How to Choose the Right Product Demo Video Maker for Your SaaS

In today’s digital age, SaaS (Software as a Service) companies increasingly use product demo videos to showcase their products and attract potential customers. These videos allow SaaS companies to provide an in-depth look at their products and demonstrate their features and benefits concisely and engagingly.

However, creating a high-quality product demo video requires more than just a camera and a script. It requires a skilled video maker who can understand your product and convey its value proposition effectively. With so many video makers available, choosing the right one can be daunting.

In this article, we’ll explore key factors to consider when choosing a product demo video maker for your SaaS company. From expertise and experience to communication and collaboration, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision and create a compelling product demo video that drives results.

Evaluate Demos Of Their Existing Video Makers

The first step is to evaluate demos of existing product demo video makers your competitors or other businesses in the SaaS industry are using. This will give you an idea of the different types of video makers available and their features. Check for:

• Visual appeal: Does the video have an attractive layout with animations, transitions, and themes?
• Professionalism: Is the video free of grammatical errors and well-structured to explain the key features?
• Showcasing core features: Does the video efficiently showcase the major functionalities of the product simply?
• Length: Ideally, SaaS product demo videos should be between 2 to 5 minutes long. Check videos within this length range.
• Voiceover quality: Check for clear, easy-to-understand voiceovers with proper modulation and pronunciation.
• Screen recordings: Check if the video includes relevant recordings to visually demonstrate features.

After evaluating existing demos, make a shortlist of about 3 to 5 potential video makers. Check their free trials or consult user reviews to find the right fit for your SaaS business needs.

The demo videos will give you an idea of the potential quality and professionalism you can achieve with different makers. Narrowing down your options will make the selection process more focused and efficient.

Does The Maker Support Video Tutorials, Screen Recordings, And Screenshots?

For a SaaS product demo video to be effective, it must include relevant visual elements like screen recordings, walkthroughs, and screenshots.

The video maker you choose should support the following:

Screen recordings: Live screen recordings of you navigating within your product and demonstrating features. Most video makers offer screen recording tools, but some are more robust.

Screenshotting tools: The ability to take screenshots of various pages, widgets, and elements within your product and add them to the video. This helps make the demo more visual and helps users picture using the actual product.

Video tutorials: Walkthrough tutorials that showcase major tasks and workflows within your product. Some video makers offer templates specifically designed for tutorials.

Interactive features: Tools like clickable hotspots, arrows, zoom-ins, etc. that, make the video more interactive and engaging for the viewer.

Check various video makers’ demo videos, tutorials, and user guides to gauge the types of visual elements they support. Makers that offer more robust visual tools will help you create a high-impact demo video for your SaaS product.

The visual elements will showcase your product in action rather than just voiceovers describing it. So ensure the maker you choose offers robust screen recording, screenshotting, and tutorial creation tools. Videos with more visual elements tend to resonate better with target audiences.

Check For Automation And Integrations

Another important factor is whether the demo video maker offers integrations and automation options. This can make the video creation process more streamlined and save you time. Look for:

Integrations with project management and CRM tools: The ability to sync contacts, tasks, and projects from tools like Asana, Jira, Hubspot, Salesforce, etc. This lets you target specific prospects or customers based on their projects and tasks.

Integrations with marketing platforms: Connections to email marketing tools like Mailchimp, payment gateways like Stripe, and social media to easily share the demo video across channels.

Automated voiceover generation: Some makers offer artificial intelligence (AI) powered text-to-speech functions that automatically generate a voiceover script from your written content. This saves the time spent hiring a voice actor.

Template automation: Pre-built video templates with automated features like call-to-action prompts, placeholders for screenshots, and more. You just fill in your product details.

Trigger-based automated reminders: The ability to set up triggers so the system automatically reminds you to create a new demo video when major product updates happen.

Task automation: Tools that let you automate repetitive video editing and customization tasks so you can focus on the main content.

Integrations and automation can significantly reduce the time spent creating demo videos, allowing you to concentrate more on crafting the right visuals and script. Look for makers that offer the most relevant integrations and automation features for your needs. Aim for at least 3-5 key automation offering the biggest timesaving benefits.

Ensure Diverse Video Templates And Transitions

The demo video maker should offer various professionally designed video templates catering to different styles and formats. These include:

Promotional templates: For showcasing your product’s key benefits and features in an attractive layout.

Tutorial templates: Specifically designed for how-to and walkthrough tutorial videos.

Call-to-action templates: With placeholders for your pricing, call-to-action buttons, and opt-in forms.

Branded templates: Customizable to match your company logo, colors, and fonts.

Vertical video templates: For sharing on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.

Animation templates: These include animated elements and motion graphics.

