The options are numerous and to help you select which ones are the best, we have made a list of the top 12 of the year.

Why record videos for your business?

A few years ago, video consumption entered a continuous growth curve. In 2019, users spent an average of six hours and 48 minutes a week watching videos online – a 59% increase from just three years ago (Limelight, 2019).

In 2020, 96% of consumers increased their consumption of online videos and 9 out of 10 viewers said they wanted to see more videos from brands and companies. In fact, starting in 2022, the average person is predicted to spend 100 minutes a day watching videos on the internet.

– 5 ways to sell online courses using videos

The easy access brought by the use of mobile devices and the amount of material available online, considering that more and more companies and professionals produce content in this media format to interact with the public, justifies this accelerated growth.

Just to give you an idea, a survey by Statista shows that by 2021, 3.8 billion people were using a smartphone.

According to Strategy Analytics CEO Neil Mawston, by 2030 around 5 billion people will use smartphones worldwide.

Do you understand why recording videos is essential for your business?

Now, if you’ve never done this before, don’t despair, we’ve put together a list of 12 video recording apps to help you make this task easier.

12 quality video recording apps

The numerous video recording apps that exist in the market differ mainly by the functionalities they offer.

We’ve made a selection of 12 apps that are among the most used (and approved) today to produce professional-quality content, without you needing to be an expert on the subject. Check out!

1. Adobe Premiere Rush

One of the favorites among those who work with video creation and editing Premiere Rush is a robust and very complete tool.

This program aims at agility, and for that it has a very intuitive interface. Getting started is very simple, like any other application, select the file you want to work with from your computer, Dropbox, etc. 

The app’s professional camera allows you to make high quality videos and immediate editing. Add music and titles, apply effects, organize videos, audios, graphics and photos by drag and drop. Its tools also allow you to cut videos, use speed controls to adjust time, adjust audio, enhance colors with presets and customization.

Additionally, the app includes a powerful photo editor that allows you to apply filters, crop, adjust brightness and contrast, and add text to your images.

• Available for Android, iOS, Mac and Windows
• Free with option of paid plans 

2. Apowersoft

One of the most popular video recording apps, Apowersoft is a great solution for recording games and making tutorials. 

– Recording tutorial videos: tips to get the best result

Easy to operate, just shake the screen to start and shake again to stop recording. It supports screen recording with internal sound and audio via phone speaker.

The app allows you to display your phone’s screen on your PC; It allows you to share the recorded video clips through other apps and comes with the “Privacy Protection” function, to prevent private information from leaking while recording.

• Available for Android 
• Free with option of paid plans 

3. Movavi Screen Recorder

Movavi Screen Recorder can capture video from screen and webcam and capture multiple video and audio streams simultaneously. It also has a recording scheduler, so that you never miss an important event to capture.

To create video instructions and broadcast with a desktop demonstration, it is convenient to use the indicator of keystrokes, cursor, and the function of drawing on top of the picture. After recording, you can open the video in the built-in editor to cut out unnecessary parts.

The resulting video can be converted to any format and saved in Full HD or 4K quality. You can also upload your recording to YouTube and Google Drive directly from this screen recorder for Mac and Windows.

• Available for Android, iOS, Mac and Windows
• Free trial version

4. iMovie

We can say that one of the only drawbacks of this app is that it is developed exclusively for use with Apple products, such as iPhone, iPad and Mac.

If you are the happy owner of one of these devices, know that iMovie lets you add solid backgrounds, gradients and standard colors to movies; slow down or speed up any clip; use PIP, green screen and split screen effects; select from over 80 soundtracks that automatically adjust to the length of the video; add sound effects, your own narration; between others.

Want more? The app allows you to share your creations on social media without the slightest effort, the integration is beautiful to see.

• Available for iOS
• Free

5. EZ Screen Recorder

Another celebrity among video recording apps, the EZ allows you to record what happens on your device’s screen easily and smoothly. 

Just one tap to take a screenshot. You can set different video resolutions, frame rates and automatically choose the best settings for your device.

When the video recording or screenshot is finished, you can easily share the content with other apps like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.

