In the fast-paced digital age, onboarding new users or employees to your platform, product, or service has become crucial. Gone are the days of long, boring textual guides; it’s all about interactive and engaging onboarding videos now. But how do you create these eye-catching, informative videos? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 12 animated video makers that will help you craft onboarding videos that captivate and educate.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Use Animated Onboarding Videos?
- How to Choose the Right Animated Video Maker
- 12 Animated Video Makers for Onboarding
- Animaker
- Powtoon
- Vyond
- Moovly
- Biteable
- Renderforest
- Wideo
- GoAnimate (Now Vyond)
- Crello
- Explee
- RawShorts
- Biteable
- Pros and Cons of Animated Video Makers
- Best Practices for Creating Onboarding Videos
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Why Use Animated Onboarding Videos?
Before we delve into the animated video makers, let’s explore why animated onboarding videos are essential for your business or project.
Benefits of Animated Onboarding Videos
- Engagement: Animated videos are visually appealing and hold the viewer’s attention better than text or static images.
- Clarity: Complex ideas or processes can be simplified and explained effectively through animations.
- Consistency: Ensure a consistent message and experience for all users or employees.
- Brand Identity: Use animation to reinforce your brand’s personality and style.
- Cost-Efficiency: Creating animated videos can be more cost-effective than hiring actors or arranging physical onboarding sessions.
How to Choose the Right Animated Video Maker
Not all animated video makers are created equal. To ensure that you select the best one for your needs, consider the following factors:
1. Ease of Use
You’ll want a tool that doesn’t require a steep learning curve. Look for an intuitive interface and user-friendly features.
2. Customization Options
The ability to personalize your videos with branding elements, colors, and messaging is crucial.
3. Library of Assets
A vast library of pre-designed characters, objects, and animations can save you time and effort.
4. Export Options
Ensure that the video maker allows you to export videos in various formats and resolutions.
5. Price
Budget considerations are important. Choose a tool that offers the features you need without breaking the bank.
Now, let’s dive into the 12 animated video makers that can help you create engaging onboarding videos:
1. Animaker
Animaker is a popular choice for creating animated videos, offering a variety of pre-made templates, characters, and scenes. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and a wide range of customization options.
Pros of Animaker
- User-friendly interface.
- Extensive library of assets.
- Affordable pricing options.
- Cloud-based, no software downloads required.
Cons of Animaker
- Limited free plan features.
- Watermarked videos in the free plan.
2. Powtoon
Powtoon is another excellent choice for creating animated onboarding videos. It offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for beginners to get started.
Pros of Powtoon
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface.
- A library of professional templates.
- Export videos in HD quality.
- Integration with various platforms.
Cons of Powtoon
- Free plan has Powtoon watermark.
- Limited animation customization in free plan.
3. Vyond
Vyond (formerly known as GoAnimate) is a powerful video animation software that allows for detailed character customization and a wide range of animations.
Pros of Vyond
- Advanced character customization.
- Extensive template library.
- Collaborative features for team projects.
- High-quality video export options.
Cons of Vyond
- Pricey for full-featured plans.
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
4. Moovly
Moovly is a versatile animated video maker with a vast library of multimedia assets. It suits both beginners and experienced video creators.
Pros of Moovly
- User-friendly interface.
- Extensive library of multimedia assets.
- Affordable pricing.
Cons of Moovly
- Limited free plan features.
- Moovly branding in the free plan.
5. Biteable
Biteable is a simple yet effective tool for creating quick and engaging animated videos. It’s perfect for those who need to create videos in a hurry.
Pros of Biteable
- Easy and quick video creation.
- A variety of templates.
- Free plan available.
- No watermark on paid plans.
Cons of Biteable
- Limited customization options.
- Less suitable for in-depth, complex videos.
6. Renderforest
Renderforest is an online video maker that offers a wide array of tools, including animation. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and versatile templates.
Pros of Renderforest
- User-friendly interface.
- A variety of templates.
- Affordable pricing.
Cons of Renderforest
- Watermarked videos in the free plan.
- Limited free plan features.
7. Wideo
Wideo is a straightforward animated video maker that caters to beginners and professionals alike. It’s known for its simplicity and ease of use.
Pros of Wideo
- User-friendly interface.
- Affordable pricing.
- No watermarks on paid plans.
