How to Record Your Gesture Synth Video
Capture a clip of yourself playing chords with your hands, with sound, ready for TikTok, Reels or Shorts. No extra apps needed in most browsers.
Playing music with your hands looks great on video. This guide covers how to record gesture synth clips with Gestune, first with the built-in Record button and then with your system screen recorder when you need it.
If you have not played yet, start with the tutorial on how to play so you know the hand signs before the camera rolls.
Plan a take before you press Record
Sixty seconds goes fast. A little planning turns a messy try into a clip you actually want to post.
Pick the key and sound first
Choose your key and one of the four sounds before you start: Warm Pad, Glass Keys, Analog Saw or Chord Harp. Chord Harp is an Omnichord-like sound that suits slow, dreamy songs. Set the Volume and Tone sliders so the sound is clear but not too loud.
Rehearse the changes
Load a song in the Learn a song panel and run it in Follow mode until the hand signs feel easy. Then try Play-along mode, which counts you in and keeps the real tempo, so your recording sounds like the song.
Try something different
Chords are not the only option. The webcam theremin lets you glide between notes by moving one hand, which makes for a very different kind of clip.
MP4 or WebM: what you get
Which format is saved
The recorder saves an MP4 where your browser supports it, which includes Safari and recent versions of Chrome. Other browsers save a WebM file instead. Both play fine on most computers.
If an app rejects WebM
Some apps and phones only accept MP4. If yours refuses the file, run it through any video converter to turn it into MP4. Another option is to try a browser that records MP4, or to use your phone’s built-in screen recorder, covered below.
What else is in the clip
Each recording includes a small Gestune watermark in the corner. The clip is saved on your device only. We never receive a copy.
Why the recording is not mirrored
While you play, the live view is mirrored like a bathroom mirror. That makes it natural to move: raise your left hand and it rises on the left. The recording is not mirrored, so the chord name and watermark read correctly for your viewers.
This means your hands appear swapped in the clip compared with what you saw while playing. That is normal and is how everyone else sees you anyway.
Screen record gesture synth videos on any device
If your browser cannot record, the Record button simply does not appear. You may also want a system recording to capture the whole screen, including the controls or the song panel. Here are the built-in tools for each platform.
macOS
Press Shift-Cmd-5 to open the screenshot and screen recording toolbar, then choose to record the whole screen or a selected area. You can also use QuickTime Player to make a screen recording.
Windows
Press Win+G to open Xbox Game Bar and start a capture of the browser window. The Snipping Tool also offers screen recording on recent versions of Windows.
iPhone
Use Screen Recording in Control Centre. iPhone screen recording captures the sound coming from the app. If you also want your own voice, turn the microphone on for the recording. Turn the phone sideways first so both hands fit in the frame.
Android
Swipe down to open Quick Settings and tap Screen record. Options differ between phone makers, so check the sound setting before you start if you want the music in the clip.
Getting the sound into your recording
The simplest route on a computer is the built-in Record button, because it already includes the synth sound directly. You do not need to set up any audio routing.
With a system screen recorder, sound settings depend on your device and its version. Always make a short test clip and play it back before recording your real take. If the music is missing, check the recorder’s audio options or switch to the built-in Record button.
Framing tips for TikTok, Reels and Shorts
A clear picture helps both the hand tracking and your viewers.
- Light from the front. Face a window or lamp so your hands are bright and the tracking stays steady.
- Plain background. A clean wall keeps the focus on your hands and helps the camera see your fingers.
- Both hands in frame. Sit about an arm’s length back and leave space above your hands for volume moves.
- Show the chord name. The built-in recording prints each chord in big type, so viewers can follow along and try it themselves.
- Pick a known song. Viewers love recognizing a tune. Try Creep by Radiohead or browse all the songs for chord charts.
- Keep it short. Rehearse the chord changes in Follow mode first, then record one clean pass.
Tips for posting your clip
- Say what the viewer is watching in the first line of your caption, for example the song name and that you are playing it with your hands.
- Tell people they can try it free in a browser with no download, so they know how to join in.
- Post a few takes over time, such as a slow version and a faster Play-along run, rather than one long video.
- Reply to comments asking for a song with a new clip of that song.
Recording questions
Is the built-in recorder free?
Yes. Recording is part of the free instrument, with no sign-up or account needed.
How long can a recording be?
Up to 60 seconds per clip, which fits short video apps. For longer videos, use your system screen recorder.
Are my recordings uploaded anywhere?
No. The clip is made in your browser and saved to your device when you press Download. Nothing is sent to a server.
Why do I not see a Record button?
Some browsers cannot record a clip, and then the button is hidden. Try desktop Chrome, Edge or Safari, or use the screen recorder built into your device.
Why is my video a WebM file?
Your browser does not support saving MP4, so it saves WebM instead. Convert it with a video converter if an app will not accept it.
Why are my hands swapped in the recording?
The live view is mirrored so playing feels natural, but the recording is not, so text reads correctly. Viewers see you as others normally do.
Does the recording include sound?
Yes. The built-in recorder includes the synth sound. With a system screen recorder, make a short test first to check the audio.
Which aspect ratio should I choose?
Choose 9:16 for TikTok, Reels and Shorts. Choose 16:9 for a standard widescreen video.
Can I record on my phone?
Yes. If the Record button appears in your mobile browser, use it. Otherwise use Screen Recording on iPhone or Screen record on Android. Turn the phone sideways so both hands fit in the frame.
Can I remove the watermark?
The built-in recording always includes a small Gestune watermark. A system screen recording shows only what is on your screen.
Set up your light, pick a song and hit Record. Your first clip is a minute away.
Open the instrument