Oct 13, 2020. Proven solutions. Although the Zoom video conferencing app offers the option to record all meetings, you can only access this feature if the host of the meeting grants you the permission to do so. The Record button is not going to be available if the host has disabled this option is the meeting’s settings. Firstly, all audio recorder apps will support an external mic - just plug in a lapel microphone (one that you would use with your PC/Mac) - or you can also use USB microphones (in which case you can do stereo recording as well if it is a stereo USB mic). Best Way to Record Online Video Lectures on Laptop with High Quality. TuneFab Screen Recorder is a widely compatible video recorder for Windows and Mac users to record screen activities, like streaming video, gameplay, webcam and more and saves as commonly-used formats such as MP4, MOV, M4V and more. Besides, it is equipped with simple but powerful edit functions, such as adding annotations, drawing an arrow and more so that you can mark where you should take notes after class.
Video is the way of the future, and free video recording software is on the rise. From crazy cat videos on YouTube to in-depth training on tutorial software sold by mega corporations, our society just can't get enough of those moving pictures. But video is more than just an entertainment option or revenue channel. It can also assist you in your daily workflow and turn you into a productivity machine at work!
The eight video recording software mentioned below will help you communicate quicker, increasing the amount of work you can get done on any given day. Does that sound like something you might be interested in? Then keep reading.
In this post we'll explain what kind of video recording software we're talking about and the eight best options you should consider adding to your technology stack in 2020.
The Purpose of Video Recording Software
The video recording software we'll be talking about in this blog post is NOT the kind you would use to record and edit a Hollywood blockbuster, or even a silly home movie. You won't find Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro on this list.
Instead, we've rounded up the top eight software tools that will allow you to record your personal computer screen in 2020. These kinds of programs can be extremely useful to business professionals and boost both productivity and efficiency by giving users the ability to easily share everything they see on their computer screens.
The most common uses of video recording software are to demonstrate tasks, troubleshoot problems, and craft intuitive tutorials.
The Top 8 Video Recording Software
The following eight pieces of video recording software have been carefully selected. You'll find both paid and free tools, but each is well designed and would be a worthy addition to your business software suite in 2020. Let's dive in!
1. CloudApp
Let's start with our absolute favorite video recording software, CloudApp. Are we biased? Sure, but after a quick look at the facts, we have no doubt that you'll agree with us in thinking that CloudApp is quite an amazing tool!
CloudApp is an all-in-one, visual collaboration platform that gives users easy access to its screen recorder and webcam recording, and GIF maker features. Once content has been recorded, CloudApp also allows its users to edit their visuals with a convenient annotations tool to add drawings, arrows, emojis.
What do you do when your content has been shot and edited to perfection? Distribute it, of course! Our cloud-based software makes it easy to share your work via links that include password protection options, expiration dates, and detailed analytics. Quickly see who has viewed your content and enable real-time notifications when your links have been opened.
CloudApp packs in a lot of features, but fortunately, all this functionality won't cost your business an arm and a leg. Plans including premium features start at just $9 a month, though our entry-level plan is free-forever and allows you to begin sharing videos, GIFs, and screenshots immediately. Become more productive and save up to 56 hours a week with CloudApp!
2. SnagIt
SnagIt is a popular video recording software that is specially designed to help users make amazing step-by-step instruction videos and how-to guides. If that will be your main goal when using this kind of tool, then you may find this app is exactly what you're looking for.
In a nutshell, SnagIt gives you the ability to capture a video of your computer screen or, using your webcam, a video of yourself, and share the result with whomever you wish.
One of SnagIt's most useful features is 'Favorites', which will allow you to add each of your favorite tools inside the app to one specific tab and group them together for easy access. This is a valuable, time-saving feature that will keep you from constantly digging through multiple menus to find what you need.
A license to use this tool costs $49.95 and can be installed on up to two different computers.
3. ShareX
When it comes to the best free video recording software on the market, you'd be hard pressed to find a better tool than ShareX. This app makes it incredibly simple to capture a video of your screen with just one (configurable) click.
One great feature included with ShareX is the ability to record just a portion of your computer screen when needed. Perhaps you don't want your entire screen visible in the video you plan to record and share. No problem, simply select the area you wish to record in ShareX and only capture that space in your video.
Once a video is recorded, users are able to edit it, though the editing features aren't as extensive as other apps on this list. But for a completely free tool, the functionality is impressive and ideal for those on a tight budget, or those who only need basic video recording features.
4. Debut Video Capture
Debut Video Capture (DVC) is a powerful and free (for personal use only) video recording software that can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, DVC can be used to capture video of your computer screen as you work, which is great for explaining processes.
But this app also allows video to be recorded from external devices, such as a high-end video recorder or network IP camera (surveillance camera). This is a unique and useful feature for those looking to record higher quality videos than their webcam can provide, or those who need to set up a security system at their place of business.
