How to Create Animated Explainer Videos With AI in 2026

Animated explainer videos are used by businesses, educators, YouTube creators, affiliate marketers, coaches, and online course creators to communicate ideas visually.

They can explain how a product works.

Simplify a difficult topic.

Teach a process.

Introduce a service.

Demonstrate a concept.

Create an educational lesson.

Or turn a complicated message into a visual story that is easier to follow.

In the past, creating professional animated explainer videos often required animation skills, expensive software, or hiring freelancers and video production agencies.

Artificial intelligence is changing parts of this workflow.

Modern AI-assisted video tools can help creators generate visual concepts, develop scripts, create custom images, produce doodle-style elements, organize scenes, and speed up parts of the editing process.

However, creating a useful explainer video still requires planning.

AI can help with production.

It cannot replace a clear message.

In this guide, we'll explain how to create animated explainer videos with AI, including script development, scene planning, visual creation, voiceovers, animation, editing, and publishing.

What Is an Animated Explainer Video?

An animated explainer video is a short or medium-length video designed to explain an idea, product, service, process, or topic through visual storytelling.

Instead of relying only on spoken information, the video combines elements such as:

• Narration

• Animated characters

• Doodle illustrations

• Text

• Icons

• Diagrams

• Transitions

• Background music

• Sound effects

• Visual demonstrations

The objective is clarity.

A good explainer video helps viewers understand something more easily than they might through a long block of text.

Common types of explainer videos include:

• Product explainer videos

• Software demonstrations

• Educational videos

• Whiteboard animations

• Doodle videos

• Business presentations

• Customer onboarding videos

• Training videos

• Affiliate product videos

• YouTube educational videos

• Social media explainers

• Video sales presentations

The visual style can vary significantly.

Some videos use traditional animation.

Others use motion graphics.

Some use screen recordings.

Doodle and whiteboard animation videos use illustrated elements that appear, move, or are drawn onto the screen while a narrator explains the topic.

Why Are Explainer Videos Useful?

People often need to understand complicated information quickly.

A business may need to explain a new product.

A teacher may need to simplify a difficult concept.

A software company may need to demonstrate a workflow.

A YouTube creator may need to explain a scientific, historical, financial, or technical topic.

Visual storytelling can support these goals.

Explainer videos can be used to:

• Introduce products

• Explain services

• Educate customers

• Teach lessons

• Demonstrate processes

• Support sales presentations

• Create social media content

• Build YouTube channels

• Train employees

• Improve customer onboarding

• Turn written content into video

The format is flexible.

One explainer video could be a 30-second social media post.

Another could be a five-minute YouTube tutorial.

A business training video might be longer.

The ideal length depends on the topic, audience, platform, and objective.

Can AI Create Animated Explainer Videos?

AI can assist with several parts of the explainer video creation process.

Depending on the tools used, AI may help with:

• Topic research

• Script outlines

• Scene planning

• Storyboard ideas

• Character concepts

• Image generation

• Doodle element generation

• Voice workflows

• Subtitle creation

• Translation assistance

• Editing support

• Content repurposing

However, the term "AI video creation" can mean different things.

Some platforms generate complete short video clips from text prompts.

Others create avatar presentations.

Some specialize in image generation.

Others focus on doodle or whiteboard animation.

For example, an AI-assisted doodle video platform may allow a user to describe a visual element with text, generate the doodle, add it to a scene, apply animation, include narration, and render the completed video.

The most suitable workflow depends on the type of video you want to create.

Step 1: Define the Goal of Your Explainer Video

Before opening any AI tool, define the purpose of the video.

Ask:

What should the viewer understand after watching?

This question is more important than the animation style.

Possible goals include:

• Explain a product feature

• Introduce a business service

• Teach a school concept

• Demonstrate a software workflow

• Compare two products

• Explain an industry topic

• Answer a customer question

• Introduce an affiliate product

• Teach a business process

• Explain research findings

One video should usually have one primary objective.

Trying to explain everything at once can make the video confusing.

For example, instead of:

"Everything You Need to Know About Digital Marketing"

You might create:

"How Email Marketing Works in 5 Minutes"

The second topic is easier to structure visually.

Step 2: Understand Your Target Audience

The same topic should be explained differently depending on the audience.

Imagine explaining artificial intelligence to:

• A primary school student

• A small business owner

• A software developer

• A marketing manager

The level of detail, terminology, examples, and visual style would be different.

