Make a how-to video
Plan, film, and edit a short how-to video explaining a simple skill using a phone or tablet; practice clear speaking and safe filming techniques.
About this activity
Plan, film, and edit a short how-to video explaining a simple skill using a phone or tablet; practice clear speaking and safe filming techniques.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick one simple skill you can show in 1 to 2 minutes like tying a shoe folding a paper airplane or making a sandwich.
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Step 2
Write 3 to 6 short bullet points on paper that list the exact steps you will show.
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Step 3
Practice saying your bullets out loud two or three times so your words sound clear and confident.
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Step 4
Choose a quiet well-lit spot and tidy the background so it looks neat on camera.
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Step 5
Set your phone or tablet on the stable stand or stack of books so it will not move.
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Step 6
Place your prop where you can reach it and make sure your hands and face fit inside the camera frame.
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Step 7
Record a 5 to 10 second test clip and watch it to check that the picture and sound are good.
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Step 8
Film your intro by saying your name the skill you will teach and one sentence about why it is useful.
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Step 9
Film each step of the skill in separate short clips so you can easily fix mistakes later.
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Step 10
Watch all your clips and delete any takes you do not like.
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Step 11
Open the video editor on your device and import the clips you want to use.
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Step 12
Trim each clip and arrange them in the correct order so the how-to flows smoothly.
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Step 13
Add a simple title and short on-screen words if you want to make instructions easier to follow.
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Step 14
Export your finished video and show it to an adult for approval and a quick privacy check.
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Step 15
Share your finished how-to video on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I help my child plan, film, and edit a short how-to video using a phone or tablet?
Start by picking a simple skill (tying shoelaces, watering plants). Help your child write a short script or storyboard with 3–5 steps and practice clear speaking. Choose a quiet, well-lit spot and steady the phone on a tripod or stack of books. Film short takes, focus on framing and close-ups for detail, then use a basic editor to trim clips, add titles, and keep the video under two minutes. Review and save a private copy before sharing.
What materials and apps do we need to make a how-to video at home?
You’ll need a phone or tablet with enough battery and storage, a charger, a simple tripod or stable surface, and the props required for the skill. Good lighting (natural window light or a lamp) and a quiet room help audio quality; an external mic is optional. Kid-friendly editing apps include iMovie, Clips, InShot, or KineMaster. Also have headphones, extra storage or cloud backup, and parental controls set up for app use and sharing.
What ages is making a how-to video suitable for?
Young children (5–7) can participate with strong adult guidance for planning, filming, and speaking practice. Kids aged 8–11 can take on more responsibilities—writing a short script, operating the camera with supervision, and doing simple edits. Teens (12+) can plan, film, and edit independently while parents check privacy settings and safety. Adjust complexity by task: younger kids focus on speaking and demonstrating, older kids handle editing and creative choices.
What safety and privacy steps should we follow when making a how-to video?
Always film with a parent or guardian present and avoid showing full names, addresses, school logos, or other identifying details. Turn off location services and geotagging on the device, and review footage before sharing. Keep accounts private, get permission before including others, and avoid risky demonstrations. Teach children to speak clearly without revealing personal info and to share videos only with approved people or via settings that limit who can view them.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of a phone stand if I don’t have one?
If you don't have a phone stand, follow the 'Set your phone or tablet on the stable stand or stack of books' step and make a secure holder from a stack of books, a heavy mug, or a taped box so the device won't move.
What should I do if my test clip shows the sound is too quiet or the video is dark?
If the 5 to 10 second test clip shows low sound or poor lighting, redo that test, move closer to the camera, add a lamp or face a window for better light, and close windows or turn off noisy appliances to improve audio.
How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, have an adult help write the 3 to 6 short bullet points and handle the 'Open the video editor' and export steps while the child performs the filmed steps, and for older kids, have them film each step separately and add titles and on-screen words themselves.
How can we make the how-to video more interesting or personal?
To enhance the video, trim and arrange clips in the video editor, add a simple title and short on-screen words, include a close-up shot of your hands or a second angle, then export and show it to an adult before sharing on DIY.org.