If you’re applying to teach online, there’s one thing you absolutely can’t skip: creating a strong online intro video and/or demo video. They’re often the first thing schools or potential students see, and they can make or break your application.
In this blog post, learn how to create an intro and demo video for online teaching applications for companies like Cambly or marketplaces like Preply.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate/referral links. If you choose to make a purchase or apply through one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me continue to create free content for teachers. Thank you!
Post Contents
What is the Difference Between an Online Intro Video and a Demo Video?
Demo Video for Online Teaching
A demo video is a recording of a sample class. It may be an entire class or part of a class, depending on the company or marketpalce. If you’re freelance teaching, you may want to put up a demo video on your website or on your social media.
For companies and marketplaces, they’ll generally want to see three to five minutes of a demo lesson, but some may ask for a longer video. Each company and marketplace is different, so always check the guidelines to make sure your video is within the required time limit. Companies can reject you if your video is too short or too long.
If you are freelancing, you might want to create a few different demo videos of various lengths. Optimize each for the platform you choose. For example, a longer video for YouTube and a short clip for Tik Tok. You can also put demo videos up on your website or offer a pre-recorded lesson when someone signs up for your email list.
Intro Video for Online Teaching
An intro video is a recording where you share your teaching experience, area of expertise, and interests with potential students. Companies and marketplaces may use this video as part of the application and interview process. The video may also be posted up to attract potential students after you are hired.
Intro videos are typically around 1 to 5 minutes long. If you’re freelance online teaching, you can speak as long as you want. However, keep in mind that attention spans are short and to keep it focused.
How to Create a Demo Video
When applying, you may be asked to teach pretend students, which can be awkward. Before teaching your demo lesson, choose a few fake names so you can “call on them” during your sample class. It can feel a little bit weird, but most companies just want to see your teaching style and how you present yourself in the classroom.
In some cases, you may be asked to do a live demo with real students or a company representative. Additionally, some companies allow you to submit a demo video of a recorded class if you are already teaching online with another company or marketplace.
3 Steps to Creating a Demo Video
Step 1: Write Out Your Lesson Plan
Read all the instructions from the company or marketplace carefully. For example, will they provide specific slides, or will you need to create your own lesson? Try to make your demo lesson as interactive as possible. Pick out props, rewards, and flashcards that match the lesson. Consider using the digital whiteboard or a physical mini-whiteboard.
Write out bullet points and lesson stages, not a script. The goal is to see your teaching style and personality in the classroom.
Step 2: Set Up Your Online Teaching Equipment
Will you film with your webcam, phone, or camera? For your mobile phone, DO NOT film vertically. Always film horizontally and put it on a stable surface. The best choice is to use a tripod or prop it on a shelf to avoid shaky video. Ensure it is placed at eye level.
Check your lighting and sound. If you cannot be heard or seen properly, your application will likely be rejected. Sit in front of a window for natural light or invest in a small ring light. You should have a headset with a microphone or a USB microphone to ensure crisp audio. Some companies require a headset with a microphone, so double-check any requirements.
My online teaching equipment recommendations
Note: Some companies allow you to record directly on their platform, while others have the option to upload your video file. If you plan on editing your video at all, then the option to upload will always be better. Not comfortable editing your video? Hire a freelancer on Fiverr.
Step 3: Practice Your Lesson and Record!
The next step is to practice your demo lesson several times until it becomes natural. Record yourself and watch the recording to check if you can be seen or heard. Check that the video is within the time limit.
Filming yourself teaching is hard! Don’t worry about it being perfect, as it can become overwhelming if you’re recording repeatedly. Done is better than perfect!
If you want to share your screen while filming, you can use the free version of Zoom to record your demo video. Record the demo lesson in Zoom, save the file to your computer, and upload the link to the recording.
If the video file is too big, use a free video compressor to make the file size smaller.
Lighting, Sound, and Background
- Lighting – If you don’t have professional lights, you can take advantage of natural light coming from a window. But if natural light won’t work, you can invest in a small ring light that illuminates your face.
I use a light box, which helps diffuse the light, making it ideal for online teaching as it’s not too bright. There are a lot of different lights that you can get on Amazon that aren’t very expensive.
