How to Create Animated Explainer Videos in After Effects: Your Ultimate Guide to Explainer Video Animation
So, what exactly is an explainer video? It’s a short, engaging video that explains a business idea, product, or service in a simple and effective way—usually through motion graphics and voiceover. And when it comes to making professional-quality animations, Adobe After Effects stands out as the industry’s go-to tool.
If you’re wondering how to create animations in After Effects for your own explainer videos, this guide will walk you through the entire process—from concept to final export.
Let’s dive in.
Professional After Effects Templates
Understanding Explainer Videos
What Is an Explainer Video?
An explainer animated video is typically a short, visually engaging piece of content that breaks down a topic quickly and clearly. It often includes voiceovers, motion graphics, text, and sound effects to drive the point home.
Why Use Explainer Videos?
Explainer video animation can:
- Boost viewer retention
- Clarify complex ideas
- Improve brand recall
- Increase conversions and sales
They’re especially valuable for startups, SaaS products, online educators, and marketing campaigns that need to communicate efficiently.
Types of Explainer Videos
There are several styles to choose from:
- 2D animation: Flat, vector-based graphics (most common)
- Whiteboard animation: Hand-drawn elements that simulate a real whiteboard
- Motion graphics: Abstract or text-based animations
- Character animation: Animated personas telling a story
Choosing the right format depends on your audience and message.
Getting Started with After Effects for Explainer Videos
The Interface
Adobe After Effects may seem intimidating at first, but it’s incredibly powerful once you get the hang of it. The main areas you’ll work in:
- Timeline: Where your animation unfolds over time
- Composition panel: Your preview window
- Project panel: Where imported assets live
- Tools bar: Selection, shape, pen, text, etc.
Project Setup
Start by creating a new composition with the correct resolution (usually 1920×1080 for HD) and frame rate (24–30 fps is standard).
Importing Assets
Bring in your illustrations, icons, audio, and voiceovers. Use organized folders to keep everything tidy. If you want a jumpstart, check out high-quality explainer video templates here—they save time and help you learn by example.
Creating Animations in After Effects
Key Animation Techniques
- Keyframing: The core of all After Effects animation. Set a starting and ending point, and AE fills in the in-between.
- Motion paths: Move objects across the screen with smooth arcs.
- Effects and presets: Use built-in animations like fade-ins, blurs, and more.
- Working with text and shapes: Animate text reveals or bouncing shapes for extra flair.
Tips for Smoother Animation
- Use Easy Ease (F9) to smooth transitions.
- Add slight motion (like wiggles or overshoot) to give your animation life.
- Keep animations short and punchy—less is often more.
So, what’s the best way to create explainer video animation using After Effects? Start small, use templates if needed, and focus on clarity. Don’t overcomplicate.
Creating Your First Explainer Video
1. Storyboard and Script
Start by scripting your message and sketching out the visuals (even rough wireframes help).
2. Set Up Your Composition
Open After Effects, create a composition, and import your assets.
3. Animate Your Elements
Use position, scale, opacity, and rotation keyframes. Group layers into pre-comps to keep your timeline clean.
4. Add Voiceover and Sound
Drag your voiceover into the timeline. Time your animations to match the narration for maximum impact. You can use Pixflow AI Voiceover plugins to make human-like voiceovers as well.
5. Refine and Export
Add polish—motion blur, shadows, transitions—and export your final piece via Adobe Media Encoder.
With this workflow, you’ll be able to create animated explainer videos quickly and professionally. For extra inspiration and ready-made scenes, explore these video templates tailored for After Effects users.
Wondering, “What are the steps for creating animated explainer videos in After Effects?” That’s it—simple, structured, and scalable.
Advanced Techniques and Tips
Character Animation
Use tools like Duik or RubberHose for rigging and animating characters—ideal for story-driven explainers.
Expressions
After Effects allows scripting-like automation:
- wiggle(2,10) adds random motion
- loopOut() can repeat animations
Workflow Optimization
- Use pre-comps to isolate complex sections
- Label and color-code layers
- Render previews in lower resolution for speed
Keep Learning
Resources like YouTube, Skillshare, or Adobe’s own tutorials can help you refine your craft even further.
Conclusion
Remember: clarity beats complexity. Keep your message focused, your visuals engaging, and your pacing snappy.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up After Effects, sketch your idea, and start creating! And if you’re looking for a head start, don’t forget to browse professional explainer video templates to speed up your workflow.
