About Screencastify
Screencastify pricing
Screencastify has a free version and does not offer a free trial. Screencastify paid version starts at US$15.00/month.
Alternatives to Screencastify
Screencastify Reviews
Feature rating
All Screencastify Reviews
- Industry: Primary/Secondary Education
- Company size: 501–1,000 Employees
- Used Weekly for 1+ year
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Review Source
Works well with Google Classroom Integration
I am able to quickly record my screen and it allows you to open other screens without having to add permissions. Also easy to follow with the circle for mouse clicks and highlights. Can imbed webcam at the bottom of the video, or it will disappear once you start showing online actions.
Pros
I enjoy how easy it is to use and how quickly the video is processed. It easily integrates into Google Suite for Education products.
Cons
I wish the editing capabilities were a bit more robust. There are some capabilities in the paid version.
Reasons for Choosing Screencastify
While more dynamic editing capabilities, Filmora has a steep learning curve. Too much for quick, short screen captures. It is better suited for creating videos.Switched From
FilmoraReasons for Switching to Screencastify
The free version was more robust and could get quickly to using it. Eventually went to paid version for longer screen capture time.- Industry: E-Learning
- Company size: 501–1,000 Employees
- Used Weekly for 2+ years
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Review Source
Straightforward, Simple Recording Tool
I have never had any issues with Screencastify; what I have wanted to accomplish with it, I have accomplished. With the click of a few buttons, I can initiate a screen recording (tab, whole browser, etc.), and within minutes have published the video and posted the viewing link. Screencastify isn't a flashy, attention grabbing product that sells you on all the bells and whistles, and that is precisely what I like about it.
Pros
What you see is what you get with Screencastify. In this case, this is a good thing. From the beginning, users are given basically just the needed settings and options, and that is perfect. One doesn't need a lot of technical know-how to record and post videos. For those more inclined to the bonus features, some of the audience-engagement pieces are interesting and easy to manage, and the uploading-to-YouTube process is clean and simple.
Cons
I know it seems picky, but the worst part about Screencastify is how limiting the free account is. The limit for saved recordings is pretty low, and the dashboard can be a bit overwhelming for new or less tech-savvy users. Minor complaints, but these can be barriers for potential customers.
- Industry: Education Management
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Monthly for 2+ years
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Review Source
Screencastify
Screencastify is costly and is not as user friendly as other similar products.
Pros
Screencastify is easy to use to create videos and to edit the beginning and end of videos.
Cons
Screencastify is not as easy to use to edit the middle sections of videos.
- Industry: Outsourcing/Offshoring
- Company size: 2–10 Employees
- Used Weekly for 6-12 months
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Review Source
A basic screen recording tool for on the go use
I used to take lots of screenshots, annotate them, add them to lengthy chats or emails to explain tasks to my remote employees. It was literally the most time-consuming task of the day for me. Screencastify managed to cut this time by over 75%. I could simply record what I was doing and explaining my thought process for them to follow without any deviation. It saved my a lot of work hours, cant thank enough.
Pros
This was my first screen recording tool and I must say it did the job pretty good. I haven't used it in some time, so I can not discuss the current features. But I can easily say it, Screencastify did make my life a lot easier. I used it as a chrome app and it was very light and fast. It was very easy to start the app and do a short clip of recroding for explainer video.
Cons
I used the free version of Screencastify and it had a limited video duration of 10 minutes. I had to break my tutorials into 10 minute long segments. There was a total video per month limitation too, though I never reached thar. It was a bother splitting videos in to 10 minutes segments, but on the other hand, I was using the free versioin of the app and cant expect everything they have on the paid plan.
Alternatives Considered
CamtasiaReasons for Switching to Screencastify
I read how to manual for Camtasia and tried their trial. It was too techy for me. And I didnt need the advanced features they offer. Camtasia is a great app, a true market leader. But overkill for my needs.- Industry: Education Management
- Company size: 501–1,000 Employees
- Used Weekly for 1+ year
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Review Source
Screencastify Your Stars
In distance learning, it has been a platform that allows me to teach, check and assess language and language development in my students, even though we are in a virtual learning environment.
Pros
This product allows me to support my students with their language acquisition by creating videos. The videos show me how well they can read, make an oral presentation or recite a poem.
Cons
The fact that students can record videos, as well as embedded videos with text, is great. Perhaps we need directions and support in both Spanish and English for a more comprehensive North American version.
