5 Web Based Screencasting Apps

Screencasts are very popular now a days and to be honest I'm not a big fan of installing software that I'm going to be using a few times and then forget about them. So the best solution for this is using a web based application to record your screencasts. Now don't get me wrong, if its a very extensive screencast you will need some sort of software, but if its only a few minutes long the best option is a web based. Lets start by pointing out the pros and cons of web based services.

Pros

• You don’t have install any software for recording the screen, just an active internet connection would do.
• Web based screen recorders are generally written in Java and hence support all major platforms and browsers.
• The recorded video gets uploaded to the web automatically so you don’t have to worry about web hosting or what format to choose when saving the video.

Cons

• The recording length is very limited
• The quality of the video and sound is very poor
• Can't control the format of the videos
• Can't edit the videos to erase mistakes, got to do the whole thing over again

Currently there are only 5 websites that offer this service (that I know of). Lets go over them.

1. ScreenCastle

This website offers a very simple and easy way to record the screen. All you have to do is, click the "record" button and start recording your screen. After you are done with the recording, you can preview the video directly and save it to your computer. The video is saved to screencastle servers so that you can share the created video with others with ease.

2. Screencast-o-Matic

This is also a one click screencasting web service. No prior registration is required to use this service. Just click on the "create" button and accept the Java template and proceed to next screen. Here you can select the "Capture size", and select the "microphone" option to record voice. Click "go!" to start capturing the video, you can also pause the recording in between and continue. You can record videos up to 15 minutes long using this web application and export it directly to YouTube or download to your computer.

3. Screen Jelly

Screenjelly is another web application that allows you to capture the screen and create screencasts easily. Registration is not required to record screencasts. Just push the "record" button and select the audio option. After you have done with the recording, you can tweet the same with your Twitter account directly or email the link to a friend or simply share it on social bookmarking sites.

4. ScreenToaster

This one is another online screencasting tool that allows you to record your screen easily and get a flash file to share with others. You can register on the site to save all your work at one place and use them anytime from anywhere..

5. Screenr

Screenr has to be the best one available currently. It allows you to record up to 5 minutes. To use this Screenr you need to login with your twitter account. With this service you can choose to send a tweet about your newly recorded screencast or just file it under your account where all your videos are saved.

Like i said, these were the only ones I could find. If you know of any other sites that offer this services I would gladly add it to the list. Also would be nice to hear your experience with any of them. I personally like Screenr and doubt I would change it for any of the other 4.