Video tutorials are a common form of library instruction used with distance learners. This paper combines professional experience and literature reviews from multiple disciplines to provide a contextual overview of recommendations and findings for effective and engaging videos. The tools for tutorials appear in five main categories: screencasts, slidecasts, live action video, animation, and interactivity. Not all tools work for every task or skill level, so it is important to have an understanding of the options available to creators. While the category and combination of tools used can vary, some general design principles and considerations apply to any form of online video. The type and length of content, compatibility with different devices, accessibility to all viewers, and quality audio are vital to making video tutorials that distance learners will want to watch.