Before writing your script, define:

• Who is watching?

• What do they already know?

• What are they confused about?

• Why are they watching?

• What action should they take afterward?

For business videos, the audience might be potential customers.

For educational content, the audience could be students.

For YouTube, the audience may be people searching for an answer to a specific question.

Understanding the viewer helps you create a better script.

Step 3: Research the Topic Carefully

AI can help organize research, but important facts should be verified.

Your research process may include:

• Official documentation

• Industry reports

• Academic sources

• Company information

• Reliable news sources

• Your own experience

• Product documentation

• Customer questions

• Survey results

• Internal business information

Organize the information before writing.

A simple research structure could include:

1. The problem

2. Why it matters

3. The explanation

4. Examples

5. The solution

6. The next step

Do not include every fact you discover.

An explainer video is not a database.

Choose the information that helps the viewer understand the topic.

Step 4: Write a Clear Explainer Video Script

The script is the foundation of the video.

Beautiful animation cannot fix a confusing script.

A simple explainer video structure can look like this:

Hook

Give the viewer a reason to continue watching.

Problem

Explain the challenge or question.

Explanation

Break the topic into simple steps.

Example

Show how the idea works in practice.

Solution or Conclusion

Summarize the key lesson.

Call to Action

Tell the viewer what to do next when appropriate.

For example, a simple business explainer script structure might be:

"Managing customer questions across email, social media, and chat can become difficult as a business grows.

Important messages can be missed, response times can increase, and customers may receive inconsistent information.

A centralized support workflow helps organize customer conversations in one place.

Here is how the process works..."

The script should sound natural when spoken.

Read it aloud before creating the video.

If a sentence feels difficult to say, simplify it.

Step 5: Break the Script Into Visual Scenes

After writing the script, divide it into scenes.

Each scene should communicate one main idea.

For example:

Scene 1:

Narration: "Small businesses often receive customer questions from multiple channels."

Visual: A business owner surrounded by email, chat, and social media icons.

Scene 2:

Narration: "Managing these conversations separately can lead to missed messages."

Visual: Several message notifications with one disappearing or being overlooked.

Scene 3:

Narration: "A centralized workflow can help organize conversations in one place."

Visual: Multiple communication channels moving into one organized dashboard.

This process is called visual planning or storyboarding.

You do not need advanced drawing skills.

A storyboard can simply contain:

• Scene number

• Narration

• Visual idea

• Text on screen

• Animation direction

• Estimated duration

AI can help brainstorm possible visuals for abstract ideas.

However, the final scene should support the narration rather than distract from it.

Step 6: Choose the Right Animation Style

Different topics work better with different visual styles.

Doodle Animation

Useful for:

• Education

• Business explainers

• YouTube tutorials

• Product explanations

• Storytelling

• Training content

Whiteboard Animation

Useful for:

• Step-by-step explanations

• Educational lessons

• Process explanations

• Business concepts

• Training

Motion Graphics

Useful for:

• Data

• Statistics

• Business presentations

• Technology topics

• Product features

Character Animation

Useful for:

• Stories

• Customer scenarios

• Educational content

• Workplace training

• Social media

Screen Recording

Useful for:

• Software tutorials

• Product demonstrations

• Technical training

• Website walkthroughs

You can also combine styles.

For example, a software explainer video could combine screen recordings with animated doodle elements.

Step 7: Create Visual Elements With AI

One of the most time-consuming parts of animation can be finding or creating the right visual elements.

AI-assisted tools can help generate visual concepts based on text prompts.

A good visual prompt should describe:

• The subject

• The action

• The style

• The emotion

• The background

• Important objects

For example:

"Friendly small business owner sitting at a desk, looking confused by multiple customer messages appearing around them, simple black-and-white doodle style, clean white background."

Or:

"Teacher explaining the solar system to students, simple educational cartoon doodle style, clear visual composition."

The more specific the prompt, the easier it may be to generate a useful visual.

Generated results may still require:

• Regeneration

• Repositioning

• Cropping

• Background removal

• Color adjustments

• Manual editing

• Style consistency checks

AI generation should be treated as part of the creative process rather than a guaranteed perfect result.

Step 8: Animate the Scenes

Animation does not need to be complicated.

Simple movements can help guide attention.

Common animation effects include:

• Draw

• Fade

• Slide

• Wipe

• Pop-in

• Push transitions

• Object movement

• Hand-drawing effects

The purpose of animation is communication.

