Explainer videos are everywhere—from social media ads to business websites and onboarding tools. They’re short, snappy, and effective at turning complicated ideas into something people can actually understand. Behind the scenes, the magic happens with explainer video animation software. If you’re curious about how businesses, marketers, teachers, or even content creators produce those animated videos, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about explainer video animation software.
We’ll break down the features to look for, compare some of the best options available, and explain how this software can help you engage your audience better than static content ever could.
What Makes Explainer Video Animation Software So Powerful?
Explainer video animation software is a tool that helps you create engaging, animated content without needing to be a professional animator. These platforms are designed with templates, drag-and-drop features, voiceover integration, and asset libraries so that anyone—yes, even beginners—can create animated explainer videos.
Here’s why explainer video software has become a go-to choice for marketers, educators, startups, and even nonprofits:
- It simplifies complex ideas. Whether you’re breaking down how an app works or explaining a social cause, animation makes it easier to digest.
- It grabs attention. Animated videos stand out on social feeds and websites, increasing engagement.
- It builds trust. Professional-looking content builds credibility and helps establish brand authority.
- It saves money. Instead of hiring a production team, you can create high-quality videos in-house.
- It speeds up production. What used to take weeks can now be done in a matter of hours.
Most of these tools are cloud-based, which means no need to download bulky software. You can work straight from your browser and often collaborate with your team in real-time.
Another reason these platforms are gaining traction is because they allow for personalization. You can add custom branding, pick animation styles that match your tone, and even use AI voiceovers to save time on recording.
But how do you know which one’s right for you? That’s what we’ll dive into next.
Feature Breakdown: Top Explainer Video Animation Software Options
Choosing the right explainer video animation software comes down to what you need. Some are perfect for beginners. Others offer more control for people with design or animation experience. Below is a comparison table of some of the most popular software options to help you find your match.
Comparison Table: Best Explainer Video Animation Software
| Software | Best For | Key Features | Ease of Use | Pricing Model |
| Vyond | Businesses and teams | Custom characters, lip-sync, brand asset import | Moderate | Subscription-based |
| Powtoon | Beginners and marketers | Drag-and-drop, templates, voiceovers, PowerPoint integration | Easy | Free plan + subscriptions |
| Animaker | Startups and YouTubers | 2D animation, whiteboard, character builder, auto lip-sync | Easy | Free tier + plans |
| Moovly | Educators and pros | Screen recording, stock media, advanced timeline editing | Moderate | Free + tiered pricing |
| Doodly | Whiteboard animations | Hand-drawn doodles, drag-and-drop, background music | Very Easy | One-time or subscription |
| Renderforest | Fast promo videos | Templates for product explainers, intros, and branding kits | Very Easy | Freemium model |
| Biteable | Social media videos | Pre-made scenes, animation, music, team collaboration | Easy | Subscription-based |
These platforms all have slightly different strengths. Some, like Vyond and Animaker, offer a lot of character customization and are great for storytelling. Others like Doodly focus on whiteboard animation, which works well for educational content or tutorials.
Most of them also include libraries of music, icons, illustrations, and stock footage so you can make videos without needing to create every element from scratch.
How to Choose the Right Software for Your Needs
With so many choices out there, picking the best explainer video animation software can feel overwhelming. But if you break down your priorities, it becomes much easier. Here are some helpful tips to guide your decision:
- Identify your goal. Are you creating product demos, educational videos, internal training, or marketing content? Different tools serve different purposes better.
- Consider your skill level. If you’re new to animation, go for drag-and-drop software with plenty of templates.
- Check your budget. Some platforms have free versions with limited functionality, while others charge a monthly or annual fee.
- Look at integration options. Do you need to integrate your video tool with PowerPoint, Google Drive, or Slack? Some tools support those.
- Think about branding. If you need full control over branding (logos, fonts, colors), make sure the software allows it without watermarks on the free plan.
- Evaluate export options. Some free versions only allow low-res exports or include branding in the corner. Be sure you know what format and resolution you can export in.
A good rule of thumb is to try a free version or demo first. This will let you get a feel for the user interface and decide if it’s something you can realistically use long-term.
Also, look at customer support and community forums. If you run into trouble, having easy access to help makes a big difference. Some tools even offer live chat or onboarding tutorials.
Practical Uses of Explainer Video Animation Software
Now let’s talk about real-world scenarios where explainer video software shines. These tools aren’t just for marketing teams or YouTubers. A wide range of industries use animated videos to communicate ideas more clearly.
Here are a few examples:
- Startups pitching ideas – A 60-second explainer video can help potential investors or customers grasp a new product or service quickly.
- Educators creating lessons – Teachers can simplify complex topics using animation and storytelling. Students often retain visuals better than textbook content.
- Human Resources – Onboarding videos made with animation are more engaging than long manuals. They’re perfect for introducing company culture and procedures.
- Healthcare and nonprofits – Simplifying medical procedures or charity missions using animation makes information easier to understand for broader audiences.
- Sales and marketing teams – Animated explainer videos on landing pages can increase conversion rates by quickly communicating a product’s benefits.
- Internal communications – When company-wide announcements or strategy updates need to be shared, animated videos can help deliver the message in a concise, visual way.
Animation software doesn’t just make your content look good—it makes it more effective. And in today’s short attention span world, that can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use explainer video software without animation experience?
Yes, most of the popular platforms are designed for beginners. They offer pre-made templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and even AI tools that simplify voiceovers and timing.
Is free explainer video software good enough?
Free versions can be useful for testing the waters, but they usually come with limitations like watermarks, fewer templates, or lower-quality exports. For professional use, consider upgrading.
Do I need to download the software to use it?
Most modern explainer video tools are web-based, meaning you can access them from any browser without needing to download anything. A stable internet connection is important though.
Can I add voiceovers and music?
Yes, almost all platforms allow you to add your own voiceover or use built-in text-to-speech features. You can also insert background music or upload your own audio files.
Which is better: whiteboard animation or 2D animation?
It depends on your goal. Whiteboard animation works well for tutorials or training. 2D animation offers more character and scene customization, which is better for storytelling or product explainers.
How long does it take to make an explainer video?
With templates and ready-made assets, you can finish a 1–2-minute video in a few hours. More customized projects may take longer depending on script, design, and edits.
Can I collaborate with my team on these platforms?
Yes, many tools support team features where multiple users can work on the same video. Vyond, Biteable, and Powtoon all offer collaboration options.
Conclusion: Bringing Your Ideas to Life with Animation
Explainer video animation software has changed the way we communicate. Whether you’re launching a startup, teaching a class, or trying to grow your brand, animated videos help you explain ideas faster and in a way people remember.
You don’t need a background in video production to make professional-quality content. Thanks to intuitive platforms like Vyond, Powtoon, and Animaker, anyone can bring a concept to life with just a few clicks. And with the growing demand for visual content online, using animation tools is not just a bonus—it’s becoming essential.
If you’re still on the fence, try one of the free plans. Explore the tools, play with the templates, and create something simple. Once you see how easy it is, you’ll realize why so many individuals and businesses rely on explainer video software to get their message across.
The right explainer video doesn’t just tell your story—it shows it. And with the right tools, you can make sure that story leaves a lasting impression.