How to Record Yourself on Computer Camera or Webcam

Using a webcam recorder to add webcam footage to a video is an easy and effective way to increase engagement and help viewers better connect with your content.

Whether you’re trying to record webcam footage and add it to the corner of a training video or you want to start a video with a live introduction, this post will walk you through the steps to create a video from your webcam.

What is the best webcam recording software?

A webcam is a valuable and versatile tool in your video creation toolbox. You can use it to make YouTube videos, create instructional videos, and add personality to any other type of video.

When choosing a tool, you have two options: a software recorder or an online recorder. The software usually comes with more features, and online recorders are easier to access and simpler to use!

If all you need to do is make webcam videos, a simple online recorder might be enough, but if you are creating step-by-step tutorials, providing specific project feedback, or showcasing a product, there’s a good chance that you’ll want to record your entire desktop, as well as your webcam.

That’s why we suggest using high-quality screen capture software, like Camtasia online. Its ease of use makes it perfect for creating all types of video content. 

Because Camtasia online is both a webcam recorder and a screen recorder, we’ll be using it throughout this step-by-step guide. If you haven’t already tried Camtasia online you can access it here. Let’s dive in!

How to record video from webcam (on Windows or Mac)

Step 1: Set up your space

Whether you have an external webcam to install or a new microphone to plug in, make sure you have all of your gear ready before you record.

Clear out your desk from any clutter or distractions so your viewers can focus on the important information you’re sharing instead.

Step 2: Choose what to record

Access Camtasia online and choose whether you want your screen, camera, and microphone on for the video or a combination of them.

You can also choose to record a single window or your entire desktop.

Then, choose the layout that reflects your video best. You can highlight the video or the camera, or create a balanced look between the two. One of Camtasia online’s best features is the versatility of these creative layouts.

Step 3: Record your video

Now it’s time to record your video! Click the “Start Recording” button to do so.

Camtasia lets you record up to five minutes at a time, but don’t worry if you don’t get it all in one go, you can record as many five minute clips as needed. This makes it super easy to organically break up longer presentations!

Once you’re done, open up the Camtasia online tab again and click “Stop”. If you messed up while recording, simply hit restart and try again! Camtasia online is designed to help you succeed.

Step 4: Make some edits

Camtasia online has a lot of customization options for all of your video scenes. You can adjust the background color and style, add effects such as borders and drop shadows, and trim out unwanted sections.

These simple edits create a polished, professional look in seconds. However, if you’re looking for more extensive edits, Camtasia online is integrated with Camtasia Editor. In the Camtasia Editor, you can add dynamic captions, annotations, music, and much more.

And, we’re not even scratching the surface of things you can do in the Camtasia Editor. If you want to learn more about Camtasia’s editing tools, as well as tips and tricks on how to use them, be sure to check out our video tutorials.

Step 5: Share your video

Now that you’ve got a polished video, it’s time to share it with your viewers. Like we mentioned above, you can export your video to the Camtasia Editor for further edits and to save it to your computer.

Camtasia online can also export your video to Screencast with a simple link. You can send the unique link to your viewers,

Another option is to share your video to Screencast with a unique link. Simply send that link to your viewers and they will be able to watch, comment, and react to your video. This is a perfect solution for a more collaborative environment.

No matter how you record, edit, and share, Camtasia online is a fully free and web-based screen recording solution you can rely on to quickly create professional videos.

3 tips to make your webcam recording awesome

Now that you know how to record webcam video, here are a few things to consider when creating your content:

1. Focus on your set-up

Tilt your webcam so that it’s at eye level, this way your viewers won’t feel like they’re looking up at you. You should also position yourself in front of a solid-colored wall or hang a sheet behind you. Busy backgrounds can be distracting, so this is a great way to help your viewers stay focused on what’s important: You! 

Stick to the Rule of Thirds (which you can learn more about here) or position yourself in the center of the frame. If you need to check your position you can do so by hovering your mouse over the webcam view in the recording toolbar. 

As a final tip, try to avoid making any quick movements while recording to ensure you don’t draw the eyes of your viewers away from your content.

2. Use proper lighting

Lighting can make or break a webcam recording, so be sure to pay close attention to your video lighting. 

If you record near a window, try to avoid recording directly in front of it. Instead, position yourself either next to, or facing it. This will ensure you’re not washed out and will stop you from turning into a silhouette.

3. Check your audio inputs

If you’re using the webcam built into your computer, there’s a good chance it will default to the computer’s microphone, which may not be the best quality. For the clearest audio, you might want to consider setting up a DIY recording studio. 

However, if time and resources make that impossible, using an external microphone will make a huge difference in the quality of your audio. It doesn’t have to be expensive, even the mic built-in to your headphones will likely be better than the one on your laptop.

Just remember to check that Camtasia is recording your audio from the right source and always make sure you test your external microphone before recording your voice over. 

Click here for more tips on how to record great audio.

While using a webcam recorder might not be the best choice for everyone’s content, it could help you communicate better with your viewers.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Will this help me get my message across better?
• Is it necessary to accompany your content?

Think about how you want to present not only your video content to your viewers but yourself as well.