A voice explains, but a face connects. Cinematic Recorder is a screen recorder with facecam built in: it records a small front-camera bubble directly into your video while it captures the screen. You get one file with your screen, your face and your voice together, with no second app and no syncing two videos later.
What the camera bubble does
When the camera bubble is on, the app shows a small round preview from your phone's front camera on top of the screen while you record. Whatever appears in that bubble is recorded into the final video, in the same place you see it.
- One recording, one file. The screen, the bubble and your audio are captured together, so lips and voice stay in step.
- Works with any app. Record a banking demo with a test account, a game, a website or your own app, and the bubble stays on top.
- Combines with audio. Use the microphone, system audio, or both, alongside the bubble. See system (internal) audio for how that part works.
- Floating controls stay available. Pause, resume or stop from any app without leaving the screen you are showing.
When a facecam helps (and when it doesn't)
A face in the corner makes a video feel personal and trustworthy. Many viewers stay longer when they can see who is talking, especially in teaching and review videos.
- Teachers and tutors: students follow a lesson more easily when they can see your expression while you explain. Ideas for classes are in teaching online with screen recording.
- App reviews: your honest reaction is part of the review. Our app review video guide shows how to structure one.
- Freelancers and small businesses: a short walkthrough with your face feels like a meeting, not a manual.
- Gameplay: reactions in a facecam bubble are half the fun for many gaming viewers.
Skip the bubble when the screen is busy in every corner, when you are showing something private on camera, or when the video is a quick bug report where only the screen matters.
Step by step in the app
- Open Cinematic Recorder and start a new recording, or pick a template such as tutorial, app review or lecture.
- Turn on the camera bubble in the recording options. The first time, Android asks for camera permission; allow it.
- Choose your audio: microphone, system audio or both. Watch the live mic level meter to check your voice.
- Start recording. A countdown gives you a moment to get ready and look at the camera.
- Switch to the app you want to show and talk naturally. Use the floating controls to pause if you need to fix something.
- Stop, then open the project in the editor to add auto zoom, cursor effects and export in the size you need.
Tips for a better facecam
- Face a window or lamp. Light in front of you beats a bright window behind you.
- Clean the front camera lens. A thumbprint makes everything look soft.
- Keep the phone steady. Prop it on a stand or a stack of books when you can.
- Plan the corner. Put the bubble where the action is not. If you will turn the video into Reels, remember that platform buttons sit on the right and bottom.
- Look at the lens when you make a key point. It feels like eye contact to the viewer.
More placement and lighting ideas are in our facecam and camera bubble tips. When you export, auto zoom keeps the screen readable even with your face on top.
Frequently asked questions
Is the camera bubble recorded into the video or added later?
It is recorded into the video at the same time as the screen. You do not need to line up a separate camera clip in the editor.
Can I use the camera bubble with system audio?
Yes. You can record the bubble together with the microphone, system audio, or both. System audio needs Android 10 or newer, and some apps block audio capture.
Does the camera bubble work on the free plan?
The free plan is free forever and lets you record and edit with no watermark, up to 720p at 30fps and 20 minutes per recording, for personal use. Business and client videos need Premium or Lifetime. For what each plan includes, see plans and pricing.
Is my camera video uploaded anywhere?
No. Your recordings, including the camera bubble, stay on your phone. We never upload your videos.
Turn on the bubble for your next tutorial and let viewers see the person behind the screen.