- Industry: Marketing & Advertising
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Weekly for 1-5 months
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Review Source
Forget recording via Google Meet
We had to find an alternative for using Google Meet's native screen recording when it was made a premium feature and Screencastify not only replaced it but surpassed it. It's very easy to use, I can annotate the recording in real-time - good for highlighting or drawing moustaches - and quickly edit and export it afterwards.
Pros
Screencastify is so easy to install, easy to export and has some great editing and instant scribing features.
Cons
The only downside is that it's limited to Chrome.
- Industry: Computer Games
- Company size: Self Employed
- Used Weekly for Free Trial
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Review Source
Screencastify Experiences
Pros
I liked how it was free mostly and it was easy to install and setup.
Cons
You only get about 10 videos and up to 30 minutes per video with a free account. Otherwise, it is paid.
- Used for 2+ years
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Review Source
Simple and Effective Screencast Tool
I love being able to create flipped lessons for my students and staff with this tool and that it simply saves them to my Google Drive for easy access. This allows me to create lessons around common issues so that students can go back and watch them whenever they need to. This frees me up to spend more time conferencing with other students.
Pros
The best feature is that Screencastify is a Google extension that can record right from your web browser and then save directly to your Google Drive. This is great because it is very simple to share it out or give someone access to this recording. I also like that you are able to screen share as well as add your own image/picture in picture to this. This is great when you are creating flipped videos and lesson for students. Everything is pretty simple to use and quick.
Cons
One big hiccup is the fact that it only saves to a specified file type to your Google Drive. This is a problem if you want to upload this file to another program, or download and send as an attachment. I was able to find that there is a Google Drive add-on that is able to read video files and convert as needed. Also- under the free version you are limited to any editing tools, as well as time limit. I don't usually go over 10 minutes so this is fine, but you'll need the premium if you want longer videos.
- Industry: E-Learning
- Company size: Self Employed
- Used Weekly for Free Trial
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Review Source
I love Screencastify!
I am extremely pleased with how simple it has been to use Screencastify.
I've been able to record screen recordings that can be quickly shared with students and teammates. I love it!
Pros
Screencastify is a phenomenal and easy to use tool for teachers and students! It has so many great features. First, you have the ability to create videos of your screen (with or without your headshot). This can be used to "flip" the classroom, frontload with information, students who are out sick, for small groups that are working on different topics, differentiation, or for centers activities. In a way, this allows you to be more than one place at once! Beyond that, you can add graphics on the screen while recording (including lines, circles, etc.), which can draw attention to certain parts of your presentation for the students. Another great feature is that it links and syncs with your Google Drive. Your videos are automatically stored there, if you use Google Drive. You can then get a link that easily shared with students. Last, I only scratched the surface of all the great stuff about Screencastify, but they also have an awesome certification program you can take to learn more - great customer support!
Cons
To be honest, I have no complaints about Screencastify. I only need the ability to record short videos that can be shared with students or teammates, and Screencastify helps me accomplish that goal. I'm also able to do what I need to do with the free version, but have considered the subscription so that I can get access to more minutes per month. It's a great platform - give it a try!
- Industry: Education Management
- Company size: 5,001–10,000 Employees
- Used Weekly for 2+ years
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Review Source
Just keeps getting better...
I use it for quick tutorial for teachers, reflections for students, recording directions. It's great for screen recording or making presentations with audio!
Pros
I've been using this product for about 2 years and it just keeps getting better! First off, the free version is great! What you get for nothing is hard to beat. The ability to quickly screen record a lesson, tutorial, etc. is awesome. And it's so simple to use. I also love that it links seamlessly with my Google Drive and other social media platforms. They are constantly providing helpful updates, as well. Plus, their customer service and help site is very helpful.
Cons
Due to fact that they update so often (which is good), it is difficult to keep up. Nothing major really changes, they just keep you on your toes with all the simple updates and changes they make!
- Industry: Education Management
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used Monthly for 1+ year
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Review Source
Screencastify
Pros
Screencastify is free and offers the ability to record and edit videos up to 30 minutes long and store 10 videos in my library. I use it to record some of my classes. Screencastify is useful in communicating with prents.
Cons
It is limited to Chrome devices and browsers.
- Industry: Public Policy
- Company size: 2–10 Employees
- Used Monthly for 1+ year
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Review Source
Screencastify is awesome!
