Video Blogging Tool: Screencast-O-Matic

If you're looking for a way to capture your screen to use it as a video blog but don't want something as expensive as Camtasia, Screencast-O-Matic is a great option. It's free and you don't have to download anything to your computer! There is an option to download, but it works either way, so it’s perfect when you’re just getting started.

Of course, there are restrictions with the free version, as there usually are with free software. The main restrictions are you can't record anything over 15 minutes and you can't edit anything you record. If you need longer videos or the ability to edit, a paid version is available. The paid version is very affordable at $15/year. But for basic needs or when you’re just testing the vlogging waters, the free option will work just fine.

Using Screencast-O-Matic is ideal for recording how-to guides to share with your audience. Because you'll be able to capture your screen, you can walk your audience step-by-step through any process that you want to teach them. This is a useful technique because a lot of people are visual learners so being able to see (and hear you tell them) what you're doing, instead of just reading about it can make learning much easier.  Not only that, but using Screencast-O-Matic to create how-to videos also gives you the chance to show your expertise.

During the recording process, you can pause if you need to and then click record again to pick back up where you were. This is a good option to use if there's something that you don't need to share with your audience or something you don't want them to see - like logging in to a site and your password would show and you don't want them to see that. Simply hit the pause button, do what you need to do and then hit record and pick back up.

Once you have created your video, with the click of a button you can upload it to YouTube, Screencast-O-Matic or save the video file to your computer. Again, as mentioned above, if you want the ability to edit right there within Screencast-O-Matic, there is a paid version available. With the paid version, you also get the option of uploading directly to Vimeo as well.

If you're looking for a simple way to create how-to video blogs for your audience, Screencast-O-Matic is easy-to-use software that even a beginner can master. So, whether you're a pro vlogger or a newbie, be sure to check out and play around with this simple and fun tool. Aside from making vlogs for your audience, this can be a great way to make training tutorials for your team as well.