Top Explainer Video Makers and Softwares of 2024

It’s no secret that explainer videos have taken the marketing world by storm. Now, everyone and their aunt knows what is an explainer video and has one for their business. Metaphorically speaking, of course – unless there are many marketer aunts out there 😜.

Anyway, creating engaging videos is now the cornerstone for any brands looking to connect with their audiences so they can deliver their business message. But I know it can be challenging to get your first explainer because you might lack the skills to make your own from scratch or might not have the budget to partner with an explainer video company. So, I’ve decided to compile the top 5 explainer video makers and go over their key features and benefits so you can get an alternative, more affordable option.

Let’s explore them!

Top 5 Explainer Video Makers

Without further ado, let’s explore the benefits of the most popular explainer video creator tools out there, as well as some of the challenges users might encounter when using them:

1. Powtoon – Explainer Video Software

Powtoon is a user-friendly online platform that caters to beginners with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that, as the developers put it, requires no design skills to get started. Moreover, this explainer video maker boasts a vast library of hundreds of templates, customizable characters, designed elements, and even royalty-free images, sound effects and soundtracks. This way, they make it easy to produce both animated and live-action pieces useful for most marketing purposes. It also offers seamless integrations with major platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and HubSpot.

On the downside, Powtoon lacks advanced customization options and requires a premium subscription to be able to export videos in high resolution. It’s also been noted by some users that there could be more template options.

2. Animaker – Explainer Video Maker

Animaker is another popular explainer video software that users enjoy because of its DIY animation suite with over 25 video editing tools and features. Here, you’ll find an animated character builder, scene transitions, and special effects. From basic video editing features like trimming and cropping to complex features like green screen edition, Animaker’s got you covered.

As if that weren’t enough, this explainer video creator features an impressive asset library, HD video export options, and collaboration tools that are great for team projects. 

However, it’s important to note that if you want to make complex animations, you’ll have to deal with slow rendering. Moreover, the interface requires a bit of practice to get the hang of, and the templates aren’t very flexible.

3. Vyond – Explainer Video Software

If you’re looking for a step up in animation quality, Vyond is a great option. You’ll be able to enjoy great features such as character animation, scene and prop customization, and even voiceover lip-syncing. This explainer video maker offers an extensive asset library, quality video export options, and team collaboration. Another aspect that makes Vyond very popular is that the developers update it frequently so users can have access to the latest features. 

Everything this explainer video software offers is great, but it comes with a steeper price and a bit of a learning curve, so it might not be the best choice if you’re on a budget or a beginner. It’s also been noted that it requires a strong and stable internet connection for a seamless operation.

4. Moovly – Explainer Video Maker

Next on our list of the best explainer video software is Moovly, a flexible solution that, like the other options on this list, features a drag-and-drop interface and a wide range of templates and video assets. 

But you’ll also find advanced animation tools and Shutterstock integration, as well as cool collaboration features. Moreover, it supports voiceover and music integration so you can create great 2D explainer videos. 

On the downside, Moovly’s free version exports videos with a watermark, which can be a huge issue for corporate or brand videos. It’s also been reported that it has limited offline functionality and that the interface can be laggy with complex projects.

5.VideoScribe – Explainer Video Software

Last but not least, we have VideoScribe, an explainer video creator solely focused on whiteboard explainer video production. If you need to make educational or instructional videos for internal or personal use, the pre-drawn, customizable illustrations are perfect for you. Its interface is so simple and intuitive that it allows for easy and quick video creation. You can also add music and voiceovers to them! Users also really like that they can use VideoScribe offline and export high-quality pieces.

That being said, VS is limited in its video creation capabilities, as it only allows for whiteboard video creation. The assets library could be improved and customization options are a bit lacking when compared to other tools.

How to Choose the Best Explainer Video Maker for You

There are several aspects you should keep in mind when weighing your options. Don’t rush to make your choice! First, go over these key factors and give it some thought:

