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Need Help creating How to videos

by gail1367
44 replies
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
#creating #videos
  • Profile picture of the author askloz
    use camtasia studio 6, pretty simple to use mate.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author gail1367
      Originally Posted by avenuegirl View Post

      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 View Post

      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
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      Online Business Alliance
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author jlandells
    Loz,

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

    -John.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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!
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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    • Profile picture of the author gail1367
      Originally Posted by mywebwork View Post

      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 View Post

      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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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!
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  • Profile picture of the author knowmyrole
    camstudio is good. ive used it
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  • Profile picture of the author 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)
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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    • Profile picture of the author bobwilson37
      Yeah...that's a good list of sites..that are really good and working...Thanks for sharing..
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    • Profile picture of the author 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]
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      • Profile picture of the author SeanyG
        Some of the top pros in the world use free programs and applications!

        Originally Posted by Kevin Riley View Post

        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]
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      • Profile picture of the author gail1367
        Originally Posted by Kevin Riley View Post

        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
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        Online Business Alliance
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author SeanyG
    A program called Screenflow is your friend! Its free and its awesome!
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author gail1367
    Thanks Paul,

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

    Thanks
    Gail
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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?
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
    One more free online service like Jing

    ScreenToaster - Online screen recorder. Capture screencasts instantly.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author nvs74191
    If you are using firefox, there is an addon called CaptureFox that lets you do screen capture videos and save it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ian bell
    A better product is My Screen Recorder. It is one of the best screen recording software. It records your screen and audio from the speakers or your voice from the microphone - or both simultaneously. The recordings are clear and look great when played back on your website or uploaded to YouTube. It will record directly to standard compressed format that works with any video editor or any tool, no conversion required.
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    • Profile picture of the author Regional Warrior
      Originally Posted by Ian bell View Post

      A better product is My Screen Recorder. It is one of the best screen recording software. It records your screen and audio from the speakers or your voice from the microphone - or both simultaneously. The recordings are clear and look great when played back on your website or uploaded to YouTube. It will record directly to standard compressed format that works with any video editor or any tool, no conversion required.
      Way to go bump a 5 yr old thread when things have changed a lot
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    If you're a novice to screen recording, something you could try is screencast-o-matic.

    There's a free version that isn't half bad and should serve your needs just fine if you're doing basic instructional videos. As long as you can live with a small screencast-o-matic watermark on the lower left-hand corner, I think this will work well for you.

    You can upgrade to the Pro version which is only $15 for 1 year or $29 for 3 years, and this completely removes the watermark and adds some fairly advanced editing and screencast options.

    One feature I like about screencast-o-matic is that it provides you with unlimited cloud storage of all your videos you create with it.
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  • Profile picture of the author troy23
    I've got over 100 how to videos on YouTube and I used Camtasia to make most of them.
    The early ones I did used a free software called BB Flashback Express....much better results than CamStudio I found.
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  • Profile picture of the author dustinthigpen
    Hi Gail,

    I'll share a little secret with you. This is a dead simple solution for free video/screen capture...

    Just use Google Hangouts On Air.

    Why? Because it's an all-in-one free alternative.

    - Videos automatically posted to your YouTube account and ready to share with the world
    - You can record yourself on a webcam or record your screen
    - You can broadcast live for free webinars
    - You can make it unlisted if you don't want to share it immediately
    - Can be actually easier to rank in Google search because it's considered "Fresh Content"

    Here is the link-
    https://plus.google.com/u/0/hangouts/onair

    How to do free "Camtasia Style" screen recording on Hangouts:

    After setup using the link above, hit "start" (video button)
    -Place your mouse by the left side of the video call window. A bar with various app icons will appear.
    -Click the Screenshare icon . (icon is a green screen with white arrow)
    -Choose whether to share your entire desktop, your browser window, or app.
    -Click Start share.
    -Click "Broadcast" on the bottom of the screen to start recording.

    That's it. Easy Peasy.

    I used this a few times before I moved up to Camtasia. It works pretty well for screen recording. I hope this helps Gail!
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