If every element moves constantly, the video can become distracting.

Use animation to show:

• Sequence

• Cause and effect

• Change

• Direction

• Comparison

• Progress

• Relationships

For example, if you are explaining a three-step process, introduce each step visually as it is mentioned.

Do not show all three steps before the narration reaches them.

Visual timing matters.

Step 9: Add a Voiceover

A voiceover can guide the viewer through the explanation.

You may use:

• Your own recorded voice

• A professional voice actor

• An appropriate AI voice tool

Whichever option you choose, focus on clarity.

The narration should be:

• Easy to understand

• Appropriately paced

• Consistent in volume

• Matched to the audience

• Natural in tone

Avoid rushing through the script.

Give visual elements enough time to appear and be understood.

If you record your own voice, use the quietest environment available.

A simple recording can sound much better when background noise and echo are reduced.

Step 10: Add Background Music Carefully

Background music can support the mood of the video.

However, it should not compete with the narration.

Choose music appropriate for the topic.

For example:

• Light and positive for business explainers

• Calm and simple for education

• Energetic for promotional content

• Minimal for technical explanations

Keep the volume low enough that every spoken word remains clear.

Also make sure you have the necessary rights or licenses for music used in published videos.

Step 11: Add Text and Captions

Many viewers watch videos without sound, especially on social media.

Text and captions can improve accessibility and help viewers follow the message.

Useful on-screen text includes:

• Key statistics

• Important terms

• Step numbers

• Short definitions

• Product names

• Calls to action

• Important conclusions

Avoid placing entire paragraphs on the screen.

The video already has narration.

On-screen text should highlight important information rather than duplicate every spoken sentence.

Step 12: Choose the Correct Video Format

Different platforms use different aspect ratios.

Common formats include:

16:9 Horizontal

Commonly used for:

• YouTube videos

• Website videos

• Presentations

• Training content

9:16 Vertical

Commonly used for:

• YouTube Shorts

• Instagram Reels

• TikTok

• Facebook Reels

1:1 Square

Useful for some social media feed content.

Choose the format before creating the project whenever possible.

Reframing a completed horizontal video into vertical format can require significant adjustments.

Important visual elements may need to be repositioned.

Creating Doodle Explainer Videos With InstaDoodle

For creators specifically interested in doodle-style and whiteboard-inspired explainer videos, InstaDoodle is one AI-assisted platform designed for this type of workflow.

InstaDoodle combines AI-powered doodle generation with a drag-and-drop video editor.

Its DoodleAI™ Engine is designed to generate custom doodle elements from text prompts.

According to the available product information, its feature set includes:

• AI-powered DoodleAI™ Engine

• Text-prompt doodle generation

• Drag-and-drop video editing

• More than 1,000 doodle elements

• Multiple AI visual styles

• Caricature style

• Cartoon style

• Realistic style

• 14 project templates

• Multiple animation types

• Custom slide transitions

• Voiceover support

• Background music support

• AI image-to-sketch conversion

• Built-in image editor

• Background removal

• Custom background library

• Multiple drawing hand styles

• Multiple aspect ratios

• 1080p HD output

• Cloud-based video rendering

• Multi-device access

• Multiple language support

The platform is designed for people who want to create doodle-style explainer content without learning traditional professional animation software.

Potential users include:

• YouTube creators

• Educators

• Affiliate marketers

• Coaches

• Freelancers

• Small businesses

• Course creators

• Marketing teams

• Social media creators

• Training teams

The available offer information presents a standard lifetime option at $37 as a one-time payment.

A higher-tier $67 one-time option is presented with color element generation support.

The product information also states a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Pricing, features, AI credit limits, and promotional availability can change, so buyers should verify current offer details before purchasing.

Read our complete InstaDoodle Review for a detailed analysis of its features, pricing, pros and cons, use cases, plan differences, and stated money-back guarantee.

How to Create a YouTube Explainer Video

YouTube is one of the most common platforms for educational explainer content.

A simple workflow is:

1. Research a topic people want to understand.

2. Write a clear title concept.

3. Develop a strong opening hook.

4. Write the script.

5. Divide the script into scenes.

6. Create or generate visual elements.

7. Add animation.

8. Record or create narration.

9. Add background music.

10. Edit the timing.

11. Add captions.

12. Create a strong thumbnail.

13. Publish the video.

14. Analyze audience retention.

For YouTube, pay particular attention to the beginning of the video.

