How do you show someone one task in your product?
Start where they would start, show the shortest path to a useful result, and make the result visible. Use a fictional workspace and decide how viewers should watch before you choose a recorder.
What belongs in your first product demo?
Pick one outcome the viewer can repeat. To show where to download an invoice, start on the account page, show how to find the invoice, and show the downloaded result.
Say which control you’re using and why. If the interface is a prototype or the step is simulated, say so at the point where the viewer sees it.
Should the viewer watch or try the task?
Use a short recording when you want everyone to see the same sequence. Choose an interactive walkthrough when a viewer needs to practise the steps. A few images and written steps can be enough for a simple reference.
If you use an interactive walkthrough, check that a viewer can use it with a keyboard and on a phone. Offer written steps for the same task when the interaction cannot carry the full explanation.
Compare tools
Scroll the table sideways to read every column.
| Tool | What it capturesThe type of recording and where you make it. | How viewers get itWhat you need to check about the link or file. | What you can keepThe files that help you publish or update the demo. | What affects costThe recording limits, subscription or equipment you supply. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loom | Record a screen walkthrough for a hosted video page. | Check named access or anyone-with-the-link sharing before sending. | Eligible roles can download MP4. Keep captions separately. | Starter lists 25 videos per person and five minutes per recording. |
| Screen Studio | Record on macOS and edit zoom, cursor and captions. | Export a file or choose a share link. Review the version viewers get. | Save the editable project and export MP4. The project can retain unblurred footage. | Monthly and yearly subscriptions for new purchases. |
| OBS Studio | Build a scene from a window and selected audio sources. | Record locally. Choose a separate way to share the finished file. | Keep the saved recording. Convert its container to MP4 when your editor requires it. | Free open source software. Supply a computer and disk space. |
| CleanShot X | Capture an annotated screenshot, MP4 or GIF on a Mac. | Save locally or use the optional Cloud link. Check access before sharing. | Keep the local file. Prepare and test captions in the destination player when needed. | Basic is US$35 once with one year of updates. Pro adds Cloud controls. |
| Descript | Edit narration and recording from a transcript. | Give viewers a finished file or viewing page. Share the project only with collaborators. | Export video plus SRT or VTT for a player that accepts timed subtitles. | Free lists 60 media minutes per editor per month and watermarked 720p local export. |
| Storylane | Capture a guided screenshot path or use the paid HTML editor for editable screens. | Share or embed an interactive demo. Verify audience controls for restricted use. | Keep clean source screens and guide copy. GIF or MP4 exports are view-only. | Free lists one live demo at a time. Check the tier for HTML editing or video export. |
| Supademo | Capture screenshots or clips as guided steps. Some plans offer editable HTML capture. | Hosted link or embed. Verify protection for the actual viewing route. | Keep the script and clean assets. Download a video, GIF or PDF snapshot. | Free lists five guided demos and one creator. Check format and feature limits. |
| Arcade | Capture a product sequence and mark areas a viewer can click. | Public link, private access or custom links depending on setup. | GIF and video show the recorded path. Keep the script separately. | Free lists one published demo. Confirm export and sharing controls. |
| Navattic | Create a guided path from an editable HTML capture or media. | Hosted link or embed. Confirm viewer access before sharing. | Keep the script and clean captures. Offline demos are listed on Enterprise. | Free Starter lists one seat and one HTML or media demo. |
| Tella | Record screen, camera and audio for an edited video. | Hosted link or embed. Verify password, direct link and embed behavior separately. | Keep original clips, an exported video and captions suited to the destination. | Paid plans count users and include credits. Check current editing and sharing allowances. |
What should you check before anyone sees the demo?
Record a made-up account and close unrelated windows and notifications. Check who can open the link. If you used narration, review captions against the real button names and explain important visual results in the narration or accompanying text.
Watch the final version with sound off. Check that the words are legible and don’t hide the button. Open the shared copy as the intended viewer, then check that someone outside the intended audience cannot open a restricted link.
How can you rehearse the demo without publishing a video?
Draw three frames for a fictional invoice download. Use no account, video upload or real customer information.
- Draw the start and finishShow the account page, the invoice list and the finished download. Write what proves the download succeeded.
- Write what a viewer needsAdd a caption for the control name and a line describing the result. Cover the narration and read the captions to check whether the steps still make sense.
- Plan the handoffWrite who should see the result and which editable project, playback file and caption text you would keep. Pick the one screen that would require a new recording if it changes.