Instructional videos have become one of the most effective ways to teach, train, and explain complex ideas clearly. Whether you’re creating onboarding materials, software tutorials, online courses, or help videos for customers, screen recording makes it easy to show exactly what viewers need to do. If you’ve ever wondered how to make instructional videos that are clear, engaging, and practical, screen recording is one of the best places to start.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create an instructional video from planning to recording and editing, with actionable tips to help you produce professional-looking tutorial content—even if you’re a beginner.

Below is a quick outline of what we’ll cover:

• Tools you need to get started
• How to plan your instructional video
• Step-by-step screen recording workflow
• Editing tips for clarity
• Best practices to keep viewers engaged

1. Tools You Need to Make an Instructional Video

Before you hit the record button, it’s important to have the right tools in place. You don’t need expensive equipment, but quality basics matter.

1.1 Screen Recording Software

Screen recording software is the core tool for tutorial creation. It captures your screen activity, system audio, microphone input, and sometimes webcam footage.

A beginner-friendly option is Leawo Free Screen Recorder. It allows you to record full screen, selected windows, or custom areas with minimal setup. It’s suitable for software demos, presentations, and walkthroughs.

Some screen recorders can also be used to record live streams, which is useful if your instructional content involves real-time demonstrations or webinars.

1.2 Editing Software

Editing software helps clean up your recording and improve clarity. You can trim mistakes, remove long pauses, add text overlays, and highlight key actions.

Many screen recorders include basic editing tools, which are often enough for instructional content. For more advanced needs, standalone video editors can be used—but simplicity is usually better for tutorials.

1.3 Optional Audio & Webcam Equipment

Good audio quality is crucial. A basic USB microphone can dramatically improve sound clarity compared to a laptop’s built-in mic.

Webcam footage is optional. While face-on-camera can build trust and engagement, many instructional videos work perfectly well with voice-over narration only.

2. Plan Your Instructional Video Before Recording

Planning is what separates clear instructional videos from confusing ones. Before recording, take a few minutes to organize your thoughts. 

Start by defining your goal and target audience. Ask yourself:

• What problem am I solving?
• Who is this video for (beginners or advanced users)?

Next, write a simple script or bullet-point flow. You don’t need a word-for-word script, but having key steps outlined helps avoid rambling.

Also consider:

• Screen layout: What windows or tabs need to be visible?
• Recording length: Shorter videos are usually more effective

Proper planning makes how to make tutorial videos much easier and reduces editing time later. With practice, you’ll know how to make an instructional video with screen recording that delivers value without overwhelming your audience.

3. How to Record an Instructional Video Step by Step

Let’s walk through how to make an instructional video with screen recording, using Leawo Free Screen Recorder as an example.

1. Launch the screen recorder and choose your recording mode (full screen, window, or custom area).
2. Select audio sources, such as microphone narration and system sound.
3. Adjust recording settings, including resolution and frame rate.
4. Prepare your screen, closing unnecessary apps or notifications.
5. Click Record and calmly walk through each step as planned.
6. Pause or stop recording when finished, then preview the footage.

Speak clearly and at a steady pace. If you make a mistake, pause briefly and repeat the step—errors can be trimmed during editing.

4. Edit Your Instructional Video for Clarity

Editing isn’t about making your video flashy—it’s about making it easy to follow.

Focus on:

• Trimming mistakes and long silences
• Cutting out unnecessary steps
• Adding text overlays for key actions or shortcuts
• Inserting arrows, highlights, or callouts to draw attention

Avoid over-editing. Instructional videos should feel natural and straightforward. Clean visuals and clear audio matter more than fancy transitions.

This step is essential when learning how to create an instructional video that actually helps viewers succeed.

5. Tips to Make Instructional Videos More Engaging

Even the best tutorials can lose viewers if they’re too long or unfocused. Here are some practical tips:

• Keep videos under 10 minutes when possible
• Cover one task or concept per video
• Use real examples instead of abstract explanations
• Speak as if you’re guiding a real person, not reading a manual
• End with a quick recap or next step

Breaking complex topics into a series of short videos often works better than one long recording. This approach improves retention and makes your content easier to revisit.

6. Conclusion

Learning how to make instructional videos doesn’t require advanced technical skills—just the right tools, planning, and a clear teaching mindset. Screen recording allows you to demonstrate processes visually, making your lessons easier to understand and more effective.

By choosing reliable software like Leawo Free Screen Recorder, planning your content ahead of time, and keeping edits clean and focused, you can confidently master how to make tutorial videos that inform, educate, and engage your audience.

Whether you’re training employees, teaching students, or creating content for customers, screen-recorded instructional videos are a powerful way to share knowledge—one clear step at a time.