Whiteboard animation is the process of which an author physically draws and records an illustrated story using a whiteboard, or whiteboard-like surface, and marker pens. The animations frequently are aided with narration by script. The authors commonly use time-lapsed drawing[1] and stop motion animation to liven hand-drawn illustrations, with YouTube used as a common platform. It is also used in television and internet advertisements to communicate with consumers in a personal way. The earliest videos made using Whiteboard Animation were published in 2009 on YouTube, used mostly for experimental purposes until developing into a storytelling device, focusing mostly on narratives and educational explanations.

Contents
1 Description
2 Process
3 Applications
4 References
Description
“Whiteboard animation” refers to a specific type of presentation that uses the process of creating a series of drawn pictures on a whiteboard that are recorded in sequence and then played back to create an animated presentation. The actual effect of whiteboard animation is time-lapse, or stop-motion. The actual sequential frame by frame animation is rarely used but has been incorporated. Other terms are “video scribing” and “animated doodling”. These video animation styles are now seen in many variations and have taken a turn into many other animation styles. With the introduction of software to create whiteboard animations, the process has many different manifestations of varying quality. Those who use whiteboard animation are typically businesses and educators.

Process
The whiteboard animation production procedure begins with creating a topic. Once the topic is chosen, scriptwriting begins. After the content is created, it is time to create rough drafts of animations. These assist to set up the inventive bearing and timing for the movement. The rest of the process is as follows:

Compose the content
Record the voiceover
Make starting animations
Organize the animations
Make Guides
Record the video
Match up sound and video
Include music
Export and share[2] The steps listed above are not set in stone, they should be used as a guideline to create a whiteboard animation production.

Applications
Whiteboard animation has been used in a few TV spots and on internet video sites such as YouTube and Vimeo. Early types were UPS Whiteboard Commercials. Many companies and firms of all sectors and sizes are incorporating this style into their modus operandi to teach company employees different company policies or demonstrate a new software or product to consumers.

For educational purposes, whiteboard animation videos have been used for learning online to teach languages, as chapter summaries for educational textbooks, and for the public communication of academic scholarship.[3] A 2016 study of whiteboard animation found that, despite claims and high popularity, there is little to no compelling experimental evidence that they are more effective in learning, motivation, or persuasion than other forms of learning.[4]

Starting in 2010, the Royal Society of Arts converted selected speeches and books from its public events program into whiteboard animations. Made by whiteboard animation studio Cognitive, the first 14 RSA Animate videos gained 46 million views in 2011, making the RSA’s YouTube channel the no.1 nonprofit channel worldwide.[5]

Whiteboard animation

If you’re landing on this page you’ve probably heard of whiteboard animation before but you might be wondering what exactly it is, why it’s so popular or how you can create your own. If that’s the case, this guide has you covered!  Read on to learn more about whiteboard animation from start to finish, or skip ahead to answer your specific question:

What is whiteboard animation?

Whiteboard  is a style of video designed to look like the content is being hand-drawn on a school whiteboard or white background. It’s a particularly popular way to communicate complex information because the simple graphics are easy to understand.

Quick start whiteboard animation templates

To start capitalizing on the benefits of whiteboard animation in less than 5 minutes, use our professional quality templates. With a whole library to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to tell your story, explain a topic or persuade an audience, we’ve got you covered.

The benefits of whiteboard animation

They’re memorable

Research by Dr. Richard Wiseman found that  than a talking heads video.

They’re versatile

Whiteboard animations are suitable for any topic from  to .

They’re easy to create yourself

Unlike live action video content you don’t need any experience or expensive equipment to create your own whiteboard animations. Tools like  do all the hard work for you in a fraction of the time.

They hold attention

The combination of sound, movement and visuals  and the way the animations draw keeps us interested to learn what will happen next.

They’re fun!

Whiteboard animations put people in a good mood which helps them learn. Suddenly the content isn’t work, it’s entertainment.

Get inspired by these whiteboard animation success stories

Increase sales revenue

Growing followers

Read how our user grew their YouTube channel to 327,000 subscribers in two years with

Educate students globally

Read about how our user teaches thousands of students around the world using Sarvotarzan

Who are whiteboard animations for?

Consumers not only want to see more video content from brands but . Creating whiteboard animations is a great way to meet that expectation in a quick, easy and affordable way.

