How do I make a How to Video

That's a massive topic but to get you started...

Record your excellent helpful information with a screen recorder then learn how to save it properly so it's not galaxial in size. Then you'll need a streaming server or you will be hammered with download fees. I suggest Amazon S3 (cheap storage) but others may have more suggestions.

Try www.screenr.com for a fast free solution - 5 mins max per movie limit - you might have to record a few and piece them together. Or you can use Camtasia (30 day trial) but expect a learning process. I also like the way Bill Myers explains movie making. He focusses on how to do it all yourself. I have many of his DVDs. If you feel adventurous you can start to learn Sony Vegas (Sony Vegas Movie Studio is the "lite" version and more than good enough and cheap). They also have a free trial. If you're quick you can make and sell enough to pay for it within the 30 days.

Video rocks... but don't be boring. If we are expected to be excited enough to buy it, you need to be excited enough to bring it to us. You don't need to be a radio star, just be excited as if you are excited in real life (which you should be).

Well, It's really a broad subject to talk to. But let me give you some tips in creating a good quality "Video Clip" in general.

1. In creating a video presentation, always remember to catch the viewers attention in 10 seconds or less. If you fail to do that you'll be likely ignored.

2. Make it short, snappy and easy to understand. Long videos could be BOOOring.

3. Use materials that are easily found over the net. These will help your viewers to understand what you're talking about.

4. Make it simple. Simplicity works with video presentation. Use light colors.

5. If you're making a video that requires you shooting a video outdoors use a tripod for your camera. You know, you do not want your viewers to get dizzy right?

6. Make sure that you use video formats that are accepted by most softwares, and video players. Sony Vegas is one good example. You can edit and convert your video into different formats without the hassle.

Hope these helps.

John

Ohh, I forgot to tell you to create a really good script for it if you're planning to add an Audio or you want some V.O. "Voice Over" to it. Remember to keep your Audio in perfect balance. Not too loud but not too faint.

If not, make sure that you create a good written instructions. Use simple font, color, and font size that is readable yet not too large.

Cheers,

John

I've been using Camtasia and it's pretty good.
I use the HD settings and put the videos on YouTube.

Thanks for all the responses, I forgot all about this

Personally I recommend screencast o matic

Good suggestions above, I've got two to add:

1. If you're going to do a lot of videos, get a professional grade microphone. Even high-quality gaming headsets don't have anywhere the near the audio fidelity you'll get from a proper studio mic. You'll get the full spectrum of high and low tones--it's how DJs and professional videos seem to have a rich deep vocal tone, while cheapo headsets make your voice sound really high pitched and tinny.

Personally, I got a tripod stand, a Blue Yeti USB mic, and a pop filter. I use the stand to angle the yeti so that the mic is hanging right above my laptop screen. If you decide to invest in good equipment, definitely get the filter...those "pop" noises are hard to edit out, you can do it using Audacity but it takes a lot of time and you can never quite clean it up 100%. Since getting that setup, I use it even for Skype calls now--having a more authoritative voice is a good thing, especially on business calls.

2. When I first recorded videos I thought I had to do everything correctly in a single take...if I misspoke or made a mistake with what I was doing on the screen I'd restart the entire process. Needless to say, this led to endless frustration. Using software like Camtasia you can easily edit out bad sections, so I now follow a reset procedure.

Whenever I make a mistake, I stop talking for 5 seconds, go back to whatever I had open on the screen before, and just start over again from right before the mistake. It's super easy to edit out the "bad" section later, and you'll save yourself from going insane constantly re-recording it.