How To Make Animation Videos for YouTube
As YouTube gains popularity, more people are seeking answers to questions like, “How to make animation video for YouTube for free?” or “Which animation software is suitable for starting an animated YouTube channel?”
These queries often pop up on platforms like Quora and various forums. Finding a quick and reliable answer isn’t straightforward, given the multitude of programs available.
When it comes to crafting YouTube animated videos, numerous online animated video editors come to the rescue. For those with a knack for professionalism, Adobe After Effects and Muvizu stand out, offering the capability to create polished videos even without an internet connection.
However, it’s essential to note that finding a one-size-fits-all tool is a challenge since each video editing tool caters to specific user needs.
So, fret not—we’ll guide you through this post to help you how to make an animation video for YouTube.
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How to Make Animation Videos for YouTube
Step 1: Develop an Outstanding Script and Storyboard
Creating a Script
Think of a script as the blueprint for your video, laying the foundation for its construction. As the scriptwriter, your role is to decide what will unfold in your video. To make this process less daunting, start with a bit of preparation.
Before diving into scriptwriting, draft a comprehensive video brief. This helps clarify your objective, target audience, and the core message of your video. Ensure you have a clear understanding of:
- Why you’re creating this animated video
- What it aims to achieve
- Who your target audience is
- The desired viewer action after watching
- The core message you want to convey
Transform Your Core Message into a Simple Story
Every animated video has one or more core messages to communicate. The challenge is turning these messages into a concise and engaging story. Craft your story with three key elements:
- The Hook: This pivotal segment occurs within the first 8-10 seconds of a 1-minute video, determining whether viewers stay or move on. Provide a compelling reason for them to get hooked.
- The Patty: The main part of your video where you delve into the essence of your message. Ensure it lives up to the promise made in the hook to maintain viewer interest.
- The CTA (Call to Action): The concluding part of your video prompts viewers to take action. If your hook and patty were effective, many will reach this stage.
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Storyboard
A crucial element in the video animation creation process, a storyboard offers collaborators and decision-makers a visual preview of your final video. It’s like a comic strip illustrating how your video will unfold before actual production begins.
For beginners, storyboarding helps predict the viability of your video concept and allows adjustments to enhance visuals and script for a compelling animation. Think of it as a comic strip that organizes your video scene by scene.
How to Create Storyboards?
Crafting storyboards the traditional way might appear untidy, especially if your sketching skills are not top-notch.
Thankfully, there are online alternatives, and many find them to be quite useful for this task.
Step 2: Animate Your Video
Choosing how to animate your video can be a bit challenging, given the various options available, each with its own set of pros and cons.
Here are a few methods for creating an animation video:
1. Hire and Build an In-House Team
- Ideal if you plan on producing a series of animation videos with a substantial marketing budget.
- Requires a team of scriptwriters, animators, and voice-over artists.
- Involves providing access to necessary equipment and software, which can be costly.
- Quality and production time depend on the capabilities of your in-house team.
2. Outsource to an Animation Studio
- Suitable for one-time animation video projects.
- Involves choosing the right animation studio and considering their charges.
- Project timeline and budget play a crucial role. Quicker turnaround often means higher costs.
- Video quality depends on effective communication of your idea and the studio’s understanding of your brand.
More: Explainer Video Services
3. Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
- A cost-effective option for those on a tight budget.
- Great for creating a killer animation video without breaking the bank.
- All you need is a PC and an internet connection.
- DIY tools like Animaker allow you to create animation videos easily through your web browser.
Each method caters to different needs, so choose the one that aligns with your project requirements and budget constraints.
How Do I Make Animated Videos For My YouTube channel?
Creating animated videos for your YouTube channel involves a strategic process to ensure engaging and effective content. Start by defining your objective, understanding your target audience, and identifying the core message you want to convey.
Develop a script that answers essential questions about your video’s purpose and the desired viewer action. Convert your core message into a compelling story and create a storyboard for a visual representation.
Choose the animation style that suits your content, considering your audience and content tone.
Define Your Objective
- Identify Purpose: Clearly define the reason for creating animated videos.
- Understand Audience: Analyze the demographics and preferences of your target audience.
- Core Message: Determine the primary message you want to convey through the videos.
- Desired Action: Specify the action or response you want viewers to take.
Create a Script and Storyboard
- Comprehensive Script: Develop a script with detailed dialogue and narration.
- Clarity in Script: Ensure the script clearly communicates the video’s purpose, audience, and core message.
- Engaging Story: Convert the core message into a captivating and relatable story.
- Storyboard Creation: Develop a visual storyboard outlining scenes and transitions.
Choose Your Animation Style
- Style Decision: Decide on the animation style (2D, 3D, whiteboard, etc.).
- Audience Adaptation: Consider audience preferences and adjust the style to match the content tone.
- Alignment with Brand: Choose an animation style that aligns with the overall message and brand identity.
Decide on Animation Tools
- Tool Exploration: Explore available animation tools such as Animaker, Vyond, Powtoon, or Adobe After Effects.
- Feature Analysis: Consider the features, user-friendliness, and compatibility of each tool.
