How to Create an Animated Explainer Video: 4 Steps to Success

At A Glance: A Simple Guide To Animated Explainer Videos

  • Animated explainer videos provide a creative way to explain complex topics using engaging visuals and concise scripts.
  • They are a proven method for increasing customer retention and boosting conversions and brand awareness.
  • Creating an effective animated explainer video involves writing a compelling script, recording narration, creating relevant visuals, and editing and finalizing the video.
  • Adam Long Creative specializes in creating premium animated explainer videos tailored to specific needs.

Do you find it difficult to effectively articulate your product’s complex features or services to potential customers? Ever wondered how you could simultaneously drive user engagement, elevate brand awareness, and increase your conversions effortlessly? Well, animated explainer videos may be what you’ve been seeking.

These powerful tools not only translate intricate concepts into easily understandable visuals but also keep viewers interested and engaged throughout the process. Imagine being able to explain everything about your brand, product, or service in just a couple of minutes! Intriguing, isn’t it?

That’s exactly where we come in! At Adam Long Creative, we specialize in bringing your distinct needs to the spotlight with premium, engaging animations tailored just for you. Our comprehensive explainer video service meticulously manages everything from concepting and scripting, through to the final stage of delivery.

But this isn’t just about us. This guide is about empowering you to create your very own animated explainer video, even if you can only spare less than an hour a day! Ready to embark on this journey? Let’s take the plunge.

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Understanding the Basics of Animated Explainer Videos

First, let’s lay down the basics. It’s important to know what an animated explainer video is, why it’s effective for marketing, and how it can help increase retention and drive conversions.

What is an Animated Explainer Video?

An animated explainer video is a short, engaging video that explains a product, service, or concept in a clear and concise manner. They usually last between 30 seconds and two minutes, and are often featured prominently on high-traffic website landing pages, social media, or even for internal communication purposes.

This type of video uses captivating animation and motion graphics, tailored to specific needs, to convey complex concepts and showcase features and benefits. It’s like having a digital storyteller that can engage with your audience effectively, helping them understand your message in a fun and memorable way.

Why Are Animated Explainer Videos Effective for Marketing?

Animated explainer videos are a powerful marketing tool for several reasons.

First, they can hold viewers’ attention for 70% of the total video length, a statistic that demonstrates their ability to engage audiences effectively. This is particularly important in today’s digital age where attention spans are getting shorter.

Second, they boost your online presence and brand awareness. An engaging explainer video can make your brand more memorable, helping you stand out from the competition.

Finally, explainer videos can boost search rankings because people spend more time engaging with your content. This can lead to increased traffic and, ultimately, more conversions.

How Can Animated Explainer Videos Increase Retention and Drive Conversions?

At Adam Long Creative, we’ve seen firsthand how animated explainer videos can increase retention and drive conversions.

One way they do this is by simplifying complex information. When information is presented in an easy-to-understand format, viewers are more likely to retain it. This not only helps them remember your brand, but also understand the value of your product or service, making them more likely to convert.

Moreover, explainer videos can be tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your message resonates with your target audience. This kind of personalization can increase engagement and, ultimately, conversions.

In conclusion, understanding the basics of animated explainer videos is the first step in leveraging this powerful tool. In the next sections, we’ll delve into the process of how to create an animated explainer video, so you can start captivating your audience, boosting your brand, and driving conversions.

Step 1: Writing a Compelling Script

The core of any engaging animated explainer video is a well-written script. It’s your first opportunity to captivate your audience and effectively communicate your message. At Adam Long Creative, we’ve honed our expertise in crafting concise and engaging scripts that resonate with viewers.

Importance of a Well-Written Script in Animated Explainer Videos

A script serves as the backbone for your explainer video. It dictates the narrative, guides the visuals, and sets the tone for the entire video. The importance of a well-written script cannot be overstated. It’s the difference between a video that confuses your audience and one that makes your message crystal clear.

Tips on How to Write a Concise and Engaging Script

Writing a script for an animated explainer video is an art. Here are some quick tips to help you get started:

  1. Be Concise: Given that most explainer videos are short, typically around one to two minutes, it’s critical to keep your script concise. Get straight to the point and avoid unnecessary fluff.
  2. Address Your Audience’s Needs: Identify your audience’s problem and how your product or service provides a solution. Make it clear that you understand their needs and have the answer they’re looking for.
  3. Use Simple Language: Use language that your audience can easily understand. Complex jargon or industry-specific terms can confuse your viewers and detract from your message.
  4. Make it Engaging: Keep your audience engaged by making your script interesting. Use storytelling techniques, inject a bit of humor, or include surprising facts to keep your viewers hooked.

