Need Help creating How to videos

[gail1367]

Hi all,

I was wondering is there anyone that can help me by giving me instructions on how to create how to videos for free.

These videos wont be long don't even need any audio but just visual training videos showing how to do things.

I am new at videos and don't really want to get too technical. I would like to be able to add them to my website when there finished.

Any instructions advice help or guidence will be much appreciated.

Thanks
Gail

[askloz]

use camtasia studio 6, pretty simple to use mate.

[gail1367]

Originally Posted by askloz

use camtasia studio 6, pretty simple to use mate.

Thanks for responding.

But as far as I am aware camtasia is not free. Sorry to say but you may think it is pretty easy but if i found it easy to do i wouldn't have written the post above asking for instructions.

Thanks
Gail

[askloz]

it is for 30 days, and it's not that expensive mate, approx $299 or something like that. and well worth the investment.

if money is a prob right now, no worries, try using Jing | Add visuals to your online conversations but note though you're limited to only a few minutes.

[Jill Carpenter]

I am new at videos and don't really want to get too technical.

I'm afraid you will need to get a little technical if you are working with real video and want to have some quality. Other wise you could consider creating a picture slide show.

Also - you may want to rethink not using audio - unless it is a slideshow. People get confused and think something is wrong with their speakers or the computer when there is no sound - unless it is explained that there is no sound.

I agree with the above - get the camtasia free and give it a try or take a look at jing (have not used but heard of it). If it is too much for you to handle then consider outsourcing.

[jlandells]

Check out the Jing Project - Jing | Add visuals to your online conversations

It does what you want (for free) and is created by the same people who created Camtasia. The only restriction that I'm aware of is that your videos are limited to 5 minutes.

Hope this helps!

-John.

[askloz]

LOL, already said that John

[gail1367]

Originally Posted by avenuegirl

Also - you may want to rethink not using audio - unless it is a slideshow. People get confused and think something is wrong with their speakers or the computer when there is no sound - unless it is explained that there is no sound.

The only reason i wasn't going to add audio is because i already have step by step instructions in writing and just wanted to add the visual video to go along with the steps.

Some people comprehend more when acutally see it rather than just reading how to do something.

Originally Posted by jlandells

Check out the Jing Project - Jing | Add visuals to your online conversations

It does what you want (for free) and is created by the same people who created Camtasia. The only restriction that I'm aware of is that your videos are limited to 5 minutes.

Hope this helps!

-John.

I will take a look and see if this will help.

Thanks all for your replies
Gail

[jlandells]

Loz,

I read your post and somehow missed the link....!

-John.

[Sheila]

Another thought to add to the mix - You're right - there are different types of learners and I think you're making a smart business decision by attempting to appeal to as many learning types as possible when creating your product. A lot of people learn better visually, others prefer the written word, and others learn best listening to a presentation. That's exactly why I think you should consider adding audio to your visual presentation. You'll reach a larger audience.

I know you mentioned that you have written instructions explaining the steps. Even if you just read your written instructions into a mic while you demonstrated the steps in the video - you would be adding two things to your product - 1) you'd increase the appeal of the video (it can be boring, just looking at screenshots) and 2) your product would then be more attractive to the auditory learners.

Best of success to you!

[Nick Weinglass]

I'm with Loz, camtasia is a fine product, plus you have it for 30 days to test it out. Use the "camtasia recorder" app to choose the part of the screen you want to record, then just press the red button "record". After you're done, open up "camtasia studio" to edit it. You can choose to export it as a youtube video if I'm not mistaken, which should plug into your site fine, along with some other options. If you don't want to include audio, I would suggest at least adding some (royalty free) music at a low volume. I agree with Jill. Not adding audio makes people think that there is something wrong with the video.

[limoge]

You can also try camstudio - CamStudio - Free Screen Recording Software - as a free alternative to camtasia. I haven't used it myself since I have camtasia, but I've read a few ebooks and seen quite a few videos where people recommend it.

[gail1367]

Originally Posted by limoge

You can also try camstudio - CamStudio - Free Screen Recording Software - as a free alternative to camtasia. I haven't used it myself since I have camtasia, but I've read a few ebooks and seen quite a few videos where people recommend it.

Thank you very much for this one it looks like it will do the trick just fine.

Thanks to everyone that has given their input into this.

Much appreciated
Gail

[mywebwork]

If you really don't want to use audio there is another product you can try - Wink.

Wink - [Homepage]

The difference with Wink, which is a free application, is that it really shines for videos that intentionally have no audio (it does sound but the last time I used it the sound quality was poor). It does that by allowing you to easily insert balloons and arrows and you can also use breakpoints - points where the video stops and your user has to click a box to continue. This is great for step-by-step instruction where you want the audience to follow at their own pace.

Yes you can also do this sort of thing with Camtasia but Wink is 300 bucks cheaper!

Between Wink, Jing and CamStudio you should have plenty of choices, but if you want more check out this link:

16 Free Screen Capturing Software - Alternative For Camtasia | Computer Tips And Tricks, Gadgets, How-To, Life - 2.0 Style

Good luck with your project.