- Selection Criteria: Choose an animation tool based on your skill level, budget, and the desired animation style.
Learn or Hire Animation Skills
- Skill Acquisition: Acquire animation skills through online courses, tutorials, or training programs.
What Software Do Youtubers Use To Make Animated Videos?
When venturing into animation, a common inquiry surfaces: ‘Which software stands out as the best for animation?’ This question encapsulates the search for the perfect tool to bring creative ideas and artistic projects to life.
Adobe After Effects
Key Features
Adobe After Effects stands out as a top choice among video professionals for animated video creation. While it requires a high-end PC for video editing, the resulting quality is exceptional. The software boasts numerous beautiful animations, eliminating the need for additional downloads.
Price: $999 or $19.99 per month
Pros
– Professional-level editing capabilities
– Available for both Mac and Windows PC
– Offline software for animated video creation
– Simple drag-and-drop features
Cons
– Costly for beginners
– Requires a high-performance system
– Doesn’t provide 3D animations
Muvizu
Key Features
Muvizu simplifies the creation of animated YouTube videos, ensuring a professional-looking output without the need for advanced skills. The software offers a wide variety of characters and scenes, allowing for extensive video customization. It features lip-syncing and enhances audio track incorporation.
Price: Free or $29.99
Pros
– User-friendly interface
– Abundance of scenes and characters
– Offline video creation
– Doesn’t demand high-end PC specifications
– Cost-effective compared to other animated video creators
Cons
– Available only for Windows
– Limited customization options
– Doesn’t support online video saving
Wideo
Key Features
Wideo, an online service, provides ample customization options for creating promotional videos. It offers preset settings, simplifying the video creation process. Users can easily edit text, add sounds, and include links in their videos, making it ideal for promotional content.
Price: Free or $9/month, $19/month, $39/month
Pros
– Cost-effective online animated video creator
– Abundance of customization options
– Suitable for creating promotional videos
– User-friendly for all skill levels
Cons
– Requires an internet connection
– Not suitable for professional-level editing
– Predominantly preset, lacking in-depth editing options
Animaker
Key Features
Animaker is a versatile online animated video maker offering a range of features. It provides numerous preset scenes and settings, making it convenient for various purposes. The platform utilizes seven tools for in-depth video editing, and videos are structured in slide format, allowing for easy adjustments and transitions.
Price: Free or $9/month, $19/month, $39/month
Pros
– Offers preset scenes for diverse applications
– Ideal for school presentations and short videos
– Allows direct upload to YouTube
Cons
– Falls short in professional-level video editing
– Operates exclusively online
Moovly
Key Features
Moovly, an online YouTube animated video creator, boasts a sleek user interface with a separate window for editing. While it may not offer an extensive array of colorful characters, it is perfect for everyday presentations. Moovly is user-friendly for basic level creators and includes essential settings such as text addition, music integration, and incorporating videos into projects.
Price: Free or various prices for different packages
Pros
- Easy to use interface
- Suitable for basic level animated creations
- Allows online video saving
- Offers plenty of output formats
Cons
- Limited colorful scenes and characters
- Lacks a hand drawing tool
- Requires separate purchases for different packs, potentially costly compared to other online services
How Do You Become an Animation Youtuber?
YouTube, as an open platform, empowers independent creators to shape their brand without management layers. However, the journey of running a successful YouTube animation channel demands more than it seems. It requires a strategic approach, a dash of luck, and unwavering stamina.
Amidst the dominance of personality-driven vlogs and gaming-focused “Let’s Play” channels, a niche of successful story-driven animation content thrives.
Yet, achieving success as a YouTube animator isn’t a walk in the park; it demands relentless practice.
Begin with a Thoughtful Script
Launching into animation doesn’t demand grand productions. Start with a clear plan, crafting content for easy understanding. For beginners, kick off slowly using devices like laptops or smartphones. Develop a script that’s clear, concise, and emotionally resonant, focusing on character actions to create an engaging storyline.
Shape an Appealing Character
Create a unique character using basic 2D animation software. Tools like Blender or Adobe Animate are beginner-friendly. Experiment with animation styles, considering color, texture, and background for visual appeal.
Craft Your Narrative
Boost viewer engagement with a catchy voice-over. Tools like Adobe Audition enhance soundtracks, ensuring clear delivery by editing out unnecessary elements. Give characters distinct voices and personalities, adding humor or exceptional voice-overs for an entertaining video.
Embrace Imperfections and Share
Don’t wait for perfection; upload finished videos promptly. Treat each video as a learning opportunity. Before uploading, carefully check for errors. Tag and describe your content thoughtfully to optimize visibility.
Define Your Style and Genre
Establish a unique style to distinguish your work. Choose a genre—educational, mystery, horror, motivational, or comical. Evolve and switch genres to keep content fresh, keeping videos short for viewer engagement.
Cultivate a Connection with Your Audience
Engage with followers by sharing real-life stories through videos. Identify your style, choose video genres that cater to specific interests, and keep videos short to maintain viewer interest. Interact with followers for fresh ideas, setting healthy boundaries to avoid undue stress.
Is animation profitable on YouTube?
