Want to make your message stick like glue? Learning how to make explainer video animation could be the secret sauce you need. They cut through the noise, turning complex ideas into bite-sized, engaging stories that captivate audiences. 

Think product launches that wow, user onboarding that’s a breeze, and social media campaigns that get shared. But crafting a truly compelling animation? That’s the real challenge. Luckily, you’ve got 2 paths: roll up your sleeves and DIY, or tap into the expertise of a pro studio. 

In this article, we’ll also unlock 4 applications with inspiring examples that prove just how powerful these animated stories can be. Ready to transform your message into a visual masterpiece?

What Makes an Outstanding Animated Explainer Video?

So, you’ve decided to create an explainer video – awesome! But before you jump in, whether you’re going the DIY route or hiring a pro, let’s pause for a crucial moment. To make sure your video truly hits the mark, you need to understand what makes an outstanding animated explainer video, so you can create one that shines.

Solution 1: 7 Easily Steps for DIY Explainer Video Animation

Here are 7 straightforward steps to guide you through the DIY process, from the initial concept to the polished final product.

Step	What To Do
1	Research the Topic
2	Choose the Type and Style of Explainer Video
3	Write the Script
4	Gather the Visual Assets
5	Animate Your Video
6	Editing & Sound Design
7	Publish, Share, and Track Performance

1. Video Foundation Setting

Think of this step as laying the foundation of your explainer video house. A solid foundation ensures everything else you build will stand strong. This is about more than just brainstorming; it’s about truly understanding your audience and what you want them to take away. Ask yourself:

• What’s the core message, feeling, or nugget of knowledge you want your audience to walk away with? What’s the one thing you want them to remember?
• What action do you want viewers to take after watching your video? Do you want them to sign up for a newsletter, try a demo, or make a purchase? Be specific!
• Who is your target audience? What are their pain points, interests, and level of understanding? Picture them in your mind.

2. Choose the Type and Style of the Explainer Video

Now for the fun part- deciding how your story will come to life visually! There are a few main types of explainer videos to choose from, each with its unique flavor:

Video Types

Consider the overall types you want to achieve:

• Educational: Straightforward and informative, ideal for teaching concepts or providing instructions.
• Sales: More persuasive and focused on driving conversions, often highlighting benefits and featuring a strong call to action.
• Casual/informative: A friendly, approachable style perfect for connecting with a broad audience or explaining a topic in a relaxed way.

This informative style explains a topic in a relaxed way

Styles of Explainer Videos

• Animation is the most popular form of entertainment. It uses cartoons or motion graphics to create a visually engaging experience. Animation is great for simplifying complex topics or adding a touch of whimsy.
• Whiteboard: Remember those captivating videos where a hand draws on a whiteboard? That’s this style. It’s perfect for educational content or step-by-step explanations.
• Professionally shot, live-action video: Sometimes, seeing real people is the most effective way to connect. This style works well for showcasing products, building trust, or featuring customer testimonials. 

Animation is the most popular, using cartoons or motion graphics to create a visually engaging experience

3. Write the Script

Your script is the backbone of your video. It’s where your story takes shape and your message comes alive. When crafting it, remember to:

• Pinpoint a problem your audience is facing: What’s the challenge they’re struggling with? This creates an immediate connection and shows you understand their needs.
• Introduce your product/service as the solution/answer: Show how you can solve their problem and make their lives easier.
• Keep it fun with humor (if it fits your brand): A little bit of lightheartedness can make your video more memorable and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to inject some personality!
• Feature a call to action (CTA): Tell your viewers exactly what you want them to do next. Be clear, concise, and compelling.

via GIPHY

4. Gather the Assets

Time to gather your building blocks! These are all the visual and audio elements that will make up your video. This might include:

• Screen recordings: Perfect for demonstrating software or online tools.
• Recorded demonstrations of your products: Show your product in action!
• Animated shorts: Little snippets of animation to illustrate specific points.
• Images: High-quality photos that support your message.
• Stock Footage: Pre-made video clips you can use to fill in gaps or add visual interest.
• Logos: Reinforce your brand identity.
• Music: The right background music sets the mood and enhances the viewing experience. Choose wisely.
• Voice-over: Use a friendly and professional voice that conveys your message.

5. Animate Your Video

Now comes the part where your vision truly comes to life – animation! This can seem like the most intimidating step, but thankfully, there are tons of user-friendly video software options out there that make it more accessible than ever before. 

