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How to Make Animated Explainer Videos

Have you ever wondered why some product explainer videos leave a lasting impression while others barely scratch the surface? With the right approach, making animated explainer videos can transform your marketing strategy and captivate your audience. Yet, many businesses overlook the potential these videos hold in clarifying complex ideas and driving engagement. Are you ready to delve into the fascinating world of animated explainer videos and discover how they can make a difference in your business?


From conceptualization to completion, we’re here to guide you through each step of creating animated explainer videos. Whether you're new to video marketing or looking to refine your approach, this comprehensive guide will ensure you have all the tools and expertise needed to create content that not only tells a story but also enhances your marketing initiatives. With platforms like Animaker offering over 100 million stock assets and 30,000+ animated properties, your potential to create compelling product explainer videos is limitless.



Unlock the power of visual communication with our step-by-step guide on creating engaging Animated Explainer Videos for your brand.

Key Takeaways

  • Animated explainer videos simplify complex ideas, making them more understandable and engaging.

  • Platforms like Animaker provide extensive libraries of assets and tools, facilitating professional video creation.

  • Focus on the benefits rather than features to effectively communicate your message.

  • Customizing characters and integrating human-like features increase relatability and memorability.

  • Collaborate in real-time with multi-user platforms to streamline your video creation process.

  • Leveraging AI-powered tools like Text-to-Speech (TTS) and auto lip sync can enhance the professionalism of your videos.


Ready to transform your marketing vision into measurable results through innovative animated explainer videos? Let’s dive in!


What Are Animated Explainer Videos?

Animated explainer videos are concise, visually captivating tools designed to illustrate complex products or services quickly and effectively. They combine both visual elements and audio to educate and persuade our target audience. These powerful videos play a significant role in visual communication and can help businesses stand out in a crowded market.


Definition and Purpose

At their core, animated explainer videos serve to simplify intricate concepts and make them more accessible. From showcasing the capabilities of a new software product to outlining a detailed business process, they transform complicated ideas into understandable and engaging narratives.


Key Characteristics

Several essential traits set animated explainer videos apart:

  • Simplicity: They distill complex information into clear, manageable pieces.

  • Engaging Narratives: They tell compelling stories that captivate the audience.

  • Targeted Messaging: Messages are customized to resonate with the intended audience.


Benefits for Businesses

Implementing animated explainer videos into your corporate video production strategy can bring numerous advantages:

  • Enhanced Understanding: 94% of viewers have used these videos to comprehend a service or product better.

  • Increased Engagement: Videos created for brands like Dropbox and RSA Animates have generated millions of views, thanks to their captivating content.

  • Boosted SEO: Embedding animated explainer videos on your website can improve conversion rates by up to 80%, drawing more traffic and improving search engine rankings.

  • Improved Customer Conversion: A significant 84% of consumers have been influenced to purchase after watching an explainer video.


In conclusion, adopting animated video ads and other forms of visual communication in your marketing strategy can lead to substantial returns. It's about getting your message across seamlessly, effectively, and memorably, transforming complex information into easily digestible content.


Types of Animated Explainer Videos

Creating animated explainer videos can be a transformative decision for your business. Each type of animation offers distinct visual styles and unique benefits. Let's delve into the various formats available for your next project.


2D Animation

2D Animation is a classic choice that brings stories to life with vibrant characters and imaginative environments. With an engaging style, it appeals to a wide range of audiences, making it a popular option for brands looking to convey their messages effectively. On average, producing a 2D Motion Graphics explainer video can range from $5,000 to $10,000.


3D Animation

For those looking to add more depth and realism, 3D Animation is the way to go. This type of animation provides a more immersive experience by creating lifelike characters and settings. It often results in a higher level of audience engagement. However, it comes with a higher price tag, averaging between $8,000 and $20,000.


Whiteboard Animation

Whiteboard Animation is perfect for simplifying complex concepts. It's an excellent way to visually explain intricate topics in an easily understandable format. This type of animation is widely used in educational and corporate settings. The production cost for Whiteboard Animation explainer videos typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000.


