Video Editing

Three Great Online Screen Recorders, How to Use Them, and their Best Desktop Alternatives

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Since showing people how to carry out certain actions on their computers became a viable teaching method, screen recorders became an important communication tool. And their usefulness came to be appreciated long before Covid-19 came along.

Today, anyone can screen-record their work and create professional-looking tutorials right inside their web browsers. 

And it is not just tutorials either. Screen recorders have and can be used for everything from product demonstrations to virtual dates.

As more of these uses arise, developers started to launch even more sophisticated online screen recorders, offering advanced features.

In this blog, we will discuss three excellent online screen recorders and how to use them. Also, we will cover -

  • What an online Screen Recorder is
  • The differences between a screen recorder and a desktop recorder
  • Three best alternatives of desktop screen recorders 

Ready? Let’s get to it.

What is an Online Screen Recorder?

Before getting into the top online screen recorders to choose from, it is important to understand what they actually are. 

A Screen Recorder is a software capable of recording your computer or mobile screen. It can capture full screens or record portions of it. 

An online version of this type of software is completely accessible via a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox, etc.). It requires no initial download or installation from the user.

The software works by gaining access to your computer with your permission. It records the screen and audio input. It's like recording your screen with an external camera and microphone, except this happens with tools inside your computer.

When recording, it captures everything from cursor movements and taps to inputting a URL in your browser. All screen recorders essentially do the same thing, but some are more fit for certain purposes than others.

Online Screen Recorder or Desktop Screen Recorder?

When it comes to the different types of screen recorders out there, the key difference lies in functionality. The biggest of them is offline functionality.

Online Screen Recorders are only accessible via a web browser, which means you need an active internet connection to use one. You also don’t have to download software; a useful side benefit if you don’t use screen recorders regularly.

However, the active internet connection requirement makes it a less reliable option for capturing gameplay or a live event for an audience.

Desktop recorders, on the other hand, can work without an active connection but require software download. This comes with its own security risks as some might contain malicious code (viruses).

Regardless, whether you are choosing an online or desktop screen recorder, a good one should meet the following criteria -

  1. Very easy to use
  2. Can record the entire screen, a window, or specific area
  3. Can record system and microphone audio
  4. Can capture footage from external sources
  5. Has export options

There are also secondary compatibilities to consider. This includes whether the recorder can export footage in different formats, record HD video, or export directly to video platforms like YouTube.

Now that you know what an online screen recorder is, here are three top screen recorders that require no download.

Online Screen Recorder Tool #1 - Keevi Screen Recorder

Keevi Screen Recorder is one of the best online screen recorders for anyone looking to capture information on their device. 

It supports capturing different types of video displays. You can record the screen or webcam alone, or both in picture-in-picture mode, both accompanied by audio recording.

Also, when you record with Keevi Screen Recorder, you have access to multiple layouts for the best display that suits your audience.

Besides the standard Screen and Webcam only modes, you also have two Split-Screen and two picture-in-picture options.

Furthermore, this online screen recorder is completely free, and you don’t have to save your audio immediately after recording. Keevi stores recorded content for seven days before expiry, so you can return to the video for additional review.

When you are ready to export your content, you can download it to your device or share it directly to over 30 social media platforms.

Lastly, if the screen recording needs additional editing, you can simply import the video into Keevi Video Editor. Here, you can perform actions like trim, split, cut, and brand the footage.

Best For: recording lectures, video tutorials and how-to guides, software demos, etc.

PROS CONS
Multiple Video Layouts No support for mobile phones
Available on Windows and macOS
Has In-built video editor
Free

How to Capture Video Online with Keevi Screen Recorder

One other quality that makes Keevi Screen Recorder an ideal option is how easy it is to use. Launching the recorder is as easy as clicking this link.

When the page loads, follow these steps to use the online screen recorder.

STEP 1 - Choose a Layout

The first thing you have to do is establish how you want to present the video to the audience, i.e., the layout. 

The available options are -

  • Webcam only (recorder will only capture footage from your computer’s camera)
  • Screen only (footage from your screen alone)
  • Webcam + Screen (footage from both your screen and camera)

Click the one you prefer.

If you click an option with a screen display, you will get a pop-up window from your browser to set the region you want to capture.

You can choose to share the entire screen, a particular window, or a tab on the browser, as highlighted above.

Click the relevant tab to choose the screen you wish to share. Select it and click Share.

STEP 2 - Start Recording

By clicking Share, you permit Keevi Screen Recorder to capture the specified part of your screen. Once you do, the recording can begin.

Next, click the red button to start recording. A countdown clock will be your cue before the recording begins.

If the recording starts and you were not ready or made a mistake early into the capturing, click Re-record at the bottom left side of the screen.

