How To Produce An Animated Educational Video

Educators and businesses can greatly benefit from educating their students or new/current employees with educational animated videos. Here are the main ways animated videos help improve education:

• People have short attention spans, animation holds people’s attention longer than live action or film.
• The new digital native generation expects this level of quality when it comes to educational materials. They love the medium and are more likely to be engaged with the material compared to reading out of a book or watching someone speak or teach a class.
• Video format makes the information sharable and easy for people to rewatch or relearn the material whenever it is convenient for them. 
• Animation makes it easier for people to understand new concepts.
• Because the content is so engaging, people are more likely to remember the content longer.

If you have a question about animated educational videos that isn’t answered in this article, you can use our contact form to ask your question or click the image below to with a member of our production team:

Examples Of Animated Educational Videos You Can Get From Video Igniter:

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you. Check out our animation portfolio here. Request access to our demo reels and price sheet here. Contact us or to start making your video.

Are you looking for an example of a different style of animation? Send us a message to let us know what kind of animation example you want to see and we will follow up with relevant production samples.

 

How To Make Educational Animated Videos

1). Brainstorm Educational Ideas That Need To Be Communicated

If you are interested in creating educational videos (also referred to as an “explainer video“), the first step is to brainstorm all the educational topics that need to be included in the video. Write down a list of all the details that need to be part of the video for people to fully understand the topic.

2). Organize The Content Into Chunks

The next step is to organize all the topics and details into chunks of information that logically make sense together.

3). Outline The Content

Now that your topics are clustered together, organize them into an outline so that you can logically map out how one topic leads into the next.

4). Draft The Script

After you organize your outline, it’s time to flesh out the content into a full script. Bear in mind that every 150 words in the script equals one minute of animation.

5). Brainstorm The Visual For Each Scene

Next, brainstorm a visual for each scene or sentence of your script. Think of what would be helpful to show the viewer when the narrator is explaining each part of the script. After you add these notes to your script, go through your script to revise it and see what content you can cut out. Sometimes it makes sense to say something and show it at the same time.  In other cases, it can be redundant; make sure that everything compliments each other. It’s a good idea to run your script and visual notes by a few other people to ensure everything makes logical sense before proceeding to the next step.

6). Create The Storyboard

The next step is to convert your script and visual notes into a storyboard. A storyboard is like a blueprint that explains to the illustrators and animators what they are supposed to create.  Download our storyboard creation guide and template here.

Below is an example of what each slide of your storyboard should look like. Put one sentence on each slide. Include a rough mockup of the scene. Add bulletpoint notes to describe the motion that should happen in the scene. Don’t forget a list of all the assets that need to be created for each slide.

7). Pick A Producer For Your Animated Educational Video

The easiest way to make an animated video for school or employee training is to hire Video Igniter to turn your idea into a custom animated video. Your second option is to hire a freelancer or animation studio. Check out this companion article that compares what it’s like to use Video Igniter to make your animated educational video instead of hiring a freelancer or animation studio.

Alternately, you could spend the time to learn to create them using an animated educational video maker like Vyond, PowToon or Wideo. These services are the best option if you’re looking for an animated explainer video maker for teachers because they dramatically lower your production cost. The trade off is you have to spend the time creating the animation yourself using a library of pre-created characters, scenes and objects.

8). VoiceOver

Educational animated videos typically have a narrator explaining the information shown in the video. You can get voiceovers recorded from sites like VoiceBunny, Voices123, or Fiverr. You could even record your own pro quality VoiceOver for free – even if you have no professional recording equipment.

9). Pick Out Music

Background music enhances the experience of watching your educational animated video. It isn’t a requirement but it helps keep viewers engaged and studies suggest music helps with memory retention of the information presented in the video. Sites like AudioJungle, PremiumBeat and Pond5 have large libraries of stock audio that are affordable to license. Check out Incompetech for music you can use for free.

10). Art Creation Process

If you’re getting a custom animated video produced, your animation team will send you a few pieces of concept art created from a scene in your video. You get to provide them feedback to refine your favorite style until you love it. Then, they will produce all of the custom illustrations and give you an opportunity to request revisions before moving into production. 

