The 8 Steps of an Explainer Video Production Process

People may think that creating animated explainer videos is an easy process. The misconception is mainly because many animated videos on social media are short and straightforward.

The reality is different. Video production is complex, from discussing with clients, deciding on concepts, and creating a storyboard to achieving business goals.

After years of running our explainer video agency, we hope you can appreciate this step-by-step we have put together.

Although your video company has a great animation team, creating quality content takes time. That’s because you need to ensure vital points before handing the final product to the client, which includes:

• Clear and easy-to-understand messages
• High-quality motion graphics
• Engaging narration
• Quality music and sound effects
• Likable characters

So many things can go wrong with each step, which is precisely why these video marketing services can be expensive.

However, given how they can attract new customers and impact your company, it is one of the best ways to improve your business.

The following discussions can tell you to know the explainer video production process. 

Keep reading!

How Do You Make An Explainer Video? The 8 Steps You Need To Follow

Below are the essential steps in the video production by Breadnbeyond. The process may be stretched or shrunk depending on various factors such as the urgency of the project.

1. Essential Preparation of Production Process: Analyzing Your Audience

Before you start writing a script, there are questions you need to ask yourself. What is the purpose of your video, and who is your audience?

There are a lot of businesses that deliver video content to their audiences. When they start a video production project, they often forget to understand their target customers.

Analyzing your audience is one of the most critical steps when it comes to explainer content. Given that this type of message has numerous elements (combination of visuals, audio, and text), it is easy to make a mistake and alienate viewers.

Professional video explainers should help you create contact with your audience. You can monitor social media, leverage analytic tools, and survey targeted groups to identify your target market.

Social media is beneficial in analyzing your target audience. You can also use interactive features to identify your audience preferences to enhance your marketing strategy

2. Starting Explainer Video Production: Initial Script

Script represents the core of your video. It will be the guide for character-making, storyboarding, and animating processes.

Even though visuals and sound effects are significant for conversion, you may need a proper script to achieve business goals.

Explainer videos have short time frames ranging from 15 seconds to two minutes. That’s why you should carefully count how many words you write. 

In our study on how many words an explainer video should have, we found that a 60-second video should have between 160 and 180 words per minute. 

In addition, a 60-second video should have anywhere between 160-180 words per minute.

Focus on conveying vital messages, such as your products or services benefits. This way, your message will be more understandable to audiences.

Remember that your script will also influence the scenes and the video graphics the audience will see. It will also be the guidance in developing the video storyboard later. 

3. Formulate a Company Branding

Branding is another thing that should be considered during the initial phases, as it can dictate in which direction you need to go. You should account for it while making the script.

You must also consider how your brand and products will fit into the explainer video. For example, the color palette will have the best impact. You can also use the same font used on your website. Also, adding the brand logo in the background will be an additional benefit.

Ensure to align explainers with the other forms of content. For example, if you want to include scientific results, it is better to incorporate formal language and simple visualizations.

Although explainer videos let you diversify your content and try out new things, stay moderate, as this can alienate your loyal fans.

4. Mockup Phase: Build People’s Character

The creative team will choose the visual style and build characters during the mockup phase. This stage marks the start of a video production. You can choose one explainer video style, such as:

• 3D
• Whiteboard
• Graphic animation
• Typography
• Silhouette animation
• Motion graphics and so on.

When it comes to the characters, you should create a persona your audience can identify with.  Here’s a sample of our mockup slides:

This phase is crucial for branding. Make sure to find something that suits your brand needs and image. For example, motion graphics are suitable for IT companies, while whiteboard style is suitable for “static” industries.

If your clients struggle to choose a suitable style, they can study competitors on social media. They can use the same style as competitors or choose a different one to stand out in the market.

Although most animation companies have a portfolio with potential ideas, many clients will have their vision. Communication will be necessary during this phase to help service providers satisfy their clients.

5. Creating a Storyboard

A storyboard will bring a message to life if a script conveys a vital message. As the name implies, a storyboard shows individual slides using the script to describe an action happening within them.

You can think of a storyboard as a visual blueprint or a master plan. It is a mix of motion, transitions, and shots. The creative team creates the storyline with visuals, adding animation, graphics, and illustrations. They often also add motion cues to objects.

Like with a mockup, it is much better if the client creates the video concept and storyline. It is a perfect time to exchange ideas. 

Here’s an example of a storyboard:

A storyboard also includes information on how the entire video will play out and appear visually.

6. Sound in Video: Voice Recording

Voice recording is a quick task. As soon as the client approves the script, the actor can start doing the job and finish voice recording in a reasonable time (usually within 24 hours). 

Explainer companies have numerous actors at their disposal and depending on companies’ preferences (regarding the desired voice type), it is easy to find just the right fit.

Commonly, explainer videos include voice-overs to narrate the content. Compelling scripts for the voice narrations help engage audiences optimally.

7. Animation: The Core Business

In this process, you will have the visual elements and are ready to put them in motion. It is also the most demanding task for the creative team and takes up most of the project time. The quality of the final video will be most affected by digital equipment and users’ skills.

Moreover, we have to deal with sound effects and background music. Music is a crucial element in setting up the mood. While characters in a video can express emotions, the music depicts these emotions to the audience. It is also an essential tool for leading the audience. 

Music is the best way to set up a mood. You can add dynamic music to evoke excitement or slow-paced to give a luxurious vibe. In addition to sound effects and pieces of music, consider adding more features like subtitles.

Check out our article on explainer video tools for more information.

8. Issues That May Occur During the Video Production Process

The two main issues that may occur during the project are:

• The client is not satisfied with the final product
• The process takes too long to finish

Whether or not the client will be satisfied with the product depends on the client and the video company. Most explainer services have a portfolio or a presentation to give clients ideas about the outcome.

The issue usually occurs due to a lack of communication and involvement. The production process is tricky, and optimal results require a client’s involvement during various stages. Good communication is also necessary.

On the other hand, the video production process can take longer than expected. Complex concepts, client demands, and inadequate resources can be the underlying reasons for this problem.

On average, the production process can take several days up to a week. The process also ensures that the final video is high-quality and meets the client’s demands. 

The Workflow of Explainer Videos In a Nutshell

To make it easier for you to understand the production process, take a look at this infographic below:

Every team member has their duties and responsibilities. With all those long steps and painstaking efforts in production, they must work harmoniously to produce stunning, high-performing explainer videos for clients.

Final Words: Process Your Video Project!

The entire process of making an explainer video requires the role of the company and the client. You need to discuss personal preferences to make the project successfully executed.

It is also a complex process requiring keen details. That is why you must be careful when choosing a service provider.

As valuable content, explainer videos can be a better option for marketing tools than other promotional videos. Also, they effectively attract visitors, diversify your content, and propel your website to a new level.

At Breadnbeyond, we offer an excellent service and various animated explainer video packages tailored to boost your sales in the next campaign. Click on the banner below!