How to Address the Product or Service, the User, and the Problem it Solves in the Script

Your script should effectively communicate what your product or service is, who it’s for, and what problem it solves. Here’s a simple outline to help you structure your script:

  1. Introduce the Product or Service: Start by briefly introducing your product or service. What is it? What does it do?
  2. Identify the User: Who is your product or service designed for? Describe your ideal user to help your audience identify if the product or service is right for them.
  3. State the Problem: What problem does your product or service solve? Clearly state the issue that your product or service addresses.
  4. Present the Solution: Now it’s time to reveal how your product or service solves the problem. Make sure to highlight the unique value proposition of your offering.
  5. Call to Action: Guide your viewers on what they should do next. Whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a trial, or making a purchase, make sure your call to action is clear and compelling.

Writing a compelling script is the first step in learning how to create an animated explainer video. Stay tuned for our next section where we’ll dive into the second step: recording the narration. And remember, if you’re ever in need of expert guidance or professional services, our team at Adam Long Creative is here to help bring your vision to life.

Step 2: Recording the Narration

In the process of learning how to create an animated explainer video, it’s important not to overlook the power of a well-narrated script. The voiceover can really make or break the video, as it sets the tone and pace for the entire piece. It’s not just about explaining the product or service, but doing so in a way that engages and resonates with the audience.

Choosing the right voice for your brand

The voice you choose should reflect your brand’s personality and resonate with your target audience. For instance, if your brand is youthful and fun, a light-hearted and enthusiastic tone might work best. On the other hand, a more serious and professional tone might be better for a corporate or tech-based product.

Ensure that the narrator understands your brand values and can express them through their tone and delivery. The voice should be clear, confident, and pleasant to listen to, making the audience more likely to stay engaged throughout the video.

Tips on how to record high-quality audio

Quality audio is crucial for a professional explainer video. Poor audio can distract from the message and even cause viewers to stop watching. Here are a few tips:

  • Use a good quality microphone: This doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive one. Even a mid-range USB microphone can deliver good results.
  • Find a quiet recording environment: Background noise can be very distracting. Try to find a quiet, echo-free space to record.
  • Practice the script: The narrator should be familiar with the script to avoid stumbling over words or awkward pauses.

How to pre-edit audio files before adding visuals

Once you’ve recorded the audio, it’s a good idea to pre-edit it before moving on to visuals. This involves removing any bad takes, stumbles, or unnecessary silence. It’s also a chance to enhance the audio quality with techniques like noise reduction and equalization.

By doing this, you’ll have a clear idea of the narration’s timing, which will make it easier to match the visuals later. You can use a video editor like Adobe Premiere Pro, as mentioned in the Adobe guide, or any other audio editing software that you’re comfortable with.

At Adam Long Creative, we understand the importance of a well-executed narration in animated explainer videos. Our team includes professional voiceover artists and sound engineers who can ensure top-notch audio quality, perfectly timed to match your customized visuals.

A great explainer video is a blend of compelling visuals, engaging narration, and clear, concise information. Stay tuned for the next step where we’ll talk about gathering and creating visuals to complement your narration.

Step 3: Gathering and Creating Visuals

Once you’ve nailed down the script and recorded the narration, the next step on your journey of how to create an animated explainer video is to gather and create the visuals. You might be thinking, this sounds like a job for a professional graphic designer. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Importance of Clear and Simple Visuals in Animated Explainer Videos

When it comes to creating an explainer video, simplicity is key. While it might be tempting to create complex animations and intricate visuals, the most effective explainer videos are those that are straightforward and easy to understand.

The visuals in your video are there to reinforce the audio, not to overshadow it. They should be clear, crisp, and, above all, relevant to what’s being said in the narration. The goal is to assist the viewer in understanding the message without distracting them with unnecessary elements.