Bill

[ryanleedotcom]

If you want to use "you" and screen shots (and have a Mac), you can use iMovie. It comes with your Mac for free.

That's what I use to create 99% of my daily videos on my blog - ryanlee.com. Take me about 5 minutes to do and I have zero tech skills

Ryan

[James12C]

I've used Camstudio in the past and can recommend it. After a bityou see it's limitations and trade up to Camtasia - which is what I did! Good luck!

[askloz]

that's the worse software going!

Originally Posted by limoge

You can also try camstudio - CamStudio - Free Screen Recording Software - as a free alternative to camtasia. I haven't used it myself since I have camtasia, but I've read a few ebooks and seen quite a few videos where people recommend it.

[bombdiggity]

Instead of downloading free software and trying to figure it out, you could shell out 12 bucks and have Clyde Dennis do a 30 second video for you. Here's his WSO: http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...ideos-you.html.

At that price, it's a steal.

[knowmyrole]

camstudio is good. ive used it

[alleycatnews]

camtasia is the best out there. Its got a 30 day trial on it. Use the videos on it make some money in the first 30 days then buy the software. Yes its $300 but plan on marketing online you need to use video. (I think)

[gail1367]

Originally Posted by mywebwork

If you really don't want to use audio there is another product you can try - Wink.

Wink - [Homepage]

The difference with Wink, which is a free application, is that it really shines for videos that intentionally have no audio (it does sound but the last time I used it the sound quality was poor). It does that by allowing you to easily insert balloons and arrows and you can also use breakpoints - points where the video stops and your user has to click a box to continue. This is great for step-by-step instruction where you want the audience to follow at their own pace.

Yes you can also do this sort of thing with Camtasia but Wink is 300 bucks cheaper!

Between Wink, Jing and CamStudio you should have plenty of choices, but if you want more check out this link:

16 Free Screen Capturing Software - Alternative For Camtasia | Computer Tips And Tricks, Gadgets, How-To, Life - 2.0 Style

Good luck with your project.


Bill

Thank you Bill this is very helpful indeed.

Originally Posted by JoshuaCreighton

Instead of downloading free software and trying to figure it out, you could shell out 12 bucks and have Clyde Dennis do a 30 second video for you. Here's his WSO: http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...ideos-you.html.

At that price, it's a steal.

Yes I have seen this and it is a great price but this is something i wanted to try and learn for myself.

Thanks
Gail

[MWGrubb58]

If you've got a Mac, you can also use Keynote... I create videos with my own audio all the time.... and they tend to have a small file size.... a 10 minute video with voice over.... 10 megs. You ought to try it.

Cheers,

Millard

[Quentin]

You can use Slideshare.net to start with and just create some powerpoits and then later on you can also add some audios. You can even embed youtube videos in them later on.

Here is a quick sample:

Msiprompt

And one with audio.

Outline Text Effect in Photoshop

And one with video.

Artisteer 2 Wordpress Theme Creator

Quentin

[bobwilson37]

Yeah...that's a good list of sites..that are really good and working...Thanks for sharing..

[Kevin Riley]

Sorry, but I must do this

[RANT]

Way too often I see wannabes who bitch and whine about having to spend $299 for Camtasia. So instead they'll use some half-arsed compromise.

Dammit! Are you here to make money? Or just dabble about? This is business folks, and if you're not ready to invest in your business - instead of pissing away money on cable TV, beer, and other crap that won't build your business - you will have a very difficult time succeeding.

Yes, you can start off with something like free Camstudio. But, then you get to the limitations and you kick yourself for not just grabbing that free 30-day trial of Camtasia 6 - and making enough money with it in the first 30 days to outright buy it.

And, what will happen to your business when you use a half-arsed compromise? You'll turn out half-arsed tutorial videos, and the marketer using a real tool will kick your arse.

My advice: QUIT CHEAPING OUT ON YOUR BUSINESS!

[/RANT]

[Alp Bozkurt]

I can understand why they don't want to spend $300 on something that they don't know if it will make them money or not.

But there are free screen recorder tools just to see if your idea will make you money or not. Then you can buy a full Camtasia or BB-Flashback when you start to money with your videos.

[SeanyG]

A program called Screenflow is your friend! Its free and its awesome!

[SeanyG]

Some of the top pros in the world use free programs and applications!

Originally Posted by Kevin Riley

Sorry, but I must do this

[RANT]

Way too often I see wannabes who bitch and whine about having to spend $299 for Camtasia. So instead they'll use some half-arsed compromise.

Dammit! Are you here to make money? Or just dabble about? This is business folks, and if you're not ready to invest in your business - instead of pissing away money on cable TV, beer, and other crap that won't build your business - you will have a very difficult time succeeding.

Yes, you can start off with something like free Camstudio. But, then you get to the limitations and you kick yourself for not just grabbing that free 30-day trial of Camtasia 6 - and making enough money with it in the first 30 days to outright buy it.

And, what will happen to your business when you use a half-arsed compromise? You'll turn out half-arsed tutorial videos, and the marketer using a real tool will kick your arse.

My advice: QUIT CHEAPING OUT ON YOUR BUSINESS!

