Animated video maker that drives action

Animated video maker that drives action

Create memorable videos with VideoScribe, the animated video maker. In this guide we’re sharing everything you need to know about the power of animation and how you can benefit by making your own. You can get started for free with our 7 day free trial (no credit card needed).

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Your Guide to Animated Videos

Create your own animated video

What is an animated video?

Animated videos are videos that feature designs, drawings, illustrations or computer-generated effects. As they don’t rely on real video films or footage, and can often be created with an animated video maker, animated videos produce whole new worlds, characters, patterns, and can defy the laws of gravity! 

Animated Disney films are a great example. In Aladdin we see the main characters fly around on magic carpets - an easy feat in an animated world. This flexibility and creative potential is just one of the benefits of animated video. Let’s take a look at some more benefits…

Benefits of animated videos

There are many benefits and reasons why you should create animated videos, and we've listed out our top four reasons below:

They’re versatile

Animations can bring any topic to life - from educational explainers to marketing messages. 

They’re easy to create yourself

Unlike live action video content you don’t need any experience or expensive equipment to create your own animated videos. Tools like VideoScribe do all the hard work for you in a fraction of the time.

They hold attention

The combination of sound, movement and visuals appeal to all of our senses and the way the animations draw keeps us interested to learn what will happen next.

They’re fun!

Animations put people in a good mood which helps them absorb information. Suddenly the content isn’t work, it’s entertainment.

How to make animated videos in 4 easy steps

As VideoScribe is an animated video maker, you can make a custom animation in minutes. Plus, it’s a lot easier than you might think! No animation or video creation experience needed here. 

Step 1: Sign up for your free VideoScribe trial 

With no credit card details needed, you can start experimenting with VideoScribe in a couple of clicks. Start your free trial now.

Step 2: Pick a video template or start with a blank canvas

If you’re prone to blank screen fear then browse our ready-made template library and click to open one that suits your topic. 

Or for a completely custom animation, get started with a blank canvas ready to fill with your ideas. Our free video planning template can help you refine your ideas before you move onto step 3. 

Step 3: Record or upload your voice-over 

We always recommend adding your voice-over to your video before you start tweaking the animations. That way you can time everything perfectly to your audio first time around. Get our tips and advice on recording a professional quality voice-over here. 

Step 4: Tell your story

If you’re working with one of our templates then it’s time to get customizing. Just click to edit text, images, colors and fonts. Or drag and drop elements to customize the layout. 

For our blank canvas crew - head to our image library to pick graphics that tell your story, add text and select music to bring your story to life.

Then hit publish to share your creation with the world!

Get started with our animated video templates

To start capitalizing on the benefits of animated videos in less than 5 minutes, use our professional quality templates. With a whole library to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to tell your story, explain a topic or persuade an audience, we’ve got you covered. 

Just drag and drop to make our templates your own! Start a free 7-day VideoScribe free trial to access our full template library.

Your Journey Video Template

60-Second Topic Recap Template

Sticky Note Template

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The 3 secrets to creating animated videos

1. Plan like a pro

Our absolute best tip is to set yourself up for success. It's true that they say - if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. So take your time to think about exactly what you want your animated video to achieve, the core message you want to convey and how you'll measure success.

But don't worry - this doesn't have to be a long process, just noting these thoughts down can help you set a strong foundation for your animation. Plus, if you're looking for a little extra planning help, we created a free animated video planning worksheet. Download your copy here.

2. Storyboard your ideas

Next, plan your concept out in full. Now we know what you're thinking - I'm not a professional animator is this really necessary!? Trust us - not only do you not have to have any animation experience to do this but it will absolutely help you in the long term. Just plotting out how your animation will progress and the visuals you'll need ensures your video flows well, conveys your message effectively and highlights missing information.

Again, you don't need to storyboard alone! We have a free storyboarding template that's fully editable - just click to change the text and images. Download your free storyboard template here.

3. Measure results and iterate

Lastly, to create the best possible animated video it's key to learn from your results. Very few projects are ever completely perfect first time around. It's more about listening to feedback, tracking views, clicks and other engagement metrics and using that information to tweak your animation. By doing this you'll also learn a lot about how to improve future animations and more about what your target audience does and doesn't like.

So there we have it - our top (now not so secret) tips to creating animated videos that blow audiences away!

VideoScribe in action: see what our community has created

How and where to use animated videos

Animated GIFs

GIFs add extra movement and life to emails, social media posts or even messages between friends. For a completely custom GIF, use VideoScribe to create a fun animated graphic and export it as a GIF file ready to share.

Animated presentations

Step away from the dry bland PowerPoint presentation... say hello to a world of fun, engaging content with an animated presentation. Naturally our eyes are drawn to movement so give your audiences what they're craving with an animated presentation, packed with visual surprises.

Animated infographics

If you have data, statistics or research to share, an animated infographic can help you communicate your findings with ease. Use color and movement to reinforce your points and highlight key details.

Animated explainer video

Animated explainer videos turn even the most complex information into accessible engaging content. Harness the power of movement, color and sound to bring your subject to life and walk viewers through your message.

Everything you need to get started

Step by step guide: making animated videos with VideoScribe

3-part guide to video success

How to turn presentations into animated explainer videos (in just 30 mins)

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