How to Record Voice and Video at the Same Time: A Beginner's Guide
If you're just getting started with content creation—whether for YouTube, podcasts, online courses, or social media—you’ve probably wondered: how do I record my voice and video at the same time without it being a mess? Good news: it’s not as hard as it seems.
This beginner-friendly guide walks you through everything you need to record voice and video at the same time, with simple tips and tools to make your content sound and look great.
1. Choose the Right Gear (Without Overcomplicating It)
You don’t need a Hollywood setup to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A camera: This could be your webcam, phone, or a DSLR/mirrorless camera.
- A microphone: A USB mic (like the Samson Q2U) or XLR mic with an audio interface is ideal for clear sound.
- A computer or phone: For recording or live streaming.
- Recording software (DAW or video software): We’ll get to that next!
Tip: Always prioritize sound. People will forgive less-than-perfect video, but bad audio makes them click away fast.
2. Use the Right Software
Depending on your setup, you can choose different software tools to help you record both at once.
- OBS Studio (free): A popular option for recording both video and audio. You can connect your mic, camera, and even screen share.
- Camtasia or ScreenFlow: Great for tutorials or online lessons with voice narration.
- Your phone’s native camera app: If you’re using a lav mic plugged into your phone, this can work surprisingly well for simple shoots.
Make sure your mic is selected as the audio source before recording—don’t rely on your camera’s built-in mic.
3. Syncing Audio and Video
If you record audio and video separately (for example, video on a camera and audio in a DAW like Audacity), you’ll need to sync them later during editing.
To make syncing easy:
Clap your hands in front of the camera at the start of recording. This creates a visual and audio cue.
Use editing software like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, or even DaVinci Resolve to match the clap in video and audio.
But if you’re recording both in OBS or with a phone and mic, you can skip this step—everything’s already synced.
4. Mic Placement
Don’t put your mic too far away or let it face the wrong direction. Keep it close to your mouth, slightly off to the side to avoid harsh breath sounds.
Avoid echo-y rooms with hard surfaces. A simple fix? Record in a room with curtains, carpet, or even a closet with clothes around you.
5. Testing Everything
Before jumping into a full recording session, test:
Audio levels (not too loud or quiet)
Camera angle and lighting
Sync between mic and video sources
Run a short test clip, review it, and adjust settings as needed. It’ll save you time and frustration later.
Final Thoughts
Recording your voice and video together doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few pieces of gear, a little preparation, and the right software, you can start creating professional-quality content right from home.
Whether you're recording YouTube videos, online courses, or just getting into the world of digital content, the key is to start simple and improve as you go. Focus on clear audio, stable video, and good lighting—and the rest will follow!