Recording Videos

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free and open-source program for desktop computers. It can help with broadcasting and recording live events. The program captures feeds from a variety of video sources and can merge into a single video. Staff have used its ability to allow presenters to superimpose their webcam feeds over screen captures.

• Open Broadcaster Software
• OBS Tutorials

OBS is also a great video editing platform, which can be used to edit videos created in OBS or imported from elsewhere.

You can find out more on the Editing Videos page.

• Camtasia
• Camtasia Tutorials

Camtasia is also an excellent video editing platform, which can be used to edit videos created in Camtasia or imported from elsewhere.

You can find out more on the Editing Videos page.

Shotcut is a free and open-source program with the ability to capture video from your webcam, as well as audio recordings and voiceovers.

It is also our recommended video editor, meaning you can record, edit and enhance your recordings all in the same program, or import those from elsewhere. 

You can find out more on our Editing Videos page. 

You will already have access to a range of recording devices; for example a smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, or laptop. These devices will have either a built-in or attachable camera and microphone. We encourage you to use these devices to create your video content.

If you use a visualiser (or document camera) on campus, you can also purchase a 'mobile' version for use at home, or simply simulate one using a mobile phone. You can find more information on our Types of Video page. 

It is important to consider your environment before filming. Try to record in a quiet, well-lit space with a plain background or neat bookcase behind you. If possible, try to minimise movement or distractions in the background.

It is usually best to use your computer's built-in webcam for recording video content. However, if you do not have one, you can also use your mobile phone. Be sure to use the front-facing camera so you can monitor the picture while you record, and always record in landscape (horizontal) rather than portrait orientation.

Framing

To frame your shot effectively, stand or sit close to the camera, and try to place your head and shoulders centrally in the frame; not too close and not too far. Place your camera so that it's at eye-level, rather than above or under you, and try to keep it steady. 

Lighting

Always make sure you are the brightest object in the picture. If you have a light source behind you, such as a window or a lamp, it will over-expose the scene and cause you to appear in silhouette. Facing the main light source or placing a warm light in front of you is ideal.

Similarly, try to avoid strong light from above or from the side as this will cause unwanted shadows across your face.

Your device's built-in microphone is probably good enough for most videos. Try to record in as quiet a place (and at a quiet time) as you can. An inexpensive microphone can help with reducing ambient noise if finding a quiet spot is difficult.

We recommend turning off any noticeably loud and distracting machines if you can, close your windows, make sure your mobile phone is on silent, and place programs such as Teams into do-not-disturb mode to disable notifications.

A script can help to prepare content, but we recommend creating an outline with three or four key points instead. This helps you present a more authentic, natural sounding video. Aim to sound like you are talking about your subject in a one-to-one tutorial rather than giving a presentation to a large audience.

Also, remember that videos do not need to be perfect. Don't worry if your videos have a few small hiccups, corrections or long pauses. These can be edited and removed.

Video length

Expectations and attention spans make it difficult to consume videos that are too long. Try to keep your video recordings as short and as concise as possible, and certainly no more than 20 minutes long for video lectures.

Videos that are shorter - between 3 and 6 minutes long - are easier for students to digest, and can be achieved by strategically breaking apart complex topics and removing content that isn't absolutely necessary.

Video format

Videos should be produced in MP4 or MOV format for upload to ReCap.

Quiz questions in videos provide a helpful way to pause the video delivery and check understanding. Quiz questions can be added to videos (and audio) files on ReCap and to videos on Microsoft Stream.

• ReCap Editing and adding material to recordings (.docx)
• Add a survey, poll or quiz to a Microsoft Stream video (Microsoft)