[/RANT]

[gail1367]

Originally Posted by Kevin Riley

Sorry, but I must do this

[RANT]

No you really don't if you don't want to. Its not a case of must.

Way too often I see wannabes who bitch and whine about having to spend $299 for Camtasia. So instead they'll use some half-arsed compromise.

There is no where that i was whining or bitching about spending $299 for camastia.

Dammit! Are you here to make money? Or just dabble about? This is business folks, and if you're not ready to invest in your business - instead of pissing away money on cable TV, beer, and other crap that won't build your business - you will have a very difficult time succeeding.

Yes maybe i am here to make money. But that is not my sole purpose. Why would I want or need to spend $299 on some software that i may only use once or twice. That would be a waste of money.

Who mentioned anything about making money from these tutorial i would like to learn to do.? Not me. As a matter of fact I will not be making any money from these tutorials. This is not the reason i want to make them. These video tutorials will be for members that have already joined my business.

Some people have difficulty in doing things online that others find simple and instead of me having to explain how to do them over and over again i want to make some videos so they can see what i am doing and follow which are specific to my business.

Yes, you can start off with something like free Camstudio. But, then you get to the limitations and you kick yourself for not just grabbing that free 30-day trial of Camtasia 6 - and making enough money with it in the first 30 days to outright buy it.

Again why would i want to spend $299 on software that may only get used a couple of times. That's not good business. When there is perfectly good software that will do the job for free.

And, what will happen to your business when you use a half-arsed compromise? You'll turn out half-arsed tutorial videos, and the marketer using a real tool will kick your arse.

That might be the case if your using videos to make money for your business. They may be half-arsed to you but sometimes simple and basic is the better way to go.

My advice: QUIT CHEAPING OUT ON YOUR BUSINESS!

[/RANT]

Just because someone makes a business decision for whatever reason not to spend $299 on a piece of software doesn't mean they are cheaping out on their business. For them it might be the perfect business choice for them.

I am not going to be making any money of these video's so for me the choice not to spend $299 on a piece of software is a wise business decision.

Thanks to all those that have placed links in this thread that will help me.

Gail

[Paul1234]

Hi Gail,

Check out these videos on the Opera browser website, are they the type of thing you want to create?

Opera Browser video tutorials

[gail1367]

Originally Posted by Paul1234

Hi Gail,

Check out these videos on the Opera browser website, are they the type of thing you want to create?

Opera Browser video tutorials

Hi Paul,

Yes these are similar to what i was thinking.

Thank you.
Gail

[Paul1234]

Well, the program that created them has already been mentioned on this thread...

Wink

It's simple to use and comes with an easy to follow pdf manual.

The reason the videos load almost instantly is because with Wink, you can take individual screenshots at key points in the presentation, the program then simulates mouse movement by onion-skinning frames between the screenshots (notice the mouse 'moving' in straight lines). The resulting video can be extremely small, as a result can load almost instantly.

Wink shouldn't really be compared to Camtasia, Jing, Camstudio or the rest of those. It's far more like Adobe Captivate ($799) in it's approach, the difference being Wink is free.

Here are some more examples of Wink being used:

Instructional Endeavors

[gail1367]

Thanks Paul,

I have downloaded Wink and as soon as i get a chance I shall do some experimenting.

Thanks
Gail

[Traffic101]

Thank you for all the great suggestions. I too, have been thinking about breaking into making videos online, but like gail, I don't want to shell out the cash.

I think us "newbies" want free stuff to dabble with, to try out, once we're more experienced, we might want to purchase it...the point of the matter is this, just because you recommend a program, does not mean it's reliable. People recommend things that aren't very good...and than you are out that money...

Like Gail, I would rather play around with a program, get a feel for it, and than if I was going to make videos regularly, I would purchase something.

So thank you again for all the great free suggestions.

[fated82]

Hi, I am using camstudio to create a tutorial video. How come my video quality detorried after i converted the format to wmv? What is the idea compressor to use?

[riverchase]

Q. for those of you guys who are using Jing or wink for screen capture.
Post capture the video, what's the walk through to add an audio sound clip to it to turn it into a Youtube adaptable video? Let's say in this case, we are not going to use the Camtasia to edit and add audio file. Will windows live MovieMaker Beta can do that job, in case someone experimented that already.

[Jesus Perez]

One more free online service like Jing

ScreenToaster - Online screen recorder. Capture screencasts instantly.

[riverchase]

About Slidshare.net: Looks like it is serving as a SharePoint hub for slides as YouTube for videos with a monetizing model built-in. Good for developer.

But from viewer’s experience point, what I don't find impressive is the overlay (or post-lay) of cascading commercial slides is little overwhelming. I couldn’t even recognize at first which is my target slide vs. other wrapped commercial slides.



However, the URL redirect feature in presenter's own slide is neat.

[Vikuna2009+]

Well, using microsoft free photo story 3 or windows movie maker, you can do quite a lot. check out papajohn.org, real good stuff.

Best of luck, Eva

P.s. Free music too, mix your own.

[nvs74191]

If you are using firefox, there is an addon called CaptureFox that lets you do screen capture videos and save it.