Welcome to Cinematic Recorder. This Cinematic Recorder tutorial takes you from a fresh install to a finished, shareable video: your first recording, your first edit and your first export. It should take about 15 minutes, and you don't need any editing experience.
Exact button names may change a little between app versions, but the flow stays the same.
Before you start: a 2-minute setup
Choose your language
The whole app is available in Bangla, English, Hindi and Arabic. If it didn't open in your preferred language, see how to change the app language.
Allow the permissions you need
Android will ask for a few permissions the first time you use each feature:
- Screen capture: Android asks each time you start recording. This is normal.
- Microphone: for your voice narration.
- Camera: only if you use the front-camera bubble.
- Display over other apps: for the floating controls that let you pause and stop from any app.
- Notifications: so Android can show that recording is active.
Optional: sign in
You can use the app without an account. Signing in with Google simply keeps your settings and Premium across phones. Read why sign-in is optional.
Prepare your phone
Turn on Do Not Disturb, close apps you won't show, and charge the phone. It takes a minute and prevents most recording problems.
Step 1: Make your first recording
- Pick a template or start blank. Templates such as tutorial, product demo, app review and lecture set up sensible defaults for that kind of video. For a first try, the tutorial template is a good choice.
- Check the settings. Choose resolution, quality and frame rate. The free plan records up to 720p at 30fps, up to 20 minutes per recording; Premium unlocks 1080p, 2K/4K, 60fps and unlimited length. Turn on internal audio if you want app sounds as well as your voice; this needs Android 10 or newer.
- Watch the mic meter. Say a few words and check that the live level meter moves. If it doesn't, your microphone isn't being picked up.
- Turn on the camera bubble if you like. It records your face into the video. Leave it off if you prefer.
- Start. Accept Android's screen capture prompt. The countdown gives you a moment to get ready.
- Record your task. Move calmly, tap clearly, and talk as if explaining to one friend. Use the floating controls to pause if you need to think.
- Stop. Tap stop on the floating controls. Your recording appears in the projects list.
Step 2: Your first edit
Open your recording from the projects list to enter the editor. Every change here is non-destructive: the original recording is never altered, so you can experiment freely.
Trim the start and end
Cut off the moment where you started the recording and the moment where you reached for stop. Clean edges make a video feel professional immediately.
Turn on auto zoom
Auto zoom uses your taps to move the camera in toward the action, with smooth easing, then back out. It's the single biggest step toward a "cinematic" look. Learn more in auto zoom explained.
Polish the cursor and taps
Cursor smoothing, spotlight and click animations help viewers follow where you tap. Try them on and preview.
Add focus where it matters
The focus highlight draws attention to one area of the screen, which is useful for small buttons or important fields.
Preview the whole video once. If a zoom feels too strong or too fast, adjust it; nothing is permanent.
Step 3: Your first export
Choose the shape that fits where you'll post:
| Format | Best for |
|---|---|
| 16:9 (horizontal) | YouTube, websites, class platforms |
| 9:16 (vertical) | Reels, Shorts, TikTok, Stories |
| 4:5 (portrait) | Facebook and Instagram feed posts |
Reframing keeps the action in view when you change shape. Then export and share straight from your phone. Our Reels and Shorts size guide covers sizes for each platform, and the formats section lists what's supported.
Your video stays on your phone. We never upload it.
Optional: AI features with your own key
Everything above works with AI turned off. If you want AI help, you can add your own key from OpenAI or Google Gemini. Keys are stored in Android Keystore and never sent to our servers. Your key is used for captions written from your speech; without a key, a few free credits a day cover it. The "Ask AI" editing assistant is still coming soon. See bring your own AI key.
What to try next
- Record a second version of the same video and compare. You'll be surprised how much better take two is.
- Make a vertical version of the same project for Reels or Shorts.
- Try a different template for a product demo or app review.
FAQ
Is Cinematic Recorder free?
Yes, there is a free plan forever. Premium adds more and is available through Google Play. See plans and pricing.
Why does Android ask for permission every time I record?
Android requires your approval for every screen capture session. It's a privacy protection, not an error.
Can I record internal audio and my voice together?
Yes, on Android 10 and newer. Some apps block audio capture, and call audio can never be recorded.
Do I need an internet connection?
Not for recording, editing or exporting. You only need it for optional sign-in, purchases and online AI providers.
That's it: one recording, one edit, one export. Each video after this one will be faster and better.