Introduction
Animated explainer videos are great tools for businesses looking to communicate complex ideas and services to their prospects and customers in an engaging, memorable way. Animation combines visuals, sound, and storytelling to create a highly effective communication form that sticks with people.
Creating an animated explainer can seem daunting, especially if you don’t know where to start. However, it’s not as complicated as it seems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an animated explainer, from the idea to the final product.
Step 1: Define Your Goals and Target Audience
The first step in creating an animated explainer is to clearly define your goals. What do you want to achieve? What message do you want to convey? And who is your target audience? Knowing your goals and target audience is essential for creating an effective video.
For instance, if you’re targeting college students for your product or service, your language and visuals should reflect that. Similarly, if you’re targeting retirees, your messaging should be appropriately tailored. Defining your audience upfront ensures that your videos resonate with the target audience.
Once you’ve defined your goals and audience, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Develop a Script
The script is a critical component of your animated explainer video. It sets the tone and communicates your message effectively.
When developing a script for your video, focus on telling a story. Use characters that your audience can relate to and create scenarios that illustrate your key points.
Keep your script simple, focused, and entertaining. Remember you’re creating an introductory video, not a detailed course. Aim for a duration of 60-90 seconds for the final product.
Once you’ve written your script, you can move on to the next step.
Step 3: Create a Storyboard
A storyboard is a visual representation of your script. It shows the progression of your video, scene by scene. Creating a storyboard helps you visualize how the visuals and audio will work together, ensuring that the final product is cohesive.
When creating your storyboard, keep in mind the tone, messaging, and target audience. Sketch out each scene, including visuals and text, then arrange them in the correct order. Focus on creating a logical flow that tells a compelling story.
Once you’ve completed your storyboard, you can move on to the next step.
Step 4: Design and Animate Your Video
Now comes the fun part – designing and animating your video. The design and animation of your video should reflect your brand identity, messaging and should engage your target audience.
You can create your animations using various software, including Adobe After Effects, Flash, or Toon Boom Harmony. If you’re uncertain about your ability to animate, you can hire a professional animator to help you.
Keep in mind that you don’t want your video to feel too crowded or complicated. Keep it simple, engaging, and informative. Use appropriate visuals and text that align with your messaging and audience.
Once you’ve designed and animated your video, you can move on to the next step.
Step 5: Add a Voiceover and Sound Effects
Adding a voiceover to your animation is a great way to engage your audience and convey your message. You can hire a professional voice actor to record your script, or you can record it yourself. When recording, ensure that you use a high-quality microphone and that the audio is easy to hear.
Once you’ve recorded your script, you can add sound effects to your video. Sound effects add depth to your animations, engaging your audience even further.
Make sure the sound effects align with your visuals and messaging. For instance, if you’re describing an explosion, the corresponding sound effect should be authentic.
Step 6: Review and Make Adjustments
The final step is to review your animated explainer video and ensure that it aligns with your goals and messaging. Share it with your team, colleagues, or even your existing customers to get their feedback.
Pay attention to the messaging, timing, and aesthetics. Make any necessary tweaks to your video to enhance its effectiveness and overall quality.
Conclusion
Creating an animated explainer video is a great way to communicate complex ideas effectively. By following these six steps, you can create an engaging animated explainer that will stick with your audience. Remember always to keep your goals and audience in mind throughout the process, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Good luck creating your first animated explainer video!