Cons of Wideo
- Limited free plan features.
- Fewer customization options compared to other tools.
8. GoAnimate (Now Vyond)
GoAnimate, now known as Vyond, offers advanced animation capabilities and is suitable for professionals looking to create high-quality animated videos.
Pros of GoAnimate (Vyond)
- Advanced character customization.
- High-quality video export.
- Collaboration features.
- Vast template library.
Cons of GoAnimate (Vyond)
- Premium pricing.
- May be complex for beginners.
9. Crello
Crello is a graphic design tool, but it also offers animated video creation features. It’s a versatile option for those who want to combine graphics and animation.
Pros of Crello
- Graphic design and animation in one tool.
- Affordable pricing.
- No watermarks on paid plans.
Cons of Crello
- Limited animation features compared to dedicated video makers.
- Fewer templates.
10. Explee
Explee is an engaging whiteboard animation tool that specializes in creating educational and informative videos.
Pros of Explee
- Unique whiteboard animation style.
- User-friendly interface.
- Specializes in educational content.
- Affordable pricing.
Cons of Explee
- Limited free plan features.
- May not be suitable for all types of animations.
11. RawShorts
RawShorts is a simple online video maker that offers both a library of animations and the
option to add your own visuals.
Pros of RawShorts
- Simple interface.
- Affordable pricing.
- No watermark on paid plans.
- Customizable animations.
Cons of RawShorts
- Limited free plan features.
- Fewer pre-made templates.
12. Biteable
Biteable is a simple yet effective tool for creating quick and engaging animated videos. It’s perfect for those who need to create videos in a hurry.
Pros of Biteable
- Easy and quick video creation.
- A variety of templates.
- Free plan available.
- No watermark on paid plans.
Cons of Biteable
- Limited customization options.
- Less suitable for in-depth, complex videos.
Pros and Cons of Animated Video Makers
To summarize, let’s take a closer look at the overall advantages and disadvantages of using animated video makers for onboarding:
Pros
- Enhanced engagement and retention of information.
- Simplification of complex concepts and processes.
- Consistent onboarding experience for all users.
- Reinforcement of brand identity.
- Cost-effective compared to traditional onboarding methods.
Cons
- Learning curve for some animation tools.
- Watermarked videos in free plans.
- Limited customization options in some free plans.
- Cost of premium plans for some animation tools.
Best Practices for Creating Onboarding Videos
Now that you’re familiar with the top animated video makers, let’s explore some best practices for creating effective onboarding videos:
1. Keep It Short and Sweet
Avoid overwhelming your viewers with lengthy videos. Aim for a duration of 2-5 minutes to maintain engagement.
2. Tell a Story
Craft a narrative that guides users through the onboarding process. A story is more engaging than a dry explanation.
3. Highlight Key Information
Prioritize the most important information, and make sure it stands out visually and through clear narration.
4. Interactive Elements
Include interactive elements like quizzes or clickable buttons to keep users engaged and test their knowledge.
5. Test with Real Users
Before finalizing your onboarding video, gather feedback from a group of real users to ensure it effectively conveys the necessary information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the ideal length for an onboarding video?
The ideal length for an onboarding video is typically 2-5 minutes. This ensures that the video is engaging without overwhelming the viewer.
2. Do I need to hire a professional animator to create onboarding videos?
Not necessarily. With the right animated video maker, you can create high-quality onboarding videos without professional animation skills.
3. Are there free animated video makers available?
Yes, many animated video makers offer free plans, although they often come with limitations, such as watermarked videos or reduced customization options.
4. Can I add my branding to onboarding videos?
Most animated video makers allow you to customize your videos with your branding elements, including logos, colors, and fonts.
5. Can I create interactive onboarding videos with these tools?
Yes, many of these tools offer features for adding interactivity to your onboarding videos, such as quizzes or clickable elements.
Conclusion
Creating engaging onboarding videos is crucial for ensuring a smooth and memorable user or employee experience. With the 12 animated video makers listed in this guide, you have a range of options to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits.
Remember to consider factors like ease of use, customization options, and pricing when selecting the right tool for your needs. By following best practices and creating concise, engaging videos, you’ll set your onboarding process on the path to success.
Now, armed with this knowledge, it’s time to start creating captivating onboarding videos that will leave a lasting impression on your audience. Good luck on your journey to onboarding success!