How to Make Whiteboard Videos: 10 Steps for Content Creators
Key Takeaways: How do I make a whiteboard video?
Step 1: Define Your Goals & Target Audience: Identify what you want to achieve and who you’re targeting.
Step 2: Write The Video Script: Create a script that communicates your message well.
Step 3: Create A Storyboard: Plan your video visually using a storyboard.
Step 4: Record A Voiceover: Produce a quality voiceover to guide your audience through the video (or use a high-quality AI voice instead).
Step 5: Choose Animation Software: Select a whiteboard animation software like VideoScribe, Doodly, or Renderforest.
Step 6: Animate: Import any personalized assets into the software and animate the video, focusing on timing and transitions.
Let’s face it, traditional presentations are about as exciting as watching paint dry.
And I’m sure that’s why you’re trying to create a whiteboard video – because you already know it’s a magnetic storytelling tool that infuses visuals, voiceover, and animation to boost engagement by a whopping 85%.
These videos are perfect for YouTubers, educators, marketers, digital creators, and anyone who wants to make an impact with their content.
When I saw my first whiteboard video, the thought of making one sounded intimidating and complicated. But now that I know all the ins and outs, you’d be surprised at how easy it really is!
In this guide, I’ll break down the entire process into simple, manageable steps, so you’ll know exactly how to make whiteboard videos for yourself. Let’s get to it!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
How to Make Whiteboard Videos
1: Plan Your Whiteboard Video
From my experience, starting your visual storytelling with a plan is the best way to go. Otherwise, you’ll be staring empty-minded at the editor all day long.
Define Your Goals
First, define the end goal of your whiteboard video.
- Are you trying to educate viewers on a specific topic?
- Tell a story?
- Or promote a product or service?
Setting clear objectives from the start will set the right path in motion for the rest of the video.
Identify Your Target Audience
Who’s going to watch this video? Considering their age, interests, profession, gender, and location will help you create content that resonates with them.
Once you know your target audience inside and out, you can tailor your messaging to speak to them specifically.
Determine Video Length
Whiteboard videos should be long enough to get your point across, but short enough to keep the viewer’s attention.
A general rule of thumb is to aim for 2-5 minutes.
Write an Engaging Script
The script is the backbone of any successful whiteboard animation video project. It should be concise yet informative, while staying engaging. When writing yours:
- Use very simple words and language.
- Break down complex concepts into digestible bits.
- Incorporate storytelling elements where appropriate and create a structure with a logical sequence.
- Add humor or emotion to keep viewers engaged.
For more help with creating a script, you can check out my article on how to write a YouTube script. It talks about using AI writing tools such as Jasper or Writesonic to help you write a video script quickly and easily!
2: Storyboarding
Storyboarding is another step that might seem redundant, but it helps you clearly visualize your whiteboard video – and this will make the video production phase more efficient later on.
The Purpose of a Storyboard
A storyboard serves as a blueprint for your video – it breaks down every scene or shot into simple, digestible pieces. And it will definitely come in handy as a nice little guide while you’re editing!
Creating a storyboard before starting the animation will help you properly organize your ideas and easily communicate them with any others involved in the project.
Choose Your Storyboarding Method
There are various storyboard creation methods; some prefer traditional pen-and-paper techniques, while others opt for digital tools like Celtx, Boords, or even presentation software like PowerPoint or Google Slides. Select the storyboarding approach that aligns best with your process.
Break Down Your Script Into Scenes
To begin storyboarding, break down your script into individual scenes or shots where the visuals will have a significant change, like new characters entering or exiting.
Decide how many panels each scene needs from the script by sketching out thumbnails.
- Draw Thumbnails: Start by sketching rough thumbnails representing each scene on paper or digitally using simple shapes to represent characters, objects, and backgrounds without worrying about details yet.
- Add Details: Once satisfied with the overall flow, refine your drawings by adding more details to characters and objects. Remember that whiteboard videos often use simple, hand-drawn style illustrations.
- Include Notes: Add any necessary notes or instructions for animators regarding camera movement, transitions between scenes, or other visual elements not easily conveyed through drawings alone.
Review and Revise Your Storyboard
Once the storyboard is done, check it with those included in the project to make sure everyone is on the same page about the narrative and visuals.
Be prepared to make revisions based on feedback before moving forward with the animation.
3: Record Your Voiceover
If you decide to add a voiceover to your whiteboard video, now would be the time to record it. A high-quality voiceover helps convey the message effectively and engages your audience even more.
Choose the Right Microphone
The first step in recording a great voiceover is selecting an appropriate microphone. Various mics, such as dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones, are available.
A USB condenser microphone would be ideal for most whiteboard videos due to its ease of use and ability to capture clear audio.
Set Up Your Recording Environment
To ensure a quality recording, create an environment with minimal noise and proper acoustics. Here are some tips:
- Choose a quiet room with little or no echo.
- Closing windows and doors can help reduce outside noise.
- Add soft materials like blankets or foam wall panels to minimize reverb (echo).
- Maintain a consistent distance between you and the microphone while speaking.
You can learn more about how to set up a home voice over studio here!
Prepare Your Script & Delivery Style
Before hitting record on your software program (such as Audacity or Adobe Audition), make sure you:
- Read through the script multiple times before recording to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Mark any points in the script where you need to emphasize or pause for effect.