Check the demo videos and templates showcased by different makers to understand the diversity available. Aim for at least 10-20 high-quality templates within different styles for your demo videos.

In addition, the maker should offer the following:

A wide range of professional transitions: Fade, slide, swipe, warp, and more to switch between scenes. Transitions help make the video feel polished and visually engaging.

Animation features: Tools to add basic animations, blinking text, reveal text, etc. Animations can help emphasize important points and keep viewers engaged.

The more diverse and professional the templates and visual effects, the higher the potential production value of your demo videos. So look for makers that offer you the flexibility to create demos in different captivating formats.

AI Voiceover And Animation Tools

For SaaS demo videos, clear and professional voiceovers are key. Consider makers that offer:

AI text-to-speech voiceover generation: Automated AI voices that you can feed your written script, and it will generate a voiceover. This is a timesaving option, though AI voices may sound robotic.

Professional voiceover library: Access a large library of high-quality human voiceovers in male and female voices with different accents and tones. You can browse, filter and audition voiceover options for your video.

Voice editing tools: Allows you to edit the pace, tone, and volume of recorded or AI-generated voiceovers for a more natural sound.

Voiceover collaboration: Option to work with a remote voice actor and record, review and revise their takes directly within the maker’s interface.

Animation tools can also make your demo video more engaging, so look for the following:

Basic animation features: Tools to add animations like blinking text, reveal text, and object animations.

Motion graphics templates: Premade motion graphic templates you can customize with your imagery and text.

Character animations: Option to incorporate animated characters that walk users through the product features.

Whiteboard animation option: Ability to create whiteboard-style animations directly within the interface.

AI voices are convenient but may sound unnatural. Professional voiceovers and animations can elevate the production value of your demo videos, though they require more time and effort. Look for a maker with a good balance of AI automation and professional voices/animations to suit your needs and budget.

The robustness of these tools will determine how engaging, polished, and professional your demo videos can be. So explore different makers’ voiceover and animation options to find one that meets your requirements.

Multiple Screen Recording Options

The demo video maker’s screen recording tools are crucial for effectively demonstrating your SaaS product’s features. Consider makers that offer:

Whole screen recording: To capture a desktop screen during your live product demonstration.

Region/area recording: To zoom in and capture a specific section or window on the screen. Useful when only a part of the screen needs to be shown.

Cursor highlighting: The ability to highlight and draw attention to the cursor movements during recordings to clearly show where users need to click.

On-screen annotation: Tools to add comments, arrows, and shapes on top of screen recordings to call out specific elements and features.

Screen recording of multiple monitors: Support capturing recordings from multiple external monitors if needed.

Recording of webcam feed: Option to simultaneously record your face or gestures through a webcam to add a personal touch.

Screen recording optimization: Ability to optimize recordings for smooth playback with balanced audio and video quality.

Replay option: Feature to replay certain sections of the screen recording within the demo video for emphasis.

Makers offering more screen recording options give you the flexibility to create the most effective visuals for your demo. Choose one that provides the following:

• At least 3-4 core recording options like whole screen, region, and cursor highlight.
• Basic annotation tools.
• Support for recording from external monitors (if needed for your setup).

Prioritize the most relevant options based on your product, features, and target audience. More options allow you to switch up your demo video style over time to keep things fresh.

The quality of the screen recordings will largely determine how users can visualize using your actual product. To evaluate this aspect carefully for the makers on your list.

Also read: How to Master the SaaS Sales Process

Simple Editing And Customization Tools

Even if a demo video maker has great screen recording and voiceover tools, the editing and customization features determine how polished and professional your final video will be. Look for makers that offer:

Simple timeline-based video editing: A straightforward timeline interface where you can arrange and trim screen recordings, voiceovers, images, and other elements.

Cut, copy, paste, and delete clip features: Basic editing tools to precisely arrange and organize the various video elements.

Ability to add text boxes and captions: To insert details, call-outs, and summarizing captions throughout the video.

Volume control for each clip: Adjust the audio levels of elements like voiceover, background music, and screen recordings for balanced playback.

Transition options: Add professionally designed transitions between clips for a more polished feel.

Possibility to add background music: Select from a music library or upload your tracks. Background music can set the right mood and keep viewers engaged.

Split-screen and picture-in-picture options: Advanced editing features to simultaneously show two or more clips on the screen. Useful for comparing features.

Additional video filters and effects: Tools to modify elements like color balance, brightness, speed, reverse clip, and more.

Preview and save at any point: Ability to preview the video at all editing stages and save your work to pick up later.

The easier and more robust the editing and customization tools, the more flexibility you’ll have to finely tune every aspect of your demo video.

Simpler tools also require less learning time.

