How-to and tutorial videos

A good tutorial solves one problem

A how-to video should solve one clear problem from start to finish. In the first sentence, say what the viewer will be able to do by the end and what they need. Then show it, step by step, without detours.

How to structure a tutorial

1. Show the end result first

   Open with the finished shelf, the working formula or the fixed tap. Viewers can tell right away that this is the tutorial they need.

2. List every tool and part

   Show each tool on screen and list them in the description. Nobody wants to find out at step four that they are missing a drill bit.

3. One step per shot

   Film each step as its own shot and say the step number out loud. Viewers can pause, catch up and find their place again.

4. Point out the common mistake

   Show where people usually go wrong and how to spot it. This is often the part viewers came for.

5. Recap at the end

   Run through the steps again in a few seconds. It helps people check their own work.

Make every step easy to see and hear

Add a time for each step to the description, so people can jump back to the part they missed. Turn on automatic captions: many people watch tutorials in a noisy workshop or with the sound off.

For screen tutorials, zoom in on the button you click and slow your mouse down. A big cursor helps.

Tutorial habits viewers notice

• Say the exact names of tools, parts and menu items, so people can search for them.
• Keep your hands and the work in frame, and light them from the front.
• Mention the version of the software or model you are using. Menus move between versions.
• Put links to parts or downloads in the description, not only on screen.

Put tutorials where people need them

Tutorials often work best next to the product or page they explain. Our guide on embedding video on a website shows how to add one to a help page or blog.

Screen recorders often save MKV or MOV files. VideoBB accepts both, but the free video converter makes an MP4 if another app needs one.