A video tutorial is a powerful teaching tool! With instructional videos, you can share your knowledge with the world. Many people do their best learning by watching new skills being taught in action. You can do exactly that with a video tutorial.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a how to video in just a few easy steps. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from imagination to production and more. It’s an elite way to show what you know to an audience – on any topic imaginable. And in 2024, it’s easier than ever to make your very own instructional videos – fast.
What Is an Instructional Tutorial Video?
So, what are instructional videos? In short, they’re digital tools that teach people a new skill, or provide new knowledge. They can be on any topic! Oftentimes, you’ll find videos that demonstrate processes step by step.
You may be shown on the video yourself, as a teacher. Or you might simply have a voiceover narration explaining what you’re showing on slides or even your computer screen. A video tutorial can take either form, but the advantages are numerous:
- Accessible learning from anywhere. In the age of the internet, instructional videos are immensely helpful. Share them online, and your audience of learners can review from anywhere they are.
- Intuitive teaching. Video tutorials are intuitive, because viewers can move through at their own speed. No matter how fast or slow you deliver your spoken narration, people can always pause or rewind. This is a key advantage over in-person teaching.
- Speed. Need to train people on a new skill, but don’t have time to get together? Producing a video is easy to share, wherever your team is located.
- Flexible learning. Video tutorials fit everyone’s schedule. If you record rather than broadcasting live, you’re really building an on-demand learning tool.
As you can see, the advantages are many. Instructional videos are a top way to teach and learn in 2024. Now, let’s learn how to make a tutorial video easily, step by step.
How to Make an Instructional Tutorial Video (Step by Step)
The process of learning how to make a how to video is easier than you think. It’s a matter of careful planning and preparation. This really sets the stage for your success. Here, let’s walk through the steps in order. In no time, you’ll be producing instructional videos of your own.
1. Set Your Goals and Learn Your Audience
The first thing I ask myself when I build a tutorial video is: “what am I trying to accomplish?” And you should, too!
What is your goal for the video? What are you trying to teach? Is it a skill, simple knowledge, how to prepare a certain recipe, or something else? As you can imagine, the options are virtually limitless. If you can film it and talk about it, you can build instructional videos on it.
Think of this as setting your goals: what you are teaching. This leads to the second key question: “how is your audience?” In other words, begin planning to tailor the message to those who will be watching and learning from it. Imagine producing a Microsoft Excel tutorial, for example. Making a video like that for financiers or IT professionals? It won’t be the same as an introductory guide for beginning users.
This is the crucial first step. Know what you’re teaching, and who you’re teaching it to. This sets the stage for the next step, pre-production.
2. Script and Prepare to Produce
Whatever you do, don’t just start filming or recording. You need to build a strategy, and that’s what we’ll do here in step 2.
I like to begin by creating an outline. This hits the key points that I want to make in my video tutorial. Fundamentally, this will be the list of steps that will be worked through. But you can also add supporting details and even anecdotes here. The trick is to keep your instructional videos both informative and engaging.
From here, it’s a good idea to write a script. If you’re speaking on camera, you can read it from a teleprompter app. It looks professional – your audience doesn’t have to see it. And if you’re just recording a narration, well, it becomes much easier to read straight from a script.
Also, this is where you’ll really iron out your teaching method. You’ll get equipment together. Appearing on camera? You’ll need a camera, good lighting, and a pleasant, visually appealing background.
If you’re recording your computer screen, screen recording software is a must! Screenflow and Camtasia are two options for this.
And no matter how you’re recording, remember the quality of your audio. There’s nothing more off-putting than bad audio in a tutorial video.
3. Record Instructional Videos on Camera or Onscreen
Okay. You’re scripted and know what you’re going to say. You have your recording equipment ready to go. Now, it’s time to cut to the heart of the process. This is how to create tutorial videos that succeed and impress.
As you think about how to make a tutorial video, embrace these recording tips:
- Maintain eye contact. Planning to appear on camera? Yes, it can be scary. But be sure you’re looking into the camera as you speak.
- Speak clearly and at a controlled pace. Talking too slow may bore your audience. But speeding through will confuse and lose them. Speak with a steady, deliberate cadence.
- Dress well. It’s key to maintain a professional appearance. Even if you’re not appearing on camera, this can actually be a huge confidence booster, just for you.
- Reduce distractions. In both audio and video, be sure you’re recording in a quiet environment. Background activity and noise can be hugely distracting. And that’s especially true for an audience who is trying to learn.
