How to Film Your Online Course - check out the show notes

This question comes up a lot!

At the beginning, creating an online course seems like a huge, complicated project, but when you break the whole process into smaller steps, it becomes doable. Filming your course is the most exciting part. It's your ideas and expertise coming to life!

If you’re completely new to online courses, know that you don’t need to be a professional filmmaker or have a Hollywood-style film studio to create it. Using the tools you have right now, you can film a course that looks great, sounds great, and makes your audience excited to learn from you.

👉Step #1 - Choose one of the three types of filming for an online course.

1. Talking Head

This involves filming yourself speaking directly to the camera. It’s great for building a personal connection with your audience, sharing information, and explaining concepts. It works well if you're including hand demonstrations, using a whiteboard, or engaging in a lecture-style presentation.

2. Screen Share

This method is ideal for demonstrating how to use software, presenting slides, or navigating digital tools. You record your computer screen while narrating the process.

3. Over-the-Shoulder Filming

This style combines the two techniques above and is especially useful for hands-on tutorials or physical demonstrations.

Over-the-shoulder camera angle: Perfect for tasks like cooking, crafting, or tech setups where viewers need a detailed view of your hands or workspace.
Split-screen editing: A view of your talking head alongside a screen share or demonstration to provide context and personality while showing technical details.

👉Step #2 - Choose the platform to film your online course.

Kajabi - Includes built-in tools for recording coaching sessions, group webinars, or course videos. Great for all-in-one content hosting and management. 30-Day Free Trial here.
Zoom - Ideal for recording with or without screen share that can later be edited into course material.
Loom - Simple and fast for quick screen recordings with voiceover.

Each platform offers unique features, so your choice will depend on your level of experience with filming and editing.

FAQ

How long should my videos be?
How do I create an outline or script?

How do I organize my content into videos?
How do I make my videos interactive?
I've covered much of these questions in my other article, Step-by-Step How to Structure an Online Course

👉Step #3 - Gather filming equipment.

You don’t need to splurge on high-end gear to create a professional-looking course. Many successful course creators began with just a smartphone, an inexpensive microphone, and a naturally lit room. What matters most is the value you’re providing to your audience, so focus on making your content shine, and don’t stress about having the perfect gear.

1. Camera

Beginner Option: Start with what you have! Most modern smartphones have excellent cameras that can record high-quality video. Just make sure to use a tripod to keep your shots steady.
Upgrade Option: If you’re ready to invest, consider an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera like the Canon EOS M50 or Sony ZV-E10. These provide great quality without breaking the bank.
Pro Tip: Ensure your camera can record in at least 1080p HD for clear, sharp videos.

2. Microphone

Audio quality is just as important (if not more) than video quality. Even with great visuals, poor sound can turn people off.

Beginner Option: A lavalier (clip-on) microphone like the Rode SmartLav+ is affordable and works with most smartphones or cameras.
Upgrade Option: A USB microphone like the Blue Yeti or Samson Q2U is perfect if you’re recording in a quiet space and don’t need to move around much.
Pro Tip: Record in a quiet room and test your audio before filming to avoid echoes or background noise.

3. Lighting

Good lighting makes a huge difference in how professional your videos look.

Beginner Option: Use natural light by filming near a window during the day. Just make sure the light is even and doesn’t cast shadows on your face.
Upgrade Option: Invest in a ring light or softbox lights for consistent, flattering lighting. A popular option is the Neewer Ring Light, which is easy to set up and affordable.
Pro Tip: Avoid harsh overhead lights, which can create unflattering shadows.

4. Tripod or Stabilizer

A shaky video can be distracting, so keep your camera stable.

Beginner Option: A simple smartphone tripod or tabletop tripod is inexpensive and effective.
Upgrade Option: If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, get a sturdy tripod with adjustable height, like the Manfrotto Compact Action.
Pro Tip: Make sure the tripod is set at eye level for a natural angle.

5. Background

Your filming environment matters! Keep it clean and professional but don’t overthink it.

Simple Option: A tidy corner of your home with good lighting works great. Remove clutter and add a personal touch like a plant or a framed picture.
Upgrade Option: Use a collapsible backdrop or wall-mounted options for a distraction-free background. Neutral colors like white, light gray, or soft blue work well.
Pro Tip: Test how your background looks on camera before filming to make sure it’s not too distracting.

6. Editing Software

After filming, you’ll need to edit your videos to polish them up.

Free Option: Start with user-friendly programs like iMovie (Mac) or Clipchamp (Windows). Even Canva now offers video editing features. I use a free software called Shotcut.
Upgrade Option: Consider software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro if you want more advanced editing tools.
Pro Tip: Focus on trimming out mistakes. You don’t need fancy effects to make a great course.

7. Optional Extras

Teleprompter App: If you’re nervous about forgetting what to say, use a teleprompter app on your phone or tablet.
Headphones: Good headphones help you check audio quality while editing.
Extra Batteries/Chargers: If you’re using a camera, have backup batteries or keep your device charged.

👉Step #4 - Set up your home filming studio.

With a little creativity, you can transform a corner of your home into a functional and professional-looking space.

1. Choose the Right Location

Quiet Space: Find a room with minimal outside noise. Avoid high-traffic areas or spaces near noisy appliances.
Good Lighting: Ideally, pick a space with plenty of natural light (like near a window). If natural light isn’t an option, make sure you have sufficient artificial lighting.
Keep It Simple: A neutral or minimal background works best. A tidy bookshelf, a clean wall, or a tasteful plant can add a touch of personality without being distracting.
Custom Branding: Add a subtle personal touch with a branded poster, your logo, or décor that reflects your course’s theme.

2. Set Up Lighting

Natural Light: If using sunlight, position yourself facing the window for even lighting on your face. Avoid having the window behind you as it can cause overexposure.
Artificial Light: Position softbox lights or a ring light at a 45-degree angle on either side of you to minimize shadows and create flattering light.
Background Lighting: Add a small light to brighten up your background for depth and visual interest.

3. Position Camera and Tripod

Place your tripod at eye level to create a natural angle. Frame yourself in the center of the shot with some space above your head and your shoulders in view.
Keep the background in focus by maintaining a reasonable distance between you and the backdrop.
Check for echoes or background noise. If your space feels too “echoey,” add soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, or cushions to absorb sound.
Test the microphone audio before filming.

Filming Tips...

Solid clothing colors work best, so avoid busy patterns or shiny fabrics.
Before beginning, skim through your script or outline to familiarize yourself with the flow of your content. Do simple vocal exercises or say a few tongue twisters to warm up your voice.
Do a quick 10-second test to check lighting, audio, and framing before diving into full recording.
Smile, take a deep breath, and start with a warm introduction. Speak as if you’re having a one-on-one conversation with your ideal student.
Perfection is not required. Don’t stress about tiny mistakes. Those mistakes make you more relatable and can be edited out.
Hydration is key, especially if you’ll be talking for a while.
Maintain a positive and engaging tone throughout. It’s okay to exaggerate your enthusiasm slightly. It translates well on camera.
Include questions or prompts to encourage your audience to think or reflect (e.g., “What do you think so far?” or “Take a moment to try this yourself.”).
If you stumble, pause, gather your thoughts, and continue. It’s better to keep the flow than start over every time.
End each video with a summary, next steps, or a call-to-action (“Download the workbook” or “See you in the next lesson!”).
Keep an organized digital file system for your videos.

For a step-by-step process in starting a coaching or consulting business from scratch including designing and filming an online course, check out this daily email program.

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