While the interface is unattractive and dated, the functionality of this app is great and the main reason why it's secured a place on our list. It should be noted, however, that use of this tool for non-personal related reasons will cost your company $39.95.
5. ScreenFlow
Apple user? Then consider using, ScreenFlow, an intuitive, Mac-only video recording software. This app has many of the standard screen recording features we've talked about in this article already, such as GIF creation and image annotation abilities.
But there are two features we especially like about ScreenFlow:
- This app allows users to record the screens of the iOS devices. Looking to demonstrate how to use a specific mobile app? Simply connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer, ensure the device is recognized, and click 'record iOS device'.
- ScreenFlow gives its users access to a stock media library of over half a million media clips that can be used in their own videos. This includes visual clips, background music, and more. Just find what you need and drag it into the ScreenFlow timeline.
When your video is done, save time and export it directly to YouTube, Wistia, Facebook, DropBox, or Google Drive.
Does ScreenFlow sound intriguing? You can buy the program for $129. It should be noted that the media library is an additional cost and will run you $60 a year. Premium support is also not included in the price of the software, but can be had for $39 a year.
6. GoPlay
We just gave you a Mac-only application, how about a Windows video recording software next? GoPlay is a screen recording app that allows users to easily create high-definition videos, edit them in a jiffy, and then export the final product to social media with the click of a button.
Some might find the picture in picture (PIP) option especially useful. This feature will let you record both your computer screen and yourself (via a webcam) at the same time. Once your video has been created, editing options include trimming, cropping and various filters.
Finally, we should mention the captioning feature. Add subtitles to every video so that the information your sharing is never lost or misinterpreted.
GoPlay is mainly geared towards those who plan to publish their work on YouTube and other social media channels. But if you use a Windows computer, there's no reason why this app can't also be used for more traditional business video projects. Prices start at $4.90 a month.
7. Camtasia
Camtasia is known for being very easy to use. It combines screen recording features with more traditional video editing options (much like the ScreenFlow and GoPlay apps that we mentioned earlier) to give its users a comprehensive video recording software suite.
A typical workflow using this app might look something like this:
- First, record your screen. You can choose to capture the entire thing or just part of it, whatever suits your video-making needs best.
- Second, edit your footage. Cut out sections; combine multiple takes into one seamless shot; and add in external videos, images, and presentation slides as you see fit.
- Third, add effects and give your video a professional, polished feel. Effects include annotations, titles, music, and more.
As you can see, working with Camtasia is a straightforward process. And while this app doesn't have as many screen recording features as other tools on this list, or the editing options of a fully-featured video editing software, it strikes a good middle ground between the two.
For those looking for basic screen recording functionality and a few higher-end video editing options, Camtasia is a good bet and can be had for $249.
8. Screencastify
Finally, we have Screencastify, a unique option because this tool is actually a Google Chrome extension rather than a stand-alone app. It's perfect for those using the Chrome web browser and looking for a basic video recording software — especially if they're on a tight budget.
Screencastify gives users a few different options when recording. Do you want to capture your entire desktop, one specific browser tab, or yourself via a webcam? Each option is available. In fact, you can record your screen and yourself at the same time and embed the webcam feed in the screen recording.
Finished recordings can be edited with annotations and mouse highlights (so viewers always know what you're clicking on), and then cropped and trimmed to perfection.
When it comes to cheap video capture software, Screencastify is a solid option at only $49 a year. Can't justify the price tag? Use the app for free. Just know that you'll only be able to record up to 5 minute long videos.
The Right Video Recording Software For You
If you're hoping to become more productive in 2020, any of the video recording software mentioned in this blog post will help you reach that goal. Visual communication is on the rise and is, in our humble opinion, a worthy investment for just about every business.
CloudApp is the best option when it comes to video recording software. Our tool's powerful screen and webcam recording, snipping tool for Windows and Mac, GIF creation, and image annotation features will help you boost productivity immediately. Learn more about the CloudApp solution here.
Once limited to a few college classrooms equipped with dedicated audio and visual equipment, lecture capture technologies have evolved to let instructors record course-related video just about anywhere.
Today many auditoriums and classrooms on college campuses are set up to make lecture capture simple. Nearly all of the audio and visual equipment in these spaces is possible to preset for easy, one-touch (or even zero-touch) lecture recording — enabling teachers to just walk in, press record, and start teaching.
Frequently, lectures and other online course content are recorded outside of the classroom, too. In most cases, all a teacher needs to record online course materials outside of the classroom is lecture capture software and a laptop with a built-in webcam and microphone, or a mobile device. This is one of the best ways to record college lectures.
While the lecture capture setup outside of a classroom can also be quite simple with select software and apps, there are a few tricks of the trade that can improve the quality of your recordings.