11). Animation

When everything gets your sign off (voiceover + music + illustrations), the animators will get to work! It takes about one week for one animator to animate one minute of video. Once the first draft is ready to review, test it on members of your target audience (i.e. students, trainees, new/current employees, etc) to see if they understand and retain the information presented in the video.

12). Bonus: Get Your Content Online So It’s Sharable 

One of the strengths of educational animated videos is that they make it very easy to share the information so it can be consumed anytime the viewer is ready. Use a hosting service like YouTube, Vimeo, or Wistia to upload your video for free and get a link to share the content with the people you are educating. These services can also provide you an “embed code” which enables you to paste the video into your website.

Check out this article to learn more about the animated video production process.

Animated Educational Videos for Government Organizations

Do you work at a government agency and want to create animated educational videos to help you explain or promote a new government program? Read about the animation work we can do for government organizations.

Animated Educational Video FAQ:

What does it cost to make an educational animated video?

When you provide the script/storyboard for your educational animated video, the cost per minute can be very reasonable – starting at $500-$1500/minute. Fancier 2D animations and 3D animations will cost north of $3,500/minute to create. Read more about animation production costs.

How long does it take to make? 

A 60 second animated video typically takes 4-5 weeks to produce. Different animation styles can increase or decrease the amount of time it takes to create an animated educational video. Contact us on our Get A Quote page to get a timeline estimate for your educational animated video project or series.

Incorporating Storytelling Techniques in Educational Animation

Storytelling is a powerful tool in education, helping learners connect emotionally with content, retain information, and stay engaged throughout a lesson. Animated educational videos that incorporate storytelling techniques can transform dry, complex topics into compelling narratives that captivate audiences and enhance understanding.

Several key storytelling elements can elevate an animated educational video. Well-developed animated characters act as guides, making abstract or challenging concepts more relatable. A strong narrative structure—consisting of a clear beginning, middle, and end—helps learners follow along seamlessly. Conflict and resolution add intrigue, as challenges motivate viewers to stay engaged and discover solutions. Most importantly, an emotional connection fosters deeper learning by making content more memorable.

There are various techniques to enhance storytelling in educational animations. Metaphors and analogies simplify complex ideas, making them easier to understand. Visual storytelling techniques, such as exaggerated expressions or color shifts, can convey emotions and emphasize key learning points. Balancing education with entertainment ensures that videos remain informative without feeling like lectures.

Case studies highlight the impact of storytelling in educational animation. Successful examples include animated explainer videos for science concepts that use engaging characters and problem-solving scenarios. Another example is historical storytelling, where key figures narrate their own experiences, making history feel immersive.

To integrate storytelling effectively, content creators should focus on making narratives engaging yet educational. Keeping stories concise, relatable, and emotionally driven will ensure that animated educational videos resonate with learners and improve retention.

The Role of Color Psychology in Animated Educational Content

Color plays a significant role in how learners perceive and absorb information. In animated educational videos, strategic use of color can influence emotions, improve focus, and enhance comprehension. By understanding color psychology, educators and content creators can design more effective visual learning experiences.

Different colors evoke specific psychological responses. Blue, for example, promotes trust, calmness, and concentration, making it ideal for serious or technical educational content. Red commands attention and can be used to highlight critical points or urgent information. Yellow encourages creativity and positivity, often used in content aimed at younger audiences. Green represents balance and harmony, making it a great choice for instructional videos that require ease of comprehension.

Choosing the right colors for educational videos involves more than aesthetics. Highlights and contrast should be used to guide the viewer’s attention and improve readability. Ensuring that key information stands out helps learners absorb critical details more effectively.

Case studies demonstrate the power of color in animated educational videos. For instance, explainer videos focused on scientific concepts often use blue and green tones to create a calming, informative atmosphere, while motivational learning content may use energetic colors like yellow and orange to evoke enthusiasm.