Motion Graphics

Motion Graphics captivate viewers with bold and dynamic visuals. They are especially effective for creating attention-grabbing content that is both informative and engaging. The average cost of producing a Motion Graphics explainer video is similar to that of 2D animation, falling within the $5,000 to $10,000 range.

Type

Average Cost

Benefits

2D Animation

$5,000 - $10,000

Vibrant, engaging characters and environments

3D Animation

$8,000 - $20,000

Immersive, realistic experience

Whiteboard Animation

$5,000 - $15,000

Simplifies complex concepts

Motion Graphics

$5,000 - $10,000

Bold, dynamic visuals

Understanding Your Audience

Success in video storytelling starts with knowing your audience. To create engaging and effective animated infographics, understanding the demographics, interests, and pain points of your target audience is essential.


Identifying Target Demographics

Identifying target demographics involves analyzing factors such as age, location, gender, and interests. For instance, if your market research indicates a younger audience, a more dynamic and engaging style might be effective. Conversely, if your audience consists of business professionals, a more formal approach may be appropriate. Here are some key demographics to consider:

  • Age: Tailoring content to specific age groups can improve engagement.

  • Location: Cultural norms and preferences vary by region.

  • Gender: Content may need to address gender-specific interests or challenges.

  • Interests: Aligning content with audience hobbies and interests makes it more relatable.


Importance of Audience Research

Thorough audience research is crucial for creating animated infographics that truly resonate with viewers. By understanding their preferences, pain points, and viewing habits, we can ensure our videos hit the mark. Effective market research allows us to:

  • Segment the audience: Divide the audience into meaningful groups for targeted content creation.

  • Identify pain points: Addressing specific problems or needs increases viewer engagement.

  • Gauge preferences: Understanding what the audience likes helps tailor content that attracts and retains attention.


Consistent audience engagement is a key to success in the highly competitive landscape of video storytelling and animated infographics. As market research evolves, staying updated with the latest trends and feedback ensures our content remains relevant and impactful.

Factor

Importance

Strategy

Age

High

Tailor content to specific age preferences.

Location

Medium

Adjust for regional and cultural norms.

Interests

High

Align with hobbies and preferences.


Crafting a Compelling Script

Creating a compelling script is crucial for the success of animated explainer videos. It’s all about blending scriptwriting techniques, engaging content, and effective storytelling to captivate your audience. Let’s delve into the essentials that forge an exceptional script.


Elements of a Great Script

A great script is more than just words on paper; it's a blueprint for engaging visual storytelling. Here are key elements that contribute to a powerful explainer video script:

  • Clear Structure: A solid beginning, middle, and end.

  • Strong Hook: Captures attention within the first few seconds.

  • Concise Language: Every word must serve a purpose.

  • Emotional Appeal: Elicit responses like humor, empathy, or excitement.

  • Action-Oriented: Ends with a compelling call to action (CTA).


Tips for Writing Engaging Content

Writing engaging content calls for creativity and a methodical approach. Follow these tips for crafting scripts that keep viewers riveted:

  1. Know Your Audience: Understand their demographics and preferences.

  2. Distill Complex Concepts: Simplify information for better comprehension.

  3. Show, Don’t Tell: Use visuals to illustrate points and keep viewers engaged.

  4. Iterative Revisions: Continuously refine the script with feedback from colleagues and potential customers.

  5. Memorable Taglines: Create catchphrases that resonate long after the video concludes, akin to Nike’s “Just Do It” or McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It.”

The length of explainer videos typically ranges from 30 seconds to 3 minutes, and the recommended word count is 130-150 words per minute. This brevity ensures that the content is concise, maintaining the audience’s attention while delivering the intended message effectively.


Storyboarding Your Video

Storyboarding is an essential step in the Creative Process of producing an animated explainer video. This phase of Visual Planning allows us to visualize the storyline, plan smooth transitions, and ensure that the script aligns perfectly with the visual elements. Effective storyboarding can significantly streamline the overall Pre-production phase and enhance the final output.


