screencasting

Screencasting is the process of recording the visual output of a computer screen along with synchronized audio narration to produce a video that demonstrates software usage, workflows, or on-screen tasks. While it shares technology with screen recording, screencasting is typically created with instructional intent and is often published for others to view asynchronously.

A typical screencast workflow includes planning the content and sequence of steps, selecting recording software, and configuring capture options such as the screen area, resolution, frame rate, and whether to include a webcam feed or on-screen annotations. Recording captures the desktop activity and narration, followed by editing to trim mistakes, add callouts, captions, or transitions. The final product is exported to common video formats (for example MP4 or MOV) and uploaded to websites, learning platforms, or social media.

Common tools range from free options like OBS Studio to commercial programs such as Camtasia, ScreenFlow, Loom, and Screencast-O-Matic. Some tools emphasize live sharing or streaming, while most screencasts are produced for on-demand viewing.

Quality considerations include clear narration, legible on-screen text, stable pacing, and appropriate lighting or webcam quality if a presenter is shown. Accessibility can be improved with captions and transcripts. Screencasting is widely used for software tutorials, product demonstrations, educational content, and customer support, offering a repeatable and scalable way to convey complex procedures.