Mastering How to Creat and Record Training Videos

You don’t need a Hollywood studio to make great training videos—just a solid plan, a simple setup, and the right tools. Think of it like cooking a favorite recipe: if you map out your ingredients (that’s your script), prep your kitchen (your recording space), and grab the right utensils (your camera, mic, and software), you’re already halfway to a delicious result.

In this guide, we’ll walk through:

– Planning your content so every second on screen has purpose.

– Setting up your environment to look and sound professional, even on a budget.

– Choosing and using tools that simplify recording and editing.

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for creating training videos that grab attention, explain concepts without friction, and leave your viewers knowing exactly what to do next. 

Preparing Your Setup for Training Videos

Before you hit record, take some time to set yourself up for success. The right setup doesn’t just make your training video look and sound better, it also helps you feel more confident and in control throughout the process.

Start by gathering your gear. You don’t need a fancy studio, but a few basics go a long way:

– A decent camera (your laptop or smartphone can work)

– A reliable microphone (USB mics are a great middle-ground)

– Good lighting (natural light is great, but softbox or ring lights are helpful too)

– Easy-to-use video recording software

Once you’ve got the tools, focus on your space. Choose a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted. Position your light source in front of you to avoid harsh shadows, and keep your background simple and clean. Finally, get organized. Jot down your key points, outline your visuals, and know the flow of your video. That little bit of prep will save you a lot of editing time later.

Plan an Engaging Video Script

Think of your script as the roadmap for your training video. It doesn’t need to be a word-for-word screenplay (unless you’re more comfortable that way), but it should give you a clear structure to follow.

Start by breaking your topic into small, manageable chunks. Each section should cover one main idea. This makes it easier for your audience to follow and easier for you to record without getting overwhelmed.

You don’t have to script every sentence. Instead, jot down bullet points for each section to keep your delivery natural and conversational. If you’re covering steps or instructions, write them out clearly so you can walk viewers through them smoothly.

Also think about how people learn. Some absorb information better through visuals, others through audio. If you can, combine both.

Create Your Recording Environment

Your recording space doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be quiet, clean, and well-lit. Viewers should be focused on what you’re saying—not distracted by background clutter or echoey audio.

Start with lighting. Natural light is your friend if you can sit near a window. If not, invest in a simple ring light or softbox to brighten your face evenly and avoid harsh shadows. Good lighting makes your video feel more professional right away.

Next, focus on sound. Even the best content will fall flat if your audio is muffled or full of background noise. Record in a quiet room, and turn off anything that hums or buzzes (like fans or AC units). A plug-in USB mic will dramatically boost your audio quality, but even headphones with a built-in mic can work better than your computer’s default.

And don’t forget your background. Keep it tidy and neutral. A blank wall, bookshelf, or branded backdrop can work well—just make sure nothing pulls attention away from you and your message.

Choose the Right Video Training Software

The best training video software is the one that helps you work efficiently and feels intuitive to use. You don’t need all the bells and whistles, just something that lets you record clean video, capture your screen, and make quick edits without a steep learning curve.

One solid option is Riverside. It’s known for:

– High-quality video and audio recording

– A simple interface that’s easy to pick up

– A text-based editor that makes trimming clips quick and painless

If you prefer something lightweight, Loom is great for fast, straightforward screen recordings. Tools like QuickTime Player (Mac) or Camtasia offer more control if you’re doing more involved tutorials or want to add effects.

Think about your workflow. Do you want to record and edit in the same place? Do you need to collaborate with others or store everything in the cloud? Let your answers guide your choice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recording Training Videos

Now that your setup is ready, it’s time to hit record. This part can feel intimidating at first, but breaking it into a few simple steps helps everything run smoothly. Whether you’re using Loom, Riverside, or another tool, the general process stays the same.

1. Log In and Set Up Your Project

Start by opening your video software and signing in. If you’re new to a tool like Loom, you can quickly create a free account on their website. Once you’re in, create a new project or recording session. In Riverside, this means selecting “New Project.” This gives you a place to store your video files and organize everything in one spot.

2. Record Your Screen and Camera

If your video includes a tutorial, walkthrough, or presentation, record both your screen and camera to keep things engaging. Seeing your face helps humanize the content and build trust with your audience.

Before you press record:

– Close any unnecessary tabs and programs to avoid distractions or pop-ups.

– Clean up your desktop if you’re screen sharing.

– Turn off notifications to keep things focused.

When you’re ready, start recording. If you stumble, no problem—just pause and pick up where you left off. Most tools make it easy to trim mistakes later. Once you’re done, save your recording and review it to make sure everything looks and sounds good.

3. Add Narration and Visual Aids

Narration adds personality and clarity. You can talk directly during your recording or layer voiceover during editing—whatever feels easier.

Visuals also help explain ideas more clearly. Use screen recordings, slides, diagrams, or animations to illustrate your points. Camtasia and similar tools let you add voiceovers, highlight clicks, and drop in visuals to guide viewers along. Think of these as cues to keep people engaged and help them retain the information.

Editing Your Training Videos

Once you’ve finished recording, it’s time to clean things up. Editing isn’t just about fixing mistakes—it’s your chance to shape the video so it flows clearly, looks professional, and keeps your viewers’ attention.

