Making a first video

Every video starts from one of six inputs: a topic, pasted text, a web page, a file (such as a Word document or PDF), a video or audio recording, or a finished script.

The steps

1. Choose New video and pick the input.
2. Choose the options: length (2 to 10 minutes), style, voice, music, any special instructions and any images or screenshots to include.
3. Review the script. Edit anything, then confirm production. Writing the script uses 1 minute, which counts toward the video; the rest is held when production is confirmed.
4. Wait for the video. The progress page shows each stage, and an email arrives when the video is ready.
5. Watch, download or share it from the video's page.

Good to know

• A new video needs at least 2 minutes in the balance to start.
• The script is written first, so wording can be changed, at no charge, before production starts.
• Every specific figure, date or name in the script is checked against a source, listed under Sources on the finished video.
• Finished videos are kept for 60 days after delivery. Download anything worth keeping longer.