I want to start a gaming YouTube channel and record 15 minute gameplay videos. What would be the best screen-capturing software for the job? I want the ability to capture only a segment of my screen and, preferably, it should also capture audio from a microphone as well as the audio from the speakers. It needs to be free with unlimited length of recordings (or at the very least, at least 20 minutes in length).

Good and free... Doesn't really work like that. Get http://www.fraps.com/

Fraps might be the best, but I only want to make one or two videos. Think of it like "Pilot" episodes of a television series. If I make them and enjoy doing so, then I may purchase Fraps. But, for now, I don't want to invest money into something I am not sure I will enjoy doing.

http://www.wegame.com/download/ http://www.xfire.com/

Though two-channel audio input isn't something video capture programs do, in order to do that your audio hardware will need to support it or otherwise use a mixer.

Unregistered Hypercam 2.

BB Flashback did that, but I hated the UI. It could capture audio from a microphone and then also the game's audio from your speakers. With regards to those you listed, I simply want software - no accounts or anything.

The very symbol of someone new to YouTube. I want this to look reasonably professional. Quality content is the key to YouTube.

In that case.

Get a camcorder and point it at your screen. The ones on your phone are always the best for this. If you REALLY want to go the extra mile, hold it with your hand instead of setting it on a tripod or something else. And don't forget to have someone talking to you in the backround.

If you want though, you can try mixing the power of Camstudio and Audacity together. While Camstudio has the most [censored] of options to work with, it can get you by a few videos. If you want to look professional though, you'll need to go the extra mile for better software. FRAPS is what most people recommend, and I would agree. You don't seem to be planning on paying for it anytime soon, however, so unless you plan to get a uh... "free copy" somehow, your options won't be very strong.

But no matter what, do not underestimate the power of audacity. Where audio-video synch fails with one program, Audacity can correct it.



P.S: Quality content is not the key to Youtube actually. Content that can entertain little kids is. Look at morons like Pewdiepie. Hell, even I am guilty of taking advantage of the kid population at one point when I used to do videos. Only difference between me and Pewds is that I stopped because it was degrading.

It's not really something that's the video recorder's job, first of all. It'll just waste processing power to record both and greatly increase the file size. a Mixer is a much better solution. Even better is post-video recording add your voice overlay because 1. Then you're guaranteed to get the sound levels right (for example, lower the volume of the speaker sound so your voice doesn't get washed out) and 2. Making mistakes is a lot easier to fix.