While YouTube may seem saturated, there’s always room for new creators. The diversity in the highest-paid YouTube stars, from beauty mogul Jeffree Star to children’s content creator Ryan Kaji, illustrates the vast opportunities. Whether you’re into pranks, animations, or long-form content, there’s a niche for you.
Tips for Budding Creators
- Nail Your Niche: Even within similar genres, some channels outshine others. For example, CoComelon and Talking Tom & Friends dominate in the animated content space, while others like Antoons struggle due to controversial content.
- Ads: The Big Earner: The primary revenue stream on YouTube comes from ads. Creators get 55% of the ad revenue, amounting to an average of $4.95 per 1,000 views with a $9.00 CPM.
- Diversify with Merchandise: You don’t need millions of subscribers to sell merchandise. With 10,000 subscribers and modest monthly sales, you could pocket an extra $1,200 per year.
- Maximize Affiliate Marketing: Promote products in your videos and earn a commission on sales. It’s a win-win when your viewers discover something they love, and you earn a cut.
- Engage with Memberships: Introduce channel memberships for exclusive perks. Fans pay a monthly fee for special content or access, providing creators with steady income.
- Super Chat and Super Stickers: During live streams, fans can buy Super Chats to highlight their messages and Super Stickers for fun interactions. Creators receive a share of these purchases.
- Crowdfunding on YouTube: Platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter allow fans to contribute directly to your content creation, offering an additional income stream.
- License Your Content: If you create unique and high-quality content, consider licensing it. You can earn money when others use your content with permission.
Remember, success on YouTube isn’t just about numbers; it’s about engagement, quality, and finding your unique voice in the vast digital landscape. With dedication and smart strategies, your YouTube venture can be both creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding.
How Much Does Animation Cost Per Tier?
Determining the cost of animation isn’t a straightforward task, as several factors contribute to the overall expense. These factors include the length of the video, the level of customization, the production timeline, the expertise of the team involved, and the animation style. To provide an overview of the cost breakdown, we can categorize animation costs into different tiers.
Amateur/Free Tools – Animation Cost: $0 – $100 Per Minute
It’s possible to create animations without spending money, thanks to various online tools. However, the limitations of these tools mean sacrificing quality and investing more time and effort. While cost-effective, the results may fall short of expectations due to generic templates and basic animations.
Freelance Level – Animation Cost: $50 – $3000 Per Minute
This tier offers a broad price range reflecting the diversity of freelancers. At the lower end, less experienced animators may provide basic services, while at the higher end, skilled freelancers can deliver custom, high-quality videos. However, freelancers may handle limited aspects of production, requiring additional professionals for a comprehensive result.
Mid-Tier Animation Studio – Animation Cost: $3000 – $7000 Per Minute
These studios, often found on online marketplaces, consist of a small team of professionals. While they can produce solid custom videos, their size may result in longer waiting times for project initiation. Some studios may outsource certain services, necessitating additional costs for clients.
Professional-Level Animation Company – Animation Cost: $8000 – $25000 Per Minute
Professional companies boast skilled teams covering scriptwriting, illustration, animation, and sound design. They often appoint an account manager to keep clients informed and engaged. The workflow is organized and customizable, ensuring clients have a significant say in decisions, resulting in a fully customized, high-quality animated video.
Broadcast-Level Animation Company – Animation Cost: $25000 – $100000+ Per Minute
Top-tier studios specialize in premium 2D, 3D, and motion graphics production akin to big-screen animated movies. While their work is commendable, the high costs associated with these studios make them suitable primarily for large-scale projects from major brands.
Understanding these cost tiers allows businesses to choose an animation approach that aligns with their budget and quality expectations.
Bottomline
In this detailed guide, we’ve not only explained how to make animation video for YouTube in the process of launching a YouTube animation channel but also emphasized strategies for its growth.
By incorporating the tips mentioned above, you’ll gain a competitive advantage in your growth strategy, paving the way for substantial returns.
Our sincere hope is that these insights provide genuine value and set you on the trajectory toward success.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Animate 1 Minute?
The animation process for one minute of illustrations typically spans one to two weeks, contingent on the animator’s experience, skills, and the project’s complexity. It’s important to note that this duration only covers the animation phase. When factoring in scriptwriting, storyboarding, styling frames, creating illustrations, recording voiceovers, and sound design, the entire video production process by a professional studio can take approximately seven to nine weeks.
How Difficult Is Animation?
For basic animated videos, the difficulty level is moderate, as the fundamentals of animation are not overly challenging. However, creating advanced-level animations is indeed a complex task. It demands meticulous attention to detail, a profound understanding of human and object movement, and proficiency in sophisticated animation software.
Do Animators Have a Future?
In the contemporary landscape, animation stands as a flourishing industry, extending its influence across various domains such as film, television, gaming, advertising, and more. With ongoing technological advancements, the animation industry continues to evolve, painting a promising future for animators.
Is Animation a High-Paying Field?
When it comes to earnings, the average hourly pay for animators in the United States, as of December 7, 2023, is $39.41. This reflects the compensation animators receive for their work, highlighting the financial aspect of pursuing a career in animation.
