Screencast-O-Matic: Free Video Screen Capture Software That's Easy!
If you are in the market for easy free video screen capture software and are looking for something that is simple and cost-effective, Screencast-O-Matic does the trick.
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This is truly a great all-in-one video screen recorder and editor. There is also a Pro Version upgrade which is still very inexpensive that gives you full editing capabilities, music, and many other bells and whistles.
In my no-nonsense review I am going to tell you what I like about Screen-O-Matic, and then I am going also tell you what the limits of this software are.
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Therefore without further ado, here is my review….
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Screencast-O-Matic: My Review Summary
Product Name: Screencast-O-Matic
Developer: Screencast-O-Matic
Product Type: Video Screen Capture Recording and Editing Software
What Is It: Video Screen Recording and Editing Software
Made By: Screencast-O-Matic
Price: FREE version; Deluxe Pro Version $18 per year
Perks: 30 Day Free Trial for Deluxe Pro Version
Best For: Educators and marketers producing video tutorials
Summary: A very easy-to-use screen recorder and video editing software that can be used to capture any area of your screen. There are options to add narration from your microphone and video from your webcam. In the Deluxe Pro version, there is also a very user-friendly video editing tool.
Rating: 85 out of 100
Recommended: Yes
ScreenCast-O-Matic: F​eatures and Benefits
Screencast-O-Matic was originally designed for non-video professionals so they could learn to master screencasts in a short amount of time. Therefore it is one of the BEST and most user-friendly video screen capture and editing tools to facilitate learning.
Feature / Benefit
Animate video with transitions and overlay effects. | Great way to convey your message |
Import video, audio, and images from other devices. | Easy way to bring in content from outside sources |
Zoom in/out and highlight areas of your video. | Great for displaying content on cell phones |
Add and edit narration, music and system audio. | Make your videos more engaging |
Choose to show or hide the webcam and cursor. | Show yourself for better engagement |
Show both the video screen capture and your face simultaneously | Speak to audience directly via image overlay while demonstrating screen capture tutorial |
Add and style text, images, blurs and shape overlays | Fantastic for student tutorials and lessons |
What I Like About Screencast-O-Matic?
Screencast-O-Matic lets you get to video screen capture and editing in practically zero time, even if you are a total amateur. They really make it easy.
Here are 7 reasons I like Screencast-O-Matic:
1. All-In-One Video Screen Recorder and Editor: There are many free and paid versions of screen capture out there that have a good video screen recorder but without an editing tool. Then there are others that are editors but do not have the video screen recorder.
Screencast-O-Matic's Deluxe Pro version is an all-in-one tool and that is super convenient.
2. Very Easy to Use: Personally, I found the Deluxe Pro editor's dashboard to be very easy to use and compact.
After all this should be surprising. Screencast-O-Matic's original video screen capture was specifically designed to better facilitate learning for educators and non-video professionals so they could master screencasts in a short amount of time.
3. 30-Day Free Trial for their Pro Version: Since they have added a 30-Day Free Trial for their Pro Version before purchasing, you can now test out the recorder and the editor which is great.
​When you upload the 30-Day Free Trial version, you get a simple screen that prompts you to either upgrade by purchasing the Deluxe Pro version for $1.50 per month (billed one-time at $18 annually) or to "Continue with My Trial."
Of course, you will want to select "Continue with My Trial" to experience the full 30-Day trial and experiment with the editor first.
4. Video Editing Tool is Intuitive: Once you are in the Deluxe Pro version, the dashboard is very intuitive and easy. Beyond simply using tools to cut/ copy and paste, you can easily edit your video by adding effects that are native to much expensive programs such as transitions, overlays, animations, etc. before you publish.
5. Add Music to your Video: After you finish editing your video and before you publish, in the right-side of the dashboard you can add Music to your entire video. There is an option for several different genres and moods of music, such as "Chill", "Science", "Epic", "Inspiring, "Pop Rock", and more. The music track will seamlessly overlay your video.
6. Affordable Price even for the Pro Paid Version: With licensing of only $1.50 per month for the Solo Deluxe (billed one-time at $18 per year), there really is no way you can go wrong with this complete video screen recorder and editor.
