How to make animated video? [The Ultimate Guide for Newbies]

It can seem daunting to create the perfect animation video for a beginner.

We are here to tell it, aren’t we?

Animations can be made with the right knowledge and the right tools.

We’ll give you that information at the end.

To help you get past the obstacles and create animated videos like a pro, we have created a 3-step guide!

Step 1: Write a compelling script and a storyboard. Step 2: Animate the videoHow to create animated videos using a templateHow can you make animated videos from scratch?Step 3: Export your video

Let’s get to the learning!

Step 1: Create a compelling script and a storyboard

How to create a script

The blueprint of a building is its foundation. The script is also the foundation of your video. You are the scriptwriter and you decide what content will be included in your video.

Although it may sound daunting at first, you can make this a very simple task with just a little research.

A video brief is essential before you begin writing the script. This will allow you to determine your goal, target audience, as well as the main message of your video.

You should be clear about your script before you start writing it.

What is the purpose of this animated video?

Convert your core message into a simple story:

Every animated video that you make will have one or two core messages you want to convey to your audience. It is up to you to convert that core message into an engaging story that engages your audience.

These are the three elements you should include in your story:

The hook is the most important section of the script. For a one-minute video, it will be the first 8-10 second. This will determine whether viewers stay or bounce. The patty is what keeps your viewers hooked. This is the heart of your video. It should live up to the hook. After a lot of work, many people make the mistake to destroy their video. Many viewers will reach the CTA section if your hook and patty are good. Here is where you encourage them to take action.

Storyboard:

Storyboards are essential in the creation of animation videos. This will allow decision-makers and collaborators to see the final result of your animation video before you actually start creating it.

A storyboard is a great way to predict whether your video’s concept will work for beginners. It will also allow you to adjust your script and visuals to make the best animation video.

Storyboards are more like comic strips for your animated video. They help organize each scene.

The storyboard below is an example.

The rectangular boxes can be used to show scenes in sequence. The smaller boxes below can be used to highlight dialogues or actions. The smaller box can be used to plan your video’s animations and camera angles.

How do you create storyboards?

If your drawing skills are poor, creating storyboards in the traditional way can be messy. However, there are many online options.

This is why many people useAnimaker. It’s a powerful video-making tool with full-features, but the interface is easy to use.

Animaker is used to create a sample storyboard.

You can convert your storyboard later into an animated video.

Step 2: Animation your video

There are so many options available that it can be difficult to decide how to animated your video. Each option also has its pros and cons.

These are just a few of the many ways you can make an animated video.

Hire and develop an internal team

If you are planning on creating a series animation videos and have a large marketing budget, this option is best for your brand.

First, you will need to have a team composed of animators, scriptwriters, and voice-over artists.

You’ll then need to give them access to the software and equipment. This could easily run into the tens of thousands.

Furthermore, the quality and time required to produce an animation video will depend solely on your ability.

You can outsource your animation needs to an animation studio

If you are only looking for an animation video project, outsourcing will be most beneficial to you.

The debate over choosing the right animation studio continues, as does the question about how much they will charge.

First, consider your timeline and budget. Outsourcing is more expensive if you are short on time.

The quality of the video depends on how clearly you communicate your ideas and how well the studio understands your brand.

Do-it-yourself:

These methods can be costly. If you have a tight budget and are looking for a great animation video, DIY apps can be your best friend.

Yes! It is possible to do it yourself.

You only need a computer and an internet connection. Sign up for Animaker, a DIY tool that allows you to create animation videos right from your web browser.

WithAnimaker you can create any type of video. To create the best animation video possible, you can use our extensive list of templates or the world’s largest animation library. You can also create your video from scratch.

In this article, we will learn two ways to create animated videos.

How to create animated videos using a template

You can read the following section to learn how animated templates are edited. You can also jump to the next section via the link above if you’re interested in creating animated videos from scratch.

How to create animated videos using a Template

Do you find yourself in a rush and don’t have the time to create animated videos from scratch? Are you worried that making a video from scratch might not be your thing? We have a variety of templates to assist you. !

