Explainer Video Storyboard

Explainer videos are one of the most powerful tools for communicating a message clearly and quickly. Whether you’re introducing a new product, explaining a service, or simplifying a complex concept, a well-crafted storyboard is essential to the video creation process. It’s the foundation that keeps your ideas organized and ensures your final video is effective and engaging.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the importance of an explainer video storyboard, how to build one, and how to make sure it supports your video’s success. We’ll also cover tips, common questions, and wrap up with a practical conclusion you can take action on.

Why a Storyboard is Crucial for Your Explainer Video

Before diving into visuals or animation, you need a solid plan—and that’s exactly what a storyboard offers. It helps shape your message, sequence your content, and bring your vision to life before anything is actually produced.

• Clarifies your message
  A storyboard forces you to simplify your message into digestible parts. It keeps the focus tight and clear.
• Saves time and budget
  By ironing out the flow of the video before production begins, you avoid miscommunications, rework, or confusion later on.
• Aligns your team
  A storyboard is a visual tool everyone can agree on—from scriptwriters to animators to clients—before work even begins.
• Identifies visual needs early
  You’ll know upfront what kind of images, icons, or animations you’ll need for each scene.
• Sets the pacing
  You can decide how long each section will be and make sure the video keeps moving at the right speed.

How to Build a Simple Explainer Video Storyboard

A storyboard doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to communicate the structure of your video and how the message unfolds. Here’s a simple process to follow.

• Start with your script
  Every good storyboard begins with a solid script. This is your narrative—what your voiceover or on-screen text will say.
• Break the script into scenes
  Divide the script into logical chunks, usually aligning each with a single idea or point. Each chunk becomes a “frame” on the storyboard.
• Sketch your visuals
  Don’t worry if you’re not an artist—simple stick figures, boxes, and arrows are enough. These rough visuals show what’s happening in each scene.
• Add notes for motion and timing
  If something is supposed to move, fade, zoom, or transition in a specific way, jot that down.
• Include voiceover or text
  Each frame should also include what’s being said or shown with words—this keeps everything in sync.

Here’s a basic table format many use to storyboard explainer videos:

You can build your storyboard in presentation software like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or with specialized tools like Storyboard That, Boords, or even pen and paper.

Key Elements Every Explainer Video Storyboard Should Have

Even the simplest storyboard should touch on a few essentials to make sure the final video hits the mark.

• Clear message
  Know the one core idea you’re trying to get across. Every scene should support it.
• Simple visuals
  Don’t overload each scene. Focus on one concept per frame so viewers aren’t overwhelmed.
• Consistent tone
  Whether it’s playful, professional, or heartfelt—keep the tone steady throughout the video.
• Smooth flow
  The story should transition naturally from one idea to the next, keeping viewers engaged the entire time.
• Call to action
  Don’t forget to end with a clear next step—like visiting a site, signing up, or contacting you.
• Time awareness
  Most explainer videos are between 60 to 90 seconds long. That gives you time for about 8–12 storyboard frames, depending on pacing.

FAQs About Explainer Video Storyboards

What’s the difference between a storyboard and a script?
The script is the written narrative—what’s said or shown in text. The storyboard pairs that script with visuals, framing out what the audience will actually see on screen.

Do I need to be good at drawing to create a storyboard?
Not at all. Stick figures, basic shapes, and arrows are totally fine. The goal is clarity, not artistry.

How detailed should my storyboard be?
Include enough detail to explain the scene, the movement, and the message. If someone else can look at your storyboard and understand what’s supposed to happen in each frame, you’re good.

Can I create a storyboard digitally?
Absolutely. Tools like Canva, Google Slides, Figma, and even Excel can be used to build digital storyboards. You can also use video-specific tools like Boords or StudioBinder.

Should I storyboard even if I’m doing a live-action explainer video?
Yes. Whether animated or live-action, a storyboard keeps the visuals and message aligned and helps everyone know what to expect.

What if the client wants changes after seeing the storyboard?
That’s exactly why a storyboard is helpful. It’s easier and cheaper to make changes now than once production starts. Always build in time for feedback and revision at this stage.

Conclusion: A Good Storyboard is Your Video’s Best Friend

Creating an explainer video without a storyboard is like building a house without a blueprint. You might eventually get something standing—but it won’t be strong, and it probably won’t look the way you hoped.

A good storyboard keeps your message focused, your visuals clean, and your production on track. It helps you think through pacing, transitions, and flow before you spend a dime on animation or filming. Whether you’re doing the video yourself or handing it off to a team, the storyboard becomes your shared roadmap.

So next time you’re starting a video project, don’t skip the storyboard. Grab a pen, open a slide deck, or fire up a storyboard tool—and start sketching your way to a clearer, more effective explainer video.