Animated explainer videos have become a go-to strategy for businesses, creators, and educators who want to communicate complex ideas in a simple and engaging way. Whether you’re launching a product, promoting a service, or explaining a process, a well-made explainer video can grab attention, build trust, and drive action.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the full process of creating animated explainer videos—from concept to completion. You’ll learn the steps, tips, and tools you need, even if you’ve never made a video before.
Understanding the Purpose and Power of Explainer Videos
Before jumping into the how-to, it’s important to understand why explainer videos work so well and what they can do for you or your business.
Why Explainer Videos Work
- They simplify complex ideas
- They hold attention longer than text or static images
- They create a strong emotional connection
- They’re easy to share and repurpose
- They help improve conversion rates and user understanding
Whether you’re a startup pitching to investors or a teacher guiding students, explainer videos help your audience “get it” quickly and clearly.
Common Use Cases
- Product launches
- App walkthroughs
- Educational content
- Marketing campaigns
- Internal training
- Customer onboarding
The goal is to make your message stick—and animated visuals, combined with clear narration, are a powerful combo for that.
Steps to Create Your Animated Explainer Video
Now let’s get into how you actually make one. You don’t need to be a designer or animator. With the right approach, anyone can make a compelling explainer video.
Start with a Clear Message
Your video should have one core message. To find it, ask yourself:
- What problem am I solving?
- Who am I talking to?
- What action do I want viewers to take after watching?
Once you have the answers, build your message around them. Keep it short, simple, and direct.
Write the Script
The script is the foundation. It’s where your voice, tone, and message come together. Keep these points in mind:
- Start with a hook that grabs attention
- Clearly explain the problem
- Introduce your solution or idea
- Show how it works or what makes it valuable
- End with a strong call to action
Your script doesn’t have to be long. Most explainer videos run between 60 to 90 seconds. That’s about 150 to 200 words.
Choose the Style and Format
There are several animation styles you can pick from depending on your goal and audience:
- Whiteboard animation: Great for educational or instructional content
- 2D character animation: Ideal for storytelling and engagement
- Motion graphics: Best for corporate or tech topics
- Kinetic typography: Focuses on animated text with strong messaging
Pick a style that fits your brand and message. Simpler is often better.
Create a Storyboard
A storyboard is like a comic strip of your video. It maps out the scenes and visuals that go along with each part of the script.
- Use rough sketches or simple boxes
- Match visuals to script segments
- Plan transitions between scenes
Storyboarding helps you visualize the video before you start animating. It’s a time-saver and reduces the chances of needing major changes later.
Record the Voiceover
If you’re narrating the video, you’ll need a clear, natural-sounding voiceover. Here’s how to do it right:
- Choose a quiet recording space
- Use a good microphone
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
- Match your tone to the script—friendly, confident, or educational
You can record it yourself or hire a voice artist on platforms like Fiverr or Voices.com.
Use the Right Animation Tools
You don’t need to know how to animate from scratch. There are plenty of user-friendly platforms that make animation easy:
Popular Explainer Video Tools
| Tool Name | Best For | Key Features |
| Vyond | Business videos | Custom characters, templates |
| Animaker | Beginners and marketers | Drag-and-drop interface, wide assets |
| Powtoon | Presentations and videos | Fun animations, web-based editor |
| Doodly | Whiteboard-style videos | Hand-drawn animations, easy timeline |
| Renderforest | Quick video creation | Ready-made scenes, logo animations |
Most of these tools are browser-based and don’t require technical skills. They offer templates, pre-built characters, music, and more.
Add Music and Sound Effects
Sound is often overlooked but it adds a big emotional punch. Choose background music that matches the tone of your message. Use subtle sound effects to highlight actions or transitions.
- Use royalty-free music to avoid copyright issues
- Keep background music soft so it doesn’t overpower the voiceover
- Use sound to emphasize key moments without distracting from the message
Edit and Finalize the Video
Once everything is in place—script, visuals, voiceover, and music—it’s time to edit.
- Trim any awkward pauses or redundant scenes
- Sync audio with visuals
- Ensure transitions are smooth
- Add branding like your logo or website URL
Preview the video a few times and make any necessary tweaks. Ask a friend or team member for feedback if possible.
Tips for Making Your Video Stand Out
There’s a lot of content out there. Here’s how you can make yours shine:
- Keep it short and focused
- Use storytelling—people remember stories more than facts
- Match visuals to the audience’s age, interests, and context
- Avoid jargon or overly complex language
- Use humor if it fits your brand personality
- Always end with a call to action—tell the viewer what to do next
A good explainer video doesn’t just inform—it moves people to act.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best tools, it’s easy to miss the mark if you’re not careful. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Trying to say too much in one video
- Using distracting visuals or animations
- Having a weak or unclear script
- Forgetting to include a call to action
- Ignoring the importance of sound and pacing
Take your time to plan well and keep things simple. Less is often more.
FAQs About Animated Explainer Videos
What’s the ideal length for an explainer video?
Most explainer videos work best between 60 to 90 seconds. Keep it concise and to the point.
Do I need to hire a professional animator?
Not necessarily. Tools like Animaker and Vyond make it easy to do it yourself. But if you want a high-end custom animation, hiring a pro might be worth it.
Can I use explainer videos on social media?
Yes! Explainer videos are perfect for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Just make sure your video is formatted correctly and includes captions.
How much does it cost to make an explainer video?
It depends. DIY tools can cost as little as $20–$60 per month. Hiring professionals can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on complexity.
What’s more important—animation quality or script quality?
The script. A great message with basic visuals can still work. But even the best animation won’t save a weak or confusing script.
Conclusion: Your First Explainer Video Starts Now
Making an animated explainer video might sound intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it’s surprisingly manageable—and even fun. Start with a clear message, write a strong script, and use tools that match your comfort level.
Don’t worry about being perfect. Focus on being clear, helpful, and relatable. The goal isn’t to win awards—it’s to make people understand and take action.
So whether you’re building a brand, launching a course, or explaining how your app works, your first explainer video could be just what you need to connect with your audience.
Ready to start? Open a storyboard app, write that first sentence, and take it one step at a time. You’ve got this.