Selecting a color palette that aligns with the subject matter and audience ensures that animated educational videos are both engaging and easy to understand. Thoughtful use of color enhances learning outcomes by reinforcing key messages and maintaining viewer attention.

Accessibility Considerations for Animated Educational Videos

Designing animated educational videos through the lens of accessibility is essential for creating inclusive learning experiences. Accessible content allows individuals with disabilities to engage with educational materials just as effectively as other learners.

Several key accessibility features improve the inclusivity of animated videos. Subtitles and closed captions help those who are deaf or hard of hearing follow along with the content. High-contrast color schemes improve visibility for individuals with visual impairments. Audio descriptions provide additional context for visually impaired learners, explaining important on-screen actions that are not conveyed through narration. Additionally, using a simplified animation style can make content easier to process for viewers with cognitive disabilities.

Adhering to accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensures compliance and enhances usability. Legal requirements vary by region, but meeting these guidelines benefits both content creators and audiences by expanding reach and engagement.

Tools and techniques for improving accessibility include using video editing software that supports closed captions, testing videos with diverse focus groups, and incorporating user feedback to refine accessibility features.

By prioritizing accessibility, educators and content creators ensure that animated educational videos are effective for all learners, regardless of their abilities. Implementing best practices not only makes content more inclusive but also enhances the overall learning experience for a wider audience.

Comparing 2D vs. 3D Animation for Educational Purposes

When creating animated educational videos, choosing between 2D and 3D animation is a critical decision that impacts cost, engagement, and effectiveness. Both styles offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on the subject matter, audience, and production budget.

2D animation is often more cost-effective and faster to produce than 3D animation. Its simplified visuals help learners focus on key concepts without unnecessary distractions. This makes it particularly useful for explainer videos, history lessons, and language tutorials. The flat, stylized nature of 2D animation also allows for creative storytelling while maintaining clarity.

3D animation, on the other hand, provides realism and depth, making it ideal for complex subjects that require detailed visualization. Scientific and medical animations benefit from 3D models, which help learners grasp intricate structures, such as anatomy or molecular interactions. The added depth and movement of 3D animation create an immersive learning experience that can enhance engagement and retention.

Deciding whether to use 2D or 3D animation depends on several factors. If budget constraints and fast production times are priorities, 2D animation is the better choice. However, if the subject matter requires a high level of detail or spatial understanding, 3D animation is more effective. Some projects even combine both styles to achieve a balance between simplicity and realism.

By understanding the strengths of each animation style, educators and content creators can select the best format for their animated educational videos, ensuring optimal learning outcomes for their audience.

Integrating Interactive Elements into Animated Educational Videos

Interactive elements enhance the effectiveness of an animated educational video by promoting active learning. Viewers are more likely to retain information when they engage with the content rather than passively watch it. By incorporating interactivity, educators can create more immersive and personalized learning experiences.

There are several types of interactivity that can be integrated into animated educational videos. Clickable elements, such as buttons or hotspots, allow viewers to explore topics at their own pace. Choose-your-own-adventure style learning enables users to make decisions that affect the storyline, encouraging deeper engagement. Embedded quizzes and assessments provide immediate feedback, reinforcing key concepts and measuring comprehension in real time.

Several software platforms support the creation of interactive animated videos. Tools like Adobe Animate, Vyond, and Articulate Storyline offer built-in features for adding interactivity to animations. By leveraging these technologies, educators can develop content that actively involves learners, making lessons more engaging and effective.

Case studies show that interactive animated educational videos significantly improve retention rates and learner engagement. For example, language-learning apps often use interactive videos where users click on objects and hear their corresponding translations. These engaging formats make learning more dynamic and effective.

To maximize the impact of interactive elements, it is essential to balance interactivity with animation. Overloading a video with too many interactive features can be distracting. Instead, strategic placement of interactive components ensures that they enhance rather than hinder the learning experience.

Utilizing Data Visualization in Educational Animation

Data visualization is a powerful tool that enhances the clarity and effectiveness of an animated educational video. Complex information is easier to understand when presented visually, making data-driven topics more accessible to learners.

