Mastering Whiteboard Explainer Videos in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

content creation
faceless channels
subscriber growth
Share this article with your friends
Mastering Whiteboard Explainer Videos in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
Jacob Peterson
Jacob Peterson
May 15, 2023 4:46 AM
Reading time
7 min
Jacob Peterson
Jacob Peterson
May 15, 2023 4:46 AM
Reading time
2 min
YouTube Growth
YouTube Growth

Introduction

Today, we're diving into a unique, user-friendly tool for communicating complex ideas: whiteboard explainer videos.

These videos, characterized by hand-drawn animations on a whiteboard-like surface, are an excellent choice for those who are camera shy but want to tap into the power of video content. With whiteboard explainer videos, you can still engage your audience, grow your YouTube subscriber base, and rack up views.

Not only are these videos engaging, but they can also be quite lucrative. In 2022, the average monthly income from a successful whiteboard video channel was around $5000. So, if you're looking for a creative, profitable way to share your knowledge or ideas, stick around. We're about to guide you through the ins and outs of creating your own whiteboard explainer videos.

Understanding Whiteboard Explainer Videos

Explanation of What Whiteboard Explainer Videos Are

Whiteboard explainer videos are a type of animation video that, as the name suggests, explain a concept, product, or service. They use the metaphor of a person drawing on a whiteboard to deliver the message. The 'whiteboard' could be a physical one or a digital representation, and the 'person' may be an actual hand drawing the images or an animated one. The drawings come to life, supported by a narrative voice-over, to unravel the topic at hand.

How Whiteboard Explainer Videos Can Simplify Complex Concepts

This unique medium shines in its ability to simplify complex ideas. By using simple, hand-drawn graphics and visuals, whiteboard videos can present intricate concepts in a manner that's easily digestible. It’s the combination of listening to the explanation while watching the concept being drawn out that makes them so effective. This dual coding theory - the idea that we process visual and auditory information separately - boosts comprehension and memory recall.

Moreover, the progressive nature of the drawing engages the viewers' curiosity about what will be revealed next, thus maintaining their interest throughout the video. If you've got a complex idea to share, a whiteboard explainer video can be your go-to tool.

Benefits of Using Whiteboard Explainer Videos

Whiteboard explainer videos offer an array of benefits, making them a perfect choice for beginners venturing into the world of content creation. Let's delve into some of these advantages.

Increased Audience Engagement

Firstly, these videos are a masterstroke for increasing audience engagement. The simple yet captivating visuals combined with an intriguing narrative have the power to hook viewers, keeping them glued to your content. This could translate into more views and subscribers for your YouTube channel, enhancing your online presence. Importantly, you can achieve all of this without having to show your face, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer to stay behind the scenes.

Improved Retention of Information

Whiteboard explainer videos can significantly improve information retention. The visuals aid in illustrating complex ideas, making them more digestible and memorable. The step-by-step drawing process keeps viewers curious about what's coming next, helping to maintain their focus and interest throughout the video. This could lead to higher viewer retention rates, a critical metric YouTube considers when recommending your content to other users.

Enhanced SEO Rankings

These videos can also be instrumental in boosting your SEO rankings. YouTube, the second largest search engine after Google, values engaging and high-retention content. To optimize your whiteboard videos for YouTube's algorithm, check out this Ultimate Guide to Achieving 4,000 Hours YouTube Watch Time Fast. By creating whiteboard explainer videos that keep viewers watching, you signal to YouTube that your content is valuable, prompting the platform to rank your videos higher in search results. This could potentially drive more organic traffic to your channel, increasing your visibility and subscriber count.

Accessibility for Beginners

One of the great things about whiteboard explainer videos is that they're beginner-friendly. Even if you have little to no experience in content creation or video editing, there are numerous free and user-friendly tools available to help you create high-quality whiteboard videos. These tools usually come with a library of images and templates that you can use, making the process even easier for novices.

Monetization Opportunities

Let's not forget about the potential income. With a successful whiteboard explainer video channel, you could take advantage of YouTube's monetization features such as ad revenue, channel memberships, and Super Chat. According to recent data, some whiteboard video creators were making an average of $5000 per month in 2022. Your earnings will depend on various factors, including the number of views and the level of audience engagement, but the financial potential is undeniably attractive.