STEP 3 - Review, Download & Share

To end the recording, click the red button again. Then use Keevi’s playback button at the center of the video to review the recorded footage.

After completing your review, click Download to export the video to your computer. 

Alternatively, you can copy the link below the video player and share on social media or embed it in an email. The video will be accessible to anyone with the link for seven days.

If you wish to edit the video, download the video and import it into Keevi Video Editor for additional editing.

Online Video Capture Tool #2 - RecordCast 

RecordCast is another impressive option for screen recording. The program also offers all three display options — webcam, screen, and webcam+screen, alongside system and microphone audio for HD recording.

This online screen recorder is also completely web-based, fully accessible via a browser without any software download. Simply click a button on the homepage, and you can capture yourself or any action on your screen.

Its in-built video editor is also a good feature for post-recording editing like trimming, adding text, or background music.

Lastly, this free screen recorder is secure. Recorded footage is edited locally, without storing on an external server. However, as a result, you can only record 30 minutes of content at a stretch.

Best For: recording presentations, gameplay highlights, e-learning classes, online meetings.

PROS CONS
Free, private, and secure 30 minutes video limit per recording
Has in-built editor
HD (1080p) recording

How to Use RecordCast as a Website Recorder

You only need to click a few buttons to get started with RecordCast as a website or screen recorder, starting with this link to its website.

After the page loads, use these steps to record anything you want for free.

STEP 1 - Choose the Recording Mode

Like Keevi, you have the option of choosing the screen and display you want to share. The available modes are —

  • Screen Only
  • Webcam only
  • Screen + Webcam

Choose one and click Next Step.

After completing the video recording settings, next set the audio settings.

Once you click Next Step, you will see a page with these various options —

  • Microphone + System audio (to record your voice and audio from the computer)
  • Microphone (to record your voice alone)
  • System audio (to record computer audio alone)
  • No Audio (to disable audio recording)

Suppose you have an external microphone connected to the system. In that case, you can access it by clicking Show More and selecting the device.

Also, if you intend to record audio, don’t forget to click Allow in the pop-up window. 

STEP 2 - Start Recording

Once you do that and complete the audio recording settings, click Start Recording. It is the big red rectangular button on the page.

You will get a prompt by the website to check the ‘Share Audio’ box. The pop-up window should look like the picture below.

Tick the box as highlighted and select the screen you want to share.

Then click Share.

After clicking Share, you will get a page confirming that your recording is in progress.

You will also see a small window below your screen to notify you that the screen recorder is working.

You can click Hide if you find it distracting.

STEP 3 - Download and Edit the Recording

When you finish recording, click Stop Sharing in the small pop-up window or go back to the RecordCast tab in your browser and click the red button again.

Once you do, review the footage by clicking the playback button.

If you wish to edit or save the raw footage, click Download and Edit. 

The recorder will download the unedited version to your computer and simultaneously launch the video editor with the imported footage.

On the RecordCast editor, you can —

  1. Split the footage and remove unwanted sections
  2. Add contextual text
  3. Import additional clip(s)
  4. Make another recording

You can also add background music and graphic elements to make it easier to understand and raise the quality of the video, especially if you recorded a video guide.

After editing the clip and reviewed the footage again, click Export in the top right corner of the editor.

A pop-up window will ask you to sign-up for a RecordCast account. Sign up for an account.

You can use your Facebook or Google account to sign up or create a unique RecordCast account with an email address.

After signing up, click Export again.

Next, title the video and select your preferred video quality. There are options for 480p, 720p, and 1080p resolutions.

After you choose, click Export.

The RecordCast video editor will begin rendering the clip. Download the edited video recording when it is complete.

Online Screen Recorder Tool #3 - Apowersoft Screen Recorder

Apowersoft Online Screen Recorder is another online recorder worth checking out. You can use it to record anything from a presentation to a tutorial or software demonstration.

Like others on this list, it is very easy to use, and if you happen to like it and its features, there is a desktop app you can download too. However, it is a premium application and requires a subscription.

Speaking of features, Apowersoft Screen Recorder offers a large variety of customizations. Keyboard shortcuts, cursor highlighting, frame rates, and output directory; you can customize everything about the video recording.

Furthermore, it lets you record parts of the screen, useful for recording clips on YouTube or other video-sharing platforms that do not support file download.

Finally, there is no watermark, time limit, and you can set file properties like codec, format, and bit rate.

Best For: Presentations, video guides, software presentations, and video streams.

PROS CONS
No time limits Needs a browser plugin
Highly customizable
No watermark

How to Use Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder 

To screen record with Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder, go to the recorder’s website by clicking this link.

