Are you a web host who is low on cash, but wants to produce a line of their own video tutorials? This is a pretty easy thing to do (totally for free) as long as you have some free time and imagination.
Capture your Desktop with CamStudio
You can pick up an awesome desktop capturing program at CamStuido.org to capture the video from your computer’s screen. After installing, all you need to do is highlight the area you wish to record – and then hit the record button.
Record Your Audio Track with Audacity
Audacity is the free audio editor I have used to produce my podcast since day one. It is free and really easy to use. You could use it to record any audio commentary you wanted, so that way you add a little more helpfulness to the tutorial you are making.
Edit your Video Tutorial Together
To edit your video, there are several programs out there you could use. Personally, I just used the free Windows Movie Maker than came with my computer. Then again, I am all about keeping things as ghetto as possible. If not Windows Movie Maker, I am willing to bet you have some free program that came on your computer that would do the deed. An online video editing alternative would be Jumpcut.com. Another free desktop solution would be VideoSpin from VideoSpin.com.
Check out Wikipedia’s List of Commercial and Free Video Editing Software
Final Tweaks, Edits and Uploading the Final Product
Before you upload, you might also want to make sure you have your URL, brand or logo somewhere on the video. It never hurts to do a little advertising – so people know where they can get more of your fine work. After that has been done, you can upload your video to YouTube or a number of other video sharing sites. Grab the embed code, and you have your own video tutorial ready to go. To get you inspired, here is one I created on doing trace routes:
If you are a web host on a budget, there is no reason to spend more than you need to. If you have the free time and creativity, then rolling your own video tutorials can also be a great way to gain exposure and do a little self advertising too.
