15 Screen Recording Tips for Better Videos

Write a brief outline or script before recording. Knowing what you want to cover prevents rambling and keeps your video focused. Even a simple bullet list of key points will make a noticeable difference in how polished the result feels.

Close unnecessary apps, browser tabs, and notifications before recording. A cluttered screen distracts viewers from your actual content. On Mac, use Focus Mode. On Windows, enable Do Not Disturb to suppress pop-up notifications.

Built-in laptop microphones pick up fan noise, keyboard clicks, and room echo. Even an inexpensive USB microphone or a pair of wired earbuds with a mic will dramatically improve your audio clarity. Good audio is often more important than good video.

Background noise is the most common audio problem in screen recordings. Close windows, turn off fans, and let others know you are recording. If you cannot control the environment, speak closer to your microphone so your voice is louder relative to the background.

Do a 10-second test recording and play it back. Check that your microphone is picking up your voice clearly and that system audio (if needed) is at the right volume. Fixing audio issues after recording is extremely difficult.

For most screen recordings, 1080p (1920x1080) provides sharp enough quality for viewers to read text while keeping file sizes manageable. Only use 4K if your content requires viewers to read very fine details or if you plan to crop the footage.

30 frames per second is the standard for screen recordings. It looks smooth for mouse movements, scrolling, and typing. Use 60 fps only for gaming captures or content with fast animations where smoother motion genuinely matters.

Move your cursor deliberately to guide the viewer's attention. Hover over the element you are discussing before clicking. Avoid rapid, erratic mouse movements as they make it hard for viewers to follow what is happening on screen.

Narrate at a slightly slower pace than your normal speaking speed. Pause briefly before and after important steps. Your viewers may be following along and need time to absorb what you are showing them, especially for instructional content.

Shorter videos get watched more completely. If you have a lot to cover, break it into a series of focused videos rather than one long recording. Each video should cover one topic or one task from start to finish.

Most recordings have awkward pauses at the beginning (setting up) and at the end (reaching for the stop button). Trimming even a few seconds makes the recording feel more professional. Reqo's built-in editor makes this quick and easy.

Adding a small webcam overlay in the corner of your recording helps build trust and keeps viewers engaged. This is especially effective for tutorials, product demos, and any video where your audience benefits from seeing a human face.

Video files are large and often get blocked by email providers. Instead of attaching files, share a link to your recording. Tools like Reqo generate a shareable link instantly, and your recipient can watch without downloading anything.

If your recording contains internal processes, client data, or anything confidential, set a link expiration date so the video is only accessible for a limited time. This prevents recordings from lingering indefinitely on the internet.

Watch your recording before sending it. Look for accidentally visible browser bookmarks, email addresses, passwords, notification pop-ups, or anything you would not want others to see. It only takes a minute but can prevent embarrassing or risky mistakes.