7. Great for Video Screen Capture Tutorials: The intuitive Record screen allows you to video capture your screen , add your image via your webcam, or do both. The end result are highly engaging and captivating tutorials.
Selecting BOTH is highly useful when adding a superimposed image of yourself talking to your audience over your screen. Having a LIVE instructor provide a walk-through during the tutorial adds great engagement and a wonderful personal touch.
Once you are satisfied with your video recording you can save your video to your computer, upload your video to Screen-O-Matic, You Tube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
The bottom three (upload to Vimeo, Google Drive, or Dropbox) are only available through the Paid versions.
For today's cost of going to see a movie ($18), Screencast-O-Matic's Solo Deluxe Paid version will give you a terrific and complete all-in-one video screen capture and editing tool.
You can use this great tool to make video tutorials, You Tube videos, and create videos for social media. Here you will be able to easily share them.
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Where Screencast-O-Matic Can Improve
Although Screencast-O-Matic is free video screen capture software and great beginner friendly program for video screen capture and editing, there are some very noticeable features I simply do not like.
Here are 3 areas where Screencast-O-Matic can improve:
1. Watermark on Free Version of Screencast-O-Matic: When you publish a video from the Free Version, the result will show a watermark on your video that looks unprofessional.
For this reason, I believe the Free Version has zero use. Go with the 30-Free Trial for the Solo Deluxe version, and if you like the program upgrade to Pro for $18 per year.
2. Free Version has 15 minute Per Video Limit: The FREE Version only allows you to record a maximum of 15 minutes of recording per video. If you want longer videos, then you will have to "chain" several 15 minute videos together.
However, this can be seen as an argument to focus on producing shorter yet more engaging video content.
3. Not Recommended for You Tube other than for Video Tutorials:
If you are planning on creating a hardcore You Tube channel of recorded footage other than for publishing video tutorials , then this program is likely NOT for you.
This is the # 1 reason you may want to avoid Screencast-O-Matic.
There have been several published complaints online from You Tubers claiming that the audio does not align with the video properly after publishing to You Tube.
They claim that Screencast-O-Matic will create a temporary fix where the audio and video will work synchronously for awhile, then after a short period of time the audio and video will become out of sync again.
Although I personally cannot verify this bug, this is very concerning. In fact, beyond concerning, this would be a deal-breaker for me. It is simply unacceptable.
For this reason, I recommend going with the 30 -Day Free Trial of the Solo Paid Version only, Launching the Recorder, opening the Video Editor and to start experimenting.
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Conclusion: Screencast-O-Matic Worth It?
Without a doubt, Screencast-O-Matic is worth it!
However, get the Solo Deluxe Paid version ($18 per year), and first try it out for 30-Day FREE TRIAL to be sure this program is right for you.
What do you pay for going to lunch these days ($18)?
Screencast-O-Matic's Solo Deluxe Paid version will give you one year's worth of an all-in-one video screen capture. Only with the Paid versions can you use the editing tool to make your great video tutorials, presentations, and videos for social media.
In conclusion, this is a GREAT, EASY, and USER-FRIENDLY starter program for video screen capture and editing. There really is no way you go wrong!
Happy Video-making!
Wanna Know How I Gained My Life Back?
Kaju,
As someone who has limited knowledge of the screen capture space, I have really enjoyed reading your review summary of Screencast-O-Matic and I have also appreciated your pros and cons (including the specifics on YouTube video type limitations).
Finally, your conclusion, expressed in terms of risk-reward and value can also be very persuasive for anyone who may consider investing it.
Blessings!
Thank You Gabriel. I prefer ScreenCast-O-Matic to many other such video capture tutorial programs simply due to its user-friendliness and how well it gets the job done.
Hey Kaju,
So glad I found your article! I have a MAC laptop. Will Screen-O-Matic work on a MAC? If it doesn’t what would you recommend for a MAC?
The prices are very decent.
I had no idea they have a 30-day free trial.
Also, are you using the Pro version? You mentioned the free version shows a watermark… does it show in the Pro version?
Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Monica, yea you can use ScreenCast-O-Matic for a MAC Laptop. The Free 30-Trial version has a watermark, bu the Pro Version doesn’t.
Go with the Pro Version (no watermark), cause it is superior and it’s less than $100 per year!