A long introduction can cause viewers to leave.

Start with the problem, question, surprising idea, or story that brought the viewer to the video.

How to Create Explainer Videos for Social Media

Social media videos usually require faster communication.

A simple structure could be:

First 1–3 Seconds

Show the problem or surprising idea.

Next 5–15 Seconds

Explain why it matters.

Main Section

Deliver the explanation in simple steps.

Final Section

Give the conclusion or next action.

For example:

"Why do some websites get thousands of visitors from Google while others get almost none?"

Then visually explain:

• Search demand

• Useful content

• Keywords

• Site structure

• Authority

• User experience

The video can use doodle characters, icons, arrows, diagrams, and simple text to make each concept visual.

How Educators Can Use Animated Explainer Videos

Animated videos can support many educational subjects.

Possible topics include:

• Mathematics

• Science

• History

• Geography

• Business

• Economics

• Language learning

• Technology

• Health education

• Workplace training

A teacher could create a short animation explaining:

• How fractions work

• The water cycle

• Photosynthesis

• Supply and demand

• The solar system

• Historical timelines

• Grammar concepts

• Basic financial literacy

The goal is not to replace teaching.

The video is a supporting learning resource.

Good educational videos should prioritize accuracy, clarity, appropriate language, and logical sequencing.

How Businesses Can Use Explainer Videos

Businesses can use animated explainer videos throughout the customer journey.

Marketing

Explain a product or service.

Sales

Answer common questions before a sales conversation.

Onboarding

Show new customers how to begin using a service.

Customer Support

Explain common processes or solutions.

Internal Training

Teach employees about systems and procedures.

Product Updates

Introduce new features.

Social Media

Create educational content related to the business.

Presentations

Explain complex ideas visually.

One useful approach is to identify questions customers ask repeatedly.

Each question may become an explainer video topic.

How Affiliate Marketers Can Use Explainer Videos

Affiliate marketers can use explainer videos to educate audiences about products and problems.

Potential formats include:

• Product reviews

• Feature explanations

• Product comparisons

• Tutorials

• Use case videos

• Beginner guides

• Problem-solving videos

• Alternative comparisons

For example, instead of publishing only:

"Product X Review"

You might create:

"How to Create a Whiteboard Animation Video Without Animation Experience"

The educational video can explain the process and naturally introduce relevant tools.

This is usually more useful than creating purely promotional content.

Affiliate marketers should clearly disclose affiliate relationships and avoid unsupported product or income claims.

Common Explainer Video Mistakes

AI tools can make production faster, but poor planning can still result in weak videos.

Common mistakes include:

• Writing a complicated script

• Including too many ideas in one video

• Using visuals unrelated to the narration

• Adding excessive animation

• Speaking too quickly

• Using background music that is too loud

• Showing too much text

• Creating long introductions

• Ignoring the target audience

• Using inaccurate AI-generated information

• Publishing without reviewing the final video

• Choosing the wrong aspect ratio

• Using copyrighted material without permission

• Making unsupported marketing claims

A simple video with a strong script is usually better than a visually complex video with an unclear message.

How Long Should an Explainer Video Be?

There is no universal ideal length.

The appropriate length depends on the topic and platform.

A social media explainer might be 20 to 60 seconds.

A simple product explanation might take one to three minutes.

A YouTube educational video could be five to fifteen minutes or longer if the topic requires it.

A training video may be longer.

Do not extend a video simply to reach a specific duration.

Use the time necessary to explain the topic clearly.

Do You Need Animation Experience?

Traditional animation can require significant technical skills.

However, template-based and AI-assisted tools have made basic animated video creation more accessible.

Beginners can start by learning:

• Scriptwriting

• Scene planning

• Visual communication

• Basic timing

• Voiceover recording

• Simple animation principles

• Video formatting

• Thumbnail design

These skills are useful even when AI tools handle parts of the production process.

The technology may change.

Clear communication remains valuable.

Can You Make Money Creating Explainer Videos?

Explainer video creation can be offered as a freelance service.

Potential customers may include:

• Small businesses

• Coaches

• Educators

• SaaS companies

• YouTube creators

• Course creators

• Marketing agencies

• Affiliate marketers

• Training departments

• Consultants

Possible service offers include:

• Product explainer videos

• Educational videos

• YouTube animations

• Social media explainers

• Customer onboarding videos

• Training videos

• Affiliate product videos

• Animated presentations

A freelancer should create a portfolio before approaching clients.

