Creating a Tutorial

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After your tutorial presenter application has been accepted, and you have submitted your tutorial for Learn WordPress, your submission will be reviewed. A member of the Training team will contact you on whether your submission can be approved at this time. Sometimes applications are declined as there may be a similar tutorial in progress or published, or if it is not suitable at that time. If your application is accepted, the Training team will give you feedback and you can then start to record the video and create support materials.

Once you’ve received confirmation to go ahead with your tutorial, there are a few important points to take into consideration when creating a tutorial for Learn.WordPress.orgWordPress.org The community site where WordPress code is created and shared by the users. This is where you can download the source code for WordPress core, plugins and themes as well as the central location for community conversations and organization. https://wordpress.org/.

Step 1: Choose software

Choose a suitable software program, for example 

  • Screencast-o-matic
  • Camtasia
  • Adobe Presenter
  • or another option

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Step 2: Sound

Sound will play an important part in your tutorial, so try to use high-quality sound. If you don’t have access to a microphone, use a headset if possible. There are also noise-cancelling apps available, such as:

  • RNNoise
  • Neutralizer
  • Krisp
  • Adobe Audition
  • or another option

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Step 3: Graphics

Select a graphics program, such as Canva, Google Charts or Wordle to create visually appealing slides, infographics and design elements.

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Step 4: Naming your tutorial

Name your tutorial appropriately. Action words like create, use, explore, help to draw the reader’s attention.

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Step 5: Time

Aim for your tutorial to be between 5 – 10 minutes in length. Shorter videos can be more engaging and easier to follow for viewers. We also welcome longer WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. or MeetupMeetup All local/regional gatherings that are officially a part of the WordPress world but are not WordCamps are organized through https://www.meetup.com/. A meetup is typically a chance for local WordPress users to get together and share new ideas and seek help from one another. Searching for ‘WordPress’ on meetup.com will help you find options in your area. type tutorials of 40-45 minutes duration. Please stay within the time frame which was approved. 

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Step 6: Script

Write out your script or use an existing lesson plan! This is the part where you gather all of your thoughts, develop an outline for what you would like to present, and begin to work on any supporting materials, such as, slides or screenshots.

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Step 7: Record & Publish

Please keep these guidelines in mind when recording the tutorial video. 

  • WPTV Submission Guidelines
  • Brand Guidelines for Learn WordPress
  • Promotional Guidelines for Learn WordPress
  • Ensure that media assets are CC0 (you can make use of WordPress.org/photos or Openverse)
  • Start your tutorial video with an introductory slide and clear introduction. 
  • Remember to share the objectives or outcomes of the tutorial to help guide the viewer. Learning objectives are more powerful if they are actionable and measurable.
  • When creating slides and graphics, keep the ‘coherence principle’ in mind: People learn better with less extraneous words, pictures and sounds.
  • Once you’ve recorded your tutorial, it is time to edit. Cut out any mistakes and place your recording into the correct order. 
  • Submit your tutorial to the training team for a review
  • When your video is ready and approved by the Training team, upload it to WordPress.TV. Where it says “categoryCategory The 'category' taxonomy lets you group posts / content together that share a common bond. Categories are pre-defined and broad ranging.” check the box that says “Learn WordPress.”
  • Caption the tutorial 
  • Once the video is uploaded on WordPress.tv will be shared with the wider Training team and other Make Teams.

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Step 8: Quiz

Tutorial creators should also submit up to five quiz questions and answers with each tutorial. This will help learners test and solidify their newly acquired knowledge and skills. Follow this link for more information.

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Frequently asked questions

Q: What are the technical specs for the video?

A: You will be uploading your video to WordPress.TV, so please keep in mind its Video Submission Guidelines.

Q: Is there a preferred length of recording?

A: We don’t want to place an exact time limit on tutorials, but it is encouraged to stay within 5 – 10 minutes, unless a longer version has been agreed.  

Q: Do I need to share the link to my slides?

A: Not necessarily, but you can.  Many tutorial presenters tend to include their slides in the video making.

Q: I don’t feel comfortable editing, writing and speaking. Do I have to do it all?

A: No! A lot of care and effort goes into making a video, or any presentation. If there is a particular part of the process you excel at, feel free to include that in your application or reach out in the #training team channel on the Make WordPress SlackSlack Slack is a Collaborative Group Chat Platform https://slack.com/. The WordPress community has its own Slack Channel at https://make.wordpress.org/chat/. to find if there would be anyone interested in helping to divide the tasks with you. Tutorials can be created and presented by others in the Training team or WordPress community.

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