As tempting as it may be to jump straight into creating fun animations with software, it’s not always the right decision. Especially if you are ready to offer the market something unique, using someone else’s template is not entirely rational. Developing your own animated explanatory video template is another matter. Ready-made animated explainer video templates can be used to create a series of videos dedicated to one product, service, company information. The range of application of templates is quite extensive, and therefore, it makes sense to understand the essence of its creation. First of all, you need to define your topic and think about what topic or subtopic you want to convey with your explanatory video. A few tips:
- Resist the urge to explain everything you know in 1 promotional or informational video.
- Choose a small snippet instead. Make several short videos instead of one long one.
- The user should receive only abstract information, which will allow him to be attracted to the site / blog / social network, where the service will be offered.
Who is your target group? – an equally important issue that directly affects the concept of the template. Create your own video marketing trend by experimenting and exploring new marketing and advertising technology opportunities. This helps you think from the back and get a better sense of where to go when designing your own animated video mockup.
It all starts with an idea
Brainstorm and formulate ideas for your video. As we collect ideas, slowly add a little salt to the soup. At this stage, it is important to take some time for yourself and allow ideas to develop.
This usually does not happen if you stare at a blank Word document. Here are a couple of tips for starting the process of generating good ideas:
- Come out and move. Let your mind wander.
- Write down anything you can think of. It is desirable with a pen and paper.
- Watch other videos and get inspired.
- Take some time to sort through your ideas and come up with a general idea.
Don’t be too hasty to make decisions. However, you can always rework the concept from the starting point. But it will be a shame if you have already invested a lot of effort and money.
Explainer video styles
Some of the decisions you must make in the next step depend on the style of your explainer video. So, a little digression:
- Chalkboard animation: Here one hand draws the entire movie as if it were written on the blackboard. (The beauty is that this format not only visually attracts attention with its simplicity, but in some cases, you just need to write the text, and you won’t have to order professional voice acting).
- Icon Style: Suitable for technical videos and contexts, voiceover definitely required.
- Comic Style: Colorful, comic style, with moving people. This style also needs dubbing.
There are a few more styles left, but these basics give a good overview.
Wrap your idea in a storyboard and script
Storyboard and script are probably the most overlooked elements when creating video for beginners. Believe me, after that you will be happy if you have both. Because the most important thing in the explainer video:
Idea, plot and with it: your script!
At this stage, you need to come up with a story, create a script (for narration) from it and divide it into several significant scenes.
Explainer video narration We humans think not with facts, but with stories. And we will keep them too. Anything that moves us emotionally, makes us laugh or cry, is better than a set of facts.
The following storyline has been tried and tested for explanatory videos by several companies and marketers:
- What is the problem, why is it important to address this issue.
- What is the solution to the problem?
- What exactly does the solution look like?
- What are the (positive) consequences of this?
- Call to action: what should the viewer do next?
- Storytelling template
- Helpful hints for your scenario
- Use these tips to create your own ideal template based on your concept and scenario:
- Use short, clear, and activating sentences.
- Use metaphors or narration with a lead actor to reduce comprehension complexity.
Limit the length of your video to a maximum of three minutes. Rule of thumb: You have about 100-130 words per minute of spoken text.
Use regular language. Read your script out loud to make sure it’s easy to understand.
What is only briefly touched upon here is actually the most important part and takes time to learn.
More Explainer Video Styles
Chalkboard, icon, and comic styles are only the start. Whiteboard animation shows a hand drawing on a white board. It suits lessons and simple ideas. 2D animation uses flat drawings and movement. It is the most common style for explainers. 3D animation adds depth and suits products with moving parts. Motion graphics use shapes, text, and icons to explain data. Live action uses real people and real places. It suits testimonials and brand stories. A screencast records your screen. It suits software demos and tutorials. Kinetic typography moves words on screen in time with the voice. Pick the style that fits your message and your budget.
How to Make a Storyboard
A storyboard is a set of boxes, one for each scene. Draw a simple sketch in each box. Write the narration under it. Note what appears on screen and how long the scene lasts. Keep drawings rough. The storyboard is a plan, not art. Show it to a colleague and ask if the story is clear. Fix problems now. Changes on paper are cheap. Changes after animation are slow and costly. A good storyboard also lists the voice, music, and sound effects for each scene.
Voiceover and Music
Record the voice in a quiet room. Use a good microphone. Speak slowly and clearly. Read the script out loud first and fix words that are hard to say. You can hire a voice actor, record your own voice, or use an AI voice. Music sets the mood. Use royalty-free music so you do not break copyright rules. Keep the music quiet under the voice. The voice must always be easy to hear. Add sound effects only where they help the story.
Tools You Can Use
Beginners can use Vyond, Animaker, Powtoon, or Canva. They offer templates, characters, and drag-and-drop tools. No drawing skills are needed. Professionals often use Adobe After Effects for motion graphics. Blender is free and open source for 3D animation. DaVinci Resolve is free for editing and color. Start with a simple tool. Learn the basics before you buy an expensive program. The story matters more than the software.
Where to Share Your Video
Put the video on your homepage or landing page. Share short clips on social media. Add it to emails and onboarding guides. A video on a landing page can help visitors understand your product fast. Measure what happens. Check watch time, clicks, and sign-ups. If people stop watching early, shorten the video or fix the start. Test one change at a time and keep what works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an explainer video be?
Keep it short. A 60-second video needs about 100 to 130 words of script. Most explainer videos run 60 to 90 seconds. Three minutes is the maximum for a complex topic.
What is a storyboard?
A storyboard is a set of boxes, one for each scene. Each box has a rough sketch, the narration, and the timing. It is a plan that shows the whole video before you animate it.
Do I need a professional voiceover?
Not always. You can record your own voice in a quiet room with a good microphone. A professional voice actor sounds smoother, but a clear home recording works for many videos.
Which tool is best for beginners?
Vyond, Animaker, Powtoon, and Canva are good for beginners. They offer templates and drag-and-drop tools. No drawing skills are needed to start.
Where should I share my explainer video?
Put it on your homepage or landing page. Share short clips on social media. Add it to emails and onboarding guides. Measure watch time and clicks to see what works.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Video tools and features change over time. Check official sources for current guidance.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026