– How to promote your business on YouTube

• Available for Android
• Free

6. ProCam 8

We don’t want to exclude anyone, but we need to talk about ProCam 8, even if it also only works on iPhones, as it brings DSLR camera level features.

Easy to use in the world of the video recording apps, it has features that appear when you tap the settings icon. A single touch gives you manual control over focus and exposure. And it’s easy to change video formats or add a grid overlay before shooting.

Although paid, its cost is low (around 10 dollars) and as you evolve in the use of the application, you can buy new features to get even better results.

• Available for iOS
• Paid 

7. VideoShow

Want to record full videos, create different, fun and unique content for your social networks, online courses and much more? VideoShow is your app!

The program offers more than 50 themes designed to generate a music video, hundreds of background music, various text styles and fonts for subtitles, filters, gifs, memes, emojis, as well as advanced editing functions. 

– Basic Video Editing Techniques

Perfect for making creative videos, you can find the app at  App Store and on Play Store.

• Available for Android and iOS
• Free 

8. Open Camera

Open Camera brings features from the world of professional video production and editing to the palm of your hand, unless you have an iPhone, because this open source application is only for Android.

Its great advantage is that it has an extensive list of features to leave your images with good quality, even if your cell phone doesn’t have an excellent camera.

The app has several exposure-related features such as focus, color effects, white balance, ISO, exposure compensation/lock, face detection, torch and antibanding. It also has an inverted view option for use with attachable lenses, support for external microphones, among others.

• Available for Android
• Free

9. AZ Screen Recorder

Easy to use, the AZ screen recorder allows you to record your screen in FullHD and QHD videos, and is the only screencast app on the market that can be paused and resumed while recording.  

Excellent for making tutorials, this application allows you to configure the video resolution, screen orientation, share or delete recorded videos, does not have a watermark and time limit and even offers the option of live streaming to social networks. 

– Live video streaming: 5 ways to make money

To improve, the app does not display ads and does not require root access. 

• Available for Android
• Free

10. Movie Pro

A solution that cares about your pocket, Movie Pro offers robust features without making you pay what they’re really worth.

Among the features that the app offers, shout out to recording videos with time lapse; capture photos while recording; zoom speed control; MultiCam recording; automatic white balance and much more.

The app is currently priced at $9,99.00 on the App Store (yes, we’re talking about an Apple-exclusive product again), and it’s perfect for anyone who wants even more impressive results.

• Available for iOS
• Paid

11. MAVIS

We can’t deny that Apple is very friendly with those who want to record videos. Another option for branded devices, MAVIS  has numerous advanced features and allows recording in HD, 2K and 4K.

It provides professional grade filming tools including focus peaking, waveform monitor, vectorscope, false colors and zebras.

The app also offers audio controls, audio metering, custom resolutions, frame rates and recording formats. Features natural interface to provide full flexible manual control while shooting.

• Available for iOS
• Free

12. DU Recorder – Screen Recorder 

DU Recorder is a high quality screen recorder that can be downloaded for free. 

Simple to use and packed with cool features, you can enable the front camera, record external sound, make cuts, combine your videos, add background music, make animated GIFs, and even share the content as a live stream on major video platforms. 

When finished, you can save the video to your smartphone’s memory or share it directly on any social network.

• Available for Android, iOS, Mac and Windows
• Free

– Meet the best free screen recorders

BONUS Tips for Online Course Creators

Camtasia Studio

Well-known application, we cannot say that Camtasia is the simplest option to use, nor the cheapest, but it is certainly among the most complete.

With Camtasia, you can record virtually anything on your computer screen, such as websites, software, video calls, or PowerPoint presentations. Also, it has a built-in editor so you don’t have to export your videos to other software for editing.

Among the video recording apps, this is one of the favorites of online courses creators, thanks to its numerous features that facilitate the development of teaching material, such as turning presentations into videos, including captions, quizzes, arrows and annotations to highlight important points, and much more.

When finished, the app lets you instantly upload your video to YouTube, Vimeo, Screencast or your online course.

• Available for Android, iOS, Mac and Windows
• Paid 

FiLMic Pro

FiLMic Pro is another favorite one between the video recording apps, for its high performance and ease of use. With well-designed screens and buttons, it’s easy to feel like an expert when recording videos.

