Whiteboard Animation: What It Is & How to Make One

Whiteboard animation is a powerful tool for simplifying complex ideas through engaging visuals and storytelling. Whether you’re creating whiteboard animation videos for marketing, training, or education, this hand-drawn style holds attention and improves retention. Businesses love using whiteboard animation video services to explain products, onboard employees, or boost campaign performance with a corporate whiteboard animation that feels both informative and accessible. A whiteboard animation explainer video can turn dry concepts into memorable narratives, while the whiteboard animation cost remains lower than many other formats. From DIY tools to professional production, whiteboard for videos offers a versatile, cost-effective solution that fits perfectly into any content strategy. Whether you’re exploring your first whiteboard video or looking to elevate your brand with expert whiteboard animation video services, the impact of this classic style remains as strong as ever.

What Is Whiteboard Animation?

Simply put, whiteboard animation is a video style where content is drawn on the screen in real time, typically by a hand holding a marker or stylus. The visuals usually follow a narrative, with a voiceover explaining the concept as the illustrations come to life.

These videos mimic the look of someone drawing on a whiteboard during a presentation, hence the name. They’re often used in educational settings, business explainer videos, and startup pitch decks because they’re easy to follow and engaging.

The beauty of whiteboard animation videos lies in their simplicity. There’s something inherently satisfying about watching a story unfold one drawing at a time, and it turns out this approach is particularly effective for memory retention and user engagement.

Although whiteboard animation was at it’s peak several years ago, the trend hasn’t completely disappeared and it’s still considered an effect (and cheaper) alternative to some other forms of animation.

Why Whiteboard Animation Works So Well

You might be wondering: why choose whiteboard over flashier, more high-tech video styles?

• It’s memorable – Studies show people retain information better when it’s presented visually and verbally at the same time.
• It holds attention – The hand-drawn, unfolding style keeps viewers curious about what’s coming next.
• It’s cost-effective – Compared to full-blown 3D animation, the whiteboard animation cost can be relatively low while still delivering big results.
• It’s great for storytelling – Complex concepts can be broken down visually, making them easier to understand.
• It suits corporate settings – Whether it’s a new employee orientation or a product training module, a corporate whiteboard animation makes information stick.

Whiteboard Animation Production Process

Creating a professional-looking whiteboard video involves several key steps. Whether you’re hiring a studio or attempting a DIY approach, understanding the process is crucial.

1. Scriptwriting

The first step is always the script. A great whiteboard animation explainer video starts with a well-written narrative. The script should be clear, concise, and structured to guide both the visuals and the voiceover. Keep in mind that whiteboard animations are often used to simplify complex information, so clarity is key.

2. Storyboarding

Once the script is ready, it’s time to visualize the content. A storyboard outlines each scene in the video, mapping out how each part of the script will be represented visually. This phase is where you decide how each concept will be illustrated.

3. Voiceover

A good narration brings your story to life. Make sure your voiceover artist has clear enunciation, appropriate pacing, and a tone that matches your brand. The audio will guide the timing of the illustrations.

4. Illustration

Here’s where the fun begins. In traditional whiteboard animation video services, each image is drawn in sequence, either digitally or by hand. Modern software allows for a variety of drawing styles and some mimic real markers. Others use vector graphics for a sleeker look.

5. Animation

Using whiteboard animation software, the illustrations are animated so that they appear to be drawn in real time. The most common programs for this include VideoScribe, Doodly, and Adobe Animate. The animation is synced with the voiceover to create a cohesive experience.

6. Sound Design

Background music and sound effects can add polish and professionalism. Be careful not to overwhelm your viewer as subtle is usually better in whiteboard videos.

7. Final Edits

Finally, review the full animation and make any necessary tweaks. Check for pacing, clarity, and overall engagement. Make sure the visuals reinforce your message.

If you’d like to learn more about the production process, make sure to check out our animation production process page.

How to Make Whiteboard Animation Videos Yourself

If you’re planning to go the DIY route, the good news is: you don’t need a massive budget. Here’s a quick guide to creating your own whiteboard animation:

• Step 1: Choose Your Software – Free and paid tools like VideoScribe, Animaker, and Doodly offer templates and drag-and-drop functionality to make the process easier. But if you want to get professional, use gold-standard tools such as After Effects.
• Step 2: Write Your Script – Focus on what your audience needs to know. Keep it under 2 minutes for maximum engagement.
• Step 3: Record Your Voiceover – Use a decent microphone and record in a quiet room. You can also hire a professional on online platforms like Voice123.com.
• Step 4: Create Your Visuals – Use built-in assets or draw your own illustrations. Keep the visuals relevant to your script.
• Step 5: Animate and Sync – Import your voiceover and line up the visuals to match. Test it on a few viewers before finalizing.

Remember, just because you’re doing it yourself doesn’t mean it has to look amateur. With a bit of time and attention to detail, you can create a video that’s both informative and engaging.

Tips for Making a Great Whiteboard Explainer

1. Keep It Simple – Don’t overload your viewer with too much info or too many visuals.
2. Use Humor and Personality – A little charm goes a long way in making your message relatable.
3. Focus on One Core Message – What’s the one thing you want your audience to remember?
4. Use Consistent Style – Keep your drawings and fonts unified.
5. Test and Improve – Share early versions with a small audience and refine based on feedback.

Why Businesses Love Whiteboard Animation

From startups to large enterprises, companies of all sizes turn to whiteboard animation for one main reason: it works. Whether you’re explaining a new software product, onboarding new employees, or pitching a service, a whiteboard explainer adds clarity and impact.

Plus, it fits seamlessly into your broader content strategy. Use it on your website, share it on LinkedIn, or add it to your email marketing. Whiteboard animation is versatile.

At Hatch Studios, we’ve produced a wide range of animated content over the past two decades, and our whiteboard animation video services continue to be a popular choice for clients who want something straightforward yet engaging.

How Much Does Whiteboard Animation Cost?

The whiteboard animation cost can vary depending on length, complexity, and quality. DIY videos might cost next to nothing aside from your time, while professional productions can range from several thousand dollars. Keep in mind that a well-made video is an investment that pays off in audience engagement and conversions and a poorly designed video can often do more damage than good.

If you’re looking for premium quality and strategic storytelling, working with a whiteboard animation agency like Hatch Studios might be the way to go. Our team ensures that your message is not just heard, but understood.

Final Thoughts

Whiteboard animation isn’t just a passing trend – it’s a proven format that delivers results. It’s accessible, affordable, and surprisingly effective at making complex topics digestible and memorable.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur trying to explain your app, a teacher outlining a lesson, or a marketer looking to boost engagement, whiteboard for videos is a smart move.

And if you want to take it up a notch with professional polish and strategic storytelling, Hatch Studios has the experience and expertise to bring your vision to life. Check out all our different animation styles we can offer.

Ready to turn your message into a masterpiece? Let’s get drawing.

Need help creating a professional whiteboard animation video? Reach out to Hatch Studios and let’s get started.