A good demo video maker will provide the basics like trim, delete, add text, transitions, and advanced options for experienced users. Aim for editing tools that are easy to learn but powerful enough to create highly customized and polished demo videos.

Pricing And Features Comparison

When choosing a demo video maker for your SaaS product, thoroughly compare the pricing and key features offered by the different options on your shortlist. Consider:

Pricing plans:

• Monthly vs. annual subscriptions: Monthly plans offer more flexibility but can be costlier in the long run. Annual plans are cheaper but require a bigger upfront commitment. Evaluate what works best for your budget and video creation frequency.
• Starter, standard, and premium tiers: Makers typically offer multiple tiers with different pricing and feature sets. Consider which tier offers the “sweet spot” of features for your needs at a reasonable price.
• One-time purchase option: Some makers offer a one-time payment option for a lifetime or perpetual license. Only consider if you want to avoid a recurring subscription cost.
• Additional credits: Some plans include a set number of voiceover or animation credits you can redeem monthly. Check if this works for your budget.

Key Features:

• Compare screen recording tools, editing features, voiceover options, animation features, and integrations between different makers on your shortlist.
• Determine which combination offers maximum value for your demo needs in the most cost-effective plan.
• Consider the learning curve and user-friendliness of each maker. Sometimes a more feature-rich option requires more time to learn.
• Check reviews and compare based on real customer experiences and feedback.

Overall, look for a pricing plan that:

• Offers the features and functionality you need for your SaaS demo videos, avoiding stuff you won’t use.
• Strikes a good balance between cost and capability, avoiding the cheapest and most expensive options.
• Fits your budget while allowing for future growth and complexity as your product and demo videos evolve.

Do a thorough feature and pricing audit of 3-5 of the top options on your list. Consider all relevant factors to determine the product demo video maker that offers you the optimal cost, value, and functionality over time.

Adding Voices And Music Tracks

The right voiceover and background music tracks can greatly impact a professional-quality demo video. Look for a maker that offers:

A large library of high-quality voiceovers: With voices in different accents, cadences, and tones so you can find the most suitable voice for your target audience and product.

Option to add your voiceover: Simply record yourself narrating or hire an external professional voice actor.

Text-to-speech AI voice as a backup: In case you don’t have the budget for a human voiceover. Though AI voices sound robotic, so should only be used as needed.

Ability to adjust voiceover settings: Like volume levels, playback speed, and effects like echo and reverb to make the voice sound more natural.

Detailed preview options: Listen to a voiceover in its entirety or specific clips before finalizing it.

A music library: With multiple genres, moods, and styles of tracks so you can select the right background music for your demo video.

Option to upload your music: If you have created custom tracks or want to use an existing song from a license you own.

Fine-tuning controls: Adjust the music volume, fade in/out points, and other settings.

Separate volume sliders: For voiceover, music, and screen recordings, each element plays at a balanced level during playback.

Option to mute music or voiceover: For exporting different versions of the demo video - with or without music/voiceover.

The more diverse the voiceover and music options, the more likely you are to find the perfect fit for your demo video. Aim for makers that offer at least:

• 50-100 professionally recorded voiceovers
• Several genres and moods of background tracks
• Controls to fine-tune and balance all audio elements

Also, consider features like voice editing tools, previewing options, and collaboration features, as these will determine how easy it is to create demo videos with high-quality audio.

Overall, look for a maker with enough options to find the perfect human or AI voice and ideal background music tracks for your needs.

Customer Support And User Friendliness

When choosing a product demo video maker for your SaaS, pay close attention to the following:

Quality of customer support: Check user reviews for feedback on response times, solutions effectiveness, and support agents’ friendliness. Opt for makers with a strong track record of helpful support.

Availability of online help resources: Like tutorial guides, FAQs, template examples, and how-to articles. The more support options, the less you’ll have to contact actual customer service.

Ease of use: Evaluate user reviews and demo videos to gauge how intuitive, streamlined, and simplified the interface and tools are. The less time you spend figuring things out, the better.

Learning curve: Makers with simpler tools tend to have a shorter learning curve. But more advanced features may require more time investment to learn. Weigh ease of use vs. functionality based on your needs.

Clutter-free interface: An interface with large, clearly labeled buttons and options that are organized logically will be less overwhelming and easier to use.

Consistency: Once you learn one part of the interface, similar actions and tools should follow a consistent workflow throughout the maker. This contributes to usability.

Built-in guidance: Features like pop-up tooltips, hover helps, and guided tours can make onboarding smoother and speed learning.

User community: An active community forum, hashtag on social platforms, or LinkedIn group where you can connect with other users and get answers to specific questions.

The intuitiveness of video preview: How easy and convenient it is to preview different stages of your video as you create and edit it, without many export steps.