Features standard, manual, and hybrid shooting modes; portrait or landscape shooting orientations; variable zoom speed; slow and fast motion special effects options; adjustable time-lapse recording; etc.

Recorded video, you can even adjust settings (exposure, contrast, saturation, hue, color temperature) and save presets. 

• Available for Android and iOS
• Paid

Final tips for recording quality videos  

Choosing between video recording apps is already a big part of the way, but to record video with quality you need to think about a few more factors that influence the final result.

To begin, take a good look at your surroundings. Think of the need to prepare your movie set or, in other words, set up a home recording studio.

–  Learn how to record videos at home

Make sure you organize the environment around you, so that you show the identity of your business and convey to your audience the image you want. 

In any image work, lighting is everything, so pay extra attention on this, making the most of natural light and making sure there aren’t any shadows cast over you or whatever the “star” of the shot is.

As we’ve talked about numerous times here before, invest in a microphone. This is not an expensive piece of equipment and makes all the difference in audio quality.

– Meet 4 Voice Recorder Models for your Business

Use a tripod to give your smartphone better stability and always record with the back camera. These simple precautions will save you many hours of editing.

Video ready, all you need to do now is select a platform to host your content in order to make it available to the students of your online course.

You can then add the video to your website or LMS without slowing down page load times.

– How to Choose the Right Video Hosting Platform

Elearning platform (LMS), the Coursify.me has all the necessary features for you to integrate and import content from sites like Vimeo and YouTube.

– Whats is a Learning Management System

Instructors can embed their videos hosted on any of these channels on their page on Coursify.me, making their classes even better and more complete.

To know more, visit our website, test it out and take advantage of all the features of our platform to create and sell quality online courses. If you need any help, let us know!

The post 12 best video recording apps [+ BONUS tips] appeared first on Blog Coursify.me.

With the right tips and little equipment, you can get great results. 

Recording Videos: How to Set Up a Home Studio

To record videos, before you start, you need to prepare the environment and the equipment you will be using. 

Fortunately, you can create an amazing studio on a budget, as long as you’re prepared to be a little creative.

Here’s how to turn your home into a professional-grade studio:

1. Camera 

Since most people don’t have a professional video camera, using a smartphone, laptop, or webcam is the second best option.

The good news is that most modern smartphones are capable of recording videos with excellent resolution. If this is your option, make sure your phone is capable of capturing images in 4K resolution.

Now, if you’ve got the money to invest and want to shoot videos with the highest quality, get a DSLR, especially ones where the screen can swivel outward so you can see yourself as you shoot.

– How to choose the right camera to record videos

Camera

The next step is to position the camera at the perfect angle mounting, and for that you will need a stand, something that will keep the camera stable.

It’s always possible to lean the camera on a pile of books and things like that, but if you want to make your life easier and ensure a good result, here are some options to consider: 

Tripod 

The tripod is a simple and practical support that makes all the difference when recording videos, giving stability to the footage and allowing you to adjust the height and angle of the camera. On the internet you can easily find options that fit the most varied budgets. Believe us, it’s worth the investment!

Gorillapod 

This type of stand has flexible legs that you can attach to different types of surfaces (such as tables, pillars, etc.), which is really useful for positioning your camera at the perfect angle, no matter in what environment you’re shooting.

Desk Mount

This phone mount is perfect for top-down shooting as it mounts to the surface you’re working on and features a flexible neck for setting the framing. An excellent option for those who need to film manual tasks, for example, preparing a recipe or assembling a product.

If you’re not sure if the framing looks good, or are afraid to get out of it while recording, another tip is to shoot with your smartphone’s front camera, so you can look at yourself on the screen while you’re recording.

Now, see a basic step by step to achieve great results:

• Stabilize your camera with the help of a tripod or support on a stable surface.
• Position the camera so that it is at eye level, if possible.
• Leave enough space around the subject (main object/person to be filmed) so that the video can be easily cropped on different platforms (e.i. a 16:9 video for YouTube can be cut into a 9:16 video for IGTV or Reels). 
• Leave some distance between the subject and the background. This helps add depth to the video.
• Check your phone / camera / laptop settings to make sure you’re recording at the highest possible resolution.
• Make sure you have enough memory space before you start recording.

