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Whiteboard Video Primer - How To Get Started Right Now

Posted by Steve Day
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Video is a proven winner when it comes to online marketing as it’s more effective at generating leads and driving sales as compared to text-based content. One type of video that’s popular due to its ability to demonstrate complex topics is whiteboard animation. As the name suggests, a whiteboard animation video involves a person sketching visuals on a whiteboard with a voiceover explaining certain concepts; for this reason, they’re also known as “explainer” videos. If you’re looking into using this type of video marketing content, this primer will help get you started.


Identify your audience and topic. As with any content, you begin the process by identifying who you’re trying to reach and what you want to tell them. Analyze the demographics of your target audience to determine the best approach for your video. Then, pick a topic that they’ll find interesting and informative.

Gather your equipment. For this type of video, you’ll need a whiteboard or paper, plus writing materials to develop the sketches you intend to capture. You’ll also have to set up a camera that can film your activities from above; a document camera works well. A recording device will be necessary to capture the voiceover, and you’ll use video editing software for fine tuning.

A great script is absolutely critical. The script is critical, as it conveys your message and provides a framework for the video’s length and imagery. Tell the story through your words, but make sure to eliminate unnecessary points so you can articulate your point concisely. Follow the basic formula for storytelling: Problem, Adversity, Resolution.

Record the voiceover. Capturing the audio voiceover is relatively straightforward once you’ve got a solid script, but focus on making it engaging. Pay attention to breathing and background noise, and use intonation wisely. You want to avoid sounding too “sales-y.”

Sketch out drafts of your imagery. In a whiteboard video, you’ll be drawing your illustrations alongside the voiceover, so it’s important to make sure both elements align before capturing the video. Use imagery that explains and clarifies the points you’re making. Plan on sketching 3-4 illustrations per sentence, each of which adds on to the existing images.

Fine-tune your images to align with the voiceover. This is essentially your dress rehearsal for the whiteboard video. You need to play the voiceover as you’re sketching to ensure that the pace of the audio works with your movements.

Record the whiteboard video. Once you’re satisfied with your rehearsal sessions, it’s time to capture the video that will run alongside your voiceover. Use editing software to assist with the post-production process and remember: Whiteboard videos are usually intended to be more casual, so absolute perfection isn’t necessary.

Include a strong call to action. Provide your audience with next steps after viewing your video. You might have them fill out a contact form, download a whitepaper or have them contact you with questions. Don’t leave them hanging – tell them what you want them to do.

This primer on creating whiteboard videos should help walk you through the process. Every month we generate Whiteboard Animations that gather hundreds of thousands of views for our clients. Doing the work yourself will give you better understanding of the process and what it takes to make animations that stand above all of the rest. Explainer videos are also experiencing explosive growth and they are just as effective in engaging your target audience visit our sister studio www.ideaMachineStudio.com to find out more.  

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