Best 4 Tools for Video Overlay Recording

Video overlay recording is the process of combining multiple visual elements, like layering a camera feed on top of a screen recording. This technique is commonly used in tutorials, presentations, and gaming content to create a more interactive and engaging viewer experience by showing both the screen activity and the presenter's face. This can improve the connection between the presenter and viewers, whether you're creating educational content, streaming a gaming session, or delivering a presentation. In this article, we will share 4 tools for video overlay recording to grasp a video with the camera.

Video Overlay Recording
GUIDE LIST
Part 1. ArkThinker Screen Recorder
Part 2. Bandicam
Part 3. OBS Studio
Part 4. ScreenPal (Formerly Screencast-O-Matic)
Part 5. How to Record Overlay Videos
Best for Pros Cons
ArkThinker Screen Recorder Tutorials, webinars. • Easy to use.
• Customizable overlay.
• Affordable.
Not free.
Bandicam Gaming content, basic tutorials. • Simple interface.
• High performance.
• Limited editing features.
• Windows-only.
OBS Studio Streaming, advanced setups. • Free.
• Highly customizable.
• Cross-platform.
Steeper learning curve for beginners.
ScreenPal Quick tutorials, educational. • Affordable.
• Easy to use.
• Web-based version available.
• Watermark in the free version.
• Fewer advanced features.

Part 1. ArkThinker Screen Recorder

Preview Overlay Screen Recording

ArkThinker Screen Recorder allows users to capture both their screen and webcam simultaneously. Its overlay feature is customizable, meaning you can adjust the size and position of the camera feed on the screen. This makes it ideal for recording tutorials, presentations, and webinars with your face in the video. Besides, it provides various webcam shapes to capture the webcam in overlay. The floating editing bar lets you highlight the recording, focus on the recording, and more.

Pricing: Free trial, with subscription plans beginning at just $12.47 per month.

OS: Windows and macOS.

Verdict: ArkThinker Screen Recorder has an intuitive interface and versatile overlay features. It's a fantastic option for both newcomers and seasoned users, striking a great balance between functionality and cost.

Part 2. Bandicam

Bandicam Video Overlay Recording

Bandicam is widely known for its simplicity and performance in screen recording. It supports webcam overlay recording, making it easy to add your face to gaming or tutorial videos. The overlay window can be positioned and resized according to your preferences, giving you control over how your camera feed appears. Moreover, this tool enables you to record from multiple external video sources, including webcams, gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, smartphones, IPTV, and others.

Pricing: One-time payment of $44.96.

OS: Windows.

Verdict: Bandicam is perfect for gamers and content creators who need a simple but effective tool for overlay recording. However, its lack of advanced editing features might limit its usefulness for more complex projects.

Part 3. OBS Studio

OBS Video Overlay Recording

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is a powerful and free open-source tool that offers extensive customization for video overlay recording. It supports multiple scenes and sources, meaning you can add your camera feed on top of screen captures or other video sources seamlessly. Moreover, you can establish countless scenes and transition between them smoothly with your custom effects.

Pricing: Free.

OS: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Verdict: OBS is highly customizable and perfect for users who want full control over their recordings. However, its advanced features can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring some time to learn.

Part 4. ScreenPal (Formerly Screencast-O-Matic)

Screenpal Video Overlay Recording

ScreenPal (formerly Screencast-O-Matic) makes video overlay recording incredibly easy with a simple interface that integrates your webcam feed into screen recordings. The overlay can be adjusted for size and placement, making it versatile for educational or tutorial-based videos. While doing screen overlay recording, you can blur, remove, or use a virtual background for your recording.

Pricing: Free with watermark; paid plans start at $3.00/month.

OS: Windows, macOS, Chromebook.

Verdict: ScreenPal is great for users who want a quick and easy overlay recording solution without the need for heavy software. However, the free version's watermark can be limiting unless you upgrade. Besides, it is not a 100% web tool, and you need to download and install a launcher to overlay video recordings.

Part 5. How to Record Overlay Videos

To demonstrate how to record a video with a camera overlay, let's go through the steps using ArkThinker Screen Recorder.

Step 1

Start by downloading and installing ArkThinker Screen Recorder from its official website for free.

Once installed, open the program and choose Webcam Recorder from the recorder modes available in the top-left corner.

Step 2

In this step, you'll see the camera overlay. You can easily reposition and resize it by dragging it around in the preview window to suit your needs.

Step 3

Next, set up your audio input by selecting either System Sound or Microphone. This webcam recorder is great for capturing both system audio and microphone input at the same time, making it ideal for adding commentary.

Step 4

To start recording your screen overlay, simply click the REC button. You can manage the recording process using hotkeys, allowing you to pause or stop whenever necessary. While you record, a floating toolbar will give you access to editing tools for real-time adjustments.

Take A Snapshot
Step 5

When you're ready to finish the overlay screen recording, just hit the stop button. This will take you to the preview window, where you can edit your video by trimming, merging, or applying additional editing features.

Preview Overlay Screen Recording

Conclusion

Video overlay recording plays a key role in making your video content more engaging and dynamic. Whether you're working on tutorials, gameplay, or presentations, adding your face to the video can significantly improve viewer interaction. Tools like ArkThinker Screen Recorder, Bandicam, OBS Studio, and ScreenPal provide excellent features for video overlay recording, catering to a variety of user needs and skill levels. By learning how to effectively use overlays and choosing the right tool, you can elevate your videos and create standout content.

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