The shape of a good tutorial
The How-to writer mode follows a structure that works for almost any process:
- The goal. What the viewer will be able to do by the end.
- Clear numbered steps. Often shown as a list, with each step appearing as the narrator reaches it.
- One common mistake and how to avoid it.
- The result. What success looks like.
That's it. No long intro, no "before we start". Viewers searching for a how-to want the steps.
How steps look on screen
- A list scene shows the steps as cards that appear one by one as each is mentioned, each with its own drawing.
- A flow joins drawings with arrows when a sentence says "first… then… finally".
- Two sides for "do this, not that".
- Counters when a step hinges on a number, like "500 grams of flour".
- Word-by-word captions, so the steps can be followed with the sound off.
An example script
# hook
You can make a sourdough starter with just flour, water and patience.
# list: Mix flour and water; Cover loosely; Feed it daily; Wait for bubbles
Mix flour and water, cover the jar loosely, feed it every day, and wait for bubbles.
# headline: The mistake to avoid
Don't seal the jar tight. The starter needs air to grow.
# outro
In about a week, it's ready to bake with. Follow for the bread recipe.
Each item after list: becomes a card, separated by semicolons. The narration should mention each item, because that's when its card appears.
Topics that work as short how-tos
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| Cooking | How to cook perfect rice |
| Tech | How to back up your phone |
| Money | How to make a monthly budget |
| Study | How to use spaced repetition |
| Home | How to unclog a drain without chemicals |
| Business | How to write an invoice |
| Health habits | How to build a stretching routine |
Tips for how-to videos people save
- Promise one result in the first sentence.
- Use verbs to start each step: "Mix", "Cover", "Feed".
- Three to six steps fit well in a Short. Longer processes can go up to 3 minutes, or split into a series.
- Include the mistake. It's often the most useful part.
- Say the key number out loud, so a counter can show it.
For a brand, how-to videos are a natural way to teach customers to use your product. Add your logo and a call to action like "Visit acme.com" with the brand kit. The carousel export turns the same video into one slide per scene, which works as a step-by-step guide on LinkedIn or Instagram.
How it works
- Type the taskChoose the How-to mode and type what you want to teach, for example "How to make a monthly budget".
- Check the stepsMake sure the order is right and each step starts with a verb. Add or remove steps in the list line.
- PreviewWatch each step appear as it's spoken, with a drawing. Change the voice, speed, theme and music.
- Download or make a carouselSign in with Google for free, download the video, and export a carousel of the steps if you want one.
Questions
Can I record my screen or hands?
Not inside the video maker; it illustrates steps with animated drawings. To caption a clip you filmed, use Caption my video.
How many steps can a video have?
As many as fit in 3 minutes. Three to six steps work well in a Short.
Can I write the steps myself?
Yes. Paste your own script, or write a list line like "# list: Step one; Step two; Step three".
Does it work in other languages?
Yes. How-to videos work in 10 languages, including Urdu, Hindi and Arabic.
Is there a watermark?
No. Downloaded videos have no watermark.
Updated 2026-10-28