To make things a little easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive comparison of the TOP 8 Best Software for Making Explainer Video Animation right here: 

Software	Best For	Key Features	Pricing	Platform
Animaker	Beginners & small businesses	Drag-and-drop editor, pre-built templates, character customization, voiceovers	Free plan; Paid from $10/month	Web-based
Vyond	Professionals & enterprises	Advanced character animation, collaboration tools, multiple styles (whiteboard, infographic)	Paid plans from $25/month	Web-based
Animatron	Marketers & educators	Easy timeline editing, custom animations, real-time collaboration	Paid plans from $15/month	Web-based
PowToon	Business presentations & educators	Pre-designed templates, character builder, easy integration with PowerPoint	Free plan; Paid from $19/month	Web-based
Adobe Animate	Professional animators	Vector-based animation, HTML5 support, integration with Adobe Creative Cloud	Paid plans from $20.99/month	Windows, Mac
Adobe After Effects	Advanced video editing & motion graphics	Professional-grade motion graphics, 3D effects, plugins, and templates	Paid plans from $20.99/month	Windows, Mac
Moho Animation	Cartoon-style animations	Bone rigging, vector animation tools, 3D capabilities	Paid plans from $59.99 (one-time)	Windows, Mac
Blender	3D animations & open-source projects	Free, open-source, professional-grade 3D modeling, animation, and rendering	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux

6. Editing & Sound Design

You’ve animated your video – congrats! Now it’s time to polish it up and make it shine. This is where editing and sound design come in.

• Editing: This involves trimming unnecessary footage, adding transitions between scenes, and ensuring a smooth, logical flow. Think of it like putting the finishing touches on a beautiful painting.
• Sound design: This is where you add music, sound effects, and voice-over (if you haven’t already). The right audio can elevate your video from good to great, adding depth and emotion.

7. Publish, Share, and Track Performance

This isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation. To truly maximize the impact of your explainer video, you need a solid plan for releasing, promoting, and refining it based on real-world performance.

• Release It Into the Wild (Publish): Make your video viewable to your audience by uploading it to platforms they frequent, such as your website, YouTube, or Vimeo. Use a captivating title, description, and relevant keywords to boost discoverability. Think of it as your video’s grand debut!
• Spread the Word (Share): Don’t wait for views – actively promote your video! Share it across social media platforms, send email blasts to subscribers, and even run paid ads if possible. Use engaging captions to grab attention and maximize reach.
• Become a Data Detective (Track Performance): Monitor metrics like views, watch time, engagement (likes, comments, shares), and click-through rates on your CTA. These insights help refine future videos and measure success effectively.
• Refine and Improve: Think of your first video release as version 1.0. Based on the data you gather, don’t be afraid to make tweaks and create a version 2.0, or even 3.0. 

Solution 2: Choose A Professional Studio for Making Explainer Video Animation

You’ve weighed the pros and cons, and you’ve decided that a professional touch is the way to go for your explainer video. By collaborating with an experienced animation maker, you’re not just buying a service; you’re investing in a strategic asset designed to elevate your brand and drive results.

1. Define Your Objectives and Audience

Even when working with a professional studio, you still need to be crystal clear about what you want to achieve and who you’re trying to reach. This is the foundation upon which a successful collaboration is built. Before contacting any studios, take some time to reflect on:

• What are your primary goals for this video? Are you aiming to boost brand awareness, drive sales, educate customers, or something else entirely?
• What key message do you want to convey? What’s the core takeaway you want viewers to remember?
• Who is your target audience? What are their demographics, interests, and pain points? The more specific you can be, the better the studio can tailor the video to resonate with them.
• What action do you want viewers to take after watching? (e.g., visit your website, sign up for a trial, make a purchase).

2. Research and Select a Reliable Studio

Now comes the exciting part – finding the perfect animation partner to bring your vision to life! With so many studios out there, it’s crucial to do your homework and choose one that’s a good fit for your needs. Start by searching online, asking for recommendations, and compiling a shortlist of potential candidates.

Once you have a list, it is time to dive deeper and evaluate each studio based on the following factors:

3. Share Your Vision and Materials

Once you’ve selected your animation partner, it’s time to share your vision and provide them with all the necessary materials to get started. This typically involves:

• Detailed brief: A comprehensive document outlining your objectives, target audience, key message, desired style, and any other relevant information. The more detail you can provide, the better the studio can understand your needs.
• Brand guidelines: If you have a style guide for your brand, share it with the studio. This will ensure that the video’s colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic are consistent with your brand identity.
• Existing assets: This might include your logo, product images, website screenshots, or any other visual elements you want to incorporate into the video.
• Script or script outline: If you have already written a script, that is great. Otherwise, work with them to develop the script.

4. Review the Animation Process

A reputable animation studio will have a well-defined process that includes regular checkpoints for client review and feedback. The process typically involves stages like:

• Concept/Storyboard: The studio will present initial ideas and a visual storyboard outlining the video’s flow and key scenes. This is your chance to provide feedback on the overall concept and make sure it aligns with your vision.
• Style Frames/Animatic: You will get to see examples of the animation style and a rough animatic (a moving storyboard) that gives you a better sense of the video’s pacing and flow.
• Animation Drafts: The studio will present drafts of the animation for your review. Provide specific feedback on what’s working well and any areas that need adjustments.
• Voice-over and Sound Design: If your video includes a voice-over, you’ll have the opportunity to approve the voice actor and provide feedback on the audio elements.