In conclusion, whiteboard explainer videos are a compelling, faceless, and potentially lucrative form of content creation. They're accessible to beginners, engaging for viewers, and favorable in the eyes of YouTube's algorithm. So, if you're looking to start a YouTube channel without showing your face, or if you're aiming to simplify complex ideas, whiteboard explainer videos could be your golden ticket. Furthermore, if you're interested in understanding how to rapidly accumulate watch time on your channel, consider reading the Ultimate Guide to Achieving 4,000 Hours YouTube Watch Time Fast. This guide could provide you with valuable insights and strategies to enhance your channel's performance and potentially increase your earnings.

Getting Started with Whiteboard Explainer Videos

Delving into the world of whiteboard explainer videos might seem daunting at first, especially if you're a beginner with little to no experience in video creation. However, with the right tools and a basic understanding of their features, you'll be well on your way to creating engaging, informative content. Let's take a look at two popular tools for creating whiteboard explainer videos: VideoScribe and Doodly. There are also many other video editing tools available, some of which are covered in this article: The Best Free Video Editing Software for YouTube Videos - Lightworks, VSDC, and More!

Introduction to Tools for Creating Whiteboard Explainer Videos (VideoScribe, Doodly)

Introduction to VideoScribe

VideoScribe is a user-friendly software that enables you to create high-quality whiteboard-style animation videos. It's a popular choice for beginners and professionals alike due to its ease of use and versatility.

With VideoScribe, you can choose from a vast library of images and music or import your own. You can manipulate elements like text, images, and music to fit your narrative, controlling the animation speed, sequence, and even the hand style that 'draws' your content.

Another great feature is the ability to export your videos in various formats and resolutions, catering to different platform requirements. This makes it easier for you to share your videos on YouTube or other social media platforms.

Introduction to Doodly

Doodly is another fantastic tool for creating whiteboard explainer videos. It offers an intuitive interface that's perfect for beginners, with a drag-and-drop design making the creation process simple and straightforward.

Like VideoScribe, Doodly offers a wide selection of images, fonts, and music tracks. Unique to Doodly, though, is its range of different 'hands' and 'pens' that you can choose from to animate your content, allowing for a more personalized touch.

Doodly also allows you to add voiceovers directly within the software, a handy feature if you're planning to narrate your videos. And, of course, Doodly also lets you export your final product in various formats and resolutions.

Introduction to Doodly

Overview of Basic Features of These Tools

Understanding the basic features of these tools will be crucial as you start your whiteboard video creation journey. Both VideoScribe and Doodly offer libraries of pre-made images and music, which can save you a lot of time and effort. They also both provide various export options, letting you tailor your video to different platforms.

A critical feature to get to grips with is the timeline. This is where you'll sequence your content, controlling when each element appears and disappears. You'll also control the speed of the 'drawing' animation here.

Another important feature is the ability to add and edit text. Most whiteboard videos will have some form of written content, whether it's the main points of your narration or additional information.

Finally, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the voiceover and audio features. Background music can add a lot of depth to your videos, and a well-timed voiceover can make your content much more engaging.

With a basic understanding of these tools and features, anyone can create compelling whiteboard explainer videos. It might take a little practice, but the potential rewards - both in terms of audience engagement and possible income - are well worth the effort.

Step-by-step Guide to Creating Your First Whiteboard Explainer Video

Embarking on your first whiteboard explainer video project might feel a bit overwhelming, but don't worry. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process, from the initial concept to the final touches.

Conceptualizing Your Video Content

Before you dive into creating your video, you need to decide what it's going to be about. This step is all about brainstorming and researching. What topic do you want to explain in your video? Who is your target audience, and what do they need to know? Do they have any pre-existing knowledge, or are you starting from scratch? Answering these questions will help you to shape your content.

Once you have a clear idea of your topic and audience, you can start to outline the main points you want to cover. Remember, the goal of a whiteboard explainer video is to simplify complex ideas, so try to break your topic down into manageable, understandable pieces.

Script Writing and Storyboarding

The next step is to write a script for your video. This will be the backbone of your content, outlining what will be said and when. When writing your script, keep your language simple and clear to ensure that your audience can easily follow along.