I use it mostly to record any procedures or even any task that I want others to get done. I show them step by step on what to do so that there is no room for misunderstandings and everyone is on the same page.
Pros
It is so simple to use. Just download the extension and viola! Whenever you need to record your screen with voice-over just click on the extension, choose your preferences, click record select which tab or screen (if you have multiple screens like I do) and wait for the countdown. And yes, you are able to choose how long you want the countdown to be. Once you hit zero you can start speaking and showing others whatever you want. This is great for tutorials and how-to videos. Once done you just click on the extension button again and select the "stop recording" option and it gets saved automatically to your google drive if you are online and when you are offline it will just save it to your computer. And that is it! I love using it for when I need to explain how I use whatever new software my company is trying to adopt and it helps me record the process so that I don't need to repeat myself when teaching others how to use the new software. I simply record my procedure and send the google drive link to everyone and they can view it wherever they are and whenever they please, repeating it, pausing it and downloading it like any other video. It doesn't take much space and it is very easy to understand on the first go. I recommend it widely.
Cons
You have to use it with chrome only. There is a limit to the length of the videos and you can only record a certain number of videos a month unless if you pay of course. The free version also adds a watermark to the videos but its small and in the corner and you hardly ever notice it.
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
I used this to make screenshots/videos
Pros
I liked the ability use keyboard shortcuts and to do screenshots or videos. The mark up features were useful as well to point things out to clients we send shots to.
Cons
I found that my library would get fill rather quickly and that many times we would have to remove old shots in order to take an share new ones. Sometimes when that happens the old videos we had shared were cut off and no longer visible.
- Industry: Libraries
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Weekly for 2+ years
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Review Source
Screencastify the most versatile screencasting software
This one tool provides more opportunities than almost any other for onsite and distance learning. It's easy to learn, easy to install the extension on Google Chrome, and offers integration with Google Classroom and the ability to export to YouTube. Great all-around video tool
Pros
My school district provides the upgraded version of Screencastify and it has been the best tech tool for teaching during Covid. It allows teachers to show students how to navigate a webpage, allows them to record with their face in the video or not, and offers so much flexibility for sharing information with kids. The editing tools are easy to use, and the options for exporting the videos are robust. This is an easy tool to use with so many possibilities.
Cons
I wish my blooper recordings could go away easier--I always feel guilty having the recording process and then putting it in the trash can!
- Industry: Primary/Secondary Education
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used Monthly for 1+ year
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Review Source
No longer using this software but wish I could
Prior to the price increase, I really enjoyed using Screencastify. It was easy to use and easy to edit.
Pros
Screencastify was easy to use and easy to share!
Cons
I am no longer using it because the price increased significantly. I was paying $20 a year before it jumped to $84 a year. I was paying out of my pocket to use it with teachers. I can no longer do that. I realize they have a free version, but I make too many videos a year for that. It would be great if they had a discounted version for teachers.
- Industry: Public Policy
- Company size: 2–10 Employees
- Used Weekly for 2+ years
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Review Source
Great Screencast Tool
Great value, great tool. Makes communicating to remote team much easier on both ends.
Pros
Recording screencasts has made our internal communications and collaboration much more effective. Game changer for a remote team.
Cons
Hard to say anything bad. Maybe the processing times when uploaded to Google Drive (not sure if that is actually Google issue?) could be faster.
- Industry: Primary/Secondary Education
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used for 2+ years
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Review Source
Good bang for the free version
Pros
I love being able to use the edit feature with this program. Being able to cut my videos shorter or just cut out a piece was crucial in delivering concise helpful instruction during virtual learning.
Cons
The only con I ran into was how big the files sometimes were. I would take a video that was even longer through another program but it would be a smaller file size.
- Industry: Education Management
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Weekly for 1+ year
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Review Source
Acceptable Free Trial
Pros
I use the free trial version. What I like most about this extension is that it automatically uploads my videos to Drive once I am done recording! It is super easy to just quickly record a bunch of videos and find them exactly where I need them afterward. I love that it captures the screen I am using and I can narrate while moving around and moving between tabs. The audio is clear.
Cons
I use the free trial so I only have 50 videos to record every month, and if you need to re-record, it goes quick! Sometimes the videos take a long time to process in my drive and I will have to come back the next day if I want to do anything with them. I wish a popup would come up on the screen with a stop button. because going back up to hit the stop button sometimes adds unwanted sound and seconds to my videos.