5. Finalize and Distribute Your Video

After several rounds of review and refinement, your explainer video is finally complete! The studio will deliver the final files in the formats you need. But the journey doesn’t end there. Now it’s time to share your video with the world and track its performance:

• Finalize: Ensure you have all the necessary video files in the correct formats (e.g., MP4, MOV) and resolutions for different platforms.
• Distribute: Upload your video to your website, YouTube channel, social media platforms, and anywhere else your target audience might be.
• Promote: Just like in the DIY method, actively promote your video through social media, email marketing, and other channels.
• Track: Monitor your video’s performance using analytics to see how it’s resonating with viewers. Use this data to refine your distribution strategy and inform future video projects.

You’ve seen how a professional studio can streamline the creation process, but is it truly the best option for you? 

While the DIY route can be tempting, especially for the budget-conscious, the truth is that creating a truly impactful explainer video requires a unique blend of creative vision, technical skills, and storytelling finesse.

A professional animation studio brings all of that to the table, plus the efficiency of a streamlined process over countless projects. You’re not just saving time and effort, you are investing in quality, expertise, and ultimately, a video that’s more likely to achieve your goals and resonate with your audience on a deeper level.

4 Popular Applications of Explainer Video Animation with Examples to Inspire You

Explainer video animations aren’t just eye-catching; they’re incredibly versatile tools for communication. Here are 4 popular applications that showcase their power, along with some inspiring examples:

1. Medical Explainer Video Animation 

Description	Best for
These videos break down complex medical procedures, conditions, or treatments into easily digestible visuals. Whether illustrating how a new drug works or explaining a surgical technique, animation can make medical information more accessible to patients and healthcare professionals alike, sometimes utilizing the clarity of whiteboard animation.	Hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, patient education, healthcare marketing.

• D60 ENT Disinfection Protocol

This animation demonstrates the disinfection protocol for flexible channel-less ENT endoscopes using the UV Smart D60. It highlights the step-by-step process, ensuring the safe use of the device for medical professionals.

• What heart failure is

This whiteboard animation from iCareBetter explains the causes and symptoms of heart failure, helping patients better understand this condition. It’s a simple, accessible educational tool that ensures clear communication for patients.

You may also interested in:

• Medical Animation and Audio-Visual Creation with 7 Examples
• Medical Animation: A Complete Guide with 10 Examples in 2024

2. Internal Training Explainer Video Animation 

Description	Best for
Say goodbye to dry, boring training manuals! Internal training explainer videos use engaging visuals and storytelling to onboard new employees, teach company policies or explain software systems. Motion graphics can be particularly effective here, transforming mundane procedures into dynamic, memorable lessons.	Companies of all sizes, HR departments, corporate training programs, onboarding new hires, improving employee engagement.

• The Counter Medications for Migraine

This explainer video educates viewers about over-the-counter medications used for migraine treatment, including their effects, side effects, and contraindications. It offers valuable information for those seeking relief from migraine attacks.

• PDT Global – Non-binary excerpt

This excerpt from PDT Global’s LGBTQ+ series sheds light on the diverse spectrum of gender identities beyond the binary. Designed for organizational training, the video serves as a valuable resource to foster inclusivity and understanding in the workplace. With its engaging approach, it encourages open dialogue and awareness, making it a powerful tool for creating a more accepting environment.

Read more: How to design cost-effective training solutions

3. Marketing Explainer Video Animation 

Description	Best for
These videos are designed to capture attention, generate leads, and drive conversions. They compellingly showcase products or services, highlighting key features and benefits. They often tell a story that resonates with the target audience, building brand awareness and driving sales.	Startups, SaaS companies, businesses looking to increase brand awareness, product launches, and social media marketing campaigns.

• Great Ormond Street Hospital – Mia’s Christmas Journey

Reimagined as a webinar, this animation could serve as a discussion starter for a session on pediatric care and family support in hospitals. The story of Mia’s journey can introduce real-life case studies and discussions with medical experts, making it both touching and informative.

• Do I need life insurance?

This animated explainer video simplifies the complex topic of life insurance, helping audiences understand its importance in securing their family’s future. With clear visuals and relatable messaging, the video encourages viewers to explore tailored financial protection solutions and take proactive steps toward safeguarding their loved ones.