Sample videos can demonstrate:

• Scriptwriting

• Visual quality

• Animation style

• Voiceover quality

• Storytelling

• Topic understanding

Do not promise specific sales or conversion results that you cannot guarantee.

Sell the quality and usefulness of the service.

A Simple Explainer Video Production Checklist

Before publishing, review the following:

• Is the objective clear?

• Is the target audience defined?

• Are the facts accurate?

• Does the script sound natural?

• Does every scene support the narration?

• Are visuals consistent?

• Is the voiceover clear?

• Is the music volume appropriate?

• Is text readable?

• Are captions accurate?

• Is the aspect ratio correct?

• Are you licensed to use all assets?

• Is the call to action appropriate?

• Have you watched the complete final video?

A final review can catch small problems before publishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AI explainer video maker?

An AI explainer video maker is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to assist with parts of video creation. Depending on the platform, this may include script development, image generation, doodle creation, animation assistance, voice workflows, or editing support.

Can AI create whiteboard animation videos?

AI-assisted platforms can help create visual elements and simplify parts of whiteboard or doodle animation workflows. The exact capabilities vary between tools.

What is the difference between doodle animation and whiteboard animation?

Whiteboard animation commonly uses a drawing effect where visuals appear to be drawn onto a white background. Doodle animation is a broader style that can include illustrated characters, objects, backgrounds, movement, transitions, and different visual styles.

Do I need drawing skills to create doodle videos?

Not necessarily. Some platforms provide built-in visual libraries, templates, and AI-assisted element generation. Drawing and design knowledge can still be useful for creative direction and visual consistency.

Can I create YouTube videos with doodle animation?

Yes. Doodle animation can be used for educational videos, business explainers, tutorials, storytelling, product content, and other YouTube formats.

Can explainer videos be used for affiliate marketing?

Yes. Affiliate marketers can create product tutorials, comparisons, educational videos, reviews, and problem-solving content. Affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.

What is InstaDoodle?

InstaDoodle is a cloud-based AI-assisted doodle and explainer video creation platform. It combines the DoodleAI™ Engine with a drag-and-drop editor, built-in visual elements, templates, animations, voiceover support, multiple aspect ratios, and cloud-based rendering.

How much does InstaDoodle cost?

The reviewed offer information presents a $37 one-time lifetime option and a $67 one-time lifetime option with color generation support. Promotional pricing and plan details may change.

Does InstaDoodle support vertical videos?

According to the available product information, InstaDoodle supports multiple aspect ratios, including 16:9 horizontal, 9:16 vertical, and square formats.

Is InstaDoodle suitable for beginners?

The platform is designed around a simplified drag-and-drop workflow with templates, built-in doodle elements, and AI-assisted generation. Beginners still need to develop skills in scripting, pacing, visual storytelling, and content strategy.

Final Thoughts

Creating animated explainer videos no longer requires following only one traditional production path.

Creators can now use AI-assisted tools to support research, script development, visual generation, scene creation, animation, voice workflows, and editing.

However, the fundamentals remain the same.

Understand your audience.

Define one clear goal.

Research the topic carefully.

Write a simple script.

Plan the visuals.

Choose the right animation style.

Match visuals to narration.

Use animation intentionally.

Review the final video carefully.

The most effective explainer video is not necessarily the one with the most effects.

It is the one that makes an idea easier to understand.

If you are interested specifically in creating doodle-style explainer, educational, promotional, affiliate, social media, training, or YouTube videos, read our complete InstaDoodle Review.

The review covers the DoodleAI™ Engine, text-prompt doodle generation, more than 1,000 built-in elements, templates, animation types, image-to-sketch conversion, voiceover support, multiple aspect ratios, cloud-based 1080p rendering, lifetime pricing options, limitations, and the stated 60-day money-back guarantee.

Related Reading:

• InstaDoodle Review

• Best Whiteboard Animation Software for Beginners

• How to Start a Faceless YouTube Channel

• How to Make Money With AI Videos

• Best AI Video Generators for Beginners

• How to Create YouTube Videos Without Showing Your Face

• Video Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

• How to Create Educational Videos

• Affiliate Marketing Video Strategy

• Best AI Tools for Content Creators