- Focus on details. If you’re recording your screen, reduce the clutter shown there. It’s a good idea to zoom in on important details. This fades unnecessary distractions into the background.
- Learn from others. Think of people you’ve watched teach on video. What mannerisms or techniques do they use that you like? Think of these and apply some to your own tutorials.
4. Edit and Complete Post-Production Changes
Once you’ve recorded, it’s time to edit your finished tutorial. There are several options for this. If you’re using a screencasting app like those we mentioned above, edits can be done right inside. But you may also prefer to use another robust video editor.
For example, Adobe Premiere Pro is a leading option for full video edits. It’s a powerful suite with all of the effects and features you’ll need to produce instructional videos.
No matter your tools, there are a few things to keep in mind as you edit. Watch for these, and embrace these tips to create a winning video tutorial:
- Brevity. See yourself wasting time? Trim it out! The best video tutorials are efficient, without wasted time or confusing side topics.
- Mistakes. Even the best scripts may not capture every step. Don’t be afraid to record sections again. After all, the last thing you want is to confuse and frustrate your viewers.
- Balance and proportions. Is your video poorly lit? Is your audio too low? Fortunately, these defects and more are easily resolved with a good editing app.
As you preview your work, ask yourself: “would I enjoy watching this video tutorial?” If you can honestly say “yes,” that’s a great sign that you’re ready to export the finished product.
5. Share With the World
The best instructional videos aren’t worth much if you don’t share them. Consider how to get them in front of your audience. Of course, you might be sharing videos with only a select few. For example, you may be producing a work-related tutorial just for your colleagues.
But for many of us, we want a broader reach. Consider sources like YouTube or Vimeo. Both of these are powerful ways to share videos with the world. Anyone with an internet connection can watch your video tutorial. And with mobile apps, your teaching videos can stay on the go with audiences around the globe.
Promotion is also key. Why not post your new video tutorial on your social media pages? This way, you can leverage your own network to get your work in front of even more people. When you learn how to make a tutorial video, don’t forget promoting yourself!
6. Gather Feedback and Strive for Continuous Improvement
You learned how to create tutorial videos! Sure, it can be a daunting process. But by embracing the tips and strategies above, you’ll be well on the way to success.
Here’s one last thing to keep in mind. Embrace the feedback that your videos receive. You may get this in the form of video comments, for example. It’s a good idea to track this, at least informally. You may gain ideas for future videos. Or, you may be able to help others that have related questions.
And finally, consider keeping your tutorial videos updated. Depending on the subject, they may eventually go out of date. I like to be ready to update old instructional videos with the latest and greatest. When you create a how to video, always consider how to maintain it over time. It goes a long way to keeping an engaged audience!
Learn More Video Tutorial Skills Today
In this tutorial, you learned how to make a how to video. It’s an impressive skill that you can use to elevate your teaching. Video is one of the top ways to share with an audience in 2024. We looked at an array of tips and skills that you’ll need to make your own instructional videos.
For more help with production, turn to these helpful tutorial guides from Envato Elements. They’re packed with even more great details to help you become a better video producer and editor.
The Top Source for the Best Adobe Premiere Pro Video Templates (With Unlimited Downloads)
Editors like Adobe Premiere Pro let you create stunning instructional videos in moments. The key to success is to use premium templates. The best source for these is Envato Elements. For a flat monthly rate, you can download and use as many premium Adobe Premiere templates as you want!
Learning how to make a how to video? Elements includes tens of millions of digital assets spanning an array of categories. You’ll find music, stock footage, graphics, and so much more. Every single one is included in the unlimited-downloads offer. You can create a how to video in less time then ever before.
Searching for the best premium content for your video tutorial? Envato Elements now includes a handy, AI-powered search assistant. All you have to do is briefly describe your project needs. Then, the smart tech will gather human-built digital assets that are perfect for your work. Try it today, and you’ll find yourself working faster and more efficiently than ever before.
Create a How To Video Now
Today, you learned how to create a how to video! Knowing how to create tutorial videos is a key skill for anything that you teach. After all, you can make how-to videos on any subject imaginable.
The key is planning. Know your audience, and plan ahead with a script to follow. Think of it as the outline for your video tutorial. Then, choose quality recording equipment and get to work. And don’t forget to stay engaged with your viewers throughout.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start building your own tutorial videos. It’s a powerful way to teach and share your expertise in 2024 and beyond. Start today.