How to make animated videos: everything you need to know

Animated video production has become a cornerstone for many businesses, offering an engaging and visually appealing way to communicate messages to various audiences. If you're diving into the realm of animation, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the process.

1. How to Make Animated Videos

Creating an animated video requires a combination of creativity, storytelling, and technical know-how. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Conceptualisation: Begin with an idea. Determine the message or story you want to convey.
2. Scriptwriting: Once you've nailed down the concept, craft a compelling script that keeps your audience engaged.
3. Storyboarding: Break down your script into scenes and sketch out how each scene will play out visually.
4. Design: Design characters, backgrounds, and any assets that'll be part of your animation.
5. Animation: This is where the magic happens. Using animation software, bring your designs to life.
6. Voice Over and Soundtrack: Complement your animation with fitting voiceovers and background music.
7. Review and Edit: Make necessary tweaks until you're satisfied with the final product.

2. How Animated Videos are Made

Animated videos come to life through a process of planning, design, and animation:

• Planning: This involves conceptualisation, scriptwriting, and storyboarding.
• Design: Here, animators design characters, props, and backgrounds.
• Animation: Using software, animators make the characters and props move. This can be done using various animation techniques like 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and more.
• Post-Production: This phase includes adding voiceovers, sound effects, and editing to ensure smooth transitions and a polished look.

3. Where Can I Make Animated Videos for Free?

There are numerous online platforms that allow users to create basic animated videos for free:

• Vyond: Popular for business and educational animations.
• Animaker: Offers a range of tools to make fun and engaging animations.
• Blender: While typically used for 3D modelling, it's also a powerful tool for animation.
• Pencil2D: An open-source software perfect for basic 2D animations.

4. What's the Best App for Making Animated Videos?

The "best" app often depends on your specific needs, but here are some top contenders:

• Toon Boom Harmony: Widely used in the industry, great for both beginners and pros.
• Adobe After Effects: Offers a vast range of tools for both animation and video editing.
• Autodesk Maya: Perfect for those looking to delve into 3D animation.
• Moho (Anime Studio): Particularly favoured for 2D animation projects.

5. Can You Make Animated Videos on Canva?

Absolutely! Canva has expanded its offerings and now includes a feature to create simple animations. You can animate text or elements in your design, making it a great tool for straightforward animated presentations or social media posts. However, for more complex or professional-grade animations, you might want to look elsewhere.

6. How to Make an Animated Video on Procreate

Procreate, popular among digital artists, has loads of animation capabilities. Here's how to make an animation on Procreate:

1. Create a New Canvas: Opt for a screen size you want your animation to be in.
2. Use Layers as Frames: Every new layer you create can serve as a separate frame in your animation.
3. Design and Draw: Craft your animation frame-by-frame.
4. Utilise the Animation Assist: Found under the 'Actions' tab, it aids in playing back and managing your animation.
5. Export as GIF or MP4: Once you're satisfied, export your animated creation!

7. How to Make Animated Video in Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is primarily a video editing software, but it also offers basic animation capabilities:

1. Set Up Your Project: Import assets and create a new sequence.
2. Keyframing: This allows you to animate properties like position, scale, and opacity over time.
3. Using the Essential Graphics Panel: Here, you can create and animate text or graphics.
4. Effects: Premiere Pro offers numerous effects that can be animated, like transitions, colour effects, and more.
5. Export: Once finished, export your animated video to your desired format.

Animated video production might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of practice, you can create captivating animations that will mesmerise your audience. Whether you're starting out or looking to upgrade your skills, there's a tool and technique waiting for you to explore.