If you need to  to your class then whiteboard animations will be your best friend. They’re easy to create in minutes but look like they took hours. Let your animation play in the background while you talk over the top, or record a voice-over to take some of the stress out of presenting.

Whiteboard animation is a great way to share your message and promote your cause. Show your audiences through engaging video that can be made quickly, , and easily.

Not only is it proven that whiteboard animations improve knowledge retention and , but they’re also easy to adapt to the different needs of your students.

Need your company announcement to stand out? Create a whiteboard animation. Unlike a paragraph of text in an email, animations are hard to ignore. Plus, you’ll convey more information in a fraction of the time it would take to explain in a document or briefing.

Agencies

Showcase your company and what you can offer clients in quick animated style. With whiteboard animation it’s easy to convey the benefits you deliver.

3 whiteboard explainer videos to inspire your own

6 Thinking Hats

The 6 Thinking Hats is a concept that can transform your idea from something mediocre to something good.

Mean, median and mode

What are the mean, median, and mode? This video explains the what they are and the differences between each term.

Be a hero for World Heart Day

A short whiteboard explainer video created for the World Heart Federation to celebrate World Heart day.

When and where to use whiteboard animation

:

If you want to launch a new initiative, product or subject, a whiteboard animation can help. The combination of movement, audio and visuals grab attention and keep viewers engaged throughout.

:

Whiteboard animations are particularly effective tools to explain even the most complex topics. You can use visual metaphors and infographics to help your audience process the information in terms they already understand.

:

Because it’s much easier to retain information from a whiteboard animation, they make the perfect plenary or revision materials. Simply take the key points and turn them into a short but impactful video.

:

Since whiteboard animations tend to have simpler designs, your message can really shine and not get lost amongst stylized graphics. Use your whiteboard animations on websites, , , , or as public speaking resources.

How to make your own whiteboard animation in 4 easy steps

With Sarvotarzan, you can make a custom whiteboard animation in minutes. Plus, it’s a lot easier than you might think! No animation or video creation experience needed here.

Step 1: Sign up for your free Sarvotarzan trial

With no credit card details needed, you can start experimenting with Sarvotarzan in a couple of clicks. .

Step 2: Pick a video template or start with a blank canvas

If you’re prone to blank screen fear then browse our ready-made template library and click to open one that suits your topic.

Or for a completely custom animation, get started with a blank canvas ready to fill with your ideas. Our  before you move onto step 3.

Step 3: Record or upload your voice-over

We always recommend adding your voice-over to your video before you start tweaking the animations. That way you can time everything perfectly to your audio first time around. .

Step 4: Tell your story

If you’re working with one of our templates then it’s time to get customizing. Just click to edit text, images, colors and fonts. Or drag and drop elements to customize the layout.

For our blank canvas crew – head to our image library to pick graphics that tell your story, add text and select music to bring your story to life.

Then hit publish to share your creation with the world!

Sarvotarzan whiteboard animation software

So you can see just how easy it is to create whiteboard animations with Sarvotarzan in minutes. But that’s just the start. Sarvotarzan has a whole host of easy-to-use features that make  a breeze. Let’s take a look…

Library of over 11,000 images and GIFs

From backdrops and scenery to medical equipment, school supplies and people and pets we have images covering every topic. Plus, with the option to  your creative potential really is limitless!

Diverse range of drawing hands, pens and erasers

For a truly custom explainer, pick a drawing hand and pen that’s right for your character, story or message. From paint brushes and markers, to pencils and crayons, there’s something for everyone.

Creative animation options at your fingertips

All Sarvotarzan images will automatically draw themselves when you hit play. But for extra sparkle, experiment with other  images from one to another and more. Hello professional animation techniques!

Over 190 royalty free tracks and voice-over recording

No explainer video would be complete without sound. Which is why we have a  complete with tracks covering a range of genres. You can also  right from Sarvotarzan – no other tools needed!

Canvas sizes for every occasion

Whether you’re creating explainer videos to  or , Sarvotarzan has canvas sizes to suit your needs. Just click to switch between square, vertical and traditional 16:9 canvas options.

With desktop and browser options, Sarvotarzan flexes to suit you

If you prefer creating quick animations on the go, you’ll love the  of Sarvotarzan. For more in-depth creations our  is perfect. With one subscription you’ll get access to both giving you ultimate flexibility!