5 Steps to Start Making Your First Animated Explainer Video – All You Need to Know

Do you intend to create an animated explainer video but have no clue where to start? I got you. In this article, you will learn the five easy steps on how to get started. I will also walk you through the steps to use Doratoon, a free animation software, to produce elegant explainer videos and answer some frequently asked questions about animated explainer videos. 

Without further ado, let’s get rolling. 

5 Easy Steps to Make Your First Animated Explainer Video

Explainer videos are effective when educating people about your product or service. But making an animated explainer video can seem like an uphill task before you begin. In reality, it is easy, and you only need five steps along with perfect animation video software. To do this, use the steps below:

Step One: Write the script

If you aim to create an outstanding animated explainer video, it needs a script first. You must determine what you intend to show your audience before creation begins. It is also good to consider what the audience wants to hear and figure out how to address it in your video. 

Your script should outline all the aspects and parts of the cartoon video. This includes an overview of your product/service, the problem, and the solution. It should also have a call to action and trust signals. Also, determine your tone and the words you will use and ensure they deliver the point quickly and directly.

Step Two: Create the explainer video

Since this part is the most complex, you may opt to hire a professional video production company. But if you intend to do it yourself, you can find free animation software online. Doratoon is a perfect example of such software.

What is Doratoon?

Doratoon is a professional video editing tool that allows you to develop explainer clips that are appealing and informative. This software is equipped with incredible features to enable you to make great explainer videos. It also hosts a collection of rich templates to help kick-start your first animated explainer video without any hurdles. Doratoon is free and available online, and anyone can use it. 

Steps to make your first animated explainer video with Doratoon

1. On any web browser, go to the Doratoon website and create an account. 
2. Click on Create or search for a Template that suits your Explainer Video on the search bar. 
3. Open the template and start the editing process. Here you can add your preferred cartoon characters, use props or stock files, create animation paths, change scenes, and more. 
4. Add a title and save the video as an MP4 or PPT file or share it on Social. 

Why Doratoon?

• Ease of use. 
• Many pre-designed templates to work with. 
• Has a free option to help you get started easily and can upgrade later to enjoy its full benefits. 
• Web-based, no need to download software programs. 

Step Three: Record voice-overs

Since you have created the explainer video, it is time to record a voiceover for your animated characters in the video. A voiceover helps drive the story and explain to viewers what they are seeing. While any voice can work, you need a voice that reflects the attitude of your video and product. You can record yourself or you can also pay for professional voiceover artists online.

However, if you are not confident with your own voice or don’t have enough budget on it, you can try the AI Dubbing function on Doratoon, which can help convert your explanation text into real voice through clicking the “Text-to-speech” button, and you can get someone speaking instead in just few minutes after choosing your preferred voice.

Step Four: Add sound effects

Sound effects, such as background music, help to add a tone-setting element to your video. Adding music to your explainer video allows you to convey emotion the narrative alone cannot carry. In turn, this makes your clip more engaging. You can use free or paid music for your video. Alternatively, you can create your own songs and add them. The good part about it is Doratoon has a library of royalty-free music and sound effects that you can add directly on the platform.

Step Five: Measure the performance

This being your first animated explainer video means you have room for improvement. Hence, you should study your video’s performance to figure out where you need to make changes. You can do this by checking its engagement once you publish it. Services like Google Insights and Youtube Analytics can help you look deeper into your video engagements. This information helps improve your video editing skills.

Tips to Make a Good First Explainer Video

• Keep it short

This is the main rule when it comes to explainer videos. Their ideal length is 90 seconds or less. Your clip should only be an overview of your product or service. The longer the video is, the more likely people will lose attention.

• Use high-quality graphics

You need high-quality graphics to leverage the power of animated explainer videos fully. Viewers associate the quality of your content with the success of the brand. They also tend to regard the video as being more professional. This can make them stick around and pay attention till it ends.

• Focus on benefits and not features

When telling people about a product, you may be tempted to show as many features as possible, but this is wrong. You should focus on telling the audience how the product will benefit them. Rather than drowning your viewers in technical terms and features, tell them how the product or service can improve their lives.

• Have some fun

Creating a video that resonates with your audience is essential, but adding a little entertainment goes a long way. Whether your target viewers are CEOs, working moms, or students, people enjoy being entertained. You can incorporate a little humor or a surprise. A fun animated video can help your audience connect more to your brand and product.

FAQs

1. What can I achieve through an explainer video?

An explainer video markets your product but also benefits your brand a lot. For example, it improves your brand visibility and can help you gain more traction, engagement, and subscribers online. A  great explainer video can also help you deliver complex advertising messages in a fun way. This simple delivery resonates more with the target audience.

2. Do explainer videos work for all businesses?

Yes. Explainer videos are helpful in any industry, from technology to construction and media marketing. An explainer video is equally effective when executed correctly and tailored to the viewers’ interests.

3. What is the basic structure of an explainer video?

The structure of an explainer clip varies depending on its goal and objective, but it needs to cover five main parts:

• The problem.
• The solution.
• How the product or service works.
• Benefits the customer will experience.
• A Call to Action compelling a viewer to take the next step.

Summary

You are now equipped with what it takes to develop your first animated explainer video. I hope this article has helped set you off on your creation process. While you can use various online and offline video editors, Doratoon is the best option whenever you need to make video animation online. This platform simplifies the process and enables you to produce fantastic content.