How to Make a Tutorial Video: A Quick and Easy Guide

If you’ve ever watched a video to learn how to do something—from fixing a leaky faucet to mastering new software—you’ve seen the power of a good tutorial video. These videos break down complex topics into simple, step-by-step visuals that are easy to follow and even easier to remember.

Making your own tutorial video might sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can create content that teaches effectively and holds your audience’s attention from start to finish.

What Makes Tutorial Videos So Effective?

Tutorial videos walk people through a process step by step, using visuals and narration to explain things in a way that’s easy to understand.

They’re especially useful when:

– The topic is visual (like using software or setting up equipment)

– The process is complex and easier to follow when demonstrated

– Your audience wants to learn quickly, without reading through long manuals

Tutorial videos are created for all sorts of topics like internal training videos, onboarding, how-to guides, customer support, or even for sharing your knowledge on YouTube. And because they can be paused, rewound, or rewatched, they’re great for learners who want to move at their own pace.

Plan Your Tutorial Before You Hit Record

Good videos start with a plan. Before you think about visuals or editing, take time to map out what you’re teaching, who you’re teaching it to, and what you want them to walk away with.

Start by picking a topic. Choose something you know well and that your audience wants to learn. It could be based on a common question, a process that trips people up, or a task people need to do regularly.

Once you’ve got a topic, ask yourself:

– Who is this video for? (Beginners, advanced users, new employees?)

– What problem are they trying to solve?

– What do I want them to be able to do by the end?

The answers will help shape how detailed your video needs to be and what kind of tone or pacing works best. If you’re speaking to first-timers, you’ll want to go slower and explain more. If your audience already knows the basics, you can move quickly and focus on the deeper steps.

Brainstorming Topics That People Actually Need

Before you write a script or storyboard, you need a solid topic that solves a real problem or answers a question your audience already has.

If you’re not sure where to start, think about:

– Common questions you hear from customers or teammates

– Tasks people often get stuck on

– Something you recently learned that would’ve been easier with a tutorial

You can also look at online communities, search trends, or customer support tickets to find what people are actively trying to learn. Once you’ve got a few ideas, narrow it down.

Ask yourself:

– Does this topic need visuals to explain it well?

– Can I explain it clearly in five to ten minutes?

– Will someone actually search for this or benefit from it?

Know Who You’re Talking To

Knowing your audience helps you make decisions about what to include and what to leave out. For example, if you’re creating a tutorial for first-time users, you’ll want to explain things slowly, define terms, and avoid shortcuts. But if your viewers already know the basics, you can skip ahead and get right to the advanced steps.

It’s also helpful to consider how your audience prefers to learn. Some people want detailed walk-throughs. Others are just looking for quick tips they can apply right away. Matching your tone, visuals, and pacing to what your viewers need will make your video more useful and more likely to be shared.

Set Clear Objectives Before You Script

Before you start outlining your video, get clear on what you want your audience to take away from it. What should they be able to do after watching? What’s the one thing they’ll have learned?

This step might seem small, but it helps keep your video focused. Instead of trying to cover everything, you’re aiming to teach one specific skill or walk through one complete process.

A few examples of clear objectives:

– “By the end of this video, you’ll know how to export a PDF from our app.”

– “After watching, you’ll be able to reset your router in under five minutes.”

– “This video will walk you through scheduling your first post using our content planner.”

When your objective is clear, writing your script and organizing your visuals becomes a lot easier. It also gives your viewers a reason to stick around.

Map It Out: Storyboard and Script

Once your topic and objective are clear, it’s time to sketch out the flow of your video. A storyboard helps you plan what your audience will see on screen, while a script keeps your narration clear and focused.

You don’t need fancy tools to storyboard—simple sketches or a slide outline work just fine. Just think about the sequence of scenes: What visual goes with each part of your message? Are you showing a screen recording? A demo? A talking head?

Then, write your script. Keep it conversational and to the point. Break it into three simple parts:

– Intro – State what the video is about and why it matters.

– Body – Walk through the steps or concept in a logical order.

– Outro – Recap what they learned or suggest the next step.

Practice reading it aloud a few times. If anything feels clunky or hard to say, rewrite it until it flows naturally.

Time to Record

Recording your video is where all your planning comes together. Whether you’re filming yourself, capturing your screen, or both, the goal is the same: keep it clear, steady, and easy to follow.

You don’t need a professional studio setup to make great videos. Many are made with simple software for creating tutorials. If you’re on a budget, a creating videos with your smartphone or webcam works just fine—just make sure you’re recording in landscape mode if you’re planning to share it on platforms like YouTube.

