You can record a video for free with tools already on your device. For a camera or webcam clip, use Windows Camera on a PC or QuickTime Player on a Mac. To capture a screen, use Xbox Game Bar on Windows, Screenshot or QuickTime on a Mac, or Screen Recording on iPhone. Choose the workflow that matches what you want to capture, then make and play back a short test before recording the full take.
First, choose what you want to record
“Record a video” can mean filming yourself with a camera or webcam, or capturing activity on your screen. These are different workflows: a camera app records the camera view, while a screen recorder captures an app or display. Decide whether you need microphone narration, system audio, a face-camera overlay, or several sources before choosing a tool.
- Camera or webcam: Use Windows Camera or QuickTime Player.
- Screen or app: Use Xbox Game Bar on Windows, Screenshot or QuickTime Player on Mac, or Screen Recording on iPhone.
- Several sources or a custom layout: Consider OBS Studio, which takes more setup than a basic built-in recorder.
Record a camera video on Windows
- Open the Camera app. If prompted, allow it to use the camera and microphone.
- Select Video.
- Select the video button to start recording, then select Stop when finished.
- Review the thumbnail. Use the app’s folder option to locate the recording.
This captures the camera view, not arbitrary activity on your desktop. Microsoft’s Windows Camera app guide describes the built-in recording workflow; available controls may differ by device and Windows version.
Record a screen or app clip on Windows
- Make sure Xbox Game Bar is enabled, then open the game or app you want to capture.
- Press Windows + Alt + R to start recording. Press the same keys to stop.
- To toggle microphone recording during the capture, press Windows + Alt + M.
- Find the resulting MP4 in Videos/Captures and play it back to check the picture and audio.
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Bar recording instructions describe capturing a game or app clip; they do not present it as a universal recorder for every desktop screen or window.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Record a camera video on Mac
- Open QuickTime Player.
- Choose File > New Movie Recording.
- Choose the camera and microphone you want to use, if the controls offer a choice.
- Start recording, then stop when the take is complete. Save the movie and play it back to check it.
QuickTime Player can use the Mac’s built-in camera or a connected iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, according to Apple’s QuickTime guide. Check the selected camera and microphone before a long recording.
Record the screen on Mac
- Open the Screenshot controls or QuickTime Player and choose the screen-recording option.
- Choose to record the whole screen or a selected portion.
- Choose a microphone if you want to narrate. Make a short test recording and confirm that the voice is audible.
- Start the capture, stop it when finished, and play back the saved recording.
Apple explains both methods in its Mac screen-recording guide. Some apps may prevent their windows from being recorded; Apple gives Apple TV as an example. If you need a camera overlay or multiple mixed sources, OBS may suit you better.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Record the screen on iPhone
- Open Control Center and tap Screen Recording. Wait for the countdown.
- To narrate, touch and hold the Screen Recording control, turn on Microphone, then start the recording.
- Stop the recording when finished. The video is saved in Photos.
- Play it back and check that the screen and, if enabled, narration were captured as expected.
See Apple’s iPhone screen-recording instructions for the built-in controls. Some apps disallow recording, and screen recording cannot run at the same time as screen mirroring.
When OBS Studio is worth setting up
OBS Studio is free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming. The OBS Project lists support for Windows 10 and 11, macOS 13.0 or newer, and Linux, and describes real-time video and audio capture and mixing. It can help when you need scenes, several sources, or more control over a recording-and-streaming setup. For a single webcam clip, a built-in recorder is usually the more direct route. Supported operating systems do not guarantee that every computer can record smoothly; performance depends on the device and the capture workload.
Rank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
Check the recording before you commit to a long take
- Picture: Confirm the intended camera, app, screen area, or window appears in the clip.
- Audio: Check that the correct microphone is selected and narration is audible. Screen and system audio options vary by tool.
- File: Locate the saved clip and play it from beginning to end. Windows Game Bar’s guide identifies MP4 files in Videos/Captures; iPhone screen recordings go to Photos.
- Permissions and restrictions: Allow camera or microphone access when needed. Protected or restricted apps may block screen capture.
- Space: Make sure the device has room for the recording; free software does not mean unlimited storage.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your next step is keeping a pre-recorded YouTube video live around the clock, that is a different task from making a camera or screen recording. StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping uploaded videos on a YouTube channel: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream plays the uploaded video, not a live camera feed. It supports the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
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