{"id":30257,"date":"2025-05-07T17:11:17","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T21:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/?post_type=tutorial&#038;p=30257"},"modified":"2026-04-30T16:31:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T20:31:38","slug":"how-to-make-a-tutorial-video","status":"publish","type":"tutorial","link":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/tutorials\/how-to-make-a-tutorial-video","title":{"rendered":"How to make a strong tutorial video"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tutorial and how-to videos are amazing resources that almost all of us have encountered before. Whether you\u2019re trying to learn a new skill or understand how to operate a new gadget, they\u2019re incredibly useful when they\u2019re done well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what separates an okay tutorial from an incredibly useful and helpful one? Today, we\u2019ll be diving into what makes an effective tutorial video, with advice from experts who have been creating these kinds of how-to videos for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-tips-for-making-effective-tutorial-videos\">4 tips for making effective tutorial videos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-know-your-audience-and-how-to-solve-their-problem-s\">1. Know your audience and how to solve their problem(s)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you\u2019re creating an instructional video, understanding exactly what viewers or your main audience needs help with is key. While you might think that it\u2019s obvious, you\u2019d be surprised at how often it\u2019s not as straightforward as it seems. Even if you make videos on a specific niche, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/tutorials\/how-to-understand-your-audience-and-create-videos-they-want-to-watch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">who your audience is<\/a> and what they\u2019re trying to accomplish will vary depending on the specific topic you\u2019re covering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, over on the Storyblocks YouTube channel, we make a lot of different how-to videos. Even though our audience is generally people who create videos, there\u2019s a lot to take into consideration with each tutorial.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take our video on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WMciMQ20jH0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to cut a clip in After Effects<\/a>, for instance. Cutting a clip is a basic skill, so we knew our audience was going to be in the new or beginner-level video creator\/editor bucket. On top of that, if they\u2019re just looking up how to do this specific action, they\u2019re probably inside After Effects, working on a project.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So it\u2019s a safe bet that they\u2019re looking for a quick video that will tell them where to find the tool and how to use it, so they can jump back into their project. As Kyle Miller, Storyblocks\u2019 Video Production Manager, explains, \u201cFor our audience\u2013often people who are newer to video editing\u2013clarity and simplicity are everything. <strong>It\u2019s better to be direct and walk them step-by-step through the solution<\/strong> than to try to impress them with complexity or tangents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-steps-to-take-during-pre-production\">Steps to take during pre-production<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Research existing content on your topic as a part of pre-production.<\/strong> Forums like Reddit or even the comment sections on other tutorial videos can help you better understand what people want to learn on the topic. What improvements can you make on already existing videos?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create your scripts with your audience\u2019s skill level and circumstances in mind. <\/strong>Beginners may need more explanations and simplicity than someone who has more experience. Think about what your viewer is likely doing when they\u2019re searching for your tutorial. Is this a quick answer they need to get back to what they were doing? Or are they researching before they actually take action on something? Understanding that can help you choose <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/blog\/what-is-the-perfect-video-length\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the right length<\/a> and delivery for your video.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-structure-and-simplicity-are-your-best-friends\">2. Structure and simplicity are your best friends<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like you would read a set of instructions and expect them to go in order, your instructional video needs to have a clear, organized structure. As Tymon Reynders, the creator behind multiple tutorial-focused YouTube channels, puts it, \u201cA well-organized tutorial keeps viewers engaged and makes the learning process smoother from start to finish.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using a basic structure of an opening hook (more on that in the next section), steps to follow, and then an ending recap will work for nearly any how-to video. Whether or not you fully <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/blog\/video-script-templates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">script your video<\/a> or use a looser structure like bullet points is up to you. Just make sure you\u2019re covering all of the important information and presenting it in a clear, linear way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Kyle points out, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be the most <em>engaging<\/em> thing ever\u2013it just has to help someone get what they came for, quickly and clearly. The goal is to be helpful, not comprehensive. <strong>Get in, solve the problem, and get out.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-steps-to-take-during-pre-production-and-post-production\">Steps to take during pre-production and post-production<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Make sure your script has a clear, logical flow that\u2019s easy to understand.<\/strong> Using numbered steps that you can also visually show on screen to break steps down can help make information more digestible for viewers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cut the fluff. <\/strong>Whether it\u2019s during scripting or editing, you should be on the lookout for unnecessary information that isn\u2019t essential for your viewer to know. A good tutorial should be able to simplify and explain even the most complex processes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"sb-cta sb-cta--theme-blue-800 sb-cta--alignment-horizontal-left sb-cta--alignment-vertical-center sb-cta--additional-content-position-right wp-block-storyblocks-wp-blocks-call-to-action\" data-cta=\"\" data-cta-theme=\"blue-800\" data-cta-heading=\"Level up your how-to videos with high-quality stock footage, music, sfx, and more\" data-cta-content-id=\"\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"sb-cta__copy\">\n\n\t<p class=\"sb-cta__heading\">\n\t\t<a class=\"sb-cta__heading__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n\t\tLevel up your how-to videos with high-quality stock footage, music, sfx, and more\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/p>\n\n\t<p class=\"sb-cta__body\">\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"sb-cta__button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-cta__button>\n\t\tExplore