Animaker offers over 1000 templates in a variety of categories, including Corporate, Social Media, Birthday and Corporate.

This method allows you to create videos by simply searching for the right template, editing it to suit your needs, then exporting the final output.

This tutorial will show you how to follow the steps in a video.

You can also edit the template side-by-side using the steps below.

Step 1: Signup/LoginStep 2: Exploring DashboardStep 3: Choosing the perfect templateStep 4: Editing textStep 5: Adding/editing the CharacterStep 6: Adjusting Scene durationStep 7: Adding/Duplicating/Deleting a sceneStep 8: Changing the music trackStep 9: Previewing the video

Step 1: Sign up/Login

Are you new to Animaker Register here. Log in if you’re already a member.

Step 2: Exploring dashboard:

You’ll be redirected back to the dashboard where you will see different templates for different uses. Click on the “Preview” option to preview a template.

Step 3: Select the best template

Let’s now create an explainer video about a business. Let’s search the search tab for “explainer”.

These explainer videos are just a few of the many available. Let’s first choose the template to “Promote product or service”.

This creates the template as a brand new project. This is Animaker’s interface.

The template contains everything you need for a video, including the context and music. You can simply change the elements and export it.

Step 4: Editing text:

Let’s begin by editing the scene text. Click on the text to edit it and begin typing. The Text settings tab will open once you click on the text. You can adjust the text settings such as font size, color transparency, alignment and so on.

This is the new text.

You will see that the timeline has two sections: a pink and a purple. The duration of text effects is indicated by the pink section, while the text’s duration is indicated by the purple section.

The bars at the end of the text can be used to extend its duration and effects.

Go to the Settings Tab, and choose the Enter effect/Exit effect options to change the text’s exit and entry effects. There are many effects that you can apply to your text. Click on an effect to change how your text enters/exits.

Step 5: Editing/Adding the character

Let’s now edit the character. Click on the character in the scene. The Actions Tab will open on the right. This tab contains 1000+ actions.

Let’s change the character’s action. Enter the desired action in the search tab, and click on the action to apply it to your character. One click = flick magic with a swish!

The Expressions tab is located adjacent to the Actions tab. Select from over 20 expressions to make your character a king/queen/person.

Click on the icon to replace the character. This will open the Item Menu. You can choose from several options in this menu. To replace a character, you will need to select the Swap option.

After selecting this option, the Characters tab will open. You will find 40+ Kid characters and 50+ Plus-size, 50+ regular-size, and 20+ Animal characters. Each character has 1000+ actions. It’s quite a list.

You can explore them later. Let’s swap the characters in the meantime.

Choose the character that you wish to replace the current one from the list.

Click on the new character to add it to your workspace. Click on Apply.

This is how the new character appears within the workplace.

It was simple, wasn’t?

What we found was a way for the character to be replaced with an Animaker pre-built character. You can also create your own character and swap it for the one you already have. First, visit the My Characters section, then click on Create Your Own Option.

You will be taken to the Character Builder. To begin, select the gender and the basic template for your character.

You can then change the features of the character, such as the hair color, hairstyle and eyebrows, or the outfit and accessories. You can create over 10K characters by using different combinations!

After you’re done customizing your character, click Save.

This will add the new character to your My Characters section.

Click on the character you wish to swap and choose the Item menu option. You can instantly replace the character you have with the new one by clicking one button!

Step 6: Adjusting Scene duration:

You can increase or decrease scene duration by using the + and – options located to the right. These options can increase or decrease the scene’s duration by one second.

Step 7: Adding/Duplicating/Deleting a scene:

This template is pre-made so you only need to make any necessary adjustments.

If you want to add a scene or design it from scratch, the scenes tab has the option of adding scene.

You can also use the duplicate scene option to create a new scene if you’ve made a specific change to a scene.

You can delete a scene if you’re not happy with it.

These are the options for adding, deleting, or duplicating a scene.