If you’re doing a screen recording, choose software that lets you record, edit, and add voiceovers in one place. Tools like Loom, Camtasia/Screenflow, or OBS can help you walk through a process and explain it in real time.

The key to a smooth recording:

– Choose a quiet, well-lit space

– Use an external mic if you can (even a basic one will sound better than your laptop)

– Keep your background clean and distraction-free

– Speak clearly, at a steady pace

– Keep your energy up—your tone carries more than you think

You don’t have to get it perfect on the first try. If you make a mistake, pause, then pick back up—it’s easy to trim later.

Set the Scene: Your Recording Environment

Where you record matters just as much as what you record. A few simple tweaks to your setup can instantly make your video feel more professional.

First, find a quiet space. Background noise can make your audio hard to follow. If you’re recording at home, close windows, silence your phone, and let others know you’re filming to avoid interruptions.

Lighting is next. Natural light is great if you’re near a window, but if not, a ring light or desk lamp can help brighten your face or the workspace you’re showing. Avoid harsh overhead lights or backlighting (like sitting with a bright window behind you).

Clean up your background. You don’t need a blank wall, but aim for something simple and distraction-free. The goal is to keep the viewer focused on your message.

Do a quick test before you start: record a 10-second clip, watch it back, and make any final adjustments to lighting, sound, or framing. That small step can save you a lot of time later.

Edit Your Video to Make It Shine

Editing is where your raw footage turns into a finished, watchable video. You don’t need fancy software or advanced skills—just a few clean edits to keep things clear, smooth, and engaging.

Start by trimming out mistakes, pauses, or any extra fluff that doesn’t serve the viewer. Your goal is to keep things tight and easy to follow. If you stumbled during recording, find the clean takes and cut the rest. Most video editors let you slice and rearrange clips with a few clicks.

Next, add any missing pieces:

– Voiceover if you didn’t record it live

– On-screen text to emphasize key points or steps

– Zoom-ins or highlights to draw attention to important details

Make sure your audio is balanced and that the visuals match your script. Adding transitions between scenes can help with flow, but keep them simple so they don’t distract from your message.

Publish and Promote Your Tutorial Video

Once your video is polished and ready, it’s time to share it. Where you publish depends on who you’re trying to reach. For public audiences, YouTube is usually the go-to. If it’s internal training or customer onboarding, you might use your company’s LMS, website, or help center.

Before uploading, give your video a clear, searchable title. People should be able to tell exactly what they’ll learn just by reading it. Write a short description that reinforces the value and includes any links or resources you mention in the video.

A strong thumbnail makes a big difference, too. Use a clean image with a readable title and a visual that reflects what the video covers. You don’t need to be a designer—just aim for something that stands out and feels consistent with your brand.

Once your video is live, promote it. Share it on your website, in newsletters, on social media, or directly with the people who need it. If you have multiple tutorial videos, group them into a playlist so people can keep learning without searching.

Wrapping it Up

Creating a tutorial video takes some planning, but once you’ve done it, you’ve got a powerful tool that can teach, guide, and support your audience again and again.

To recap:

– Start with a clear topic and goal

– Know who you’re talking to and what they need

– Map out your content with a script and simple visuals

– Record in a clean, quiet space with clear audio

– Edit for clarity and flow, then add helpful visuals

– Publish where your audience will find it—and promote it so they do

The first one is always the hardest. But once you’ve gone through the process, it gets easier to make more videos. Keep your focus on the learner, stay clear and concise, and trust that the effort pays off.

You’ve got the tools. You’ve got the knowledge. Now you’ve got a guide. Go make something that helps someone learn!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main goal of a tutorial video?

A tutorial video helps someone learn how to do something. The goal is to explain clearly, show the process visually, and make it easy for viewers to follow and apply what they’ve learned.

Why does knowing your audience matter?

If you don’t know who you’re talking to, you risk making the content too simple, too advanced, or just irrelevant. Knowing your audience helps you match your tone, pace, and content to what they need.

Do I really need a storyboard?

You don’t need a fancy one, but yes—a simple outline or visual guide makes the process smoother. It helps you plan your scenes and visuals ahead of time so you’re not guessing as you record.

How can I make sure my audio sounds good?

Use an external mic if you can, record in a quiet space, and check your levels before you start. Even a small audio upgrade makes a big difference in how professional your video feels.

What are the most common mistakes people make?

Rushing through the material, skipping key steps, using poor audio, or trying to cram too much into one video. Keep it clear, focused, and paced for your audience