How to Create Your First PD Video with Google Vids (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

You've heard about Google Vids. You know it can help you create professional development videos faster. In my last post, 5 Google Vids PD Strategies for Instructional Coaches to Support Staff and Students, I shared several reasons why Google Vids might be right for you and your program. Today, let’s take a look at how to get started creating your first Vids project.

So let's do it.

In this tutorial, I'm walking you through creating your first professional development video with Google Vids—from opening the tool to sharing the finished product with your teachers. No prior video editing experience required. No complicated software to install. Just you, Google Drive, and about 30 minutes.

By the end of this guide, you'll have a polished PD video you can actually use with your teachers. Let's dive in.

For more information about Google Vids, please check out THIS LINK to see all of my Google Vids coverage.

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Your First Video: The “Help Me Create” Method

The fastest way to create a Google Vids video is using the “Help me create” feature. This is where the AI magic happens, and honestly, it's going to blow your mind how simple this is.

Think of it like talking to a really smart assistant who knows exactly what you need. You describe what kind of video you want, and Google Vids builds it for you.

Step 1: Start with a Prompt

1. Open Google Drive
2. Click New → More → Google Vids
3. When Google Vids opens, click the “Help me create” button
4. Type out what you're trying to create

The key here is being specific. The more detail you give, the better your first draft will be. Here are some prompts I've used that work really well:

• “Create a 3-minute video explaining how to use Google Classroom's grading rubrics”
• “Make a tutorial showing teachers how to set up breakout rooms in Google Meet”
• “Create an announcement video welcoming teachers back from winter break”
• “Make a 5-minute onboarding video for new teachers about our school's Google Drive organization”

Don't stress about making the prompt perfect—you can always tweak the video later. Just describe what you need as if you were explaining it to a colleague.

Step 2: Review the AI-Generated Draft

Now here's where it gets cool. In about 30 to 60 seconds, Google Vids is going to hand you a complete video draft:

• A full script that actually makes sense (not generic AI fluff)
• Suggestions for different scenes and how to break up your content
• Stock footage and images that match your topic
• Timing and transitions already built in

The first time I saw this happen, I just sat there thinking, “Wait, this actually looks good?”

Watch through the draft Google Vids created. You'll probably be surprised at how close it gets to what you had in mind. Take notes on what works and what needs adjusting.

Step 3: Customize Your Video

Now it's time to make it yours. This is where you add your personal touch and make sure the video speaks directly to your teachers.

Edit the Script:

• Change the wording to match how you actually talk
• Add specific examples from your school (“Remember how Ms. Johnson asked about this last week?”)
• Remove anything that feels too generic
• Add your school's specific processes or policies

Swap Out Stock Footage:

• Upload your own screenshots of Google Classroom (with student info removed)
• Add photos from your building or classrooms
• Use images of your actual tools and interfaces
• Keep stock images only if they genuinely work

Adjust the Timing:

• If scenes feel too rushed, extend them
• If scenes drag, trim them down
• Make sure there's enough time to read on-screen text

Choose Your Voice:

• Use AI voices for straightforward tutorials (they sound surprisingly natural now)
• Record your own voice for personal messages, welcomes, or anything motivational
• Mix both: AI voice for explaining steps, your voice for intro and conclusion

To record your own voice:

1. Click on a scene
2. Select “Record audio”
3. Hit record and read your script
4. Stop when finished
5. Listen back and re-record if needed

Don't feel like you need to reinvent the wheel here. The AI draft is usually 80% of the way there. You're just adding that last 20% that makes it feel authentic and relevant to your specific teachers.

Step 4: Export and Share

Once you're happy with your video (and trust me, it doesn't need to be perfect), it's time to get it to your teachers.

Option 1: Share the Google Drive Link

• Click Share in the top right
• Set permissions (anyone in your organization can view)
• Copy the link
• Paste it in your email, newsletter, or Google Classroom announcement

This is usually the easiest option since your teachers already live in Google Drive.

Option 2: Download as MP4

• Click the three dots menu
• Select “Download”
• Choose MP4 format
• Upload to your LMS, website, or wherever you host training materials

Option 3: Embed in a Website

• Get the shareable link
• Use your website or LMS's embed feature
• Paste the Google Vids link
• The video will play directly on your page

And that's it. Seriously. Your first professional development video is done, and it probably took you less time than writing an email explaining the same thing would have taken.

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6 Tips for Creating Better PD Videos

Now that you know the basics, here are six tips that will make your videos even more effective.

1. Keep It Short

Aim for 2-5 minutes per video. This isn't about brevity for its own sake—it's about respecting your teachers' time. They're juggling lesson planning, grading, meetings, and everything in between. A quick, focused video they can watch during lunch is far more likely to be viewed than a lengthy tutorial they'll bookmark and forget.

If you have a complex topic to cover, break it into a series of bite-sized videos. Think “How to Set Up Google Classroom: Part 1 – Classes” and “Part 2 – Assignments” rather than one 15-minute video covering everything.

2. Use Your Own Screenshots

Stock footage makes videos look polished, but it can also make them feel generic. Instead, take screenshots of the actual tools and platforms your teachers use every day.