Gathering Graphics, Icons, and Animations

Now, how do you go about gathering the right visuals for your video? The key is to choose graphics, icons, and animations that match the flow and tone of your narration. For example, if you’re explaining a complex technical process, you might want to use simple, clean icons to represent each step.

There’s no need to create everything from scratch. There are plenty of online resources where you can find visuals that fit your needs. But remember, always ensure you have the rights to use any graphics or animations you find online.

Crafting Engaging and Relevant Visuals

Creating your own visuals might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can create visuals that not only match your narration but also captivate your audience.

Start by sketching out some rough ideas. Think about the main points in your script and brainstorm visuals that could represent these concepts. For example, if your product solves a problem for your users, you could illustrate this with a before-and-after animation.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want, you can start creating your visuals using a video-making software. Remember to keep everything clear and simple, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques.

At Adam Long Creative, we specialize in crafting captivating visuals that perfectly complement your message. From dynamic animations to engaging graphics, we’ve got you covered.

In the next step of our guide on how to create an animated explainer video, we’ll take a look at how to edit and finalize your video. But for now, it’s time to get creative with your visuals!

Step 4: Editing and Finalizing the Video

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary visuals, it’s time to put everything together in a cohesive and engaging explainer video.

How to Use a Video Editor to Add Visuals to the Timeline

First things first, you need to import all your visual elements into a video editing software. Adobe Premiere Pro is a popular choice, but there are plenty of other options out there. Once you’ve imported everything, it’s time to start placing the visuals in your timeline.

When arranging your visuals, match them with the corresponding parts of your narration. This step is crucial in ensuring your video flows smoothly and makes sense for the viewer. The goal of your explainer video is to make complex information easy to understand, so clarity is key.

Tips on Positioning Visuals on the Screen

Now, let’s discuss how to position your visuals on the screen. Here are a few tips:

  • Keep things balanced: Avoid crowding too many elements into one area of the screen. Spread them out evenly to make the video visually appealing.
  • Follow the “Rule of Thirds”: This classic composition rule suggests you divide your screen into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and then position your visual elements at the intersections of these lines. This creates more energy and interest in your video.

Don’t forget to consider the size of your visuals as well. Make sure they’re large enough to be easily seen, but not so large that they overpower the rest of your video.

How to Add Effects, Transitions, and Animations to Bring the Explainer Video to Life

Finally, let’s talk about how to add effects, transitions, and animations. These elements can make your video more dynamic and engaging, but it’s important not to overdo it. Keep your effects and transitions simple and consistent to maintain a professional look.

Animations, on the other hand, can add a lot of life to your explainer video. A simple animation can turn a static image into a more engaging visual. At Adam Long Creative, we often use 2D or 3D motion design along with your native app UI to showcase the features and benefits in stunning detail (source: Adam Long Creative).

And that’s it! You’re now ready to finalize and export your video. Creating an animated explainer video might seem challenging at first, but with practice, it becomes easier. And if you ever need professional assistance, we at Adam Long Creative are always here to help. In our next section, we’ll recap everything we’ve covered in this guide on how to create an animated explainer video. So, stay tuned!

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve laid out a step-by-step approach on how to create an animated explainer video. We covered the importance of crafting a compelling script, recording high-quality audio, gathering relevant visuals, and effectively editing your video. Remember to keep your message clear, concise, and focused on solving a problem for your audience.

Starting to create your own animated explainer video might seem daunting, but remember, every expert was once a beginner. With patience, practice, and persistence, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. And the best part? The more videos you create, the more proficient you become!

However, we understand that not everyone has the time or resources to create impactful explainer videos. And that’s perfectly okay. That’s why we’re here to help. At Adam Long Creative, we specialize in creating premium explainer videos that are tailored to your specific needs. Our team manages everything from scripting, concepting, and storyboarding, to animation, revisions, and final delivery. We’re committed to helping you elevate your brand awareness and boost revenue with engaging animations.

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We believe in cutting out complexity and increasing retention with engaging animations. Whether you need to promote your new SaaS product, or boost active users with premium UI animation for your mobile app, we’ve got you covered.

In conclusion, creating an animated explainer video is a powerful way to convey complex concepts, showcase features and benefits, and connect with your audience effectively. So why wait? Start creating your own animated explainer video or let us help you bring your vision to life.

For more information about our services, explore our website. We can’t wait to help you create an animated explainer video that your audience will remember!

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