Have you ever watched those cool painting videos that magically zoom from start to finish in just a few minutes? They’re called speedpaint videos, and they’re a fun way to share your art process with the world. The best part? You can make one too!
Whether you love drawing digital art or painting on canvas, this guide will walk you through the easy steps to create your first speedpaint video.
What Is a Speedpaint?
A speedpaint is a time-lapse video that shows your artwork coming to life. It’s usually set to music and sped up to show hours of work in just a few minutes. People use them to share their creative process, get noticed online, or just show off their skills!
What You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy gear to get started. Here’s a simple list:
- A screen recorder (for digital artists)
- A camera or phone tripod (for traditional art)
- Video editing software (free or paid)
- Your artwork and creativity!
Step 1: Set Up Your Tools
If you draw digitally, download a screen recording app. OBS Studio is free and works great. Just open it, pick your screen as the source, and hit record when you’re ready to start drawing.
If you paint or draw on paper, set up your phone or camera on a tripod above your desk. Make sure the lighting is good and your hands won’t block the view. You don’t want a shadow monster ruining your video!

Step 2: Record Your Art Process
Now comes the fun part—creating your masterpiece! Just hit record and draw like you normally would. Don’t worry if you make mistakes—those can be part of the magic too.
Keep recording until your artwork is done. Be patient! Speedpaints are short to watch but can take hours to make.
Step 3: Edit the Video
Next, open your video editing software. If you’re just starting out, try using:
- CapCut (free and beginner-friendly)
- iMovie (for Apple users)
- Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve (free and more advanced)
Import your video file. Most raw recordings will be really long, so it’s time to speed it up! Look for a speed adjustment tool and increase it by 4x to 10x the original speed—whatever looks good.
Add some fun music if you like. Choose royalty-free tracks so you don’t get a copyright warning. Many sites offer free music, like YouTube Audio Library or Pixabay Music.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
Sprinkle in a few cool effects. You can:
- Add your name or username at the start
- Include timestamps or stages of the artwork
- End with your final artwork for a few seconds so people can admire it
Make sure to keep your video short and sweet—around 1 to 5 minutes is perfect for most people.

Once your video looks awesome, export it! Save it in MP4 format with a good resolution (1080p is great).
Now post your video to YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or wherever your fans are hanging out. Don’t forget to write a nice caption and use hashtags like #speedpaint or #digitalart to get more views!
Quick Tips for Success
- Clean your workspace before filming. Messy backgrounds are distracting.
- Use natural light or lamps with soft bulbs to keep shadows away.
- Test your setup before recording a full drawing!
Final Thoughts
Making speedpaint videos is easier than it looks. Just hit record while doing what you love and let the video do the rest. It’s a fun way to show your progress, share your art, and connect with others.
So grab your tools and hit record—your very first speedpaint is just one drawing away!