{"id":88051,"date":"2025-04-15T10:02:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T06:32:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/?p=88051"},"modified":"2025-04-09T10:48:24","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T07:18:24","slug":"how-to-create-animated-explainer-videos-in-after-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/how-to-create-animated-explainer-videos-in-after-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create Animated Explainer Videos in After Effects: Your Ultimate Guide to Explainer Video Animation"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1734342908250{margin-top: 125px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did you know that explainer videos can increase conversion rates by up to 80%? Whether you&#8217;re pitching a product, onboarding users, or simplifying a complex concept, animated explainer videos are one of the most powerful storytelling tools in digital marketing today.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, what exactly is an explainer video? It&#8217;s a short, engaging video that explains a business idea, product, or service in a simple and effective way\u2014usually through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/video-templates\/motion-graphics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">motion graphics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/ai-voiceover\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">voiceover<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And when it comes to making professional-quality animations, Adobe After Effects stands out as the industry\u2019s go-to tool.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re wondering how to create animations in After Effects for your own explainer videos, this guide will walk you through the entire process\u2014from concept to final export.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s dive in.<\/span>[\/vc_custom_heading][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1740563080716{margin-top: 50px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][px_template_grid_remote px_template_grid_remote_template_section_title=&#8221;Professional After Effects Templates&#8221; px_template_grid_remote_template_item_count=&#8221;4&#8243; px_template_grid_remote_template_cta_text=&#8221;Explore More&#8221; px_template_grid_remote_template_cta_url=&#8221;https:\/\/pixflow.net\/video-templates\/after-effects\/&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1734342908250{margin-top: 125px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;Understanding Explainer Videos&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding Explainer Videos<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before jumping into the software, it&#8217;s essential to understand the foundation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is an Explainer Video?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Use Explainer Videos?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explainer video animation can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boost viewer retention<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clarify complex ideas<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve brand recall<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase conversions and sales<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They&#8217;re especially valuable for startups, SaaS products, online educators, and marketing campaigns that need to communicate efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Explainer Videos<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several styles to choose from:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2D animation: Flat, vector-based graphics (most common)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whiteboard animation: Hand-drawn elements that simulate a real whiteboard<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motion graphics: Abstract or text-based animations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Character animation: Animated personas telling a story<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the right format depends on your audience and message.<\/span>[\/vc_custom_heading][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1734342908250{margin-top: 125px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;Getting Started with After Effects for Explainer Videos&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting Started with After Effects for Explainer Videos<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re asking, \u201cHow do I create an explainer animated video in After Effects?\u201d, the answer starts with understanding the workspace.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Interface<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adobe After Effects may seem intimidating at first, but it&#8217;s incredibly powerful once you get the hang of it. The main areas you&#8217;ll work in:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Timeline: Where your animation unfolds over time<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Composition panel: Your preview window<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Project panel: Where imported assets live<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tools bar: Selection, shape, pen, text, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Project Setup<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by creating a new composition with the correct resolution (usually 1920&#215;1080 for HD) and frame rate (24\u201330 fps is standard).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Importing Assets<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring in your illustrations, icons, audio, and voiceovers. Use organized folders to keep everything tidy. If you want a jumpstart, check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/video-templates\/after-effects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high-quality explainer video templates here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014they save time and help you learn by example.<\/span>[\/vc_custom_heading][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1734342908250{margin-top: 125px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;Creating Animations in After Effects&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating Animations in After Effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1744180556304{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s where the magic happens.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Animation Techniques<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keyframing: The core of all After Effects animation. Set a starting and ending point, and AE fills in the in-between.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motion paths: Move objects across the screen with smooth arcs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effects and presets: Use built-in animations like fade-ins, blurs, and more.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working with text and shapes: Animate text reveals or bouncing shapes for extra flair.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips for Smoother Animation<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use Easy Ease (F9) to smooth transitions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add slight motion (like wiggles or overshoot) to give your animation life.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep animations short and punchy\u2014less is often more.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, what\u2019s the best way to create explainer video animation using After Effects? Start small, use templates if needed, and focus on clarity. Don\u2019t overcomplicate.<\/span>[\/vc_custom_heading][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1734342908250{margin-top: 125px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;Creating Your First Explainer Video&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating Your First Explainer Video<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s bring it all together.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Storyboard and Script<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by scripting your message and sketching out the visuals (even rough wireframes help).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Set Up Your Composition<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open After Effects, create a composition, and import your assets.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Animate Your Elements<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use position, scale, opacity, and rotation keyframes. Group layers into pre-comps to keep your timeline clean.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Add Voiceover and Sound<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drag your voiceover into the timeline. Time your animations to match the narration for maximum impact. You can use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/ai-voiceover\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pixflow AI Voiceover plugins<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to make human-like voiceovers as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Refine and Export<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add polish\u2014motion blur, shadows, transitions\u2014and export your final piece via <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/how-to-export-after-effects-projects-like-a-pro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adobe Media Encoder.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With this workflow, you\u2019ll be able to create animated explainer videos quickly and professionally. For extra inspiration and ready-made scenes, explore<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/video-templates\/after-effects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">these video templates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tailored for After Effects users.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wondering, \u201cWhat are the steps for creating animated explainer videos in After Effects?\u201d That\u2019s it\u2014simple, structured, and scalable.<\/span>[\/vc_custom_heading][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1734342908250{margin-top: 125px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;Advanced Techniques and Tips&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advanced Techniques and Tips<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to level up?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Character Animation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use tools like Duik or RubberHose for rigging and animating characters\u2014ideal for story-driven explainers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expressions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After Effects allows scripting-like automation:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wiggle(2,10)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> adds random motion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loopOut()<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can repeat animations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Workflow Optimization<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use pre-comps to isolate complex sections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Label and color-code layers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Render previews in lower resolution for speed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep Learning<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources like YouTube, Skillshare, or Adobe\u2019s own tutorials can help you refine your craft even further.<\/span>[\/vc_custom_heading][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1734342908250{margin-top: 125px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating compelling explainer videos doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. With Adobe After Effects, a solid plan, and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can produce stunning animations that captivate and convert.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember: clarity beats complexity. Keep your message focused, your visuals engaging, and your pacing snappy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So what are you waiting for? Fire up After Effects, sketch your idea, and start creating! And if you&#8217;re looking for a head start, don\u2019t forget to browse professional explainer video templates to speed up your workflow.<\/span>[\/vc_custom_heading][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1734342908250{margin-top: 125px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_custom_heading css=&#8221;&#8221;]Did you know that explainer videos can increase conversion rates by up to 80%? Whether you&#8217;re pitching a product, onboarding users, or simplifying a complex concept, animated explainer videos are one of the most powerful storytelling tools in digital marketing today. So, what exactly is an explainer video? It&#8217;s a short, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[61,132],"tags":[192,1217,1220,1218,1219,1221],"class_list":["post-88051","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-after-effects","category-video-editing","tag-after-effects","tag-animations-in-after-effects","tag-create-animated-explainer-videos","tag-explainer-animated-video","tag-explainer-video-animation","tag-use-after-effects-to-create-animated-explainer-videos"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88051","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88051"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88051\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88059,"href":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88051\/revisions\/88059"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88051"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88051"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixflow.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88051"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}