– Record tutorial videos: tips to get the best result

2. Lighting

Don’t underestimate lighting, it makes a big difference in the final result, especially to record videos using a smartphone or laptop. 

Here are some equipment that help improve lighting when shooting:

Softbox 

A softbox is a simple piece of equipment that illuminates a large area with a softer light. 

This method works well if your space is big enough (in a smaller area, it can make everything look hard and overexposed). 

A tip is to buy LED bulbs to use together, as LED lights don’t heat up.

Light fixture

If your space is small, you may not have the option to use a softbox. 

To work around this, point a light fixture at a white wall so the light reflects back at you, creating a wider, softer light source.

Natural lighting 

Want to save the most? Natural light is your greatest ally.

Instead of investing in a softbox, you can stand facing a window. The cheapest and easiest way to set up a recording studio is, without a doubt, to record videos with your laptop or cell phone using natural light. However, you need to consider where the light comes from to avoid exposure problems.

The best position in case you use light that comes from a window, is to stand beside or in front of it. Make sure there isn’t too much light behind you, otherwise only your silhouette will appear. 

If you can’t get away from a window behind you, a good tip is to cover it with an opaque white curtain to soften or diffuse the incoming light. 

The tricky part of this setup is that the sun moves throughout the day, so if you’re shooting for a long period of time, your lighting might be inconsistent.

Here are some tips for getting the best results:

• Shoot in a well-lit place with natural light during the day, if possible. If it is possible to diffuse the light through translucent curtains, so much the better!
• Turn on all indoor lights along with natural light, the more the better.
• Avoid strong shadows on the subject. Try to get even, flat lighting.
• If you have access to artificial lighting, such as a ring of light, feel free to use it – but be careful to avoid shadows or reflections on the glass. 

3. Audio 

Audio quality is indispensable for creating online courses, as your students need to hear everything you say clearly.

For best results, use an external microphone and synchronize the audio during the editing process. 

– Basic Video Editing Techniques

Microphone

Even if you have great content, if the audio quality is poor, the learning experience of your students will suffer, so our advice is to use the best microphone you can afford.

Snowball microphone 

You can use a snowball microphone to record videos over a wider area (like a room) or even with several people talking (like a podcast). 

This is also a good microphone if you plan on adding narration to already recorded video or streaming it. 

Lapel microphone

The lavalier microphone is extremely directional and can clearly capture your voice. 

Easy to carry, it’s perfect if you’re shooting outdoors, broadcasting live, or moving around a lot while shooting. 

These are some microphone options, but there are several others on the market at different prices. Do good research and see which best suits your needs.

– 4 Great Voice Recorders for your Business

To ensure the best result, see the following tips:

• Record videos in a quiet place, with doors and windows closed to avoid unwanted noise.
• Shoot in a carpeted space or somewhere with a lot of upholstery. This helps to “dampen” the sound and reduce echo. Likewise, avoid recording in an empty room with bare walls, as this can make the audio sound diminished.
• If you are using an external microphone, clap your hands at the beginning of a take. This will help you synchronize the audio with the footage. 
• Position an external microphone slightly away from the audio source (ie, your mouth). If the microphone is too close, it can distort the sound. 
• If you are using a clip-on microphone, clip it to your clothing and position it pointing up toward your chin. 

4. Background

The location you choose to shoot can have a big impact on the professional look of your video.

You don’t want to record videos with an ugly or messy background, so plan what’s going on behind you.

Small decorative details like plants and pictures can help a lot to improve the quality of your production.

Look for cozy corners of your home that are intimate and “fit” what you have to say. An office, garden or even a kitchen can be excellent backdrops if they are organized and related in some way to the subject you are addressing.

– 7 tips for speaking well on video

Use plants, tables, ornaments, chairs, books and pillows to add personality to your videos, but not all at once. You want your students to pay attention to you, and not end up lost in the confusion that is the room around you.

If you don’t have a viable space, use a seamless paper backdrop in a color that aligns with your brand. And, of course, always look for a room where you don’t risk being interrupted.