- Industry: E-Learning
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used for 6-12 months
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Review Source
Easy Webcam Presentations!
I use Screencastify to teach students how to navigate features online when we are not in class together. I also use it to film lessons ahead of time.
Pros
I like that Screencastify can be added as a Chrome extension for Google Users. The film can automatically be downloaded into my drive. I like how you can share your screen and share your face.
Cons
The product is user friendly but difficult for children to use at times for filming classes. It also can be hard to tell when you are filming and if it has stopped recording. I wish you could change the size of the webcam video, like split the screen to share
- Industry: Computer Software
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Daily for 6-12 months
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Review Source
I love that it can easily capture and store videos on google drive.
It's helps increase my productivity and communication between myself and my accounts.
Pros
I love that it's an extension in Chrome. The ease of saving videos in my Google Drive and sharing those links is definitely the biggest advantage.
Cons
The UI feels clunky at times. It is sometimes slow to start and while I understand that may just be my connection, the lack of an offline option is also a drawback.
Response from Screencastify
Hey Mary, thanks so much for your review! We truly appreciate it.
One quick note - Screencastify does work offline (though of course you won't be able to save to your Google Drive until you go back online). So even if you're offline, just click record and everything should work fine - though again the video will only save locally until you go back online.
Please let me know if you have any questions or trouble recording offline.
Thanks again!
James
- Industry: Primary/Secondary Education
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Weekly for 6-12 months
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Review Source
A Great, Simple Screen and Webcam Recorder
Through online teaching, Screencastify has been a staple of communicating with my students and families. It’s so easy to click a Chrome extension and start recording right away. The five minute limit on the free version can be a little challenging to plan around, but with unlimited recordings, it’s easy to overlook. I highly recommend using Screencastify!
Pros
Screencastify is extremely easy to use, allowing people to save recordings of their screen and WebCam very quickly straight onto their Google Drive or to their computer. The free version only limits you to five minute videos, but you can still save unlimited amount of videos, so that’s not a huge drawback! The program also has some quick editing tools, such as trimming and saving your videos as GIFs, but you’ll have to pay to get more of their editing tools.
Cons
There are not a lot of drawbacks to this program, the only one I can think of being the five minute recording limit.
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used Weekly for 1+ year
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Review Source
Tiny app but huge benefits
Quick capture, share, post.
Pros
Super easy to calorie you screens with audio and video. Easy to integrate with YouTube and Google drive
Cons
Some times the capture crashes. Its not frequent or annoying but happened to me twice in one year. Can have some provision to capture the error log in such cases
- Industry: Primary/Secondary Education
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Weekly for 6-12 months
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Review Source
Great Way to Record Notes
Pros
When my school district chose to hold school remotely, I searched for a way to record my notes. After attempting a few similar products, a co-worker told me about Screencastify. I was so glad she did. It is super user friendly. I was able to use it with my Surface Pro to record my notes. You can edit your video and the program works in conjunction with YouTube. I upload my video and insert my link into Google Classroom. I continue to use this program to record notes for my remote learners.
Cons
The program is free for a limited video length. But you have to pay for the full version of the program to create longer videos. Trying to use the free version was difficult and stressful trying to make my videos shorter. It is worth the money to not stress out about the video length.
- Industry: Computer Software
- Company size: Self Employed
- Used Monthly for 2+ years
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Review Source
Screencastify Review
It is super easy to use and you just click to start recording your screen and then click to stop the recording and you're done!
Pros
I use Screencastify to record my screen all the time and it is very easy and simple to navigate. It is very helpful to record things so I can look back at them later for personal and professional use.
Cons
I honestly cannot think of any cons associated with this software other than maybe being limited to chrome.
- Industry: Education Management
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Monthly for 2+ years
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Review Source
A different way to instruct
As an extension, it's always available and obvious in the upper right-hand corner of my screen so I never forget that it's there. It couldn't be easier, even for digital novices (like I was at one time).
Pros
I love being able to target instruction and directions by creating screen videos I can share with my students. I can differentiate depending on what students need. It's even good to show parents how to use certain tools we use at school. Plus, this can be used to give students a "double-dose" of instruction when they are at home or even provide instruction when I can't be at school.
Cons
I honestly haven't found anything that I haven't liked so far. It's just so easy to use. I guess if I had to nitpick, one has to upgrade for anything more than a 5-minute video, but that hasn't really bothered me.