On the landing page, click Start Recording. If this is your first time using the recorder, the recorder will ask you to download and install a plug-in to the browser.

So, follow the prompts to install the plug-in. It takes a few seconds, and the process is no different from installing any other software on your device.

Once the installation is complete, click Start Recording on the landing page and follow these steps.

STEP 1 - Choose your Recording Settings

Because Apowersoft supports customizations, the first thing you need to do is set the recorder according to your needs.

When you click Start Recording, and the plug-in installation is complete, the window above will show up on your screen. If you installed it already and closed the recorder, it will show up quietly in your taskbar.

Click it to make it visible.

Then click the dropdown arrow on each action to choose your preferred settings. You can —

  • Record the full screen or record a region using custom or preset dimensions
  • Choose to record system and/or microphone sound
  • Select preferred camera (for those with multiple cameras)

For additional settings, click the Three-Dot icon to set keyboard shortcuts, default output folder, and more.

STEP 2 - Record

When all the settings are to your satisfaction, click the big red button to begin recording.

The recorder will start a short countdown clock to get you ready, and the recording will begin.

Once it starts recording, you will see a small dashboard with buttons to pause, stop and hide the window.

If you hide the action bar and finish recording, tab the Windows or Command button on your keyboard to bring up the dashboard. Then click the red square button to stop the recording.

STEP 3 - Download and Edit

When you hit stop, Apowersoft Online Screen Recorder will stop capturing any information on your screen.

Next, the recorder will launch a video player, replaying the captured footage. After reviewing the video, you can trim the beginning and end of the clip by moving the blue slider at the start and end of the player.

When you are ready, click the Save (1) icon to save the trimmed video to your device. 

If you prefer to store the video on the cloud to share easily with others, click the Cloud (2) icon.

To share the video directly on YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or DropBox, click the Share (3) icon.

That’s how to use Apowersoft Screen Recorder to capture video online.

Top 3 Desktop Screen Recorders

There is no denying the benefits of online screen recorders. Several of them are free, easy to use, and most importantly a software download is unnecessary. They also tend to need zero to a short period of familiarization.

However, for those who want more customization and features from a screen recorder, online recorders are quite limited. It is the downside of being web-based, limiting their access to the spectrum of capabilities of the device.

Desktop screen recorders do not have this problem. Because they need installing, there is access to a wider range of a computer’s abilities.

Here, we will discuss three best alternatives to online screen recorders that are worth considering. They are -

  • OBS Studio
  • Flashback Express
  • ScreenFlow

Website Screen Recorder Tool #1 - OBS Studio

OBS Studio is one of the most popular desktop screen recording tools and for a good reason. It is open-source, free, and has enough features to rival paid professional screen recorders. There is also universal accessibility, with support for Linux, Mac, and Windows devices.

The software supports streaming and high-definition recording of videos of any length. Its streaming feature particularly makes it popular among gamers. They can use it to stream live to Twitch, Mixer, or YouTube.

OBS Studio also supports full-screen or regional recording. It also comes with an audio mixer to capture perfect sounds.

However, while the recorder is not exactly complicated, it might be overwhelming for first-time users. 

Best For: Live streaming, screen recording video tutorials and guides, presentations, and screen sharing.

PROS CONS
Free Needs ample setup
Ad-free and open source Has a learning curve
Live HD streaming
60FPS recording

How to Record Online Video with OBS Studio

Although it might be confusing at first, it is pretty easy to screen record with OBS Studio. The first thing you need to do is download and install the software from its website.

Then, using these steps, record your videos.

STEP 1 - Launch the App and Choose your Settings

When you launch the app, the default interface should look like this.

OBS Studio will run an Auto-configuration Wizard during the first launch to get settings that most suit your device. If you missed it, the Wizard is also accessible under the Tools menu at the top.

STEP 2 - Choose Video and Audio Sources

Before recording can begin, you need to set the sources for audio and video capturing. By default, OBS captures your system’s audio and microphone. You can confirm this by watching the volume meters in the Audio Mixer section.

If it is not, or you want to capture a different audio device, go to Settings on the last control panel on the right. Then select your preferred audio source under the Audio tab.

Next, select the video source by clicking the + button under the Sources panel.

Choose Display Capture from the list of options.

After selecting Display Capture, a pop-up window will open for additional settings. Click OK on the first box. 

Click OK on the second pop-up window too.

If you have multiple monitors and wish to capture the screen from a particular one, select the relevant display in the Display option, as seen above.

To capture footage from your webcam, add Video Capture Device to the Sources panel.

STEP 3 - Start Recording

With both video and audio sources set, recording can begin.

Once you are ready to record, click the Start Recording button under the Controls panel.

When you finish recording, go back to the panel and hit Stop Recording.

