Screencasting Videos

To screenshot a video, you’ll need to use screen recording software. You’ll prepare the material you want to record, hit record and start the video, and capture a screencast of that video. It’s helpful to make a script and determine exactly what you might want to say in a voiceover, so the dialogue is smooth and concise. You may need to edit the screencast after to clean up the beginning and ending, or to enhance or add a voiceover.

Screen capture videos are typically used for instructional videos or video tutorials, as well as for e-learning purposes. Examples of these would be video recordings that demonstrate video editing tools, Google Drive walk-throughs for educators, or a recording of a PowerPoint presentation. Khan Academy videos, for example, are screencast videos.* Screencast is a highly efficient way to demonstrate a concept on a computer.

*Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

It’s possible to screencast for free by downloading a free screen recorder online or by finding open-source screencast software. However, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced professional; many video editors specialize in screencast videos.

A screencast is a digital recording of a Mac, Android, iPhone, or Chromebook screen, often with an audio overlay explaining the contents of the video.* The recording features a computer, tablet, or smartphone screen and is often used for step-by-step software tutorials.

*Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

An example of a screencast would be a Vimeo or YouTube video demonstrating how to use a software tool. A screencast video would show the computer screen in full screen. A computer screen video that was recorded using a separate camera is not a screencast video, nor is a webcam video.

A screencast is a type of video, but it’s unlike the typical videos you might watch online. Rather than featuring people or other live subjects, a screencast features footage of your computer screen. It might include footage of a video, screen shots, or other materials that help illustrate a point.

To screencast, it’s necessary to have software such as Screencast-O-Matic or Camtasia, two popular tools for recording and editing screencast videos.* Some screencast tools may have a free version available, but most require payment. To record a screencast video, run the software and start recording as you perform the action on the screen that you wish to record. Edit the video according to necessary specifications, and add voice-over to the video file to explain the contents.

*Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.