Animated Explainer Video: DIY Production Guide

Creating Animation Without a Studio

Professional animated explainers used to require animation studios and five-figure budgets. Today, accessible tools put animation within reach of anyone willing to learn.

This guide covers DIY animated explainer production, from choosing your animation style to publishing your finished video.

Choosing Your Animation Style

Motion Graphics

What it is: Animated text, shapes, icons, and graphics that move dynamically.

Best for:

• Abstract concepts
• Data visualization
• Modern, professional look
• Quick production

DIY difficulty: Moderate. Templates help significantly.

Character Animation

What it is: Animated characters that tell your story.

Best for:

• Relatable scenarios
• Emotional connection
• Problem/solution narratives
• Brand personality

DIY difficulty: Higher without specialized tools.

Whiteboard Animation

What it is: Hand-drawn style with elements appearing as if sketched.

Best for:

• Educational content
• Step-by-step explanations
• Engaging teaching
• Approachable feel

DIY difficulty: Easy with the right tools.

2.5D/Isometric Animation

What it is: Flat illustrations with depth and perspective.

Best for:

• Tech products
• Process explanations
• Modern aesthetic
• Standing out visually

DIY difficulty: Moderate to high.

DIY Animation Tools

Canva for Motion Graphics

Strengths:

• Familiar interface
• Pre-made templates
• Built-in elements
• Team collaboration

Best for: Simple motion graphics, social media animations, quick projects.

Limitations: Limited animation control, basic motion presets.

Vyond for Character Animation

Strengths:

• Pre-built character library
• Scene templates
• Lip-sync feature
• Business-focused styles

Best for: Business explainers, training videos, scenario-based content.

Limitations: Characters look similar across videos, subscription required.

Animaker for Versatility

Strengths:

• Multiple animation styles
• Character builder
• Whiteboard option
• Affordable pricing

Best for: Variety of projects, budget-conscious creators.

Limitations: Can feel template-heavy.

Doodly for Whiteboard Style

Strengths:

• Drag-and-drop simplicity
• Large image library
• Hand-drawing effect
• One-time payment option

Best for: Educational content, tutorial-style videos.

Limitations: Specific aesthetic may not fit all brands.

Production Process

Step 1: Script and Storyboard

Script first:

Write your complete script before touching animation software. Time it by reading aloud.

Storyboard:

Sketch each scene showing:

• Visual elements
• Text that appears
• Character actions
• Transitions

Keep it rough. Storyboards guide production, not replace it.

Step 2: Gather Assets

What you need:

• Brand assets (logo, colors, fonts)
• Icons and illustrations
• Character selections
• Background elements
• Music and sound effects

Asset sources:

• Undraw.co (free illustrations)
• Flaticon (icons)
• Envato Elements (paid, extensive)
• Freepik (mixed free/paid)

Step 3: Build Scenes

Work scene by scene:

1. Set up the background
2. Place main elements
3. Add text and supporting visuals
4. Plan timing and motion

Timing guidelines:

• Allow reading time for text
• Don't move everything at once
• Create visual hierarchy through timing
• Match motion to voiceover pace

Step 4: Animate

Basic animation principles:

• Ease in/out: Objects accelerate and decelerate naturally
• Staging: Direct attention where you want it
• Timing: Speed conveys weight and importance
• Anticipation: Prepare viewers for major movements

Motion tips:

• Animate one element at a time
• Use consistent animation styles
• Preview frequently
• Less is often more

Step 5: Add Audio

Voiceover integration:

1. Record or generate your voiceover
2. Import into your animation tool
3. Sync animations to voice timing
4. Adjust visual timing as needed

Music and sound:

• Background music at low volume
• Sound effects to punctuate moments
• Match music mood to content
• Ensure audio doesn't compete with voice

Step 6: Review and Refine

Check for:

• Typos in on-screen text
• Timing issues
• Audio sync problems
• Visual consistency
• Brand alignment

Get feedback:

Fresh eyes catch what you miss. Share drafts with colleagues.

Tips for Professional Results

Visual Consistency

Color palette:

• Stick to 3-5 colors
• Use brand colors
• Maintain contrast
• Be consistent throughout

Typography:

• Maximum 2 font families
• Readable sizes
• Consistent styles
• Proper hierarchy

Smooth Animation

Timing:

• Don't make movements too fast
• Allow settling time
• Use easing for natural motion
• Sync with audio beats

Transitions:

• Simple transitions work best
• Match transition style to content
• Don't overuse effects
• Maintain flow

Professional Audio

Voiceover quality:

• Clear recording
• Consistent volume
• No background noise
• Professional delivery

Music selection:

• Match energy to content
• Avoid distracting melodies
• License properly
• Fade appropriately

Combining Animation with Screen Recording

For software and digital products, combining animation with screen recording creates powerful explainers.

Workflow:

1. Create animated intro establishing the problem
2. Transition to screen recording showing your solution
3. Use tools like VibrantSnap for polished screen capture
4. Return to animation for summary and CTA

This approach combines the engagement of animation with the credibility of showing your actual product.

Budget Considerations

DIY Budget Breakdown

Minimal budget ($0-50/month):

• Canva free tier
• Free stock assets
• AI voiceover (free tiers)
• Own music selection

Moderate budget ($50-150/month):

• Vyond or Animaker subscription
• Premium stock assets
• Quality voiceover
• Licensed music

Quality budget ($150-300/month):

• Professional animation tool
• Custom illustrations
• Professional voice actor
• Premium music library

When to Hire Help

Consider outsourcing when:

• Time is limited
• Stakes are high (major launch, investor pitch)
• Brand consistency matters significantly
• Animation complexity exceeds your skills

Where to find help:

• Fiverr (budget options)
• Upwork (varied quality/price)
• Specialized animation studios
• Creative agencies

Common DIY Mistakes

Too Much Happening

Problem: Everything moving constantly overwhelms viewers.

Solution: Focus attention. Animate elements purposefully, not constantly.

Template Overuse

Problem: Video looks generic, like many others.

Solution: Customize colors, swap elements, add unique touches.

Poor Audio Quality

Problem: Great animation undermined by bad audio.

Solution: Invest in voiceover quality. It matters more than visuals.

Inconsistent Style

Problem: Mixed styles confuse viewers.

Solution: Choose one aesthetic and commit throughout.

Measuring Success

Engagement Metrics

• View completion rate
• Average watch time
• Replay rate
• Social shares

Business Impact

• Landing page conversion changes
• Demo requests
• Sales inquiries
• Brand awareness

Conclusion

DIY animated explainers are achievable with today's tools. Success comes from clear messaging, consistent visuals, and quality audio, not animation complexity.

Start with templates and customize from there. As you develop skills, take on more ambitious projects. The learning curve pays dividends across all your content.

Need screen recordings for your explainers? VibrantSnap creates polished product demos that combine seamlessly with animated content. Start with professional recordings, and your DIY animations will look even better.

Great ideas deserve great presentation. Make yours move.