4. Educational Explainer Video Animation 

Description	Best for
From simplifying scientific concepts to teaching historical events, educational explainer videos make learning more engaging and fun. They’re used by educators to enhance classroom lessons, and by organizations to create online courses or educational content for a wider audience.	Schools, universities, online learning platforms, museums, non-profit organizations, and educational content creators.

• Finance Training 

This whiteboard animation effectively simplifies complex financial concepts, making them accessible to first-year students at UNSW. Using engaging visuals and clear narration enhances understanding and keeps learners focused. Perfect for finance education, the video demonstrates how animation can break down intricate topics into easily digestible insights, fostering better knowledge retention.

• The GIANT PANDA Trial: A Safe Journey for Pregnant Women

This animation, created by F.Learning Studio for King’s College London, supports recruiting participants for the GIANT PANDA trial. Designed with a friendly and inclusive tone, the video highlights the study’s purpose and benefits, aiming and aims to reassure and encourage pregnant women across the UK to participate. Tailored for accessibility on mobile devices, it uses diverse characters and simple visuals to ensure clarity and comfort for all viewers.

Get more insights: 

• How To Make Animated Educational Videos In 5 Simple Steps
• 15 Superb Educational Animation Examples for Online Courses

Get High-Quality Explainer Video Animation with F.Learning Studio Today!

We Specialize in All Types of Explainer Video Animation for Every Industry 

At F.Learning Studio, we don’t just create explainer videos; we craft compelling visual stories that resonate with your audience and drive results. We’re passionate about using the power of animation to simplify complex ideas, boost engagement, and help organizations achieve their goals. 

Our expertise spans a wide range of industries, and we’ve had the privilege of partnering with leading institutions and businesses worldwide, delivering tailored animation solutions that meet their unique needs. Here’s a glimpse of the diverse sectors we serve:

• Higher Education: Partnering with top universities like Stanford, NYU, and UNSW, we create engaging animations for online learning, promotions, and simplifying research.
• Institutions & NGOs: We collaborate with organizations like WWF and Animals Asia to raise awareness and inspire action through impactful animation.
• Healthcare: From nursing education to patient care, we simplify complex healthcare concepts with clients like Simple Nursing, National Health Service, and Intelycare.
• Corporate Training: We transform training for companies like Guardian Group, turning complex materials into engaging animations for better learning outcomes.

We Offer Various Types of Animation Services with Minimize Cost

We understand that every project is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to explainer video animation simply doesn’t cut it. That’s why we offer a diverse range of animation services designed to meet your specific needs and budget, all while delivering exceptional quality that maximizes your investment. 

Our core explainer video animation services: 

• Motion Graphics Explainer Videos: Simplify complex ideas with dynamic visuals, ideal for internal communications and training.
• Character-Driven Explainer Videos: Connect emotionally with relatable characters, perfect for marketing, product demos, and storytelling.
• Frame-by-Frame Explainer Videos: Highlight intricate details with handcrafted animations, great for education and process explanations.
• 3D Explainer Videos: Visualize complex scenarios with stunning 3D animations, ideal for healthcare, product demos, and virtual tours.

We Save Your Time by Providing 24/7 Customer Support and a Streamlined Process

Your time is your most precious resource, and at F.Learning Studio, we treat it as such. We’ve meticulously crafted our explainer video animation process to be a well-oiled machine, prioritizing efficiency and transparency every step of the way. Forget the headaches and time drains often associated with video production. We’re here to deliver a stunning final product and a refreshingly smooth experience. Here’s how we make it happen:

What We Provide	How We Help
24/7 Customer Support	Our support team is available around the clock to assist with any questions, ideas, or updates, providing timely assistance and peace of mind.
Streamlined Process	We follow a proven, efficient process from consultation to delivery, ensuring clear communication and precision at every project stage.
Dedicated Project Managers	A dedicated project manager will guide you through every step, manage timelines, coordinate resources, and ensure your vision is flawlessly executed.

Final Thoughts

We’ve covered a lot of ground on this journey into the world of explainer video animation. You now have a clearer understanding of how to make an explainer video animation, whether you’re considering the DIY route or recognizing the power of a professional touch. We’ve explored the magic of visual storytelling, the art of simplifying the complex, and the sheer impact a well-crafted animation can have.

But all of this information is just potential energy. The real magic happens when you take that knowledge and transform it into action. Reach out to F.Learning Studio today to help you create an explainer video that not only captures attention but also ignites imaginations and drives results. Let’s do something amazing together. What are you waiting for?

• Email: [email protected]
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/f.learningstudio
• Website: https://flearningstudio.com/ 
• LinkedIn: ​https://www.linkedin.com/company/f-learning-studio/​

Don’t stop here – there’s so much more to discover!:

• Animation Cost Calculator: Get A Draft Quote for Your Project
• Top 8 Different Types Of Explainer Videos To Match Your Corporate Needs
• What are good animated explainer videos for fintech?