- Consider your target audience and adjust your tone, pace, and delivery style accordingly. For example, a video aimed at children may require a more energetic and enthusiastic voiceover than one targeting professionals.
Record & Edit Your Voiceover
Once you have set up your recording environment and prepared your script, it’s time to record. Follow these steps:
- Start by doing a test recording to check audio levels and make sure there’s no background noise or distortion.
- Adjust microphone settings, such as gain or input volume (if necessary), before starting the recording session.
- Maintain proper posture while speaking into the microphone; this will help improve vocal clarity during recordings.
After completing the recording process, use voice-over software like Adobe Audition to remove unwanted noises (such as clicks and pops), normalize audio levels if needed, and apply equalization effects for better sound quality.
Also, you can use an AI voice-generating software program to provide the voice for your whiteboard animation video. I really recommend ElevenLabs or Murf for this!
I know this whole planning phase might sound boring, but it’s the most important step to creating a whiteboard video that will actually be effective. And that’s why you’re making one, right?!
4: Choose the Right Software
Even though whiteboard animation videos are one of the newer content trends, there’s still a lot of different editing software out there for you to choose from. Let’s take a look at some aspects to consider.
Determine Your Budget
Whiteboard animation software can range from completely free options with limited features to paid premium versions with advanced tools and capabilities. It’s important to determine your budget before committing to a specific program.
Evaluate Features and Ease of Use
Each whiteboard animation program offers different features such as pre-built templates, image libraries, text-to-speech functionality, or even hand-drawn animations using digital pens or tablets and a ‘drawing hand.’
Consider the features that will be most important for your video.
Assess Compatibility and Export Options
Make sure the software you choose will work with your operating system, whether it’s Windows or macOS.
Also, consider export options such as video formats (MP4, AVI), resolution settings (HD or 4K), and any potential watermarks on the final export.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Finally, take some time to read reviews from other users with experience with the whiteboard animation software you’re considering. Learning from other users’ experiences can provide valuable insights into how well the program performs and how easy it is to use.
List of Popular Whiteboard Animation Software:
5: Animate Your Video
If you want to make your ideas stand out and keep your viewers engaged, choosing how to animate your whiteboard video is crucial. Here, you can pick the animation style you like the most and learn how to bring it to life using your favorite software.
Choose an Animation Style
Decide which type of animation style would resonate best with your audience, whether that be traditional hand-drawn animations or more contemporary digital illustrations.
These days, there are even AI animation generators that can create videos for you using artificial intelligence!
Import Assets into Your Software
To begin animating, import all necessary assets (images, text elements) into your chosen software:
- Images: Ensure images are high-quality with transparent backgrounds if possible.
- Text Elements: Make sure the fonts used are legible and complement the overall design of the video.
- Voiceover: Sync voiceover audio with corresponding visuals during this stage for seamless integration later in production.
Create Movement & Transitions
Add movement to each element by applying appropriate animations within the software’s library or create custom ones if needed.
Experiment with different types of transitions between scenes or objects – these can be simple fades or more complex effects like wipes and zooms, depending on what works best for conveying information effectively while maintaining viewer interest throughout the clip.
Here’s a helpful tutorial on creating smooth transitions in VideoScribe.
Timing & Pacing
Adjust the timing and pacing of your animations to align with your voiceover, providing a seamless viewing experience for your audience. Consider factors like:
- Scene Duration: Make sure each scene is long enough for viewers to absorb information, but not too long that it becomes boring.
- Animation Speed: Experiment with different speeds to find what works best for maintaining viewer interest without overwhelming them.
- Voiceover Syncing: Make sure visuals match up accurately with spoken content so viewers can easily follow along.
- Music and Sound Effects: To add style or a personal touch to your video, consider adding music or sound effects to your voiceover and graphics.
Preview & Adjustments
Regularly review work-in-progress versions of your video so you can see if there’s any adjustments or improvements needed before moving on.
Remember: practice makes perfect!! The more you experiment and refine techniques over time, the better equipped you will be to create engaging whiteboard videos that resonate.
Final Thoughts
If you want to make fantastic whiteboard videos, planning things out in advance is SO important!
You have to pick the right animation software, figure out what you want to say, create a storyboard, record a clear voiceover, and add some great animations to bring everything to life. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be making amazing videos in no time!
Common Questions (FAQs)
How to create whiteboard videos
To create a whiteboard video, follow these steps:
1. Select a suitable animation software like VideoScribe or Doodly.
2. Plan your video by outlining the content and message.
3. Create storyboards to visualize each scene.
4. Record a voiceover that matches the visuals.
5. Add music and sound effects as needed.
6. Animate your video using the chosen software, adding elements such as text, images, and drawings.
What makes a great whiteboard video?
A great whiteboard video is engaging, concise, and visually appealing. It should have clear messaging with easy-to-follow narration synchronized with relevant visuals. The animations should be smooth and professional-looking while maintaining simplicity in design to avoid overwhelming viewers.
How do I create whiteboard animations?
The best ways to create whiteboard animations include selecting user-friendly software like VideoScribe, Doodly, or Renderforest. Focus on planning your content thoroughly before starting production; this includes writing scripts, creating storyboards for visualizing scenes, and recording high-quality voiceovers synced with visuals.