Once you have your script, you can create a storyboard. This is a visual representation of how your video will unfold, scene by scene. You can sketch out what images you'll use, where they'll be placed, and how they'll interact with the script. Remember, the visuals in your video should support and enhance your narrative, not confuse or distract from it.

Using Tools to Create the Video

Now, it's time to bring your video to life. Whether you're using VideoScribe, Doodly, or another tool, the process will generally involve a few key steps:

  • Importing Images and Text

Start by adding the images and text from your storyboard to the video. You can use the software's library of pre-made images, or import your own.

  • Synchronizing with the Script

Next, synchronize your images and text with your script. This usually involves setting the timing for each element to match the corresponding part of the script.

  • Adding a Voiceover

If you're planning to include a voiceover, you'll typically record this separately and then add it to your video. Try to match the pacing of your voiceover with the visuals for a seamless viewing experience.

  • Finalizing and Exporting

Once everything is in place, play your video back to ensure everything flows smoothly. Most software will allow you to tweak the timing and placement of your elements as needed. When you're happy with your video, you can export it in the format that best suits your chosen platform.

Tips for Making the Video More Engaging

Creating an engaging video involves more than just explaining a concept well. Here are a few additional tips to make your whiteboard explainer video more captivating:

  • Keep It Short and Sweet

Attention spans are short, so try to keep your video concise. Aim for 2-5 minutes for most topics. If you have more to cover, consider creating a series of videos.

  • Add Some Personality

Even if you're not showing your face, you can still add personality to your videos. This could be through the style of your drawings, the tone of your voiceover, or the type of humor you use.

  • Use Music Wisely

Background music can enhance your video, but it can also be distracting if it's too loud or doesn't match the tone of your content. Choose music that supports your message, and keep the

Conclusion

To wrap up, whiteboard explainer videos offer a fantastic, beginner-friendly avenue for sharing complex ideas. They increase audience engagement, improve information retention, and can boost your YouTube channel's SEO rankings. With tools like VideoScribe and Doodly, even those with no prior experience can create captivating and potentially lucrative content. Remember, the key is to keep your videos short, simple, and engaging. So why wait? Harness your creativity, pick up a virtual pen, and start creating your own whiteboard explainer videos today. You never know where this exciting journey might lead you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is whiteboard videos?

Whiteboard videos are a type of animated content that features hand-drawn illustrations on a whiteboard-like surface to explain complex concepts, ideas, products, or services. These videos are characterized by a combination of simple visuals, a voiceover narrative, and sometimes background music, making them engaging and easy to digest for viewers.

How can I make a whiteboard video for free?

To create a whiteboard video for free, you can use free online tools like Renderforest, Animaker, or MySimpleShow. These platforms typically offer basic features and a limited library of images and templates. Simply sign up, choose a template, customize your content, add a voiceover or text, and export your video.

Can I use Doodly for free?

Doodly does not offer a completely free version of their software. However, they often provide a limited-time free trial that allows you to test out their features and create whiteboard videos. Once the trial expires, you will need to subscribe to one of their paid plans to continue using the software.

Which one is better Doodly or Toonly?

Both Doodly and Toonly are excellent tools for creating animated videos, but they serve different purposes. Doodly specializes in whiteboard-style explainer videos, while Toonly focuses on creating cartoon-style animations. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and the type of content you want to produce. If you're looking for whiteboard-style videos, Doodly is the better option. However, if you prefer colorful, cartoon-like animations, Toonly might be more suited for you.

Jacob Peterson

Jacob Peterson

Jacob is a seasoned YouTube growth strategist with a decade of experience in digital marketing and content creation. As a content creator and strategist, he helps aspiring YouTubers reach their the most ambitious goals. Passionate about video marketing, Jacob shares his knowledge through speaking engagements and online publications.

Get started by joining the Growth Newsletter
We share the top strategies and tactics used by fast-growing creators and successful growth marketers.
Thanks for joining our newsletter.
Oops! Something went wrong.
get in touch image
Boost your YouTube Growth journey!

Subscribe to our newsletter for insider tips, expert advice, and powerful strategies to skyrocket your subscribers and views.

Thanks for joining our newsletter.
Oops! Something went wrong.

Continue reading for free

Unlock full article
Oops! Something went wrong.