Importance of Storyboarding

Storyboarding is crucial for communicating effectively with animators, which reduces misunderstandings and leads to faster production times. It helps in organizing ideas visually and ensuring that all team members share the same vision. This process also aids in visualizing characters, background elements, and actions, allowing for early detection of potential issues before actual production begins. By employing storyboards, we can minimize the risks of setbacks, such as revising characters or props, re-shooting scenes, and extending creation timelines.


Tools for Creating Storyboards

Several tools can be utilized for creating effective storyboards during the Pre-production phase. These include:

  • Traditional Storyboards: Hand-drawn sketches with ink or pencil, suitable for initial drafts in team meetings.

  • Thumbnail Storyboards: Rough, small-sized sketches that help visualize the sequence of scenes before moving to detailed traditional storyboards.

  • Digital Storyboards: Created using computers or tablets with software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. These can also include sub-types like Animatics (basic animated storyboards) and Digimatics (digitally-made stop-motion videos).

Storyboard Type

Tools/Methods

Usage

Traditional

Ink or Pencil

Initial drafts during meetings

Thumbnail

Pencil Sketches

Visualizing scene flow

Digital

Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop

Detailed and interactive planning

By leveraging these tools, we can create detailed and effective storyboards that serve as blueprints for our projects, laying a strong foundation for the entire Creative Process.


Choosing the Right Style

When it comes to creating animated explainer videos, selecting the appropriate style is crucial. It not only reflects your brand personality but also significantly impacts audience engagement. A thoughtful choice enhances your branding and ensures your visual identity resonates with viewers. Let's dive into some key considerations to help you make the best decision for your animated explainer video.



Considering Brand Personality

Your brand personality should be at the forefront when deciding on an animation style. Whether your brand is playful, professional, or cutting-edge, the animation should mirror these traits. For instance, a quirky 2D animation could be perfect for a fun and dynamic tech startup, while a sleek 3D animation might be more suitable for a high-end luxury brand.


Here's a quick guide to match animation styles with brand personalities:

Brand Personality

Recommended Animation Style

Budget Range

Playful and Fun

2D Animation, Motion Graphics

$4K - $10K

Sophisticated and Elegant

3D Animation

$25K+

Innovative and Cutting-Edge

Mixed Media, Motion Graphics

$10K - $35K

Professional and Trustworthy

Live Action, Screencasts

$4K - $35K

Matching Style with Audience Preferences

Understanding your audience is key to selecting an animation style that enhances audience engagement. By matching the animation style with your target audience's preferences, you can create a more compelling and relevant experience.

Consider factors such as:

  • Age group: Younger audiences may prefer vibrant and dynamic cartoons or 2D animations, while an older demographic might appreciate a more straightforward and professional approach, like motion graphics.

  • Industry standards: Different industries have varying norms. For example, tech companies often use motion graphics to explain complex ideas, whereas educational organizations may opt for whiteboard animations to simplify topics.

  • Engagement levels: More intricate and visually stimulating animations, like mixed media or high-quality 3D, can capture attention and keep viewers engaged for longer periods.


Ultimately, the choice of animation style should be a reflection of both your brand's personality and the preferences of your audience. With careful consideration, you'll create a powerful visual identity that drives audience engagement and elevates your branding efforts.


Selecting Animation Software

Choosing the right animation software is pivotal for creating effective and engaging animated explainer videos. Not all Animation Software is created equal, and selecting the best fit for your needs means examining various factors. Let's explore some of the popular tools available and the key considerations for making an informed choice.


Popular Animation Tools

There are multiple tools to choose from, each catering to different levels of expertise and project requirements:

  • Animaker: Known for its user-friendly interface and a vast library of pre-built characters and templates.

  • Vyond: Offers a range of features for creating professional animations quickly.

  • Animatron: Ideal for both beginners and professionals with its easy-to-navigate design.

  • PowToon: Often favored for its engaging and fun animations suitable for educational and business purposes.

  • Adobe Animate: Provides advanced tools and capabilities for experienced animators.

  • Adobe After Effects: A powerful tool for creating high-quality motion graphics and visual effects.

