How to Create a Tutorial Video Also called “Step by Step”, ”How to . . “ or “Instructional”

Tips and Trick to Make it Great

If pictures say a thousand words, imagine how many a video would say? They can easily present something visually so words or dialogue can be minimized or even not used at all. This is why videos are such a great way to present knowledge to the world – in particular with tutorial/instructional or how to style videos However, poorly made tutorials can not only confuse the viewer, they actually act as a cruel punishment, wasting their time and torturing them as they try to listen to poor audio, shaky camera footage and irrelevant information.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE

1. Is the Topic Suitable for a Video? A topic that is suitable for a video tutorial has a compelling visual aspect to show-off. For instance, almost all software and hardware how-to’s are a good candidate, as well as cooking, home repairs, most sports, etc because you show how to perform an action, rather than explain it in just words. 1. Is the Topic Suitable for a Video?

2. Keep it Short and Focused Detailed explanation are fine, but longer isn’t always better with video tutorials — we’re not making feature length movies here. While there is no universal rule regarding video tutorial lengths, generally it’s better to keep your tutorial under 5 minutes. Anything up to 10 minutes is acceptable, provided there is no way to shorten the video or break it in parts. 2. Keep it Short and Focused

3. Use Short Sentences and Simple Words One of the specifics of the video genre regarding text is that you do need to keep it simple. Complex is difficult is for listeners/viewers, so always try to keep your text as simple as possible. SHOW the steps or action don’t TELL them. Remember, a video tutorial is not a book – your audience will listen to and watch the tutorial, NOT read its script. This means it’s harder for viewers to understand your ideas when you use long sentences and complex words. 3. Use Short Sentences and Simple Words

4. Ensure Your Narration is of Professional Quality Your voice, accent, intonation and pacing of the narration should be such that the audience can understand it AND not be bored to tears. Use a good microphone so that your narration is clear and not muffled. Record in a quiet space so there is no distracting background noise. 4. Ensure Your Narration is of Professional Quality

5. Ensure Your Picture Quality is Good Use a variety of camera angles that are appropriate for a shot. Use a medium shot if showing the person talking, use a close up if something specific is being referred to and use a longer shot if demonstrating an action (like an oly on a skateboard). Be sure the room is well lit so the footage isn’t too dark. Use a tripod so that they camera is stabilized and doesn’t make your viewer nauseous to watch it. 5. Ensure Your Picture Quality is Good

6. Write a Script and Follow It Although many people “freestyle” when they produce tutorials, they often become too wordy as they are trying to clarify what they are saying. If you have a script that you have written ahead of time, proofed it for timing and ensured that it is short and precise, you will not ramble on during your explanation. 6. Write a Script and Follow It

7. Match Your Video with Your Audio Sync what you are describing with video footage so that your viewer can process these two at the same time. DON’T include some random shot that doesn’t have anything to do with the voiceover. If you don’t have footage for this, include a longer title slide. 7. Match Your Video with Your Audio

8. Provide Text as Well as Audio and Video Insert lower third title slides to help the viewer process what is being presented. Keep these SHORT, highlighting JUST the important intro. 8. Provide Text as Well as Audio and Video