You don’t need advanced editing skills or expensive software. Tools like Loom or Riverside offer simple, browser-based editors that let you trim clips, cut out pauses, and fine-tune your audio in just a few clicks. If you want more control, Camtasia gives you room to get more creative.

Focus on these key areas as you edit:

Trim and Cut Unwanted Sections

Cut out long pauses, filler words, or anything that doesn’t add value. Shorter videos tend to keep people watching longer, so keep it concise and to the point. Jump cuts—quick edits between key moments—can help maintain a smooth, energetic pace.

Preview your edits in real-time to make sure the transitions feel natural.

Add Captions and Annotations

Captions are essential for accessibility and make your videos easier to follow. Most tools will auto-generate captions that you can edit for accuracy.

You can also add:

– Text callouts to emphasize key ideas

– Arrows or shapes to point out parts of your screen

– Picture-in-picture effects to show your webcam alongside your screen

These little touches make your content more interactive and easier to absorb.

Clean Up the Audio

Clear audio is a dealbreaker. If your voice sounds muffled or the background is noisy, people will tune out no matter how good your content is. Use a tool like Riverside’s Magic Audio to automatically reduce background noise and sharpen your voice.

If you didn’t use a high-quality mic when recording, this is your chance to improve the sound as much as possible during editing.

Sharing and Distributing Your Training Videos

Once your video is polished and ready, the final step is getting it in front of the right people. Whether you’re training new employees, educating customers, or building an internal knowledge base, how you share your video matters just as much as how you made it.

Choose the Right Platform

Different platforms serve different needs. Here are a few solid options:

– Loom: Great for quick internal sharing. It automatically generates a shareable link.
– YouTube: Ideal for public or unlisted videos, with built-in search and caption support.
– Spotlightr: Offers cleaner branding options, more security and more control over privacy.

Think about who needs to see the video and what level of access they should have. For internal teams, Loom or a private Vimeo link might be enough. For broader audiences, YouTube’s visibility and discoverability can be a huge plus.

Manage Viewer Permissions

Not every video should be public. Platforms like Spotlightr let you choose:

– Public (anyone with the link can view)
– Private (only specific people or teams)
– Password-protected or limited to your domain

Take a minute to double-check your settings before sharing. This protects sensitive content and helps ensure the right people get the right message.

Promote Your Video

Even the best video won’t make an impact if no one sees it. Once it’s live:

– Share the link via email or Slack
– Embed it in internal docs or onboarding flows
– Post a teaser clip on social channels
– Mention it in meetings or team updates

If the video is customer-facing, add it to your help center or product pages. Videos can build trust and reduce support tickets when they’re easy to find and easy to watch.

Advanced Tips for Creating Effective Training Videos

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start leveling up your videos with a few advanced techniques. These don’t require a huge time investment, but they can make a big difference in how your content connects with viewers and keeps them engaged.

Make It Interactive

Adding interactive elements makes your training feel more like a conversation and less like a lecture.

Consider:

– Embedding quizzes or knowledge checks after key sections

– Using clickable timestamps to let viewers jump to specific topics

– Adding prompts or reflection questions directly on screen

Interactive features can boost retention and help learners stay actively involved instead of just watching passively.

Use AI Tools to Save Time

AI can speed up some of the more tedious parts of video creation:

– Use AI writing tools to outline or draft scripts

– Try AI-powered editors that suggest cuts, enhance audio, or auto-caption your content

– Automate repetitive edits, like removing filler words or long pauses

This frees up your time so you can focus on teaching, not tweaking every frame.

Track What’s Working

Once your videos are live, don’t forget to check in on performance. Most platforms offer built-in analytics to track:

– Views and watch time

– Drop-off points

– Completion rates

– Viewer feedback or reactions

These insights help you understand what’s landing, so you can improve future content.

Creating Training Videos That Stick

At its core, making a great training video is about clarity, not complexity. All you need is a clear plan, a quiet space, and tools you’re comfortable using. When you take the time to outline your content, set up a clean environment, and record with intention, the result is a video that feels both polished and approachable.

The magic happens in the details: the way you guide viewers with a thoughtful script, how you pair visuals with your voice, and the small edits that keep things moving without distraction. Once your video is ready, sharing it in the right place, with the right permissions, ensures it reaches the people who need it.

And as you keep creating, don’t be afraid to experiment! With the right mindset and a little practice, you’ll be able to create training content that not only informs, but sticks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment do I need to create professional training videos?

You don’t need a studio setup. Start with a good mic, solid lighting (natural or softbox), a tidy background, and easy-to-use video software like Loom or Riverside.

How can I make my training videos more engaging?

Keep things concise, script your main points, and use visuals to illustrate your message. Try adding a webcam view or quizzes to make the experience feel more personal.

What software is best for recording training videos?

Riverside is a solid pick if you want high-quality recording and simple editing. Loom, QuickTime Player, and Camtasia are great too, depending on your needs and skill level.

How do I share my training videos securely?

Use platforms like Loom, Vimeo, or YouTube with privacy settings. You can share links privately or limit access to specific teams or individuals.

What metrics should I track to measure video engagement?

Keep an eye on view counts, watch time, completion rates, and any feedback you receive. These insights help you improve your content with each new video.