Step 8: Change the music track

After you have edited all the scenes, it is time to add music. The final step in editing your video is to add background music. It will not be complete without it. Let’s change the music quickly in our video.

You can access the audio and video timeline. The template’s music track will be visible.

To see more options, click on the music track. These options allow you to view, adjust the track volume and trim, duplicate or delete the track.

Let’s remove the track we already have and add a new track to the library. Animaker’s music collection contains 30K+ royalty-free tracks. We are truly spoiled for choice.

These music tracks can be accessed by going to Library -> Music.

You will see music tracks of different genres. You can search for a term you like and get a track. Simply hover over the track to preview it. To use the track, hover over it and click it.

Step 9: Watch the video preview:

You can preview the video to get an idea of how the whole video looks before you download it. Click on the play button to preview the video.

This is the easiest method to create animated videos.

We showed you how to create animated videos using a template.

If you’re someone who can create videos at their own pace, we can jump to the other method of creating animated videos from scratch.

Animaker makes it easy to create a video from scratch. You don’t even need to be an expert in design!

How to create animated videos from scratch

We have many options for you if you’re ready to make a video from scratch but don’t want to use templates.

If you prefer a textual guide that explains each step in detail, then please read on. If visual consumption is more your thing, you can check this tutorial video about creating animated videos using Animaker.

Our goal now is to create an animated intro video for ourselves. Let’s get started creating animated videos from scratch! These are the steps for creating an animated video.

Step 1: Signup/LoginStep 3: Opening a Blank ProjectStep 4: Exploring Animaker interfaceStep 5: Adding BackgroundStep 6: Adding CharacterStep 7: Adjusting Asset/Scene DurationStep 8: Adding background MusicStep 9: Previewing your video

Step 1: Sign up/login

Step 2: Open a Blank Project

After logging in, you’ll be redirected directly to the dashboard. You will see various templates for different use-cases. Let’s create a new video. Click on Create -> Make a Video -> Blank page.

Step 3: Explore the Animaker interface

This creates a new Blank project. Let’s first see the Animaker interface.

Step 4: Add Background

First, add background to the scene. To select a BG, go to Library -> BackgroundSince our video will be a self-intro, let’s select a professional-looking, office-like BG. You have two options: search the term for the BG or scroll through the list.

Step 5: Adding Character

Next, I will introduce a character to the scene. Animaker boasts a large character collection, including 40+ Kid characters and 50+ Plus-sized characters, 50+ regular characters, and 20+ Animal characters. Each has 1000+ actions.

You can also customize your characters by changing everything from frown lines to footwear to hair colors, hats to hats and other accessories.

Go to Library -> Character to add a character. Select any character already created from this list. Click on the character to add it into your workspace.

Click on the icon to change the colors of your character. This will open the Item Menu, which offers many options. Select the Change Color option. The Color tab opens for the character. You can adjust the skin color, eyebrow color and colors of the attire. You’ll be able to create a new character by changing these attributes.

Let’s make this video even more appealing by adding actions to the characters. Click on the character. The Actions tab will be opened. It contains 1000+ actions. The Expressions tab, which has 20+ expressions, is located adjacent to the Actions Tab.

Let’s make this character happy. Search for “walk” in the Actions Tab. Here are a variety of walking actions. To apply, select the action you wish to perform. Next, click on the Expressions tab to select the Happy expression. Now, our happy walking man is ready!

But don’t worry! But we aren’t done yet. The character is still stuck in a certain position. Let’s move them from one place to the next. Want to learn more?

Smart move! You can quickly move your assets from one location to the next, as the name implies. This video tutorial will help you understand.

Click on the character to activate the Smart Move option. This will open the Item Menu. Select the Smart Move option from here.

Two things occur when you click the Smart Move option.

The timeline has two keyframes. These frames indicate the start and end points of the asset. The Smartmove options window opens. This window will allow you to see all the options available to animated your asset.