Effective data visualization follows three key principles: simplicity, consistency, and emphasis on key takeaways. Simple visuals prevent cognitive overload, allowing learners to focus on essential information. Consistency in colors, fonts, and animation styles helps create a seamless learning experience. Highlighting key data points ensures that viewers grasp the most critical insights quickly.

There are several ways to represent data in an animated educational video. Graphs, charts, and infographics make numerical data more digestible. Motion graphics can illustrate trends and changes over time, providing a more engaging alternative to static data presentation.

Best practices for animating data include using smooth transitions to guide viewers through the information and avoiding excessive complexity. Overloading a video with too much data at once can be overwhelming. Instead, presenting one key insight at a time helps learners absorb the information more effectively.

By incorporating well-designed data visualizations, educators can enhance comprehension and retention in animated educational videos, making abstract concepts more concrete and understandable.

Best Practices for Scriptwriting in Educational Animations

The script is the foundation of any animated educational video. A well-structured script ensures that the content is clear, engaging, and effective in delivering educational objectives.

Free Download: Download Video Igniter’s Free Script Writing Template

An effective script follows a logical structure. The introduction sets the stage by capturing the audience’s attention and introducing the topic. The main content section presents information in a structured manner, using problem-solving approaches or step-by-step explanations. The conclusion reinforces key takeaways and may include a call to action, encouraging further learning.

Writing for visual storytelling requires careful consideration of language. Keeping sentences short and clear helps maintain engagement. Since animation is a visual medium, scripts should complement the visuals rather than describe them verbatim. Using conversational language makes content more relatable, while integrating storytelling elements can make the lesson more memorable.

Reviewing and refining the script is essential for clarity and engagement. Reading the script aloud helps identify awkward phrasing or overly complex sentences. Gathering feedback from peers or test audiences ensures that the message is effectively conveyed.

By following these best practices, scriptwriters can craft compelling narratives that enhance the educational impact of animated videos.

The Impact of Animation Style on Learning Outcomes

The animation style of an educational video plays a crucial role in how effectively learners absorb information. Different styles impact comprehension, engagement, and retention in unique ways.

Several common animation styles are used in educational content. Whiteboard animation simplifies complex topics by drawing illustrations in real time, making it ideal for explainer videos. Motion graphics use dynamic visuals and text to present data-driven content effectively. Character-driven animation introduces relatable personas that guide learners through a lesson, fostering engagement and emotional connection.

Matching the animation style to learning objectives ensures that the content is both engaging and educational. Simple visuals work best for abstract concepts, while more detailed animations are necessary for technical subjects like science or engineering.

Case studies highlight how different animation styles impact learning outcomes. Research shows that character-driven animations are particularly effective for storytelling-based lessons, while motion graphics excel at presenting numerical data.

Selecting the right animation style enhances the effectiveness of an animated educational video, ensuring that it aligns with both the subject matter and audience preferences.

Strategies for Effective Voiceover Narration in Educational Videos

Voiceover narration plays a critical role in the success of an animated educational video. The tone, clarity, and pacing of the narration significantly impact viewer comprehension and engagement.

A great voiceover follows key principles. Clarity and pacing ensure that viewers can understand and absorb the information. The tone of voice should match the subject matter—enthusiastic for younger audiences, professional for corporate training, and calm for complex subjects.

Choosing the right voice is essential. While professional voice actors bring expertise, AI-generated voices offer cost-effective alternatives. Selecting a voice that aligns with the educational objective enhances the overall learning experience.

High-quality audio recording is crucial. Using a good microphone, reducing background noise, and applying audio editing techniques improve sound clarity. These technical considerations help maintain viewer attention and engagement.

Deep Dive: How to record a professional quality voiceover at home for free.

By following these best practices, educators can enhance the effectiveness of animated educational videos, ensuring that the message is delivered clearly and effectively.

Optimizing Educational Video Length for Maximum Engagement

Video length is a crucial factor in the success of an animated educational video. Studies show that shorter videos tend to have higher engagement rates, making it essential to optimize content duration.

