How to Create Video Tutorials Online: A Complete Guide

The world has changed a lot over the centuries, but one thing hasn’t: people’s hunger for knowledge. Whether for fun, growth, or learning new skills, most turn to the internet to guide them.
 

That’s where video tutorials come in: your secret weapon for sharing wisdom and connecting with viewers. From cooking demos to DIY tips, tutorials can be as brief or detailed as you like.
 

Ready to learn how to make YouTube tutorials that boost engagement and attract new viewers? Keep reading to find out how!

What is a video tutorial? 

A video tutorial is content that walks viewers through a process, task, or concept step by step. From DIY projects to crafting techniques, tutorials make big topics simple and easy to follow.
 

They’re also great for explaining complex ideas in a clear, visual way. With good structure and elements like motion titles or animations, tutorials help viewers learn and remember more effectively.
 

Most importantly, tutorials aren’t sales pitches. They should share knowledge, not push products. Disguised promotions only break trust and make viewers tune out.

Why make video tutorials? 

Did you know over 80% of U.S. viewers turn to YouTube to learn new things? Tutorials are hugely popular worldwide and appeal to all age groups. People love learning at their own pace in a comfortable space, and video tutorials make that possible. With pause and rewind options, viewers can absorb information on their own terms.
 

So why create tutorials? By sharing valuable knowledge, you position yourself or your brand as a go-to learning source. This builds trust, fosters authentic engagement, and can grow your audience into a community that values your expertise.
 

Tutorial videos also:

• Boost engagement by sparking conversations in the comments.
• Create evergreen content that stays useful for years.
• Increase brand awareness since tutorials are highly shareable and reach new audiences.

How to create video tutorials in 7 detailed steps with Flixier

Sharing your expertise through tutorials is fun and rewarding. With Flixier, you can handle the entire process: planning, recording, editing, and publishing, all in one place. Here’s how:

#1 Brainstorm ideas

Start by listing possible tutorial topics within your expertise. Think about questions your audience often asks, problems they need solving, or skills they want to learn. You can brainstorm alone, with colleagues, or even use AI tools like Flixier’s AI Video Generator to suggest creative angles. Prioritize ideas that provide real value and are likely to engage viewers.

#2 Research & refine your topic

Check existing tutorials on your chosen topic to see what’s already out there. Identify gaps you can fill or a unique approach you can offer. Make sure all your content is accurate, up-to-date, and matches your audience’s skill level.

#3 Plan and outline

Create a storyboard or outline in Flixier. Map out each step of your tutorial, noting visuals, on-screen actions, and narration. Decide your format: screen recording, webcam demo, or a combination and add chapter markers or section headers for clarity. Include an intro, step-by-step content, and a conclusion that reinforces key takeaways.

#4 Set up and record

Use Flixier’s screen and webcam recorder to capture your demonstration. Adjust your layout (full screen, webcam overlay, or split-screen) depending on the tutorial. Test your microphone and lighting for clear audio and visuals. 

Record extra takes of complex steps to give yourself editing options. You can also import additional footage from your phone, camera, or cloud storage directly into Flixier.

#5 Edit and polish

Drag your recordings onto Flixier’s timeline. Start by trimming mistakes, awkward pauses, or filler. Add:

• Text overlays (step numbers, key points)
• Motion titles to break your tutorial into chapters
• Zooms, highlights, or shapes to emphasize details
• Background music or audio cleaning for a professional touch
• Subtitles for accessibility

Use the drag-and-drop editor to combine clips, adjust timing, and make the tutorial smooth and engaging. Preview your video to make sure it’s clear and well-paced. 

#6 Review and finalize

Watch the full tutorial from start to finish as if you were a viewer. Check that every step is clear and visuals match the instructions. Make final tweaks to text, animations, or timing. Consider sharing a draft with a colleague or friend for feedback before publishing.

#7 Publish and repurpose

Export your video directly from Flixier in the format you need and publish to YouTube, Vimeo, or social media. Create a clickable thumbnail using a frame from your video or design one in Flixier. Extend your content shelf-life by:

• Extracting short clips for social media
• Turning your transcript into a blog post or guide
• Using AI tools in Flixier to generate shareable highlights or summaries

Types of tutorial videos you can create 

Depending on your channel’s focus, there are various types of tutorial videos you can share. Here are some of the most popular formats to consider:

By visual style

• Screencast tutorials  – Great for showing processes or guiding viewers through software installations or navigation. They usually involve a screen recording with a voiceover playing in the background. Sometimes, they also include webcam footage of the instructor (you).

• Animated tutorials – Ideal for explaining complex topics or processes in a visual way. Usually include animations and illustrations. They don’t usually show the instructor’s face, as that would disrupt the learning experience.

• Talking head tutorials – Typically feature the creator talking directly to the camera, combined with supporting visuals. This type of tutorial is a great fit for motivating content and personal development, as it creates a more personal connection with viewers.

• Live action demos – Great for DIY, cooking, makeup, or product assembly videos. They usually include a real-time recording of someone performing a task, with close-up shots highlighting important steps and detailed narration to explain it all. 

By content type 

• Explainer videos – Usually animated or illustrated, these are meant to simplify and explain complex topics or products. 
   
• Step-by-step how-to videos – Typically feature a sequence of steps that viewers need to follow in order to complete a task. Used in many situations, including software installation, cooking videos, and crafting techniques.
   
• Product demos – These show a product in action, explaining its features, benefits, and how it works. Perfect for tech gadgets, software, and e-commerce products. 
   
• Problem-solution videos – Present a specific problem and offer a solution with a step-by-step approach. Ideal for customer support queries, troubleshooting, or repair guides. 

How to monetize your tutorial videos 

Your video tutorial is now live – congrats! But can you get any reward out of publishing it besides the thrill of sharing your expertise with a community of enthusiastic learners? Sure you can!

Sure you can! Check out our guide on monetizing YouTube videos to learn how to make money with tutorial videos, see if your video qualifies for monetization, and get more tips on how to grow your YouTube channel and increase your revenue.