• Identify Your Goals: What are you creating your video for? Personal or business purposes? Do you want to educate your audience, promote a product, or onboard new employees? The answers to these questions will help determine the style and complexity of the video you’re making and, thus, the tool you need for it.
• Consider Your Skill Level: If you’re a beginner or don’t have much time to learn a new explainer video software, you’ll want to go for a user-friendly tool with a drag-and-drop interface and pre-designed templates.
• Pay Attention to Customization and Flexibility: If you want to make a SaaS explainer video, for example, you’re going to need highly personalized animations with characters and scenes tailored to your audience’s preferences, so you’ll want to choose one of the more complete sets of tools. But if you’d be alright with something quick and easy, guided templates might be preferable.
• Evaluate Features and Assets: Evaluate the software’s features and asset libraries. Look for tools that offer a wide range of templates, characters, props, and music. Features like voiceover recording, text-to-speech, and scene transitions can significantly enhance your video. Moovly and Animaker have extensive libraries and advanced animation tools suitable for various styles.
• Check Output Quality: You’ll always want to make sure that the explainer video creator you choose can export videos in high resolution, especially if you plan to use them in business settings. 
• Set Your Preferred Cost and Budget: Determine your budget before committing to an explainer video maker. Some of the options on this list offer free versions with limited features, while others require subscriptions for full access.

(Types of explainer videos by Yum Yum Videos.)

5 Tips to Work with an Explainer Video Software

If you want to make the most out of your chosen software, you need to approach it with the right strategies. So, here are 5 of my best tips to do so:

1. Develop a Script and Storyboard

Before even launching the software, you need to plan your explainer video script and storyboard. You can think of these two elements as the video’s bones. Thus, the script should clearly outline your key message, and the storyboard should provide an idea of how each scene will visually develop.

I’ve seen many people skip one or both pre-production steps, thinking they can wing it down the road. However,  having a structured plan will make the video creation process smoother and more efficient, preventing costly mistakes and delays.

2. Leverage Templates and Pre-built Assets

Most explainer video software offer ample options when it comes to templates and pre-built assets (i.e. characters, backgrounds, and props). Take advantage of these resources to save time in the production process and also to keep your video’s style consistent. 

Don’t forget to customize your templates, if possible, to match your brand’s colors, fonts, and overall image. This will give your video a more professional appearance.

3. Prioritize Simplicity and Clarity

As you might well know already, explainers aim at communicating information clearly and concisely. But they can’t do that on their own! I know it might be tempting to use everything your explainer video maker has to offer and make a long piece full of information, but you should set your pieces up for success and avoid cluttering your video with a lot of text or too much animation. Use straightforward language and keep your visuals simple to ensure your audience understands your message while keeping them engaged.

4. Be Mindful When Selecting Your Voiceover and Music

It’s no secret that adding voiceover and background music can exponentially enhance your video’s effectiveness. But it’s not as simple as picking your favorite song and importing it into your project.

Your voiceover should be clear, well-paced, and, most importantly, it should match the video’s tone. Now, your background music needs to complement the video and make it more engaging without overpowering the narration.

5. Test Your Video

I’m sure that once your video is done, you’ll be eager to share it with the world so it starts reaping all those benefits that I’ve mentioned before. However, there’s one more thing left to do before that: testing it. 

It’s important to have a small segment of your audience watch your explainer and give you feedback on the clarity of the message, the visual appeal, and the overall impact. If viewers get confused or lose interest at some point, make the necessary adjustments to fix those issues. The good thing about explainer video software tools is that they allow easy editing, so you can tweak your pieces until it meets your needs.

(Explainer video example by Yum Yum Videos.)

Need a Custom Explainer? Yum Yum Videos Can Help!

Now, if you need a fully customized, high-quality explainer, then you might want to skip the explainer video makers and opt for a professional production company like ours instead.

With over 12 years of experience in video production, we’ve created hundreds of explainers for clients in all kinds of industries. Thanks to our hard work, we now stand as a recognized leader in the market, and we’re ready to give you a hand with your marketing needs!

Our exceptional team of passionate and talented professionals in animation, design, and video production all ensure a simple and smooth process for our clients while taking great care of every detail in each video we create.

We take pride in working closely with you and thoroughly understanding your company’s goals, mission, and values so we can create video content that will exceed your expectations and that your audience will love.

If you’re ready to get that powerful explainer, fully customized to your needs and your audience’s preferences, just get in touch! We’ll be happy to hear all about your plans and ideas and see how we can help you.

Wrapping Up

To create a video that’s engaging and resonates with your audience while lowering your explainer video cost, you need to select the right explainer video maker first. It’s an important decision, but it’ll become easier once you understand the key features and benefits of the top tools available. Then, considering your specific needs and goals, you can make an informed decision that enhances your video production process.

Just remember to leverage the tips I’ve provided to maximize the potential of your chosen software and ensure your explainers are not only informative but also captivating and impactful. With the right tool in hand, you’re well on your way to creating compelling videos that effectively communicate your message and drive your goals forward.