The ideal length depends on the type of educational video. Explainer videos typically perform best at 1-3 minutes, tutorials range from 5-10 minutes, and in-depth lessons may extend to 15-20 minutes. Keeping videos concise ensures that viewers remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Strategies for keeping videos concise include cutting unnecessary content, focusing on key points, and using animation efficiently to convey information quickly. Breaking long topics into smaller segments can also improve retention.

Audience retention analytics provide valuable insights into the optimal video length. By analyzing drop-off rates, educators can adjust content duration to maximize engagement.

Following best practices in video length optimization ensures that animated educational videos remain engaging, informative, and effective.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Producing Animated Educational Videos

Producing an animated educational video requires an investment of time, effort, and budget, but the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. Understanding the financial implications of animation production helps educators and organizations make informed decisions.

Several factors influence production costs. The complexity of the animation style significantly impacts expenses—2D animation is generally more affordable than 3D animation, while motion graphics provide a cost-effective middle ground. Additional costs include scriptwriting, voiceover talent, background music, and revisions. Each of these elements contributes to the final budget, making it essential to allocate resources effectively.

Despite the initial costs, animated educational videos offer substantial returns on investment (ROI). These videos increase learner engagement, improve knowledge retention, and enhance brand credibility for educational platforms. Additionally, once produced, these videos can be repurposed across multiple courses or platforms, further maximizing their value.

For those on a limited budget, cost-saving strategies can help reduce expenses without compromising quality. Simplifying animation styles, using in-house voice talent, or leveraging animation software with pre-built assets can significantly lower costs. Investing in high-quality content upfront ensures long-term educational benefits, making animation a worthwhile investment for educators and training organizations.

Deep Dive: How To Make Affordable Animation

By understanding both the costs and benefits, educators and businesses can make well-informed financial decisions, ensuring that animated educational videos provide value without exceeding budget constraints.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Animated Videos in Education

Measuring the effectiveness of an animated educational video is essential to ensure that it meets learning objectives and engages viewers effectively. Without proper evaluation, it’s difficult to determine whether a video successfully enhances comprehension and retention.

Key metrics help assess the impact of educational videos. Retention rates indicate how much of the video learners watch before disengaging, while quiz performance provides insights into whether the video effectively conveys key concepts. Viewer feedback, collected through surveys or comments, offers qualitative data on the clarity and engagement of the content.

Gathering feedback from learners is crucial in refining future videos. Conducting A/B testing with different animation styles or video lengths can help determine which formats work best for different audiences. Analyzing engagement metrics through video analytics tools allows content creators to optimize educational animations for maximum effectiveness.

By using data-driven insights, educators and content creators can improve the design and delivery of animated educational videos, ensuring that they remain engaging, informative, and impactful.

Translating and Localizing Animated Educational Videos

To reach a global audience, it’s essential to translate and localize your videos. Localization goes beyond language translation—it involves adapting the content to fit cultural and regional preferences to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.

The localization process involves several steps. Translating the script into different languages is the first stage, but adjustments may also be needed to ensure that cultural nuances are accurately conveyed. Visual elements, such as icons or characters, may require modification to align with cultural expectations. For instance, gestures or symbols that are common in one country might have different meanings elsewhere.

Best practices for global accessibility include adding subtitles in multiple languages, offering voiceover narration in different accents or dialects, and ensuring that text on screen is adaptable for translation. These efforts help make educational content more inclusive and effective for diverse learners worldwide.

By prioritizing translation and localization, educators can expand the reach of their animated educational videos, making high-quality learning materials available to audiences across different cultures and languages.

Tips for Maintaining Viewer Attention Throughout an Educational Video

Keeping viewers engaged throughout an animated educational video is crucial to maximizing its learning potential. With short attention spans and distractions, it’s important to use strategies that sustain interest and encourage information retention.