Software

Pros

Cons

Animaker

Easy to use, extensive library

Limited advanced features

Vyond

Professional quality, quick production

Higher cost

Animatron

Beginner-friendly, broad functionality

Learning curve for advanced features

PowToon

Engaging animations, educational focus

Less suitable for detailed animations

Adobe Animate

Advanced tools, professional output

Requires experience

Adobe After Effects

High-quality visual effects, versatile

Steep learning curve, resource-intensive


Factors to Consider When Choosing Software

When selecting Animation Software, it's essential to consider the following factors:

  • Budget: Ensure the software fits within your financial constraints without compromising necessary features.

  • Usability: Choose software that matches your level of animation expertise, from beginner-friendly to professional-grade options like TechSmith Camtasia.

  • Features: Look for key features like keyframing capabilities, rigging for characters, pre-built libraries, and motion graphics tools.

  • Compatibility: Ensure the software integrates well with other tools in your creative suite, such as Adobe After Effects for seamless workflow.

  • Collaboration: If working in a team, consider software that offers collaboration functionalities to streamline the process.


The right Animation Software can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your animated explainer videos. Whether you opt for an intuitive tool like TechSmith Camtasia or a highly advanced platform like Adobe After Effects, making an informed choice will align your video creation efforts with your overall business goals.


Incorporating Voiceover and Sound

Effective voiceover production can significantly elevate the quality of your animated explainer videos. By using professional voiceover artists, you ensure a level of clarity and engagement that resonates deeply with your audience. Furthermore, attention to audio quality is essential for maintaining a polished and professional standard throughout your project.


Importance of Voiceover

A well-crafted voiceover can bridge the gap between visual elements and the viewer, making complex ideas more accessible. Choosing the right voice—whether authoritative, trustworthy, or comforting—aligns the tone with your brand and enhances viewer trust. This alignment is crucial, especially in the initial 60-90 seconds, where capturing and holding attention is paramount. The quality of voiceover production can drive home your message with the emotional depth and clarity needed to captivate your audience.


Tips for Selecting a Voiceover Artist

Selecting the right voiceover artist involves more than just picking a pleasant voice. Consider the following steps to ensure the perfect match for your explainer video:

  1. Evaluate Voice Samples: Listen to various samples to compare different voice styles, pitches, and rhythms.

  2. Align with Brand Tone: Ensure the voice type aligns with your brand’s personality and the video’s target audience.

  3. Consider Accent and Dialect: Incorporating a specific accent or dialect can create a more personal connection with your audience.

  4. Professional Recording Equipment: High-quality audio recording is essential to maintain the standard of your explainer video.

Aspect

Details

Voice Style

Authoritative, Trustworthy, Comforting, Humorous

Equipment

Professional Recording Gear

Target Audience Consideration

Voice Gender, Accent/Dialect

In essence, meticulous attention to voiceover production and audio quality can transform your animated explainer videos from average to extraordinary. This transformation is not just about technical precision but also about injecting the content with the right emotion and personality, making it an integral part of your brand’s storytelling toolkit.


Adding Background Music and Effects

Integrating background music and sound effects into your animated explainer videos can greatly elevate the viewer's experience. Given the diverse range of visual and auditory learners—65% visual, 30% auditory—ensuring that we cater to these preferences magnifies engagement and retention. Viewers are 95% more likely to retain a message from a video supplemented with rich audio components, so nailing this element is critical.


Finding the Right Music

Choosing the right background music involves a careful consideration of the video's tone and purpose. Services like Track Club, offering subscriptions starting at $12 per month, provide a carefully curated catalog of high-quality music. By availing this service, we ensure that our selections are both unique and legally cleared, avoiding copyright infringements and potential legal pitfalls.

Two primary music licensing models are available for explainer videos: royalty music and royalty-free music. Royalty-free options, available on platforms like Premium Beat and AudioJungle, allow us to leverage high-quality tracks for a one-time fee. This model is particularly useful for brands seeking budget-friendly solutions without sacrificing quality.