By default, OBS Studio will save the video to the Videos folder on your computer. However, if you want to change the recording path, go to the Output tab under Settings and select your preferred destination.

Website Screen Recorder Tool #2 - FlashBack Express 

FlashBack Express is another useful desktop alternative for screen recording. It reliably executes screen and webcam recording, with no time limits on video length, despite being a free version of a paid app.

Beyond its basic purpose, the recorder can automatically obscure passwords on the screen and hide unflattering desktop icons. You can also set time limits to break long recordings into shorter clips and save them in different file formats.

Overall, FlashBack Express is good enough for simple screen recording. For advanced features like video editing and video effects, check out the paid version, FlashBack Pro.

Best For: Video guides, video gaming, and presentations, etc.

PROS CONS
HD Recording Some features are paid-only
Supports multiple file format
Intuitive interface

How to Capture Video Online with FlashBack Express

Thanks to its simplified interface, it is easy to use FlashBack Express, even as a beginner. 

First, you have to download the program. You can do that by visiting here

After installation, launch the app. Then click Record Your Screen and follow these steps.

STEP 1 - Choose your Settings

When the recorder opens, you will see the interface below. Here, you can choose your preferred recording settings.

In the Area, choose the display you want to capture. You could select the entire screen, a region, or a window.

Next, check the Microphone and PC Sounds options to capture audio from the microphone and record system sounds.

If you want to capture footage from your webcam, check the Webcam option and choose the camera you want to record.

Selections in this interface are enough to get your recording started. However, for more in-depth customizations, click Settings in the menu bar. Also, you can make scheduled recordings with settings under Set Timer.

STEP 2 - Start Recording

With all settings in place, click the record button to start the recorder.

Once you do, there will be a short countdown to initiate recording.

When it finishes, the recording will begin, and you will see the small dashboard (above) to this effect.

FlashBack Express will capture everything that happens within the previously specified display screen. 

You can take a break from the recording by clicking the pause button. When you finish recording, click the stop button.

A prompt will ask to save the recording. Click Save. 

Next, set where you want the file saved using the dialog box.

That’s it. 

Website Screen Recorder Tool #3 - ScreenFlow 

ScreenFlow is a very useful alternative as a Mac screen recorder. The program comes with several features, including retina resolution recording, post-recording background audio, and wide customization options. 

Furthermore, it has iOS capturing, so users can record their mobile device’s screen by connecting it to the computer.

ScreenFlow also has a video editor with a stock media library and closed captions. It also supports multiple file formats, including animated GIF and PNG export.

However, the recorder is not free. Though you can use the free trial for as long as you want, if you don’t mind having your exported recordings watermarked.

Best For: recording HD retina videos, software tutorials and guides, TV/Online programming recording.

PROS CONS
HD retina recording Free version is watermarked
In-built video editing
iOS recording

How to Record Online Video with ScreenFlow

Once you have the app installed, launch it. The app opens to this window for select actions, including starting a new recording.

  • Check Record Desktop to record a display. Use the dropdown arrows to choose a specific monitor or screen if you have more than one.
  • If you want to record an iOS device, check the Record iOS Device option.
  • To capture a video from the webcam or a connected camera, check Record Video.
  • For audio capturing, check Record Audio and choose your preferred input device. Do the same on Record Computer Audio to capture system sounds.

For advanced settings, click the small empty circle to view other options. 

Here, you can choose settings such as —

  • Record Desktop Framerate: the frame rate at which you want to capture the action on your screen (best set to highest).
  • Timeline framerate: the number of images that appear in the video timeline per second.
  • Record in Loop: to save only a section of the recording from a longer recording.
  • Stop Recording After: set a timer for the recording.

To capture the entire screen at this junction, simply click the red button, and the recording will begin.

However, if you want to capture only a specific region of your screen, click the rectangular icon beside the red button to choose where you want to capture.

That’s it. When you finish recording, click the ScreenFlow icon in the menu bar to stop recording.

You can also use the icon to pause the recording, hide desktop icons, or reveal the recording monitor to track recording progress.

Conclusion

Screen recording technology has come so far that users no longer have to download software to capture footage from their screens and webcams. 

In this blog, we discussed three of the best that meet security and privacy standards and have useful features for all categories of users and how to use them. OBS Studio, ScreenFlow, and FlashBack Express are also equally reliable options for those interested in desktop alternatives.

Keevi Screen Recorder, in particular, is a stand-out recorder because there is no limit on recorded video length, and it has an in-built editor. All you have to do is record, download, edit your footage, and your video is ready for an audience.

For more tutorials and guides about video editing, content creation, and repurposing, check out our learning pages.

Hammad Akbar
Hammad Akbar
September 17, 2021