And that’s it! With these simple tips, you are able to record videos at home with professional quality.

Publish your videos on a learning platform

The next step is to edit the recording until the final result is perfect.

Then, simply upload the video to a elearning platform, where your students can purchase your online course and watch your classes.

Learning Management System (LMS), Coursify.me has all the necessary features for you to integrate and import content from video hosting platforms such as Vimeo and YouTube.

– Whats is a Learning Management System

Instructors can embed their hosted videos in any of these channels on their page on Coursify.me, leaving their lessons even better and more complete.

Visit our website, make a test and take advantage of all the features of our platform to make videos and create quality online courses.

The post How to set up a home studio to record videos appeared first on Blog Coursify.me.

So we’ve put together some tips in this handy guide that will help you record quality videos at home.

How to record videos at home with professional quality 

Learning how to record videos at home is a good start for those who are starting in the e-Learning market. 

Online courses that include videos are preferred by the public and therefore are more valued and sell easier.

– How to create videos for online courses

For those who never went far beyond recording videos on their cell phones to post on social networks, the production of videos with professional presentation can seem complicated. But with today’s technology, we can say that this is not true. 

If a few years ago it was necessary to invest in expensive cameras to have a good result, nowadays most smartphones have built-in cameras capable of recording in high quality and resolution.

In addition, there are several free software on the internet that assist in editing the material and inserting additional resources to make the result even better.

You can produce videos in which you appear explaining the content, which is great to help you create a connection with the student, as well as tutorial videos, using programs that allow you to record your computer screen.

– Record video tutorials: tips for getting the best result

All of this helps to make your online course interesting and effective with minimal investment.

Following some basic tips, it is possible to record videos at home with equipment you already own, such as a computer and smartphone. 

– Meet the best free screen recorders

10 practical tips to record videos at home 

Check out 10 tips to achieve a good result saving and without having to leave the house.

1. Film with your computer / smartphone

Most people have a cell phone and a computer, or at least have a friend who has one of these devices to borrow. 

If you choose your smartphone, remember that the rear camera has better quality, has a higher resolution and offers more features in the app. 

2. Film with your phone horizontally or laptop vertically

When recording videos at home with equipment positioned in this way, you will create a widescreen video, so no one will even notice that you shot with your own equipment in the comfort of your home.

If using a laptop, make sure you are shooting with the camera at a 90° angle. If it is tilted it can distort the image a little.

3. Use a tripod or elevate your computer

You will want the camera lens to be well stabilized and at the height of your face, as this creates a better angle and favors your image. 

If using a smartphone, buy a small tripod. If it’s a computer, improvise and place it on a pile of books and whatever else is needed to reach the ideal height.

4. Never record with zoom

When you want to get a close view of something, it is tempting to press the zoom button on your camera. But, most devices only offer digital zoom, which can degrade the quality of your image.

So, to get a greater focus on your face or other element you want to present, instead of zooming, get closer to the camera. 

5. Film at 24 frames per second

Using this setting to record videos at home ensures smooth image flow.

A lower definition can leave the image with a slightly lower quality and, even if few people realize it, there is no reason to compromise the quality of your material for a simple matter of configuration.

6. Use one device to record video and another to record audio

This makes things a little more complicated than using the microphone on the device you are already using, but it makes a big difference in the audio quality of your video. 

Place a cell phone / computer in front of you to record the image and position another smartphone (if you have a microphone, better) closer to your face to capture a clearer sound. Later, in the editing process, you will be able to combine audio and image.

– Tips for speaking well on video

7. Clap your hands to mark the beginning of a new scene

What? Why? To replace the famous clapperboard? That’s right! Hit your hands hard before starting a new scene. This will create a noise that will appear as a peak volume when editing. 

The loud sound generated will act as a reference for you to be able to synchronize the images from one camera with the audio captured by the other, when editing the material.

8. Use a sheet in the background

To record professional looking home videos, creating a backdrop with a neutral background is a good idea in most cases.

Just lay out a white or black sheet so that it covers the entire background of the scene that appears in the video. Tip: black works better than white, especially if you use bright lights.