Enhancing Engagement with Sound Effects

Incorporating sound effects can significantly boost engagement and emotional impact in explainer videos. These effects should enhance, not overshadow, the message. Sites like Free Music Archive provide extensive libraries of royalty-free music and sound effects, enabling us to find audio elements that subtly underscore key points and narrative transitions.


Certain genres, such as Lofi Electronica, Jazz, and Indie Pop, are particularly effective in different contexts. Inspiring music, blending pop ballad and epic music elements, is ideal for transitioning from problem statements to motivational solutions. Indie Pop, with its lively beats and jangling guitars, suits down-to-earth narratives well. Subtle Jazz undercurrents can work for both slow-paced explanations and high-energy segments.

Ultimately, the strategic use of audio enhancement creates videos that are not only more engaging but also more memorable, enhancing both viewer retention and the overall impact of the marketing message.


Reviewing and Editing Your Video

Meticulously reviewing and editing your animated explainer video is paramount to ensure optimal output quality. As video content creators, we understand the importance of refining every detail to resonate with our audience. Leveraging proficient Video Editing skills can truly turn a good video into a great one.


Importance of Feedback

Incorporating Feedback Integration is crucial in the video creation process. By gathering diverse viewpoints, we can enhance the video’s message and visual appeal, ensuring it aligns with the intended audience. Engaging in constructive feedback sessions not only improves the content but also enriches the overall storytelling experience. Remember, effective feedback can significantly elevate the quality of your final product.


Common Editing Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes during the editing phase can detract from the overall quality and effectiveness of your explainer video. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Over-complicating the storyline

  • Poor pacing and uneven transitions

  • Underestimating the importance of sound quality

  • Ignoring viewer feedback

By focusing on these potential missteps and addressing them proactively, we can achieve a finished product that stands out. Attention to detail in Video Editing and maintaining Quality Assurance can ensure that our explainer videos are not only engaging but also effective in communicating our message.

Below is a comparison of effective techniques versus common mistakes in video editing:

Effective Techniques

Common Mistakes

Clear and concise storyline

Over-complicating narrative

Consistent pacing

Inconsistent transitions

High sound quality

Poor sound design

Engaging feedback integration

Ignoring viewer suggestions

Promoting Your Animated Explainer Video

Once your animated explainer video is ready, it's crucial to promote it across platforms where your audience is most active and engaged. Effective promotion involves leveraging Social Media Marketing, optimizing for Video SEO, and strategic Content Distribution.


Best Platforms for Sharing

Several platforms are highly beneficial for sharing animated explainer videos, each offering unique advantages:

  • YouTube: The go-to platform for video content, essential for its vast user base and powerful search capabilities. Optimizing your video with relevant Video SEO tactics can significantly increase visibility.

  • LinkedIn: Ideal for B2B marketing, offering a professional audience that can boost business-specific engagements and conversions.

  • Instagram: Great for visual storytelling, especially with short, engaging clips. Instagram Stories and IGTV extend the reach even further.

  • Facebook: Another giant in the Social Media Marketing sphere, Facebook allows for extensive sharing and targeted advertising options.


Strategies for Increasing Visibility

To maximize the impact of your animated explainer video, apply the following strategies:

  1. Optimize for Video SEO: Utilize keywords in your video title, description, and tags to enhance search engine rankings and drive organic traffic.

  2. Leverage Social Media Marketing: Share your video on various social media platforms, encouraging sharing and engagement. Paid ads can also boost visibility to a targeted audience.

  3. Strategic Content Distribution: Plan the distribution to include your website, email campaigns, and collaborations with influencers to expand reach.

  4. Analyze Performance Metrics: Track metrics like views, shares, and click-through rates to understand the video’s impact and make data-driven decisions for future promotions.


Here are a few comparative details of explainer video types and their effectiveness:

Video Type

Features

Examples

Animated Explainer Videos

Engaging, versatile, suitable for various topics

Noonday Collection (1:57), Google (3:41)

Whiteboard Animation Videos

Educational, simple visuals, good for tutorials

Alation (1:33)

Motion Graphics Videos

Dynamic, modern, great for visual impact

Yggdrash (1:23), VISA (2:23)

Utilizing these strategies ensures your animated explainer video reaches the right audience, enhancing engagement and driving desired actions such as sign-ups or purchases.