Let’s let the character enter the scene and move across it before exiting the scene. Click on the first keyframe to place the appropriate character frame outside of the left scene frame. Next, click on the second keyframe to place the character frame in the appropriate location.

The character now needs to walk for a while across the screen. Let’s move the keyframes slightly apart. Let’s let the character walk for five seconds and then exit the scene at the fifth second. The first keyframe should be placed at the 0th and the second at the 5th seconds.

Click on the Smartmove Preview to see how smartmove works.

It was so easy!

You can also use the Action+ option to allow your character to perform multiple actions. Click here for more information.

Let’s suppose you want to add a character who enters the scene, waves at us and then stands with his hands crossed, as this ….

Although all that sounds complicated, Animaker makes it simple! These instructions will help you combine animations and create an animation sequence.

Step 6: Adding voice-over:

We’re now ready to move on to the next stage. We want the character to introduce themselves since this is a self-introduction.

To add a voice-over, click on the character. There are three options:

a. Record Voiceover

b. Use Text-to-Speech Engine

c. Upload Voiceover

Let’s take a look at how we can use each one.

A. Record Voice-over:

You can record your voice-over directly and then sync it to the character if you feel confident. Select the “Record Voice” Option. This will open a new window. Click the microphone to record the audio.

After you’re done recording, preview it and name it before clicking on Apply to sync it with the character. You can also re-record if you’re not satisfied.

B. Using Text-To-Speech Engine:

Another exciting feature of Animaker is this. You can convert text into speech with the built-in text/to-speech engine. Simply enter your script, and then sync it to your character.

This machine allows you to explore various features such as speed, pitch and volume. You can change the accent and gender of the voices. There are many accents available.

You can even choose to use Auto-enhance or Newscaster. Auto-enhance, as the name implies, is designed to save you the time and effort required to make your voice sound human-like. Instead, use this box to fine-tune your voice with a single click.

You have the ability to adjust the voice to stop it sounding too Terminator-like.

C. Upload Voice-over:

You can upload a clip you already have to the Library to sync with your character. Click on the Upload voiceover button. This will open the “Add Lip Sync Audio” tab. Click on the “Upload” button. This will open the File Manager. Click on Open to select the voice-over that you wish to add.

The voiceover is now added to the “Add Lip Sync Audio” tab. You can now sync the recording with your character.

I already had my recording added to the tab so I chose that option and applied it.

These are the three ways to add voice-overs to your character.

Step 7: Adjusting Asset/Scene duration:

A purple bar appears on your timeline when you choose the character. This bar indicates the character’s duration. Drag the bars at either end to adjust the duration.

You will also notice that the scene duration is only 10 seconds. Animaker defaults to a scene duration of 10 seconds. The + and – buttons to the right of your timeline can be used to increase or decrease the scene duration.

After you have completed a scene, you don’t need to repeat it for every scene. Simply click on the Scenes tab to duplicate a scene. This will ensure that all scenes are in a consistent layout.

Step 8: Adding background music:

Once you have copied the scenes and carefully carved each one, the final step is to add background music.

Animaker’s music collection contains 30K+ royalty-free tracks. Go to Library -> Music to access one of them.

You will see music tracks of different genres. You can search for a term you like and get a track. Simply hover over the track to preview it. To use the track, hover over it and click it.

Step 9: View the video.

You can preview the video to get an idea of how the whole video looks before you download it. Click on the play button at the top to preview the video.

Step 3: Export your video

After you’re satisfied with the preview it’s time for the final step. You can download the video! Click on Publish > Download Video > Download to download the video.

You can also directly post the video on social media.

These are just three steps to get you started. These steps have made our videos far more successful than any of our competitors. It will be a great tool for you to use, and we are confident it will. These tips will be second nature once you have created many videos.

Our 2D animation software makes it easy to create cartoon videos. It is high time that you start creating animated videos!

You now know all about animating videos. But, what if you want to learn how to make animated videos with music and pictures? Click the link to visit our blog.

Are there any questions that you aren’t sure of? Send us your questions below in the comments section. We would love to help!