Create your first video course
Many of the best online courses combine multiple recording sources: your screen to show what you're doing, your face to create personal connection, and clear audio to ensure understanding. Getting all three working together smoothly can seem complex, but with the right setup and workflow, it becomes straightforward.
This guide will show you how to record multiple sources simultaneously, manage the technical challenges, and create the kind of polished, multi-layered videos that keep students engaged and learning effectively.
Screen + Camera + Audio provides: - Visual demonstration: Students see exactly what you're doing - Personal connection: Your face maintains human connection - Clear instruction: High-quality audio ensures understanding - Professional appearance: Multi-angle content feels more polished and valuable
When you need this setup: - Software tutorials and technical training - Design and creative courses - Business and productivity training - Any course where you need to show digital processes
Technical synchronization: Keeping video and audio sources in sync Resource management: Multiple recording streams can overwhelm computers File organization: Managing multiple files per lesson Quality consistency: Ensuring all sources maintain professional standards Workflow complexity: More moving parts mean more potential failure points
OBS Studio (Free) - Records screen, camera, and audio simultaneously - Professional-level control and customization - Learning curve but very powerful - Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Camtasia ($300) - User-friendly interface for beginners - Built-in editing capabilities - Good for simple multi-source recording - Limited compared to OBS but easier to learn
ScreenFlow (Mac, $170) - Mac-specific screen recording with editing - Simple multi-source setup - Good balance of power and usability - Integrated editing workflow
Screen recording: Loom, Snagit, QuickTime (Mac) Camera recording: Built-in camera apps, ManyCam Audio recording: Audacity, GarageBand, dedicated recorders
Minimum requirements: - 8GB RAM (16GB recommended for smooth performance) - Modern processor (Intel i5/AMD Ryzen 5 or better) - Dedicated graphics card helpful but not essential - Fast storage (SSD preferred for real-time recording)
Signs your computer might struggle: - Slow performance during regular use - Fan running constantly during normal tasks - Limited available storage space - Older than 5 years without upgrades
USB microphone: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, Rode PodMic Audio interface + XLR mic: Focusrite Scarlett + Shure SM7B Headphones: For monitoring audio quality in real-time Boom arm: Keeps microphone positioned consistently
Webcam: Logitech Brio, C920, or built-in laptop camera Dedicated camera: DSLR or mirrorless with USB output Lighting: LED panel or ring light for consistent video quality Tripod: Stable positioning for camera
Download and install OBS Studio - Free from obsproject.com - Choose appropriate version for your operating system - Run initial setup wizard
Basic scene setup: 1. Add Display Capture: Captures your entire screen or specific window 2. Add Video Capture Device: Your camera input 3. Add Audio Input Capture: Your microphone 4. Arrange sources: Position camera overlay on screen capture
Full screen capture: - Captures everything on your monitor - Good for switching between applications - Be careful with notifications and private information
Window capture: - Captures specific application window - More focused for tutorials - Automatically follows window if you move it
Application capture: - Captures specific app even when other windows overlap - Most reliable for consistent recording - Best for software demonstrations
Picture-in-picture style: - Small camera window in corner of screen - Typical size: 20-25% of screen width - Position: Usually bottom right corner
Side-by-side layout: - Split screen between camera and screen content - Good when both sources need equal attention - Common split: 30% camera, 70% screen
Full-screen switching: - Switch between full camera and full screen - Good for alternating between instruction and demonstration - Requires scene switching during recording
Microphone audio: Your voice instruction Computer audio: System sounds, notification audio, application audio Separate tracks: Record each source on separate audio tracks for editing flexibility
Proper level setting: - Microphone: Peak around -12dB to -6dB - Computer audio: Lower than voice, around -18dB to -12dB - Monitor with headphones during recording
Audio testing routine: 1. Test microphone levels while speaking normally 2. Test computer audio at typical volume 3. Test both together to check for interference 4. Record 30-second test to verify quality
Built-in sync: OBS records everything together automatically Manual sync: If using separate recorders, create sync points (clap, visual cue) Monitor throughout: Check sync periodically during long recordings
Buffer times: Start recording 5 seconds before speaking Computer performance: Close unnecessary applications to reduce lag Storage speed: Use fast drives to prevent dropped frames
Cursor visibility: Ensure cursor is visible and appropriately sized Smooth movements: Move mouse slowly and deliberately Highlighting: Use cursor or annotation tools to emphasize important areas Zoom when needed: For small text or detailed interface elements
Maintain eye contact: Look at camera when addressing students directly Natural gestures: Use hands to emphasize points and maintain engagement Consistent positioning: Stay within camera frame throughout recording Energy level: Maintain enthusiasm even when focused on screen