The simpler, more intuitive, and more user-friendly the demo video maker, the faster you can create high-quality videos for your SaaS. So consider these ‘soft’ factors holistically and the hard, functional capabilities when choosing a maker.

Aim for options that combine overall ease of use with robust features tailored to your needs. And don’t discount the value of strong customer support - it can quickly compensate for any minor interface issues you face.

Choose an interactive product demo tool.

Interactive demo videos can be even more engaging and effective for SaaS products than traditional screen recordings. Consider makers that offer:

Hotspot annotations: Ability to add clickable hotspots over screen recordings that link to more information or open a pop-up. Users can click to learn more.

Drag & drop components: Tools to add draggable elements on the screen that users can manually position - demonstrating features like widget placement.

Interactive timelines: Scrollable timelines where users can click forward or backward to see how a process or workflow progresses.

Quizzes and surveys: Integration with quiz builders and survey tools so you can pose questions to users and gauge their understanding during the demo.

CTAs/Pop-ups: Option to add clickable call-to-action buttons and pop-ups that open opt-in forms, links to your website, or more info. Users are guided to take action.

Scrollable areas: Ability to designate a specific section of the video as scrollable, where users can scroll through content at their own pace.

Clickable menus: Tools to add clickable drop-down menus, navbars, and sidebars that users can interact with to reveal more content.

Custom comments: Ability to include comments and annotations where users have to click/tap to reveal the full text. Keeps them engaged.

The more interactive elements a demo video maker supports, the higher your videos’ engagement and learning potential. However, interactive demos also require more planning and effort to create.

Look for a balance of features offering the biggest benefits for your needs. Prioritize interactive tools that help viewers:

• Learn more easily
• Take an action
• Understand through self-guided exploration

Overall, focus on a maker that supports 4-6 of the most impactful interactive features to slightly enhance users’ experience of your demo video without overcomplicating the format. This balance will yield the highest returns.

How-Tos Regarding Product Demo Video Makers for SaaS

Are you seeking the right product demo video maker for your SaaS business? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you evaluate and choose the right one:

How to evaluate demos of their existing video makers?

To evaluate demos of their existing video makers, look for the quality of their videos, the ease of use of their platform, and the availability of customization options.

How to check if the maker supports video tutorials, screen recordings, and screenshots?

To check if the maker supports video tutorials, screen recordings, and screenshots, look for these features in their product description or ask their customer support team.

How to check for automation and integrations?

To check for automation and integrations, look for information on their website or ask their customer support team about the tools they integrate with and the level of automation they offer.

How to ensure diverse video templates and transitions?

To ensure diverse video templates and transitions, look for the variety offered on their platform or ask their customer support team about their customization options.

How to use AI voiceover and animation tools?

To use AI voiceover and animation tools, look for these features on their platform or ask their customer support team about the availability of these tools.

How to use multiple screen recording options?

To use multiple screen recording options, look for the availability of these options on their platform or ask their customer support team about the different ways you can record your screen.

How to use simple editing and customization tools?

To use simple editing and customization tools, look for the availability of these tools on their platform or ask their customer support team about the level of customization they offer.

How to compare pricing and features?

To compare pricing and features, look for the pricing plans and features offered on their platform or ask their customer support team about the different plans they have and the features included in each plan.

How to add voices and music tracks?

To add voices and music tracks, look for the availability of these features on their platform or ask their customer support team how you can add audio to your video.

How to evaluate customer support and user-friendliness?

To evaluate customer support and user-friendliness, look for reviews of their platform and customer support team online or ask their customer support team about their level of support and the ease of use of their platform.

How to use an interactive product demo tool for my SaaS?

To use an interactive product demo tool for your SaaS, look for a platform offering this feature or ask their customer support team about how you can create an interactive product demo.

Conclusion

In summary, to choose the right product demo video maker for your SaaS, evaluate potential options based on the following:

• Visual elements supported - screen recordings, tutorials, screenshots
• Integrations and automation features
• Video templates and visual effects
• Voiceover and animation tools
• Screen recording options
• Editing and customization capabilities
• Pricing plans and value for money
• Voiceover and music libraries
• Customer support and ease of use
• Interactive elements - if needed

Focus on a maker that provides:

• The most relevant features for your specific demo video needs
• A balance of automation and DIY options
• Enough templates and visual effects to create diverse demos
• Simple editing tools alongside some advanced features
• A pricing plan that fits your budget and video creation frequency
• Robust voiceover and music options
• Helpful support and a streamlined interface

Choose a product demo video maker based on a holistic evaluation of functionality, usability, customizability, and value.

Prioritize the factors most important for creating effective demo videos that generate qualified leads and sales for your SaaS business.

Also read: Why Every SaaS Provider Needs a Sandbox Environment

Cover Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash