Soapbox by Wistia was just launched – a free Google Chrome extension that enables you to quickly and easily record, edit, and share videos right within your browser.

Click here to install Soapbox

I’ve been wanting a tool like this for a while. And I’ve really appreciated Wistia’s style and learning library over the years. I look up to them! So it seems like it could be the perfect tool for me.

In this article, I’ll share the pros and cons of the first version of Soapbox, how to use it, and what I can see myself using it for.

How to Use Soapbox by Wistia

Watch the video above for a step-by-step tutorial on using Soapbox by Wistia.

Pros of Soapbox by Wistia

• Quickly record videos with a couple clicks
• It’s free!
• You can edit videos right within your browser too
• Easily share your video via a link or clickable thumbnail
• Easily change record settings such as quality and microphone/webcam input

Cons of Soapbox by Wistia

I’m writing this just a few days after the launch of Soapbox. Perhaps they’ll update in the future!

• Wistia doesn’t allow you to download the videos***
• Using Soapbox with 3rd party webcam setting tools is difficult because the video preview closes if you switch applications (i.e. going to the webcam settings app to adjust settings). So it makes it very difficult to set up your manual settings.
• You can’t embed videos onto another website
• Even though I love Google Chrome and use it as my primary browser, this may limit some people

*** I understand that Wistia probably wants to host the videos, and not allow you to download and upload directly to YouTube, Facebook, etc. This will probably encourage more people to actually sign up for Soapbox and use Wistia, including signing up for Wistia’s video hosting services. But I hope that in a future update, we’re able to download the videos. Heck, I’d even pay for that option! You listening, Wistia team?!

How I’ll Be Using Soapbox

1. Answering Q&A from Students

The primary reason I wanted a screen recording / webcam recording tool like this is to be able to quickly and easily record answers to student questions. As you can see from the image above, I get a lot of questions!

Answering questions via video could be quicker than writing out answers, plus my answers could be more clear than just text. I can respond to students by showing them how to do something, not just by telling.

2. Any Private Video

What do I mean by private videos? These are videos that I don’t want to use to get views or grow my audience. Soapbox doesn’t have view counts, subscribe options, or any sort of engagement from your viewers (liking & commenting). It’s not YouTube. It’s not Facebook Video. And that’s okay.

But this means that I probably won’t be using Soapbox to create tutorials like I put on YouTube and Facebook.

Private videos include sales pitches, videos that are a part of an email sequence, announcements.

3. Internal Company Videos

As I’ve been growing my business, I’ve been outsourcing a lot of work. Creating video tutorials as part of the on-boarding process. Before, I had to record with my desktop application of choice – Screenflow – then upload to YouTube as an unlisted or private video.

Soapbox is the perfect solution for me when I need to record training videos because it’s easy and quick. There are fewer steps than in my previous process.

Ready to use Soapbox by Wistia?

First, you gotta get better at making webcam videos. Learn how with my 100% free Webcam Videography course!

Want the tools I use? I use the Logitech C920 currently, and a Heil PR40 microphone setup, which you can find on my Resources page. You can also see my cheap lighting setup there too. If you want a cheaper microphone, get the Blue Snowball.

Next, make sure you install the Soapbox by Wistia Google Chrome extension.

And start rocking and rolling!

Wistia has another step-by-step tutorial that might help if you’re still confused, plus some helpful FAQs if you’re stuck.

Are you going to use Soapbox by Wistia?

Let me know down below if you think you’ll use Soapbox to create quick and easy videos! I’d love to know how you’ll use it.

Have another tool that you like using?

If you know any other video recording tools that you like, please share with me and the Video School Online audience!

Have a beautiful day!

Phil