6 Steps for Recording Engaging Lecture Videos
1. Prepare your lecture and slides
Planning your lecture content and preparing slides in advance can help maximize student engagement. Structure your presentation content in order to help your audience retain more of the material, and prune down content in your slides by eliminating anything that duplicates what you are saying in your lecture — use your slides to enhance your key points, not repeat them. Students will be more likely to pay attention to your lecture and watch it all the way through to the end.
2. Download your lecture capture software or app
You’ll need to download lecture capture software to your Mac or PC, if you don’t have it installed already. And if you plan to use a tablet or smartphone to record digital course material, be sure to download the mobile app, providing your lecture capture software has one.
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3. Optimize audio and video quality
Your recording environment will determine any extra equipment or devices you may need to maximize the audio and video in your lecture recording. Choose a quiet, well-lit room or office, and position your webcam so that it records your head and shoulders and sits about eye-level.
In a quiet, well-lit environment, you should get good enough audio and video from the native microphone and camera in your laptop. Some things to watch out for when recording lecture videos outside the classroom:
- Backlighting: If there is a lot of light behind you, or you sit in front of a window, you run the risk of looking like a shadow in a webcam video.
- Low lighting: Webcams have small sensors and tend to make video look choppy and grainy in low light.
- Loud fans and other background noise: Air conditioners, machines that hum, computers with loud fans, and even voices from outside the room can compromise the audio in your lecture video.
- Visible clutter behind you: Avoid sitting in front of anything that can be busy or distraction to your viewers. This will ensure they focus on the content in your presentation.
Additional Recording Equipment For Optimizing Video Quality
In the event that lighting and background noises are a concern, there are affordable, simple solutions that will improve the quality of your lecture recording.
- External Microphones: Quality audio is of utmost importance when recording a lecture — if students can’t hear or understand you, they won’t be able to watch the video. To improve audio, you can add a microphone that plugs into your USB port, such as the Blue Snowball USB microphone, the Blue Yeti USB microphone, or the CAD U37 USB condenser microphone.
- Additional Lighting: Making eye contact in your video is necessary to maximize engagement with students. Make sure that your face is visible and lit with soft light from the front. You can simply position a desk lamp or two behind your laptop, or try this DIY studio lighting hack to soften the light on your face.
Related Reading: 7 Tips For Making Your Webcam Videos Look Good
Lecture Recording on Mobile Devices and Apps
You can also record lectures outside of a classroom with a tablet or smartphone, though these devices are typically more suited for field recordings or showing multiple viewpoints in a demonstration. Follow all of the above setup tips if you are recording with a mobile device and app, but also keep in mind the following:
- Most mobile device cameras have stabilizing technology, but you should considerusing a small tripod or stand if you are recording yourself — it will create a better viewing experience for your students and free up your hands as your present.
- You can add a clip-on mic that plugs into a standard audio jack, such as the Rode smartlav mic, if the sound you are getting from you phone or tablet’s built-in microphone sounds garbled or isn’t loud enough.
- Maximize the light in the space where you are recording and avoid backlight. Video quality tends to degrade quickly in low-light or when there is backlight, since cameras on mobile devices have small sensors.
4. Record a test video to check the quality of your audio and video
Best Mac App To Record Lectures For Beginners
Once you have your lecture materials and recording setup ready to go, record a test video. In this video you can not only practice your presentation, but also check to make sure you are happy with the sound, lighting, and overall video quality.
Watch a lecture video recorded using Panopto:
5. Record and edit with your lecture capture software or app
Best Mac App To Record Lectures Without
Load your slides into your lecture capture software, press record and begin your presentation.
Record all the way through without pressing stop in your lecture capture tool until the very end — if you make a mistake, simply stop presenting for a few seconds to leave a silent pause in the recording. This will make it easy to edit out the section you don’t want later. Once you’ve captured your initial recording, you can begin to edit out the sections you don’t want in your video.
When you are satisfied with your recording, click upload. Your lecture capture software will process, optimize, and upload your recording to your video library.
Related Reading: How To Live Stream Lectures
6. Share your lecture video to your LMS
Best Mac App To Record Lectures Software
As it’s uploading, Panopto automatically transcribes every word spoken in your video and uses AI to make everything inside your videos searchable. You can also request 508-compliant captioning right inside Panopto to add human-edited captions to videos. After your lecture capture recording has processed, you can share the link with students or add the video to your learning management system (LMS). And if your lecture capture software includes video analytics, you can even evaluate the effectiveness of your recordings. For example, if you notice that students are dropping off at a certain point, you can re-edit your original video in your lecture capture software to improve the learning experience.
Record a lecture with Panopto Express, a free online screen recorder.
How To Record Video On Mac
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