing of the on-screen actions.
  • Edit for clarity: Remove any mistakes or unnecessary footage, and use tools to add animations and annotations that highlight key information.

TechSmith provides customizable templates that come pre-loaded with placeholders for your footage, titles, and graphics, making the editing process smoother.

Step 5: Finishing Touches and Exporting

Once your video is edited, it's crucial to give it a professional look by adjusting colors, fonts, and incorporating your branding. Ensure all elements are cohesive and visually appealing. Finally, export your tutorial to platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or save locally on your computer. Don't forget to create a descriptive and unique project name to avoid confusion later.

‍