9. Use soft objects to avoid the echo

Noise that can compromise the quality of your video, the echo is generated when recording the sound in large rooms, empty spaces or even because you removed furniture to create a studio. 

A simple solution is to use pillows, rugs, and anything else that absorbs this unwanted noise. 

10. Enjoy natural light

The best solution to record videos at home without spending on lighting equipment? Shoot near a window and enjoy natural light. 

If you think you need more light, use light fixtures and whatever else you have at home that can provide support. The important thing is to ensure that your face is well lit and without shadows.

Now, related to the recording location, there are some more tips that can contribute to the quality of your video.

Record videos at home: how to set up a home recording studio

Having your own studio to record videos at home offers two main advantages:

• Low cost and high return
• Semi-permanence

For those who create online courses, recording videos is a path of no return and, even if you only start with equipment you already own, don’t be surprised if you decide to invest in a tripod, microphone and so on in a short time.

Once you start buying more professional equipment, you can consider using part of your work area or some space in your home as a permanent studio or one easy to put together when you need it.

That’s the beauty of these DIY studios. You have the option of leaving everything installed or simply taking it apart until you want to use it again.

Interested in the idea? We have organized a list of the main equipment for recording videos at home that will make a difference in the quality of your video and, consequently, can bring greater return on your investment.

Microphone

It is true that hanging a smartphone from the ceiling using a fishing line is a good way to improvise a microphone. But even better is to use a real microphone and take your video quality to the next level. 

There are several brands of microphones and voice recorders that you can use. Features and values ​​vary from model to model, so we recommend that you do a good research of what best suits your needs before purchasing one. 

– 4 Great Voice Recorders for your Business

Clip-on Lamp

To make the studio lighting, we keep our tip that using natural light is always the best choice. However, if you live in a place that gets low light, a lamp is a great option. 

It is possible to find lamps to buy anywhere for a very affordable price, but give preference to those that have a clip system and can be attached to table corners and other types of support.

Remember that you will need the light to be positioned at a 45 ° angle to the object / person being filmed.

To complement and improve the result, place another light source in the background to get rid of the shadows.

TIP: If you bought lamps especially for lighting your studio, it is not necessary to open the windows. Rather than helping, in this case natural light can hinder the effect you have created with the strategically placed lamps. 

Camera

Buying a camera is the obvious next step to record videos at home with the best possible quality.

As well as microphones, there are many camera options that you can purchase, such as those from Canon or Nikon. 

Do your research and find the one with the best cost benefit for your goals. When you buy the camera, don’t miss the chance to buy the corresponding tripod.

These are the main equipment to raise the level of your video production and create quality content for your online course.

If you decide that you want to invest in even better equipment, the next items we recommend are the following:

• Professional background: the famous green screen opens up a new world of possibilities for you to record videos at home.
• Sound panels: to ensure greater clarity of the sound, buying and installing some sound panels to muffle noise is a good option.
• Even better cameras: the most expensive investment, but the one with the highest return.

Video editing

Serious editing requires knowledge and practice, but a little basic editing can help make your videos more professional.

With the help of some free editing softwares, you can remove unwanted parts from your video clips. In addition, these tools allow you to merge multiple clips and photos, add soundtrack, video filters and create mini-movies that are worth sharing.

Stopping the beginning and end of a clip generally enhances the result, as well as share a longer clip into several shorters.This is especially true for something you want to share online.

– Basic Video Editing Techniques

Host video lessons on Coursify.me

You now know what you need to create videos compelling, professional-looking.

Ready-made material, get feedback from some friends, make the necessary improvements and when everything is perfect, upload it to video platforms or go straight to your online school at Coursify.me.

– How to Choose the Right Video Hosting Platform

ELearning platform (LMS), Coursify.me has all the necessary features for you to integrate and import content from video hosting platforms such as Vimeo and YouTube.

– Whats is a Learning Management System (LMS)

Instructors can embed their hosted videos in any of these channels on their page on Coursify.me, leaving their lessons even better and more complete.

Visit our website and take advantage of all the features of our platform to make tutorial videos and create quality online courses.

The post Learn how to record videos at home appeared first on Blog Coursify.me.