How to Use CloudApp’s Video Tutorial Software
Learn how to create your own tutorial videos with CloudApp. We’ll walk you through how to use our video tutorial software. Follow the 7 steps below to record your own masterpiece in minutes.
CloudApp’s Video Tutorial Software is available for Mac, Windows, iOS and Chrome. Downloading the app is quick and easy. Simply download the app from GetCloudApp above, access it from the Apple Store for Mac and iOS, for PC from the Microsoft Windows Store, or go to the Chrome Webstore and add the extension to Chrome.
The Most Powerful Video Tutorial Software
Before you start using our video tutorial software, you need to decide, “Who will be watching this video tutorial?”
In most cases, you will be helping a client or a coworker use a digital product or service. Answer these questions before doing anything else:
- What are the major roadblocks they typically run into?
- What roles do they fulfil in their company?
- What is their knowledge level?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, ask a potential future viewer. From these pieces of information, you can then select your video tutorial topic. You want to choose a topic that will help the largest number of individuals solve an extremely troublesome problem.
Step 2: Storyboard the Video Tutorial
Now that you have your topic and strategy, you can create your storyboard. Creating a storyboard using visual communication software, gives you a thorough representation on how your screen recording will flow. This way, you know exactly what to talk about during each part of your video.
Most video tutorials will have 5-7 main elements. Consider:
- An introduction
- Outlining the issue
- Breaking down the steps of resolution
- Walking through the solutions
- A summary and potentially a call to action
Step 3: Devise a Script for Your Video Tutorial
It’s almost time to use CloudApp’s software for making tutorial videos. The last step of video preparation is writing a script. Go through each section of your storyboard and write down what you will say to your viewer. Most people prefer to create a series of points that will guide you through the video tutorial. Trying to memorize a bunch of lines exactly is a waste of time. It also produces awkward audio.
Here are a few tips to remember when creating your video tutorial script:
- Keep it simple. The most powerful element of your tutorial will be the visuals. Humans prefer visuals and process them 60,000X faster.
- Use words that your audience is familiar with. This is why we ask what the knowledge base and assigned roles of your viewers are. You want to speak their language. Your team might deeply understand HTML but your customers may not be as technical
- Practice your script a few times before you record. This will make you less nervous and save time by reducing mistakes.
- To learn more, check out this helpdesk post on how to record video with CloudApp
Step 4: Download CloudApp’s Screen Recording Software
Our screen recording software is absolutely free to use and only takes seconds to download. Just a few clicks and you will be recording your tutorials:
- Download the app for Mac, Windows, or Chrome Extension
- Follow the instructions in your web browser to step-up and install
- Search for “CloudApp” in your localized search if it does not automatically open
- Register for a free account when prompted
Step 5: Capture Audio & Video from the Screen of Your Computer
It’s finally time to utilize CloudApp’s video tutorial making software. Before you begin, consider purchasing an external microphone. This is a sound investment as audio from a standalone mic will always be superior to your built-in microphone. The following steps will allow you to record the audio and the video you require for your tutorial:
- Click the CloudApp icon from your desktop toolbar to open the app
- Select the TV icon
- Use your mouse as a snipping tool to select the area of your screen you wish to record
- Adjust your settings. Ensure on the far left of the window that you have selected “HD Video” and not a “GIF”. To the right of that, click the audio option ON.
- If you wish to record your face with your webcam during the tutorial, press the camera button next to the audio option
- Begin recording your tutorial by hitting the green “Start” button
- When you are finished your video tutorial, hit the red “Finish” button
Remember to read your script slowly and clearly. Use a pace and tone that you would use with a friend over coffee. At any point during your recording you can hit the “Pause” button to take a break. Did you stumble and make a mistake? You don’t have to start over. CloudApp gives you the option to “Cut” or “Trim” content afterwards during editing.
Need more recording bandwidth than our free app provides? Check out our Pro and team plans HERE.
Step 6: Cut and Trim Your Video Clip
To cut and trim with our tutorial video maker, you can remove “still-time” at the beginning and the end of your tutorial. You can also completely remove any errors that you made during the middle of filming.
Select your rough-cut video tutorial from your CloudApp drops and hit the play button to view your video. The two green dot-lines can be moved along the timeline to select various sections of your video. Your location in the tutorial will be displayed in the preview window. Use these green lines to “Cut” or “Trim” pieces of content out using the two icons at the bottom of the editing window.
Step 7: Share Your Tutorial Video
Now that your video is edited you can share it with others.
With the tool bar on the right-hand side of the CloudApp window, click the drop-down arrow next to the blue “Save” button to receive a sharing link. You can send this directly to contact through email or IM.
CloudApp also gives you the ability to share directly with Slack, Asana, JIRA, Trello, Zendesk and other tools. Select the “Triple-Dot” icon under the “Share to” area in the editor to access other applications or use the embed content feature to embed your video directly on a website.
Remember, your video tutorial is now safely stored in the cloud, ready to be shared with anyone you deem fit.
Have more questions? Get in touch or head over to our FAQ.
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