Several techniques can help maintain viewer attention. Dynamic visuals, such as smooth animations and transitions, keep learners visually engaged. The pacing of the video should be optimized—too slow, and viewers may lose interest; too fast, and they may struggle to absorb the information. Storytelling elements, such as character-driven narratives or real-world examples, help create an emotional connection that encourages sustained attention.

Balancing information delivery with engagement is key. Breaking up complex concepts into smaller, digestible segments prevents cognitive overload. Incorporating interactive elements, quizzes, or call-to-action prompts can also encourage active participation and reinforce learning.

By implementing these strategies, content creators can ensure that animated educational videos hold the audience’s attention from start to finish, leading to more effective learning outcomes.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Educational Animation Production

Creating an effective animated educational video requires careful planning, and avoiding common pitfalls is essential to maintaining clarity, engagement, and instructional value. Many animation projects fail to achieve their learning objectives due to missteps in pacing, visuals, and complexity.

One of the most frequent mistakes is poor pacing. If a video moves too quickly, viewers may struggle to absorb the information; if it’s too slow, they may lose interest. The key is to maintain a steady rhythm that aligns with the complexity of the subject matter and the target audience’s comprehension level. Strategic pauses and well-timed transitions help reinforce learning without overwhelming the viewer.

Another common issue is unclear visuals. Animation should enhance understanding, not create confusion. Overly detailed or cluttered designs can distract from the core message, while overly simplistic visuals may fail to illustrate complex concepts effectively. Ensuring that animations align with the narration and reinforce key points is essential for clarity.

Excessive complexity is another pitfall. While it’s tempting to include every detail in an educational animation, overloading the video with information can lead to cognitive overload. Simplifying explanations, using concise scripting, and breaking down complex topics into digestible segments improve comprehension and retention.

Avoiding these common pitfalls ensures that animated educational videos remain engaging, informative, and easy to follow. By focusing on pacing, clarity, and simplicity, educators and content creators can produce high-quality videos that effectively communicate their intended lessons.

Integrating Assessment Tools within Animated Educational Content

Assessments are a critical component of any learning experience, and integrating them within an animated educational video can enhance retention and comprehension. By incorporating quizzes, interactive checkpoints, and other assessment tools, educators can gauge learner understanding and reinforce key concepts.

There are several types of assessments that can be embedded in animated videos. Quizzes at the end of a lesson help measure retention and ensure that viewers grasp key points. Interactive checkpoints, where viewers answer questions mid-video, encourage active engagement and allow learners to apply knowledge immediately. Gamified assessments, such as rewards for correct answers, further motivate participation and reinforce learning.

The effectiveness of these assessments depends on thoughtful integration. Rather than disrupting the flow of the animation, assessments should complement the educational narrative. Placing questions at natural breaks in the content ensures they feel seamless rather than intrusive. Providing immediate feedback and explanations for correct or incorrect answers helps reinforce learning outcomes.

By embedding assessment tools into animated educational videos, educators can create a more interactive and effective learning experience. These tools not only measure comprehension but also enhance engagement, making animated content a powerful medium for education.

Animated Educational Video Production Resources

These popular articles and resources are recommended for people interested in creating animated educational videos:

What is an animated educational video maker and how do I use one to create videos?

How do I create an animation storyboard for my project?

What is an animated explainer video?

What kinds of animated video production services does Video Igniter provide?

Benefits Of Working With Video Igniter

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Our online production service delivers a streamlined production experience which lowers your production cost + more of your budget is put towards creativity, storytelling and production quality instead of overhead and project management costs.

Learn why companies hire Video Igniter to create animated educational videos.

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Contact Us To Make Your Animated Educational Video

Do you want to create an animated educational video series or a stand alone animated video to help educate people? Below are several ways to get in touch with us to discuss your project:

– Schedule a call with our production team.

– Get a quote for your educational animated video.

– Request access to our price sheet.

– Check out our animated video portfolio to see our latest and greatest creations.

– Create an account and fill out a creative brief to get production started on your animated video.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

If you want to hire a 2D animation studio, check out Video Igniter to learn why we’re better than hiring a traditional brick and mortar animation studio.

 

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