- Sound – It’s critical to have a microphone because there might be some background noise. It can also be difficult if your speakers and microphones are far away. If you’re teaching a language, your students need to hear you and your pronunciation clearly.
Affordable options you have are headsets with a little microphone, a clip-on microphone, and USB plug-in microphones.
To reduce echo, place blankets and pillows on the floor.
- Background – If you’re teaching kids, consider having some posters or a more colorful backdrop. If you’re teaching adults, like Business English courses, you could have shelves in the background or just a blank wall. The main idea is to avoid any distractions.
You can check a list of my recommended equipment on Amazon.
Record, Edit, and Upload Your Demo Video
Step 4: Record
I suggest recording your demo video until you’re happy and satisfied with it. Don’t worry about it being perfect, as it can become overwhelming if you’re recording repeatedly.
If you want to share screens, you can use the free version of Zoom. You can record everything in Zoom and then save and upload the link to an unlisted YouTube video. Once ready, you can share the link to the online teaching companies you’re applying to.
Alternatively, you can film from your phone and edit the clips together on Canva. I have a video on my channel about how to create an Intro video using Canva.
Step 5: Edit & Upload
If you recorded your video directly through the application like Preply or Cambly, you can submit it right away. On the other hand, if you need to edit your video, you can use iMovie if you have a Mac, Canva or DaVinci Resolve, and all of these are free. You may also hire someone from Fiverr (paid) to do the editing for you. Some of these applications will require your video to be compressed if your file is too big for uploading.
My Real Life Examples
When I applied to GoGoKid (before it closed), I was given slides and required to use Total Physical Response (TPR). I thought my years of teaching experience meant I could wing it—wrong! I didn’t practice enough and got rejected.
When I applied to Outschool, I had to create my own lesson. I designed a “Sound Treasure Hunt” for kindergarteners with a puppet and treasure map. This time, I practiced, kept my ideal student in mind, and passed.
How To Create An Online Intro Video
An intro video is all about selling yourself as a teacher. Like the demo video, the first step is to read all the instructions carefully to determine which information to include and how long the video needs to be.
I suggest writing a script with bullet points to serve as a guide, but don’t memorize it. Practice until it feels natural.
The rest of the process for making an intro video is the same as a demo video.
Sample Script for an Online Intro Video
- Introduce yourself – name, where you are from, etc.
- Talk about your qualifications – degree, TEFL certificate, teaching experience
- Paint a picture of what your classes are like – what can students expect from your classes? Do you like interactive games? Do you help students understand grammar through real-life examples? Think about what makes your teaching unique and your class experience is like for students
- Share your teaching philosophy – what are your values and how do you work with students?
- Include a strong call to action at the end of your video – encourage students to book a class with you by telling them exactly what to do. Only include ONE call to action or students may not take any action
Final Thoughts
Creating a compelling intro and demo video is one of the powerful ways to stand out in online teaching applications. It’s your chance to show who you are, how you teach, and why students should choose you.
Remember to always follow the platform’s guidelines and practice until you feel confident and the video seems natural.
Ready to start teaching online?
If you’re new to teaching online, then check out my self-study online mini-course Teach Online in 10 Days.
You’ll get lifetime access to:
- 10 videos on topics like the three ways to teach online, where to find online teaching jobs, tech help, lesson planning, teaching tips, and more.
- Free access to the Online Teaching Jobs List – a curated list with the requirements for online teaching companies and marketplaces
- Printable PDF resources like checklists, guides, and worksheets
- Answers to your questions – just leave a comment and I’ll reply!
Enroll in Teach Online in 10 Days by clicking here.
Happy teaching!
Jamie
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What if I’m not provided with slides for an online demo lesson?
Answer: Most of the time, the company will provide you with material for a demo lesson. If they don’t, you can use Canva to create slides for your lesson or purchase materials from ESL Brains
Question: What should I say in an intro video if I don’t have previous teaching experience?
Answer: Focus on your teaching philosophy and any related skills you developed through studying or volunteering. Every online teacher starts somewhere!
Question: What if I’m nervous in front of a camera when creating an online intro or demo video?
Answer: Practice and focus on the fact that you will be helping your students improve. Watch your recordings and spot areas for improvement.
