Do you need to create screen grabs or videos for work or social media? RecordCast can get the job done quickly, as long as you aren’t fussy.
Without a doubt, “remote” is one of the catchwords for 2020. Be it for work, play, or learning.
In the case of remote work and learning, creating screengrabs and illustrative videos is often a must. (Many would say it’s a must for social media too) Depending on your requirements and standards, a variety of software and online platforms are available for these purposes, some of which are significantly costly.
If all you need is just a straightforward screen capture, though, RecordCast is a convenient and free option to consider. Though somewhat limited in functionality, this online platform gets the job done quickly. Naturally, it being completely free is a great plus too.
What is RecordCast?
Simply put, this is an all-in-one online screen recorder, one that comes with basic video editing abilities. To access the platform, users first need to register an account. Within the created account, users can also save projects.
As for official notable features:
- 100% Free; no required payment of any sort throughout the platform.
- No downloading of software, extensions, etc, required.
- Flexible recording, as in you can choose which window/software-in-use to capture.
- Fast download & editing.
I’d add too that there’s no saving of files online outside of indicative thumbnails. This is, to me, important because of privacy concerns.
RecordCast Recording Process
The actual recording process is streamlined and quick.
Step 1
After logging in, click the CREATE BY RECORD button at the top left corner.
Step 2
Choose which audio stream to record before clicking the big rounded red button.
Step 3
From the pop-up menu, select which screen you wish to capture. As in, which browser or application-in use you wish to record. (Note: Your system will likely prompt you to grant permission for “sharing”)
Step 4
After recording begins, switch to the screen you chose in the previous step and do whatever you need to do. Once done, switch back to stop recording.
Step 5
After recording is terminated, the platform automatically switches to the editing screen. Here, you have several options:
- Perform editing processes such as text addition, background change, adding of icons, etc.
- Import existing videos to string together with your recording.
- Add premade intro/outro templates. These can be customised.
Step 6
Final video can be exported in MP4 format, with the size options of 480p, 720p, and 1080p.
RecordCast Review: Strengths and Limitations
In summary, I think the main “selling” point of this online platform is the ease of use.
Strengths
- No software, extensions, etc, to download. It’s all conducted online.
- Straightforward recording process.
- Flexibility to choose which screen/application to capture. To put it in another way, you can continue to multitask/surf, without those activities recorded.
- Basic video editing functions.
- Ability to import existing videos in a variety of formats for “editing.”
- Ability to add and customise pre-made intro/outro templates.
- Projects are automatically saved.
Limitations
- The video editor is limited in functions. While you can string various videos together, and add a variety of text effects, there’s no cropping, video enhancing, transitions, etc. There are no functions for adjusting brightness, contrast, etc, too.
- You can only import videos lesser than 1GB in size.
- I’ve tested the platform using Chrome and Edge, and it works. On Firefox, however, I encountered various difficulties with selection of recording screen and downloading of videos.
Summary
I would rate RecordCast a 9 out of 10 if considered purely as an online screen recorder.
It gets the job done with minimal fuss. It allows you to target recording too; you can just capture whatever you’re doing within a specific application, or within a browser, etc.
The ability to add customisable intros/outros is convenient.
That it’s free is also a huge attraction, naturally.
The included video editing function, on the other hand, is very limited. It’s fine if you’re just looking to add text, but beyond that, you’re better using another application.
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