Video Tutorial Guide
What is a video tutorial?
A video tutorial is a video that shows a viewer how to do something. They are a great way to both teach and learn a new skill. There a lot of different types of tutorials you could explore:
- Hands-on Tutorial – This is a video tutorial that shows you how to build or create something. This could be learning how to sew or draw.
- Software Tutorial – This type of tutorial teaches you how to do something on a computer, such as learning how to build something in Minecraft or how to do graphic design.
- Active Tutorial – This tutorial explains how to do an active or physical skill. For example, people learn how to dance or a soccer move from video tutorials.
- Abstract Tutorial – These tutorials help viewers learn how to think or use their minds better. It could be a tutorial on how to improve your writing skills or speak a language.
Common Video Tutorial Features
Not all video tutorials are the same, but many tutorials include these common features. As you plan your own video tutorial, we recommend thinking about each of these. You don’t need to include each one. Think about what features will make your tutorial most effective for your viewers.
- Plan & Rehearse – It will save you a lot of time if you create a plan for your video. Think about what you want to show on the video and write a script of everything you want to say. Rehearse what you want to do as well. It will help show if something is missing or something you can cut. Don’t stress about getting everything perfect. Showing mistakes can also be helpful.
- Introduction – Give an overview of your topic at the beginning. Show the finished product and discuss what you will talk about in the video.
- Length – Try to keep your video tutorial as short as possible. Only include content related to your topic.
- Make it personal – It is important to be yourself in a tutorial. People respond better when they can relate to you.
- Break into steps – It is helpful to take your tutorial and break it into steps for the audience. It will help organize your video and make it easier to follow.
- Complexity – You don’t want your tutorial to be too complicated. If it is too complicated, it will be too much for your audience to follow and will overwhelm them. If there is too much information, consider creating more than one tutorial video.
- Location – Where are you going to record your tutorial? You want a location where you can control the background noise and other interruptions. You don’t want someone walking in the background while your record.
Questions You Should Ask Yourself
We recommend you ask yourself the following questions as you are planning your tutorial and while you are making it. These questions will help you focus your thoughts.
- Who is my audience? Is it for beginners? Is it for experts? People my age?
- What do I want my audience to learn by the end of the video?
- What do I need to show my audience?
- What content is absolutely necessary and what can I cut?
- What tone should I use? Is it funny? Is it serious?
- Is my video easy to follow? Have someone else watch it and get feedback.
Recommended Tutorial Filmmaking Elements
We suggest you consider using the following Filmmaking Elements in your tutorial. The elements you use will depend on the type of tutorial you are creating, but these ones are good to look at.
- Storyboard
- Script
- Add a Title Screen
- Screen Capture Video
- Background Music
- Graphic Overlays
- Edit Footage
- Voiceover