OBS Tutorial: Create Awesome Videos for Your Online Course With Little to No Editing

Creating online courses requires you to record and edit videos almost constantly. Some days you may feel like you are more of a video producer rather than an online course creator.

It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by the amount of work and time required to create and edit one single video, especially if you don't feel 100% comfortable in front of a camera.

Luckily for you, there are tools that can help you streamline this process and make it easier to produce video content.

Today we are going to talk about the software OBS and how you can use it to record and edit videos quickly.

What is Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)?

If you want to be able to record live video, without worrying about having to edit and export it later, then using Open Broadcaster Software (better known as OBS) is a great way to go.

OBS is a tool commonly used by YouTubers and live streamers. If you’ve been a content creator for a while you have probably heard of it.

The best thing about OBS (other than being free!) is its real-time production features. The software can be used for both videos and screen-recording, and you can add effects and transitions to your videos in real-time as you are recording them, avoiding the need for post-production or editing later on.

You can quickly record your online course videos directly on your computer, without setting up tripods, memory cards, and worrying about spending hours editing, all thanks to one simple piece of free software.

OBS can help you switch between multiple camera angles and multiple scenes (ie: screen recording with your camera feed in the bottom corner, vs your camera full screen, vs your video intro animation).

Let's see how you can use OBS to quickly record professional videos, and why this software can be a great choice for creating online courses.

Use OBS to Create Online Course Videos

This is how the OBS interface looks like on a Mac, but you can use this software on any computer.

The interface may look complex and intimidating at first, however, once you start understanding how the program works, it can actually be very simple to use.

To start recording with OBS, click on Start Recording or Start Streaming on the right-hand side of the screen, as shown in the picture below.

Inside OBS you have the concept of scenes, and sources. A scene is essentially a collection of your sources inside OBS, and a source includes any video or audio source that you want to add.

Think of scenes as "visual templates" that can show various elements on your screen as you are recording. They are the main pillars of OBS settings, allowing you to change the layout, add live feeds from your webcams, multiple cameras, and other devices.

You can create pre-set scenes to include in your videos, such as special transitions, overlays, on-screen elements and more. Add a new scene by clicking the + sign on the bottom left of the scenes section.

The sources you have listed here depend on which pieces of recording equipment and other tools you are using. You can also add digital tools here like images, your logo, video effects... and have them appear on your video instantly as you are recording.

The picture below shows all types of sources you can add to your OBS videos (see this by clicking the + sign on the button left of the sources section):

To trigger different scenes and sources as you are recording, simply click on the option you want and it will automatically appear on your screen without having to edit your video afterward!

With OBS you have the possibility of adding an intro to your video, switching between different camera angles, showing a screen recording, turning on and off your camera as you go and much more.

All of this can be done at the same time as you are recording, making it extremely easy to instantly create professional videos that need very little editing.

In the middle of the screen, you can find a section called "Audio Mixer" that includes the audio levels: here you can control the levels of any audio sources and your microphone.

Once you create a couple of scenes (templates), you can simply switch between different views as you go. It may take you some time to get set up and create your scenes, but once you are ready and you practiced using OBS, you will see how quickly you can create professional videos.

Today we covered the basics of how to get started using OBS to record your online course videos. If you are looking for a more in-depth manual, check out this guide made by OBS.

Using Elgato Stream Deck to Control Your Video

If you find it too complicated to switch between scenes and sources while you are recording your video, you could purchase an Elgato Stream Deck.

This small divide can be connected to your computer and it helps you switch between different controls as you are recording.

You could connect the Stream Deck to OBS controls to start recording, add an intro to your videos, switch between scenes, cameras, special effects etc...

This device was designed first and foremost for YouTubers and game streamers to have more control over effects and scenes happening live on their stream, but it can be just as useful for online course creators who record or stream with OBS.

For most people who create online courses, the smaller-size Streamdeck Mini is probably a better choice, as you likely don’t have to switch between as many scenes and effects as professional streamers or gamers. You could use this divide to add your brand logo, show an intro, and start or stop recording.

A smaller deck is also easier to use: you can quickly learn which button to click to achieve a certain task and switch between them easily.

The result is high-quality, well-made videos that can essentially be produced 100% live. You don't have to worry about spending hours editing your video, or learning how to use complex editing software.

Conclusion

As producing videos is such an important part of creating an online course, developing a more efficient process for video creation is one of many online course creators' goals.

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a tool not commonly used by online course creators. However, the software lets you create professional videos with little to no editing needed.

Sounds like a dream?

After a small learning curve and a little practice, you can record videos that are ready to publish with little to no editing, all with a few simple clicks.

If you are looking for more advice about the best recording equipment for creating online course videos, don't miss this video we made:

Other articles you may like:

How to Get Great Lighting and Audio for Your Online Courses - Part 1

Tools and Software Every Online Course Creator Needs in 2021

(Note that some product links in this post are affiliate links and we may receive a commission if you purchase them via our links. The products we recommend are those that we have purchased and used ourselves, not random recommendations.)