the Library\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-explain-your-tutorial-in-the-first-15-seconds-for-better-retention\">3. Explain your tutorial in the first 15 seconds for better retention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The title of your video, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/blog\/how-to-make-a-killer-video-thumbnail-for-youtube\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">thumbnail<\/a>, and the first 15 seconds of your video should all make it obvious what your how-to video is about. But those first 15 seconds are absolutely key in making sure you have the right audience for your video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe always try to include a strong hook right away that sets expectations and clearly communicates what problem the tutorial will solve,\u201d says Kyle. After all, tutorial videos need to be helpful, and that starts with making sure your viewer knows whether this has the right information that they\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And Tymon agrees. \u201cWe\u2019re always focused on making the intro as short and impactful as possible, showing exactly what the video will cover right from the start. <strong>If it interests them, they stay, and if not, they leave. This upfront clarity helps with video retention and ensures we\u2019re attracting the right audience for each tutorial,<\/strong>\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-steps-to-take-during-pre-production-and-post-production-0\">Steps to take during pre-production and post-production<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Time your intro when you\u2019re writing your script to make sure it\u2019s short and sweet.<\/strong> This helps make sure your intro is a good length (ideally 15 seconds or less) before you start filming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Editing in the final result during the intro can help retain viewers.<\/strong> Showing the end result of what your tutorial will help your viewers achieve is another way you can keep them interested and make sure your tutorial is what they\u2019re looking for. This is especially great for creative videos, like makeup, painting, or DIY tutorials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-edit-for-understanding-not-just-flash\">4. Edit for understanding, not just flash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The way that you edit your videos isn\u2019t just a stylistic choice. It can help your viewers better understand what you\u2019re covering and be the difference between confusion or clarity. If you shot your how-to video all in one take, knowing what to cut, what to keep, and where to make adjustments is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means paying attention to every little detail. \u201cWe spend a lot of time refining the screen recordings, using cropping and zooming to make sure every step is clear and focused,\u201d Tymon explains. With things like software tutorials especially, using those tactics can make it more obvious what tools are being used or what settings are being adjusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But use them in moderation. After all, your viewers are ultimately using the full-screen version on their end. \u201cZooming in or simplifying the screen too much can actually be confusing,\u201d Kyle points out. \u201cBecause it\u2019s not what users will see in real life. So most of the time, we stick to full-screen views unless there\u2019s a specific interaction we need to highlight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most cases, jumping between a talking head shot and a screen recording or footage of the process will make your tutorial more confusing. The shots that show the actual process should make up most of your video. Save the cutaways to you talking or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/video\/footage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">b-roll clips<\/a> for the intro, outro, or when you\u2019re explaining the reasoning behind a step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-steps-to-take-during-post-production\">Steps to take during post-production<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use editing to help make what you\u2019re showing on-screen as clear as possible.<\/strong> This can include zooming in on a recording or footage for more detail, adding on-screen text with additional information, or adding arrows to point out important areas, movements, etc. You can even add <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/audio\/search?media-type=sound-effects\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sound effects<\/a> to help clarify the actions you\u2019re taking, like clicking a button or writing down a measurement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Get feedback from experts and non-experts before you publish.<\/strong> Feedback is a gift, especially with instructional content. Having other people watch your video to make sure it\u2019s easy to understand, especially people who aren\u2019t well-versed in the topic, will help make sure it\u2019s as helpful, clear, and useful as possible. I\u2019m not a video editor, but I review the rough cuts of all of our tutorial videos here at Storyblocks. But it\u2019s <em>because<\/em> I\u2019m not familiar with the software or the tools that my feedback is helpful. If I\u2019m confused by a step, there\u2019s a good chance our audience will be too.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-focus-on-creating-useful-helpful-content-and-learn-along-the-way\">Focus on creating useful, helpful content and learn along the way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No matter what kind of tutorial or how-to video you\u2019re creating, they all have the same goal: being helpful and useful to someone in accomplishing a task. As a creator, you can\u2019t go wrong by prioritizing that first. Combined with our other 4 tips, along with making adjustments and tweaks to your videos along the way, your tutorial videos should turn out great.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An easy way to elevate the production value of your tutorial videos is to use stock assets like sound effects, footage, or pre-made templates. With a Storyblocks subscription, you can get unlimited downloads of high-quality stock video, audio, and images along with time-saving tools to help you speed up your workflow. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/pricing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore our plans and sign up today<\/a> to start downloading instantly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What separates an okay tutorial from an incredibly useful and helpful one? Learn the top 4 tips for making great instructional videos with advice from expert creators.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":30258,"template":"","topic":[12,16,14],"class_list":["post-30257","tutorial","type-tutorial","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-social-media","topic-video-production","topic-video-editing"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tutorial\/30257","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tutorial"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/tutorial"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30258"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30257"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.storyblocks.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=30257"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}