Animated Explainer Video: The Easiest Way to Make One
The easiest way to make an animated explainer video is to start from pre-built animated scenes instead of animating from scratch. In Biteable, you pick an animated template or let AI draft the script and storyboard. Then you swap in your words and brand, add a voice over, and share it with one link.
Biteable’s explainer video maker puts the animated scenes, templates and AI tools in one place, so you don’t need animation software or an animator.
Make an animated explainer video →
TL;DR
- Animated explainers use illustrated scenes, characters or motion graphics to explain one idea. Aim for 30 to 90 seconds.
- You don’t need animation skills. Start from animated scenes and templates.
- The steps: pick a style, write the script, build it from a template or AI Assisted Videos, add a voice over and captions, brand it and share it.
- Try it on a free 7-day trial. No credit card required.
What makes an explainer video “animated”?
An animated explainer uses drawn or generated graphics in place of filmed footage. Characters, icons, moving text and simple charts carry the message, usually with a voice over and music. Because every scene is designed, you can show things a camera can’t film, like data moving between apps or the steps inside a process.
The common styles:
- 2D character animation: illustrated characters act out the viewer’s problem and the fix.
- Motion graphics: shapes, icons and text move on screen to show how something works.
- Infographic animation: charts, numbers and icons explain data or a step-by-step process.
- Whiteboard animation: a hand draws the story on a white background while a narrator talks.
How do I make an animated explainer video?
- Write down the one thing the viewer should understand by the end. Everything else in the video supports that point.
- Write a short script with four parts: a hook, the problem, your solution and a call to action. Copy our explainer video script sample to start.
- Pick an animated explainer template, or use AI Assisted Videos. AI writes the script and builds an editable storyboard from a few answers about your topic and goal.
- Swap in your text and scenes. Reorder scenes, or replace them with others from Biteable’s animation library.
- Add sound. Use an AI Voice Over or upload your own recording, then add music and AI Captions.
- Apply your brand colors and logo in one click.
- Publish and share your video with one link, or download the file on a paid plan.
AI Captions are included on the Premium and Business plans. Downloading a video file needs a paid plan.
Making a different kind of explainer? See every way to make an explainer video.
Which animation style fits your explainer?
Match the style to what you need to explain. Each row below has a Biteable template you can open and edit.
| Style | Best for | Biteable template to start from |
|---|---|---|
| Character animation, mascot | Explaining a business or process with one recurring character | Frank Character Explainer, Robot Character Explainer |
| Character animation, cast | Explaining a service to customers | Snappy Explainer (starring Izzy and friends), Business Explainer |
| Infographic and motion graphics | Explaining data, steps or a concept | Infographic Explainer |
| Text-led explainer | A product or service explainer built on a script | Explainer Script |
To mix styles, pull scenes from the animation library. It is grouped into categories like Workplace, People, Daily Life, Services, Business Icons and Infographic Icons, plus character sets such as Frank, Robot, Bear, Clay, Cindi and Snappy.
See finished explainer video examples to compare styles before you choose.
What is the easiest online tool to create animated explainer videos?
Biteable is the easiest online tool for animated explainer videos for most small businesses and marketing teams. You start from pre-built animated scenes and templates, AI Assisted Videos can write the script and storyboard, and your brand colors and logo apply in one click. You never have to draw or animate a frame yourself.
If your team wants to design, pose and time custom characters by hand, a dedicated character animation tool or a hired animator may suit you better. If you want finished scenes that you edit with your own words, start with Biteable.
Tips for an animated explainer that people finish
- Keep it to one idea and 30 to 90 seconds. If you have two ideas, make two videos.
- Lead with the problem the viewer already has. Name it in the first line of your script.
- Add captions so viewers can follow along with the sound off.
- End with one call to action. Pick the single next step you want, like starting a trial or booking a call.
Why Biteable for animated explainers
Pre-built animated scenes and templates mean the animation is done before you start. AI Assisted Videos drafts your script and storyboard, AI Voice Over reads it and AI Captions cover sound-off viewing. Your brand applies in one click, and Collaboration lets your team edit and comment on one project. Biteable is trusted by over 9 million users at 10,000+ companies, including Nike, Amazon and Siemens.
Animated explainer video FAQ
Do I need animation skills to make an animated explainer video?
No. Biteable’s templates and animated scenes come with the movement and timing already built. You edit the text, reorder or swap scenes and apply your brand. AI Assisted Videos can also draft the script and storyboard for you, so you start with a video to edit.
How long should an animated explainer video be?
Aim for 30 to 90 seconds. Shorter videos, around 30 seconds, suit social media and ads. Up to 90 seconds gives you room to walk through a product or a process. If you need more time than that, split the topic into a short series.
Can AI make an animated explainer video for me?
Yes. With AI Assisted Videos, you answer a few questions about your topic and goal. AI writes the script, builds an editable storyboard and generates a video draft. You can then change the text, scenes, visuals, music and voice over in storyboard mode or the full editor.
Is there a free way to make an animated explainer?
Biteable has a free 7-day trial, and you don’t need a credit card to start. The trial includes features, content and collaboration tools from the Pro and Premium plans, so you can build and share a full animated explainer. Downloading the file needs a paid plan. See pricing.
Is it cheaper to make one yourself than to hire an animator?
For most small businesses that need more than one video, yes. An animator or agency prices each video. With a tool, you pay a subscription and spend your own time. Our guide to the cost of an explainer video compares the routes with sourced price ranges.
What other kinds of explainer videos can I make?
You can make product, app, service, onboarding, training and HR explainers, with or without animation. Some use screen recordings or a presenter on camera. See every type and template on Biteable’s explainer video maker page.
Start your animated explainer
Pick an animated template, paste in your script and add your brand. Then share it with one link.