Capture your district's Google Classroom interface. Show your school's LMS. Screenshot the specific apps you're training on. When teachers see familiar screens, there's an instant “Oh, that's exactly what I see!” moment that builds confidence.

How to add your screenshots:

1. Take screenshots and save them to Google Drive first
2. In Google Vids, click on a scene with stock footage
3. Click “Replace image”
4. Upload your screenshot
5. Add arrows, circles, or highlights to draw attention to important buttons

3. Choose the Right Voice

AI voices work great for straightforward tutorials, quick updates, or any video with heavy screen sharing. However, when you're delivering a welcome message, recapping a coaching conversation, or sharing something motivational, use your own voice.

Teachers connect with the human element. Hearing your actual voice builds trust and relationship. You can record directly in Google Vids—it only takes a few extra minutes and makes a significant difference in how personal the video feels.

4. Add Your Branding

Create consistency across your videos:

• Add your school or district colors
• Include your logo on the opening slide
• Create a template you can reuse

This isn't just about looking professional—it's about building recognition and trust. When teachers see your consistent branding, they immediately know “This is from our instructional coach, and it's going to be helpful.”

Pro tip: Once you create a video you like, save it as a template. Next time you need a similar video, duplicate it and just swap out the content. Saves you 10-15 minutes every time.

5. Write Clear Scripts

Even though Google Vids generates a script for you, take a few minutes to personalize it:

• Replace educational jargon with language your teachers actually use
• Add specific examples from your school
• Include clear action steps at the end

Phrases like “Try this tomorrow in your classroom” or “Here's what to do next” give teachers concrete direction and increase implementation.

6. Test Before Sending

Before you share that video link with your entire staff:

• Watch the full video from start to finish as if you're seeing it for the first time
• Check the timing—does it feel natural, or too rushed/slow?
• Verify links and resources mentioned in the video are correct
• Ask a trusted colleague to review it if this is a major rollout

Fresh eyes catch things you might miss. This simple step saves you from sending clarification emails or updated versions later.

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Common Questions About Google Vids

Is Google Vids free?

Yes, if you have Google Workspace for Education. Check with your IT administrator about access if you don't see it in your “New” menu yet.

Do I need video editing experience?

No! Google Vids handles all the technical stuff—transitions, timing, rendering, formatting. You just provide the content and customize it to your needs.

Can I use my own videos and images?

Absolutely. Upload your own screen recordings, photos, and graphics. I recommend creating a folder in Google Drive and uploading files there first, but you can also upload directly into Google Vids.

What about background music?

Google Vids includes a library of royalty-free background music you can add to your videos. Just click the music icon and browse the options.

Warning: If you're making videos for students, be careful unleashing the music feature on them. They're bound to find a few favorites to play at random times during class. (Ask me how I know.)

Can I collaborate with others?

Yes, just like any Google Doc. Share the Vids file with another coach or teacher leader, and you can collaborate in real-time. I've had up to a dozen students working on a single Vids project. I wouldn't recommend that many for collaborative work, but you can definitely have a small team working together.

How long does it take to create a video?

For a simple tutorial: 20-30 minutes once you know the tool. For more complex videos with lots of customization: 45-60 minutes. Either way, it's dramatically faster than traditional video editing.

Where do my videos save?

In your Google Drive, just like Docs and Slides. You control sharing and permissions.

Bonus: You can watch and share videos without exporting them, which saves Google Drive space if storage is a concern for you.

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Additional Resources for Google Vids

Want to dive deeper? Here are some excellent resources:

📝 Don't Wait to Try Google Vids by Cammie Kannekens

Cammie shares her hands-on experience and why educators shouldn't hesitate to start experimenting.

Read the blog post

🎓 Easy Video Creation Course

Comprehensive, step-by-step training on Exceed LMS for creating videos with Google Vids.

Enroll in the course

📚 Official Google Support Documentation

The most up-to-date technical information, tips, and troubleshooting straight from Google.

Visit Google's support page

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Your Next Step: Create Your First Video Right Now

Don't wait until you have the “perfect” topic or extra time in your schedule. Start with something simple and see how quickly you can go from idea to finished product.

Here's exactly what to do:

1. Open Google Vids from Google Drive (New → More → Google Vids)
2. Click “Help me create”
3. Type a simple prompt like “Create a 2-minute video introducing [your favorite EdTech tool] to teachers”
4. Let Google Vids work its magic and generate the first draft
5. Customize the content to match your voice and school context
6. Share it with a small group of teachers for feedback

The entire process—from opening Google Vids to sharing your finished video—can happen in one sitting. Thirty minutes. That's all it takes.

Start small. Build your confidence. Before you know it, you'll have a library of helpful resources and a new skill that makes your coaching more scalable and impactful.

So what will you create first? A classroom management tip? A technology tutorial? A welcome video for next semester's new hires? Whatever it is, the tools are ready and waiting—now it's your turn to bring your ideas to life.

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Take Your Video Skills Further

Want to see real coaching scenarios? Check out my last post, 5 Google Vids PD Strategies for Instructional Coaches to Support Staff and Students.