Measuring Success

Understanding the effectiveness of your animated explainer video is crucial to ensuring your marketing efforts yield measurable results. By focusing on specific Performance Metrics, we can gauge how well our video strategies are working and identify areas for improvement. Essential metrics to track include view count, watch time, engagement rates, and conversion rates. A high number of views and extended watch times indicate strong viewer interest and content relevance.


Key Metrics to Track

Several critical metrics should be the focus when measuring the success of your animated explainer video. View count represents the total number of times a video has been watched, while watch time reveals how long viewers engage with your content on average. A high engagement rate, including likes, shares, and comments, shows that your content resonates well with the audience. Most importantly, the conversion rate, which indicates the percentage of viewers who performed a desired action, such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase, provides a direct measure of your video’s ROI.


Tools for Analyzing Performance

To dive deeper into these metrics, leveraging advanced Analytics Tools is essential. Google Analytics is invaluable for tracking traffic sources and measuring visitor interaction on your website post-viewing. YouTube Analytics offers comprehensive insights into views, watch time, audience demographics, and engagement levels. Platforms like Wistia provide features such as heatmaps to visualize which parts of your video captivate the audience the most, identifying where they drop off. Lastly, Vimeo Analytics offers detailed data on viewer locations and engagement for business users, facilitating a rounded analysis of your video's performance.

Incorporating these insights through iterative processes like A/B testing allows for continuous optimization of your video content. By tailoring your animated explainer videos to the specific needs and preferences of your target audience, you ensure maximum impact, ultimately leading to improved conversion rates and business growth.


FAQ

What are animated explainer videos?

Animated explainer videos are concise, engaging tools designed to illustrate complex products or services quickly and effectively. They combine visuals and audio to educate and persuade the audience.


What are the key characteristics of animated explainer videos?

Key characteristics include simplicity, engaging narratives, and clear messages tailored to the target audience.


What benefits can animated explainer videos bring to my business?

They enhance understanding, increase engagement, boost SEO, and convert viewers into customers.


What types of animated explainer videos can I choose from?

Various types include 2D animation, 3D animation, whiteboard animation, and motion graphics, each offering unique visual styles and benefits.


How should I identify my target audience for an animated explainer video?

Identify key demographics such as age, location, and interests, and conduct thorough audience research to tailor your message.


What elements should be included in a great script for an explainer video?

A great script should be clear, concise, and engaging. It should have a solid structure with a beginning, middle, and end that flows seamlessly.


Why is storyboarding important in creating an explainer video?

Storyboarding is crucial as it acts as a blueprint, helping to visualize the narrative, plan transitions, and align the script with visual elements.


How do I choose the right style for my animated explainer video?

The style should reflect your brand personality and resonate with your audience, enhancing message delivery and alignment with viewer preferences.


What are some popular animation software tools for creating explainer videos?

Popular tools include Powtoon for beginners and Adobe After Effects for advanced users. Consider budget, usability, features, and compatibility.


How important is voiceover in an animated explainer video?

A compelling voiceover enhances effectiveness. Choose a voice that reflects your brand and resonates with your audience using high-quality recording equipment.


How can background music and sound effects enhance my video?

They play critical roles in setting the tone and enhancing engagement. Choose music that complements the content mood and use sound effects sparingly.


Why is reviewing and editing my explainer video important?

Review and edit meticulously to refine your message and visuals, incorporating feedback to avoid common mistakes like over-complicated storylines and poor pacing.


What are the best platforms for promoting my animated explainer video?

Promote your video on platforms where your audience is most active, such as YouTube, LinkedIn, or Instagram. Use SEO strategies for maximum visibility and engagement.


How can I measure the success of my animated explainer video?

Track key metrics like view count, watch time, engagement rate, and conversions using tools like Google Analytics and YouTube Insights.


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