Whiteboard animation has taken the digital world by storm. It’s clean, simple, and powerful. Whether you’re trying to pitch a product, explain a concept, or educate an audience, whiteboard animation can do the job with surprising effectiveness. So, what makes a whiteboard animation the best? Let’s break it down and look at what makes this style of animation so unique, who it’s best suited for, and what tools and services can help you create one that really stands out.
What Makes a Great Whiteboard Animation?
Whiteboard animations may look simple, but there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. The best ones usually share a few core characteristics that set them apart.
- Clear storytelling
A whiteboard animation is only as strong as the story it tells. Whether it’s a product explainer, a training video, or a sales pitch, the message should be crystal clear. The animation supports the story, not the other way around. - Engaging visuals
While the drawings are usually black and white (hence “whiteboard”), clever use of minimal color, smooth transitions, and relatable characters can keep viewers engaged throughout the video. - Strong voiceover
The voice behind the animation is what brings it to life. A calm, confident, and clear voiceover holds attention and makes the message easier to digest. - Smooth hand-drawn animations
The hallmark of whiteboard animation is the hand that draws elements on screen. When done well, it feels like you’re watching ideas come to life in real time. This dynamic movement keeps the viewer curious about what’s coming next. - Simple but effective pacing
A great whiteboard animation doesn’t feel rushed or drag on. The pace matches the voiceover and allows the viewer to process information without feeling overwhelmed.
Top Use Cases for Whiteboard Animation
Whiteboard animations aren’t just for fun – they serve very real business and educational purposes. Here are some of the most popular ways they’re used.
- Marketing and product explainers
Need to break down what your service or product does? A whiteboard animation can walk customers through the problem you solve in a way that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. - Educational videos
Teachers, trainers, and e-learning platforms use whiteboard animations to explain complex ideas in simple terms. It’s a great way to boost understanding and retention. - Internal training and HR
Companies often use whiteboard videos to train employees on policies, processes, and tools. These animations are especially effective for onboarding new hires. - Nonprofits and advocacy
Want to inspire action or explain a cause? A whiteboard animation can tell a compelling story that sticks with viewers and encourages support. - YouTube and social content
Content creators often use whiteboard animations to deliver commentary, storytelling, or breakdowns. It’s a visually interesting way to add value to your channel.
Best Tools and Services for Creating Whiteboard Animations
There’s no shortage of whiteboard animation software out there. Some are designed for total beginners, while others are packed with advanced features for pros. Here’s a look at some of the best options available.
| Tool/Service | Best For | Key Features | Ease of Use |
| Doodly | Beginners and marketers | Drag-and-drop interface, tons of templates | Very easy |
| VideoScribe | Educational and explainer videos | Large library, hands-off animation styles | Easy |
| Vyond | Businesses and corporate use | Character customization, scene transitions | Moderate |
| Renderforest | Fast promo videos | Ready-made templates, cloud-based | Very easy |
| Animaker | Teams and freelancers | Collaboration tools, custom branding | Easy |
| Custom animation agencies | High-end, professional videos | Scriptwriting, voiceovers, bespoke design | Varies |
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Tool
- Budget
Some whiteboard tools are subscription-based, while others are one-time purchases. Think about how often you’ll use the tool and if you need advanced features. - Skill level
Not everyone has time to learn complex software. Choose something that matches your comfort level or consider hiring a professional. - Purpose
Are you making a one-off video or building a video library? Long-term needs should guide your choice. - Customization options
Do you want your videos to have your own characters and branding? Some platforms allow full customization, while others offer limited design flexibility.
FAQs About Whiteboard Animation
What is whiteboard animation, exactly?
Whiteboard animation is a video style where illustrations are drawn on the screen in real-time, typically on a white background, while a voiceover explains the story. It mimics the effect of someone drawing on a whiteboard.
Is whiteboard animation still effective in 2025?
Yes, it remains very effective. The simplicity of the style, combined with its storytelling ability, makes it a strong choice for marketing, education, and communication even in a world filled with flashy animations.
Can I make whiteboard animation without any drawing skills?
Absolutely. Many tools come with libraries of pre-drawn images and scenes. You don’t need any artistic background to use software like Doodly or VideoScribe.
How long should a whiteboard animation video be?
The sweet spot is usually 1 to 3 minutes. That’s long enough to convey your message but short enough to keep attention from start to finish.
Do I need a voiceover?
It’s highly recommended. The voiceover adds personality and clarity to your video. If you’re not comfortable recording one, most platforms let you import voiceovers, or you can hire voice talent online.
Are whiteboard animations good for social media?
They can work very well, especially if they’re short, punchy, and deliver value quickly. You may want to trim longer videos or break them into segments for platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
What are the downsides of whiteboard animation?
While effective, whiteboard animations can feel repetitive if overused. They also don’t work as well for highly emotional or cinematic content. For some brands, the hand-drawn aesthetic might feel too casual.
Can whiteboard animations be used in other languages?
Yes, just record or import a voiceover in the language you want. Some tools also allow you to customize text and visuals for international audiences.
Conclusion
Whiteboard animation isn’t going away anytime soon. It’s still one of the most approachable and effective video styles around. From business explainers to classroom tutorials, whiteboard videos deliver clear, memorable messages without the need for over-the-top graphics or cinematic drama.
If you’re just getting started, tools like Doodly and VideoScribe make it easy. If you’re ready to invest more, working with a custom animation agency can help bring your unique vision to life. Regardless of your path, the key is to keep your message simple, your visuals engaging, and your voice clear.
Whether you’re educating, selling, or storytelling, whiteboard animation might just be the secret sauce you’ve been looking for.