For years, animated videos have been used to train employees, pitch products, and effectively explain complex concepts quickly. But with so many video production options available, and the emergence of AI-based video production tools, how do you know which route to take?
This guide will help you create a show-stopping animated video in 2025 and beyond, even if you have no prior animation experience.
1. Planning and Scriptwriting:
Concept: Before diving into visuals, solidify your video’s purpose. What key message(s) do you want to convey? Who is your target audience? Where will your video content live? Part of step 1 is thinking through your strategy, even if that means at a high level.
Scriptwriting: Once you’ve thought about your audience, key messages, and distribution strategy through, craft a clear and concise script that outlines the key points and narrative flow. Use Gemini or ChatGPT to create an initial script draft that you can fine-tune to suit your specific needs.
Storyboard: With some basic illustration skills – even stick figures may do the trick – sketch out each scene from your script, including camera angles, character actions, and anything else you’ll want to include in the video’s visuals. .
2. Choose Your Production Method:
Animation Software for beginners: The animation software landscape is vast! Here’s a breakdown of some popular options in 2025. For beginners, look at user-friendly platforms like Toonly or Vyond. These offer drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-made assets, and require minimal animation expertise.
Ideal for:
• Entrepreneurs and small businesses: Create explainer videos, social media promos, quick product demos, and more.
• Educators and non-profits: Develop engaging presentations or animated learning materials.
• Anyone with a creative idea
Pros:
• Easy to learn and use: Drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-made assets minimize the learning curve.
• Cost-effective: Many platforms offer free plans or tiered subscriptions with affordable pricing.
• Quick turnaround: Creating simple animations can be done relatively quickly, sometimes in an hour or less, depending on your experience and needs.
Cons:
•Limited creative control: Pre-made assets and templates can restrict artistic expression.
• Simpler animation styles: May not be suitable for complex character animation or highly detailed visuals.
• Limited customization: Branding options might be limited compared to more advanced software.
Animation software for intermediate / advanced video producers: If you have a specific artistic style or complex animations in mind, consider Adobe After Effects or even Blender. These offer a steeper learning curve but much more creative control.
Ideal for:
• Experienced animators: Those comfortable with animation principles and software workflows.
• Studios and freelancers: Teams with dedicated animators or individuals looking for a powerful all-in-one suite.
• Demanding projects: Animations requiring intricate character design, 3D elements, or special effects.
Pros:
• Highly customizable: Create unique animation styles and complex motion graphics.
• Extensive toolset: Offers a vast range of animation tools, 3D modeling capabilities, and visual effects plugins.
• Industry standard: Widely used in professional animation studios and productions.
Cons:
• Steeper learning curve: Requires more time and effort to master compared to beginner-friendly software.
• Subscription-based: Ongoing cost for access to the software.
• Higher hardware requirements: May necessitate a powerful computer to run smoothly.
Animation software for free: Budget tight? OpenToonz and Synfig Studio are free, open-source software with dedicated communities and tutorials.
Ideal for:
• Creative entrepreneurs and hobbyists: These programs offer a lot of creative freedom and a chance to learn the fundamentals of animation without breaking the bank.
• Non-profit organizations and educational institutions: The free price tag makes them accessible for creating explainer videos or educational content.
Pros:
• Free and open-source: No licensing fees to worry about.
• Highly customizable: Offer a wide range of features and tools for creating unique animations.
• Active communities: Benefit from online forums, tutorials, and support from other users.
Cons:
• Steep learning curve: Can be more complex to master compared to user-friendly beginner software.
• Time commitment: Creating high-quality animation takes time and practice.
• Limited pre-made assets: May require more artistic skills for character design and backgrounds.
For fast turnarounds and full creative control: Work with an animation production business like Sharp Eye Animation to ensure you get a video that you and your audience loves, without wasting time learning or making video content yourself.
Ideal for:
• Busy businesses with tight deadlines
• Companies seeking high-quality animation without the in-house resources
• Brands with a specific creative vision and / or strict branding requirements
Pros:
• Expert Experience: Leverage a team of skilled animation and designer experts to bring your concept to life. Talk through ideas with a video production expert.
• Streamlined Workflow: Focus on core business tasks while professionals handle the animation process.
• Customizable Solutions: Collaborate closely with a team to tailor videos to your exact branding requirements and target audience.
• Faster Turnarounds: Benefit from efficient workflows and established production pipelines.
Cons:
• Cost: Can be more expensive than DIY methods.
Speak With A Video Producer Today
Let Sharp Eye Animation create affordable, high-quality video content for your brand!
3. Bring Life into Your Vision:
Character Design: Even simple characters can be impactful. Decide on a style that aligns with your brand and target audience. Consider using pre-made assets or working with a creative team like ours to have complete control over every pixel in your video.
Animation Techniques: In 2025 and beyond, a mix of techniques is popular. Explore frame-by-frame animation for a classic look, or use motion tweening for smoother movements. Many programs offer pre-animated elements for efficiency.
4. Sound and Polish:
Sound Design & Music: High-quality audio is crucial. Invest in royalty-free sound effects and music libraries, or consider hiring a professional composer to create an original music.
Voiceover: A clear and engaging voiceover can elevate your video. You can narrate yourself, hire a professional voice actor, or use text-to-speech tools like ElevenLabs (use cautiously for a polished feel).
Editing & Export: Most animation software includes basic editing tools. Tighten pacing, add transitions, and ensure your video exports in the correct format and resolution for your chosen platform.
Bonus Tip: Future Trends to Watch:
• AI-based animation production tools like LumaLabs’ Dream Machine are emerging, making animation creation more accessible.
• Interactive elements and explainer videos with a focus on user experience are gaining traction.
• Short-form video content optimized for social media platforms is key.
By following these steps and keeping an eye on animation trends, you’ll be well on your way to creating a captivating animated video that gets your brand noticed in 2025 and beyond.
Need Help Bringing Your Animated Vision to Life?
At Sharp Eye Animation, we specialize in crafting top-notch explainer videos, character animation, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s discuss how animation can take your business to the next level!
Speak With A Video Producer Today
Let Sharp Eye Animation create affordable, high-quality video content for your brand!
