Whiteboard Animation: Tips for Creating Engaging Videos

Whiteboard animation is a popular way to market a product or service — in part because it tends to cost less to produce than other kinds of marketing video.

What is whiteboard animation?

It's a style of animation that looks like someone sketching on a whiteboard. It's usually narrated in the third person, though some take a more story-driven approach or walk through how to use something — which is why tutorial-style whiteboard videos are also called explainer videos.

Why make a whiteboard video?

Studies show that 60% of internet users prefer visual content like infographics and video. Video can also boost viewer retention by up to 15%, and 65% of viewers tend to share what they watch — imagine what that can mean for your business.

You can use whiteboard animation for all sorts of reasons: to sell an idea, to introduce a product or service, even to teach customers how to use your app or software. It gives you a way to combine pictures and words in a format that's entertaining and engaging — turning a complex message into something simple, fun, and watchable. Even a dull topic can be made interesting.

Common mistakes

This kind of video is fairly easy to make, but plenty of people still make mistakes that undercut its whole purpose as a marketing tool. A few of the most common:

• No drawing hand. Whiteboard video is defined by that hand appearing to sketch on the board. It makes the video flow better and adds a personal touch.
• A colored background. Just like a real whiteboard, anything other than white tends to make the graphics blend in, so your message doesn't land as well.
• Too much going on. It's tempting to cram in every piece of information, but complex visuals get in the way of the message. Keep the style simple and the message clear.

How to choose the right whiteboard-video service

A high-quality whiteboard video that gets the details right can genuinely help you market your product or service — so the creative team behind it has to deliver. With so many businesses offering animation services, here's how to choose the right one:

• Quality and expertise. Start with their portfolio, past work, and references. Does what they've done before match what you need?
• Communication. Your provider has to be reachable. Smooth, clear communication is non-negotiable throughout the creative process — they need to be open to your input as the video takes shape.
• Customization. A video that feels genuinely yours can make the difference. It should reflect your company's image and promote your brand effectively; recycled, off-the-shelf content won't do much for you.
• Feedback. Look at testimonials, reviews, and comments from past clients. Every engagement is different, but it helps to know what other customers thought.
• Price. As with anything, you get what you pay for. The cheapest options often lean on widely-used templates, so there's little or no originality to them.

Whatever your whiteboard video is about, aim for a production company that works exclusively with animation, fits your budget, and can deliver the quality you're after. That's exactly what Konsep Motion is built for — with a genuinely creative team, we always aim to deliver our best work for you. Get in touch to learn more.