Screencastify is a popular Chrome extension for recording screen captures and videos. While it has robust features for capturing full screen video, Screencastify can also be used to record just audio. This allows you to create audio files and narrations that can be embedded into presentations, assignments, and more.
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Why Record Audio Only?
Here are some reasons you may want to use Screencastify to record audio only:
- Create narration tracks or verbal instructions to embed into Google Slides presentations
- Provide audio feedback or explanations for students as part of an assignment
- Record podcasts, read-alouds, or announcements to share
- Explain processes or give directions without showing visually sensitive information on screen
- Make materials more accessible for visual learners
Recording audio only with Screencastify is simple and only takes a few steps.
How to Record Audio with Screencastify
Follow these instructions to record audio using the Screencastify Chrome extension:
1. Install the Screencastify Extension
If you don’t already have Screencastify installed, go to the Chrome Web Store and click “Add to Chrome”. This will install the extension so you can access it anytime.
2. Set Up Your Microphone
Click on the Screencastify puzzle piece icon in your browser toolbar. Make sure the microphone toggle is enabled and shows your preferred microphone selected. You should see the sound input levels react when you speak into the microphone.
3. Select Recording Options
You can choose any of the recording options since the video won’t matter. Typically “Desktop” is easiest. Make sure microphone is enabled and sound levels are still reacting.
4. Click Record and Speak
Click the “Record” button to start your audio recording. Speak normally into the microphone to capture your narration or verbal instructions.
5. Stop the Recording
When you finish speaking, click the stop button or the Screencastify icon to end recording.
6. Export the Audio
In the video playback screen, click the “Export audio only” option to download just an MP3 file of your recording audio.
And that’s it! You now have an audio file containing just the narration from your Screencastify recording.
What You Can Do with Audio Files
There are many uses for audio recordings in education and business. Here are just a few ideas:
- Embed in Google Slides – Add your MP3 file to any Google Slides presentation. Students can click to play audio explanations as they progress through your lesson.
- Give Assignment Instructions – Attach your audio file to Google Classroom announcements or assignments to provide extra clarity for students.
- Create Accessible Materials – Pair audio recordings with accessible text documents as an additional way for students to access information.
- Share Announcements – Record important announcements as audio messages and share them with stakeholders through email, websites, etc.
- Develop Training Content – Use audio recordings to explain processes, product features, or how to complete tasks as part of employee onboarding or development training.
- Produce a Podcast – Export audio files from Screencastify to use within a podcast episode you create and publish.
Tips for Recording Great Audio
Follow these tips to get the best sound quality from your Screencastify audio recordings:
- Speak clearly and enunciate words fully
- Avoid mumbling or trailing off at the ends of sentences
- Record in a quiet space without background noise
- Use a quality external microphone for best sound capture
- Keep microphone volume levels in the green/not peaked in red
- Listen with headphones to hear audio quality accurately
With just a few clicks, you can use Screencastify to easily create audio files for all kinds of purposes. Recording audio only takes no time at all and opens up options for making your instructional materials more interactive and engaging.
Whether you’re an educator, trainer, podcaster, or business professional, try out this handy Screencastify feature today!
