How to Animate Simple Explainer Videos

Explainer videos have become one of the most effective tools for communicating ideas, products, and services. Whether it's for a business, a non-profit, or an educational platform, explainer videos help break down complex concepts into easily digestible content. Animating simple explainer videos is a process that combines creativity with technical skills, but the good news is that with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can create high-quality animations.

In this guide, we'll go through the steps and techniques to animate simple explainer videos, providing you with the tools and knowledge to produce professional-looking animations. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this article will cover everything from pre-production to post-production, ensuring that you understand how to effectively convey your message through animation.

Understanding Explainer Videos

Before diving into the animation process, it's important to understand what an explainer video is and how it differs from other types of videos. Explainer videos are typically short, animated videos that aim to explain a concept, product, or idea in a clear and engaging way. They often use simple visuals, straightforward narratives, and a clear call to action.

These videos usually follow a basic structure:

• Introduction: Presenting the problem or concept.
• Solution: Explaining how your product or service solves the problem.
• Call to Action: Encouraging the viewer to take action (buy, learn more, etc.).

Explainer videos can be animated in a variety of styles, from 2D animation to motion graphics, depending on your brand and the message you want to convey.

Planning Your Explainer Video

Successful explainer videos start with careful planning. The first step in the animation process is to define the video's purpose and scope. This will determine everything from the script to the animation style. Here are some key points to consider:

A. Define the Goal of the Video

What do you want to achieve with the explainer video? Is it to introduce a new product? Educate your audience about a service? Or raise awareness about a specific issue? The goal will guide the tone, style, and content of the video.

B. Understand Your Target Audience

Who is your video for? Knowing your target audience will help you choose the right language, visuals, and tone. A video aimed at children might use colorful, fun animations, while a video targeting professionals might be more minimalist and sleek.

C. Craft a Strong Script

The script is the foundation of your explainer video. It will determine how the story is told and ensure that your message is clear and concise. Follow these steps when crafting your script:

• Keep it short and sweet: Explainer videos typically range from 60 to 90 seconds. That's about 150-200 words, so make every word count.
• Start with the problem: Engage the viewer right away by introducing a relatable problem or pain point.
• Introduce the solution: Once the problem is clear, present your solution in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
• End with a call to action: Encourage your viewers to take action, whether it's signing up for your service, visiting your website, or making a purchase.

D. Storyboard Your Ideas

A storyboard is a visual outline of your video, where you sketch the key scenes and decide how the animation will flow. This step helps you visualize the story and decide on the pacing of the animation. It's crucial for ensuring that your message is conveyed clearly and logically.

Choosing the Right Animation Style

The animation style you choose plays a significant role in the overall effectiveness of your explainer video. Here are some of the most popular animation styles for explainer videos:

A. 2D Animation

2D animation is one of the most common animation styles used for explainer videos. It's characterized by flat images and simple movements. 2D animation is versatile and can range from simple, hand-drawn sketches to more polished vector-based designs.

• Tools to use: Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, or After Effects.
• Best for: Budget-friendly projects, simple visuals, and straightforward messages.

B. Motion Graphics

Motion graphics is another popular style, especially for explaining abstract concepts, data, or processes. This style uses dynamic text, graphics, and icons to convey information clearly and concisely.

• Tools to use: Adobe After Effects, Apple Motion.
• Best for: Data-heavy content, tech products, or professional services.

C. Whiteboard Animation

Whiteboard animations use a hand-drawn style that mimics the process of drawing on a whiteboard. It's a great way to explain concepts step-by-step and is often used in educational or instructional videos.

• Tools to use: VideoScribe, Doodly.
• Best for: Educational content and tutorials.

D. Character Animation

Character animation uses animated characters to tell a story. This style can help create an emotional connection with your audience and is ideal for showcasing a brand's personality.

• Tools to use: Adobe Character Animator, Toon Boom Harmony.
• Best for: Fun, engaging, and human-centric content.

Animating the Explainer Video

Once you've planned your video and chosen your animation style, it's time to start animating. Here's how to approach the animation process:

A. Prepare Your Assets

Before jumping into animation, you need to prepare your assets. These include:

• Characters: Create or source the characters you want to animate.
• Backgrounds: Design the environments where the action will take place.
• Icons and Graphics: Depending on your animation style, you may need icons or illustrations to enhance the message.

If you're not an illustrator, you can find ready-made assets from websites like Envato Elements, or you can use vector-based assets from libraries like Freepik.

B. Set Up Your Animation Software

Open your animation software and set up your project. If you're using After Effects, for example, create a new composition and import your assets. Arrange your elements on different layers, as this will allow you to animate them independently.

C. Keyframe Animation

In most animation software, keyframing is the process of setting specific points in the timeline that define the starting and ending positions of an element. The software then interpolates the movement between these keyframes.

• Start with basic motions: Animate simple movements first, such as transitions, scaling, or rotating objects.
• Add secondary animation: Once the primary movements are in place, add secondary actions like bouncing, easing, or character movements.

D. Sync Animation with Voiceover

Explainer videos typically feature a voiceover that narrates the story. To make your animation feel cohesive, sync the animations to the voiceover. Pay attention to pauses, inflections, and tone changes in the voiceover to ensure the animation complements the audio.

E. Add Sound Effects and Music

Sound effects and background music can elevate the quality of your animation. Use music to set the mood and sound effects to highlight key moments in the video, like a click or a pop.

• Tip: Ensure the sound levels are balanced so that the voiceover is clear and the sound effects don't overpower it.

Post-Production and Final Touches

After completing the animation, it's time for post-production. This involves reviewing the video, making any necessary adjustments, and preparing the video for export.

A. Review the Animation

Watch the entire video to ensure that the animation flows smoothly and that the message is clear. Check for issues like:

• Inconsistent timing.
• Poor synchronization with the voiceover.
• Visual clutter or overcomplicated scenes.

Make adjustments to improve pacing and clarity.

B. Export the Video

Once you're happy with the animation, it's time to export the video. Depending on your intended platform (YouTube, website, social media), you'll want to choose the appropriate export settings.

• Resolution: Export in HD (1080p) or 4K if necessary.
• Format: MP4 is a commonly used format for explainer videos due to its compatibility with most platforms.

C. Optimize for Sharing

If you're sharing the video online, ensure that the file size is optimized for faster loading. Tools like HandBrake can help reduce file size without sacrificing quality.

Tips for Creating Effective Explainer Videos

• Keep it simple: Don't overcomplicate your animation. Stick to clear, concise visuals that enhance the message.
• Use colors strategically: Colors can evoke emotions and guide the viewer's attention. Use them thoughtfully.
• Focus on storytelling: Ensure your animation tells a clear, engaging story. A good story will resonate with your audience and keep them interested.
• Test your video: Before publishing, test your video with a small audience to get feedback on clarity and engagement.

Conclusion

Animating simple explainer videos may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right tools, a clear plan, and an understanding of the animation process, anyone can create professional-quality explainer videos. From scripting and storyboarding to animation and post-production, each step is crucial in ensuring that your message is communicated effectively. Whether you're explaining a product, concept, or idea, animated explainer videos provide a fun and engaging way to captivate your audience and make your message stick.

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