How to Record a YouTube Tutorial Video (Step by Step)

YouTube tutorials are some of the most-watched videos online. According to Google, searches beginning with “how to” grow by 70% year over year [Think with Google]. If you want to tap into that massive audience, knowing how to record a YouTube tutorial video is essential.

This guide is part of my full YouTube Tutorial Beginner’s Guide — check it out here.

YouTube Tutorial Channel for Beginners: How to Start a YouTube Channel and Grow in 2025

This guide breaks down everything step by step—from planning and recording to editing and uploading—so you can create professional tutorials that people will watch in 2025.

Why Recording Quality Matters in YouTube Tutorials

Viewers watch tutorials to learn quickly and clearly. A poorly recorded video with muffled audio or shaky visuals will push them to click away.

• 53% of viewers say they’ll stop watching if the audio is poor, even if the video quality is good (TechSmith, 2023).
• Tutorials with screen recordings + voiceovers hold 35% longer viewer retention than those without (Wyzowl Video Marketing Report, 2024).

👉 High-quality recording = better engagement, higher watch time, and more subscribers.

Step 1: Plan Your Tutorial

Before hitting the record button, spend time planning.

Choose a Clear Topic

Your tutorial should solve one specific problem. Examples:

• “How to Create a Pivot Table in Excel (Step by Step)”
• “How to Make a Thumbnail in Canva”

Script Your Content

Write a short script or outline. Break the process into clear steps.

• Intro: Hook viewers in 10 seconds.
• Body: Teach step by step.
• Outro: CTA (subscribe, comment, watch next).

👉 Expert Tip:

“If you can’t explain your tutorial steps on paper in under 10 bullet points, your video is too complex.” — Sean Cannell, YouTube Strategist

Step 2: Choose Recording Equipment

Camera Options

• Beginner: Use your smartphone (iPhone 14+, Samsung S23, Pixel 8).
• Intermediate: DSLR/Mirrorless (Canon M50 Mark II, Sony ZV-E10).
• Screen Recording: Essential for software or digital tutorials.

Microphone (Most Important)

• Budget → Boya BY-M1 ($20)
• Mid-range → Blue Yeti ($120)
• Pro → Shure MV7 ($250)

Lighting

• Ring Light ($30)
• Softbox Setup ($80–150)

Screen Recording Tools (Free & Paid)

• OBS Studio (Free) – Great for gaming & software demos.
• Camtasia (Paid) – Professional editing + recording in one.
• Loom (Free/Paid) – Simple and fast for short tutorials.

Step 3: Set Up Your Recording Environment

• Record in a quiet space with minimal background noise.
• Use natural light or a soft light facing you.
• Keep your background clean and distraction-free.

👉 Pro Tip: Use acoustic foam panels or even blankets to reduce echo if you don’t have a treated room.

Step 4: Record Your Screen (Step by Step)

Here’s how to record your screen for tutorials:

1. Install OBS Studio (Free).
2. Open → Add “Display Capture” or “Window Capture.”
3. Select resolution (1080p recommended, 60fps for smooth motion).
4. Add “Audio Input Capture” (your microphone).
5. Click “Start Recording.”
6. Do your tutorial step by step while speaking clearly.
7. Stop recording → Save file in MP4 format.

👉 Expert Quote:

“Don’t try to record everything in one go. Record in sections—it makes editing faster and reduces stress.” — Roberto Blake, Creative Entrepreneur

Step 5: Record Your Voice Clearly

• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Use a pop filter to reduce harsh “p” and “s” sounds.
• Monitor your audio levels (avoid peaking into red).

Statistics show that viewers remember 95% of a message in video form compared to 10% in text (Forbes, 2024). That means your voice is critical in tutorials.

Step 6: Record Your Face (Optional but Powerful)

Adding a face cam increases trust and viewer retention.

How to add:

• Use OBS Studio → Add “Video Capture Device.”
• Place your webcam footage in a small corner box.
• This way, viewers see both your screen and your face.

Step 7: Combine Screen + Voice + Face

For tutorials, the ideal setup is screen + voice + optional face cam.

• Screen → Shows the process.
• Voice → Explains steps.
• Face → Builds connection.

This 3-layer approach is what most top YouTubers use.

Step 8: Edit Your Tutorial Video

Even the best recording needs editing.

Editing Tools

• Free → CapCut, iMovie, DaVinci Resolve.
• Paid → Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro.

Editing Checklist

• Cut mistakes and dead pauses.
• Add text annotations (highlight buttons or steps).
• Use zoom-ins to focus on important areas.
• Add intro & outro screens.
• Insert royalty-free background music.

👉 Expert Tip:

“Every second counts on YouTube. Edit ruthlessly to keep viewers engaged.” — Ali Abdaal, YouTube Educator

Step 9: Export in the Right Format

• Resolution → 1080p HD (1920 × 1080).
• Frame Rate → 30 or 60 fps.
• Format → MP4 (recommended for YouTube).

Step 10: Upload and Optimize

Your recording is ready—but uploading correctly is key.

• Title: Include your keyword (e.g., “How to Record a YouTube Tutorial Video (Step by Step)”).
• Description: Add a detailed summary with keywords and helpful links.
• Tags: Use variations like “YouTube tutorial recording,” “screen recording tutorial.”
• Thumbnail: Make it clear, bold, and eye-catching.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Talking too fast or too slow.
2. Poor microphone quality.
3. Recording in a noisy background.
4. Skipping steps in the tutorial.
5. Uploading without SEO optimization.

FAQs: Recording YouTube Tutorial Videos