Screencastify Review - Features, Pro, Cons & Alternative

If you are looking for a tool to record your screen in your browser, Screencastify is the most reliable choice. It is a tool for Google Chrome that allows you to capture content on your computer screen or in certain browser windows.

This is just a summary. If you want more information about this tool or to evaluate whether it is right, please read this Screencastify review. It covers its features, advantages, disadvantages, usage, and alternatives.

Part 1. Key features of Screencastify

In this section, we will introduce what Screencastify can do for you in bullet points.

• Screen Recording

The Screencastify extension can record your entire computer screen, webcam, and specific tabs in your browser. You can add narration or commentary to your videos. It will record audio from your system speakers and microphone.

• Annotation and Drawing

Screencastify provides screen drawing tools. You can annotate or highlight the parts you want your audience to focus on during recording. This feature makes Screencastify ideal for creating instructional videos.

• Video Editing

Although it is a web-based online recording tool, Screencastify offers basic video editing tools. It can help you trim, merge, and rearrange video clips. You can also add effects like zoom and blur to the video. You can even upload other videos to the platform and edit them there.

• Sharing and Exporting

After recording and editing, Screencastify automatically saves your video to Google Drive. It also generates a shareable link. You can also choose to upload your work to YouTube. There are two output formats available: MP4 and GIF.

Part 2. Should You Choose Screencastify or Not

Users have long recognized Screencastify because of its unique advantages. However, we should not ignore its shortcomings. To a certain extent, whether you can accept it depends on whether you can tolerate its disadvantages.

In this section, we will show you the advantages and disadvantages of Screencastify.

Best for

First, Let's look at the key features of Screencastify: it doesn't require you to download or install any software. You can record videos directly in your browser if you have an internet connection. Additionally, it offers user-friendly annotation and marking tools.

Combining these features makes it highly suitable for creating tutorial videos.

Additionally, Screencastify supports the online sharing and publishing of videos. It is particularly suitable for teachers to collect digital media assignments from students. Teachers can generate a link, and students can click on it to record their assignments and submit them to the teacher.

However, Screencastify's editing features are relatively basic, and the free version has a recording time limit. Therefore, if you have complex recording tasks, it is recommended to choose other alternatives.

Part 3. How to Use Screencastify

After reading the above introduction, are you ready to try Screencastify? You can refer to the step-by-step guide in this section to learn how to record on Screencastify.

First, you must install the Screencastify screen recorder on your Chrome browser.

Step 1. There are two simple ways to install the Screencastify extension on Chrome. You can visit the official Screencastify website and click Add to Chrome, or search Screencastify Extension directly through Google to find it in the Chrome Web Store.

Step 2. Once you're on the extension page in the Web Store, click Add to Chrome, then Add extension. After it's added, you'll be prompted to apply Screencastify login in with your Google account.

Step 3. Look for the Screencastify icon in the top-right corner of your Chrome browser. Click it, and a recording setup window will pop up.

Step 4. In the recording window, choose what you want to capture. your entire screen, a specific browser tab, or your webcam.

Step 5. Before recording, you can adjust settings like the audio input or video resolution. When ready, hit the Record button.

Step 6. Your recording will start immediately. You can pause, resume, or stop it anytime using the control bar.

Step 7. When you're done, click the Stop button in the toolbar.

Step 8. After recording, you'll be able to preview your video, trim it if needed, and choose where to save it. Click Save to finish.

Part 4. How to Remove Screencastify from Chrome

I don't want to use Screencastify anymore. How can I remove it from my browser? Here is a brief step-by-step guide.

Step 1. Right-click the Screencastify icon in the top-right corner of your browser window.

Step 2. From the dropdown menu, select Remove from Chrome.

Step 3. A confirmation window will appear asking if you're sure you want to remove the extension. Click Remove to complete the process.

Part 5. Is Screencastify Safe

Many users are concerned about the security and issues associated with plugins when using them.

Based on our research and findings, the Screencastify screen and webcam recorder is safe. (However, you must ensure that you obtain the plugin from official channels or the Google Web Store.) It uses SSL technology to upload your recorded videos to Google Drive. Your personal information will not be disclosed to anyone. Additionally, Screencastify's official team regularly sends professionals to inspect security measures.

The plugin does not contain any ads, viruses, or malware. You can use it with confidence on any computer.

Part 6. Best Alternative to Screencastify

To use Screencastify to record your screen, you must ensure a stable network connection.

If you are looking for a similar tool that can work offline for screen and webcam recording, we recommend FVC Screen Recorder.

This desktop software is compatible with Windows and Mac devices and can simultaneously record activity on your computer desktop, webcam, microphone, and system speakers. Additionally, as long as you can connect your phone to your computer, FVC Screen Recorder can record content from your phone screen.

Compared to Screencastify, FVC Screen Recorder offers more video and audio editing features. Furthermore, all the buttons are clearly labeled, making it easy for beginners to master their use quickly.

Part 7. FAQs of Screencastify Review

Conclusion

This is the most detailed Screencastify review. We introduce its features, advantages, disadvantages, usage methods, and alternatives here. Screencastify is safe and reliable, and the usage steps are relatively simple. However, it has limited editing functions and recording time restrictions. If you want a more comprehensive service, we recommend FVC Screen Recorder.