Consistent distance: Maintain same distance from microphone Clear articulation: Speak clearly, especially when explaining technical terms Pace control: Slow down for complex procedures, maintain good rhythm Monitor continuously: Wear headphones to catch audio issues immediately
Chunk information: Break complex procedures into smaller steps Preview and review: Explain what you'll do, do it, then summarize Multiple takes: Record complex sections separately if needed Student perspective: Regularly consider what students need to see and hear
Minor mistakes: Continue recording and fix in editing Major errors: Pause, take a breath, and correct clearly Technical issues: Stop recording if equipment problems occur Lost flow: Take a moment to reorient rather than pushing through confusion
Multiple scenes: Create different layouts for different content types
- Scene 1: Full screen with small camera overlay
- Scene 2: Large camera with small screen overlay
- Scene 3: Side-by-side layout
- Scene 4: Full camera for introductions/conclusions
Hotkey setup: Assign keyboard shortcuts for quick scene switching Transition effects: Add smooth transitions between scenes Practice switching: Rehearse scene changes before recording
Multiple camera angles: Use multiple cameras for different perspectives Camera movement: Slight zooms or position changes for visual interest Reaction shots: Cut to camera for emphasis or personal connection Green screen: Replace background for consistent branding
Separate tracks for editing flexibility: - Track 1: Microphone audio - Track 2: Computer/system audio - Track 3: Background music (if used) - Track 4: Room tone/ambient audio
Noise suppression: Remove background noise during recording Compression: Even out audio levels automatically EQ adjustment: Enhance voice clarity and remove problematic frequencies Monitoring: Always monitor processed audio to ensure quality
Overlays and graphics: Add consistent branding elements Lower thirds: Name tags or course information Progress indicators: Show lesson progress or chapter information Call-outs: Highlight important information visually
Recording templates: Save OBS scenes for quick setup Automated file naming: Use consistent naming conventions Backup recording: Secondary recording as insurance Batch processing: Streamline post-production workflow
Problem: Audio and video out of sync Solutions:
Problem: Poor audio quality Solutions:
Problem: Dropped frames or choppy video Solutions:
Problem: Camera not detected Solutions:
CPU optimization:
Memory management:
Storage optimization:
Balancing quality and performance:
Problem: Multiple files getting disorganized Solutions:
Problem: Large file sizes Solutions:
Consistent file naming structure: - CourseTitleModuleNumberLessonNumberDate - Example: "EmailMarketingM02L0320241201" - Include version numbers for retakes: "v2", "v3"
Recommended organization:
Course Project/
├── Raw Recordings/
│ ├── Module 1/
│ ├── Module 2/
│ └── Module 3/
├── Edited Videos/
├── Audio Files/
├── Graphics and Assets/
└── Final Exports/
Basic editing steps: - Trim beginning and end silence - Remove major mistakes or long pauses - Adjust audio levels for consistency - Add simple transitions between sections - Export in appropriate format for hosting platform
When to invest more time in editing: - High-value course content - Complex technical demonstrations - Courses with premium pricing - Content that will be used long-term
Teeeach's simple, focused approach to course hosting means you can focus on content quality rather than complex technical requirements:
Video format recommendations: - MP4 format for broad compatibility - 1080p resolution for crisp viewing - Consistent audio levels throughout course
Upload considerations: - Test upload with sample videos first - Ensure consistent video quality across all lessons - Keep file sizes reasonable for student viewing
Student experience focus: - Clean, distraction-free video content - Consistent audio quality throughout - Professional appearance that matches course value
Format standardization: - MP4 container with H.264 video codec - AAC audio codec for compatibility - Consistent resolution throughout course
Quality considerations: - Balance file size with video quality - Test playback on different devices - Ensure audio is clear on various speakers/headphones
Focus: Basic multi-source recording - Master simple screen + camera recording - Achieve consistent audio quality - Develop efficient pre-recording setup routine
Focus: Workflow optimization and quality improvement - Add scene switching and advanced layouts - Improve on-camera performance while screen recording - Develop efficient post-recording workflow
Focus: Professional polish and automation - Master complex demonstrations and explanations - Develop signature visual style and branding - Create efficient, repeatable production workflows
Daily practice (10-15 minutes): - Record short explanations of familiar topics - Focus on different aspects each day (audio, video, performance) - Experiment with different layouts and configurations
Weekly projects: - Create complete mini-lessons using multi-source recording - Test different software and techniques - Gather feedback from others on recording quality
Remember: Multi-source recording should enhance your teaching, not complicate it. Start with basic setups, master the fundamentals, then gradually add advanced techniques as your comfort and skills develop.
Next up: Make Engaging Intros and Outros
This article is part of the Ultimate Guide to Creating and Selling Online Video Courses. Explore other parts of the guide:
- How to Get Ideas for Your Video Course
- How to Validate Your Course Idea
- How to Turn Ideas Into a Lesson Plan