Content Creation 101: How to Make a How-To Video
Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Rhea Cabalida
If you want to start making a name online or you simply want to share your knowledge, you may begin by creating how-to videos. It is one of the most viewed video contents online, and you can easily gather audiences.
To help you create a high-quality tutorial video, you can use screen recorders. These tools will help you show the step-by-step process of the tutorial you’re making, whether it’s fixing a gadget, editing photos, or mastering a new app.
If you don’t know how to get started, don’t worry, we are here to help. In this guide, we will show you how to create an instructional video by recording your screen. Read on!
In this Article:
1. Introduction
This is the part where you’ll hook your audience. In here, you will explain what the video is about, what the audience will learn after the video. It's also important to explain the things to expect in the introduction.
2. Step-by-Step Instructions
This is the main part of the tutorial. In here, you will explain all the steps that are needed to solve a problem or achieve the goal of the tutorial. Break down each step clearly and logically. Use short sentences and visual cues like cursor highlights or arrows.
3. Narration or Voice-Over
Instructing through voiceover will help the audience understand the steps more. Remember to speak clearly and explain every action on the screen. To make the audience feel at ease, use a friendly and confident tone.
4. Visual Elements
Aside from screen recordings, it's also recommended to add visual elements to help emphasize important points. You can add texts, arrows, shapes, and other annotations to make it easier to point out things on the screen. You can also add transitions and zoom effects for visual enhancements.
5. Summary
This is where you will recap everything that has been discussed in the step-by-step instructions. Briefly repeat what the viewer has learned to reinforce retention, like:
“So that’s how you record, edit, and upload your tutorial video on YouTube.”
After that, you can mention additional tips, etc.
6. Call-to-Action
In here, you can encourage the audience to subscribe or like the video. You can also announce important things about your channel, etc. By including these components, your how-to videos will look more polished and professional.
Step 1: Planning
Start by creating a content outline. In outlining, you have to think about these things:
➡️ What do you want to teach?
➡️ Who is your target audience?
Then, start by researching information about your main topic. When it's done, slowly write down the outline, starting from the introduction until the summary part of the video.
If you need a more detailed guide, you can create a full script, which will include all the things that will happen in the video: where to click, the order of the steps, the voiceover script, etc.
It's easier to write down an outline or script instead of memorizing everything in your head. This will help make the process go in order.
💡 Tips:
- Create shorter and simpler explanations
- Practice before recording
- Prepare your setup: microphone, screen recorder, and quiet environment.
Step 2: Choose the Right Screen Recorder
The screen recordings will be the main visual of your tutorial, so it's important to pick a screen recording tool that can capture the screen as clearly as possible. And for that matter, we can recommend WidsMob Capture.
The Most Recommended Screen Recorder for Making Tutorials
To make a high-quality tutorial video, we highly suggest using a professional tool like WidsMob Capture.
This amazing program offers:
✅ HD to 4K resolution
✅ Wide range of video and audio formats
✅ Supports system recording
✅ Records the microphone and webcam
✅ Professional editing tools
✅ Live annotation
Apart from that, this program also has an accessible interface and can be operated by both professionals and beginners. Try it out!
Other Screen Recording Tools for How-to Videos
Aside from WidsMob, there are other tools you can try. Check out the tutorials here:
➡️ OBS Screen Recorder: How to Record Your Screen Like a Pro
➡️ How to Use Fraps Screen Recorder
➡️ How to Record Screen Using Camtasia by TechSmith
➡️ How to Capture Screen with VLC Media Player
➡️ How to Screen Record on Mac Using QuickTime
➡️ How to Use iRec Screen Recorder
💡 Tip: Record a test video using your chosen screen recorder tool. This will help you familiarize the tool and set the right video specifications.
Step 3: Record Your Screen for the Tutorial
If all your equipment is ready, it's time to make a tutorial video by recording your screen, but before that, there are some tips:
Things to do before recording:
✅ Close unused or background apps
✅ Set video resolution to at least 1080p
✅ Test and check the mic and webcam connection
✅ Once it's all set, open the screen recording tool and press Record.
Things to remember during recording:
✅ Stick to your outline and script
✅ Don’t move your cursor too fast
✅ Speak at an average speed
Step 4: Edit your Tutorial
This is the part where you will polish your videos. You can now compile the screen recording clips, add voiceovers, place text arrows, and add transitions. You also need to cut out long pauses or mistakes during the recording.
Use a reliable video editing tool that is beginner-friendly and offers at least the basic functions, such as trim, cut, split, add text/arrows, and audio.
After editing the main part of the video, you then insert the intro (you can record this during or after screen recording the tutorial) and the outro. Add your logo to emphasize your branding.
Step 5: Export your Video
When editing is done, export your tutorial in the right format. Here is our recommended setting:
✅ Format: MP4 or MOV
✅ Resolution: 1080p (Full HD) or 4K
✅ Frame Rate: 30 fps to 60 fps
You can export the tutorial videos locally and check them before uploading to your platforms.
Tip: How to Make Better Instructional Videos
Making a tutorial video is not just about screen recording the steps; it is also about delivering the instructions clearly and keeping the viewers engaged. To help you achieve this goal, here are some extra tips.
Keep it concise but informative. Aim for videos under 10 minutes unless you’re covering a complex topic. And make sure that within that time frame, you’ll be able to explain all the components of the tutorial. Imagine this, you’re the viewer, what are the things you want to know from this tutorial? Keep those in mind, and include them in the outline/script.
Highlight each of the steps. You can do this by adding arrows and text. Some people are more engaged when they see visual instructions on the screen instead of just listening to the voiceover.
Speaking of voiceovers, your narration sets the mood of the video. Make sure to speak clearly and maintain and friendly tone. Speak as if you are talking to a friend.
At the end of the video, always remember to guide your viewers on what to do next. Whether it’s subscribing to your channel, watching another tutorial, or trying the tool you demonstrated.
These are just some of the things that will help you make better tutorial videos. The more videos you create, the better your output will become.
Conclusion
Making a how-to video or tutorial video is a rewarding way to share knowledge and help others. With proper planning, the right screen recorder for tutorials, and attention to detail, you can produce professional content even as a beginner.