Animated videos

  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

The 4 Most Popular Types of Video
The 4 Most Popular Types of Video 1920 1080 Pam Jones

Currently most of the world is in lockdown because of the coronavirus.

And what I’m seeing is that many business are taking this lockdown time to think creatively about their digital marketing. I’ve certainly seen more video content on social media and am getting more inquiries about using video.

So if you’re thinking about using video content for your business but not sure which types of videos to make, then watch the rest of this video where I talk about  the four most popular types of videos to use in your business.

Full transcript below the video.

Currently most of the world is in lockdown because of the coronavirus.

And what I’m seeing is that many business are taking this lockdown time to think creatively about their digital marketing. I’ve certainly seen more video content on social media and am getting more inquiries about using video.

So if you’re thinking about using video content for your business but not sure which types of videos to make, then stay with me because in this video I’m going to talk about  the four most popular types of videos to use in your business.

1. Testimonial Videos

One of the things every business needs to be doing is collecting reviews and testimonials from its customers. Testimonials are really important because they build social proof, and social proof builds credibility of who you are and what your business does.

So how do you create testimonial videos?

Well, there are three options.

  1. The most popular way of collecting testimonials is when your customer writes one. You might ask them to do this through Google reviews, Facebook or by email. Take the best statements from 4 or 5 written testimonial and create an animated video to showcase the testimonials. Use your branding guidelines to style the video, and voila, you’ve got a testimonial video. Once you’ve created this template, reuse it every few months to share another five or six different testimonials.
  2. Ask your customers to record a short video on their phone. Give them maybe a few questions to guide the testimonial. Once you’ve collected the videos, create a montage of these videos into a longer video showing 3 or 4 testimonials. And you can also showcase the videos individually with some creative video editing.
  3. Get a testimonial video professionally filmed. Obviously in the current situation, that’s not going to be possible straightaway. But if you do decide to go down this road later, then bear in mind that this option is likely to cost the most. But you’ll get a really high quality testimonial video.

2. How To Videos

The next most popular type of video are how to videos. And did you know the most searched for term in Google is how to.

How to videos are really important because they demonstrate value about what you do to help  your audience understand your expertise or products.

My hairdresser does these really well by making videos about different hairstyles people can do at home. And how to look after your hair in between appointments. So think of the how to’s in your business, then go ahead and make some videos about them.

3. Product Demo Videos

These obviously are only relevant if you have a physical product that you sell. Product videos are really important because they build up trust.

People might need to know:

  • How to use a product safely.
  • How to use all of the product features or
  • How to get the best out of it generally.

So think about how product demo videos might work for your business.

4. Explainer Videos

Explainer videos are really important because they build authority about who you are, what you do, and what your business is about.

An explainer video might be a film from a team member explaining key products and services that you sell.

Or if you have products and services which people find difficult to understand, then think about using animated explainer videos.

Set some lockdown time aside and plan and make at least one of these for your organization.

If you found this helpful, then please consider sharing it to help others.

Need help with a video? Get in touch for informal chat – we’d love to hear from you and see if we can help.

 

 

animated video styles
  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

Animated Video Styles
Animated Video Styles 560 315 Pam Jones

In a previous post, I examined various ways of using animated videos for business and learning. In it, I suggested how you might use your video from a content perspective. Here’s a recap of the key points from those posts:

You can use learning animated videos to:

  1. Simplify a complex topic
  2. Tell learners a story
  3. Solve a problem

For businesses, animated videos are brilliant at:

  1. Telling your company story in a fun way
  2. Showcasing customer testimonials
  3. Making social media adverts
  4. Marketing your products and services

Once you have decided which type of animated video you want to make (learning or promotional), you next have to consider what style of animation you’d like.  Shopping for clothes is a useful analogy here. If you’re female and shopping for a new pair of trousers, what style of trousers do you want to buy?

  • Cropped
  • Bootcut
  • Wide leg
  • Slim fit

The style choices are almost endless.

Choosing the right trousers and clothing, depends on several factors. For example, your body shape. Your budget. In which situation you want to wearing your trousers e.g. casual, work, mountain climbing?

Similarly, there are different styles of animated videos.  The term style in this context refers to the graphical style. Like the perfect pair of trousers, choosing the right animated video depends on various factors.  And, each has their pros and cons.

Let’s look at the four main styles of animated videos we make and create here at Eight Interactive to help you make the right video choice.

Business promo video: photographic style

Here’s an example of a business promotion video using:

  • Photos
  • Simple graphics
  • Animated text

The video animates the above elements in stages. Upbeat background music helps to engage watchers with the video’s message and bring everything to life.

A one-minute video used well, will communicate a business’ core services, how it helps customers and how to get in touch.

Choose this animated video style if you:

  • Have several photographs you can bring together to tell a story
  • Are getting started with video
  • Have a lower video budget
  • Want a video made quickly – we can make one within a few days
  • Want regular video content

Animated whiteboard video style

Popular with businesses and educators, whiteboard animation videos have been around for a while. But, a bit like animal print in clothing, they’re having a ‘moment’ and are in vogue right now. They’re popular because they’re simple – and there’s nothing wrong with that. They can be an effective way to demonstrate dry/unsexy products.

For the uninitiated, whiteboard animation is a particular type of presentation that uses the process of drawing a series of pictures on a whiteboard. Recorded in sequence, the images are then played back to create an animated presentation in a time-lapse or stop-motion effect.

Whiteboard animations are quick to make because most of the images are static. That said, you can add some movement of images to some whiteboard animations

Animated doodling is a common technique in whiteboard animations. A human hand draws or sketches out images or writing text – often accompanied by voiceover narration.

Even within whiteboard animations, there are different looks you can create by choosing different fonts, colours and the actual images.

Choose this style of animated video if:

  • You really like this animated video style (in our experience they are like marmite – some like whiteboard animations and some don’t)
  • Have no photographs and want to clean graphic style – we create a whiteboard animation for a client who had yet to create their company branding. As Whiteboard animations use little or not colour, the client felt the clean look would not affect their branding

The disadvantage of using whiteboard animations is that they can look the same. Making a whiteboard animation video that stands out from the rest is a skill. So if you want your business to stand out and be different – then consider whether a different video option will achieve this.

Hybrid video

Here’s an example of a hybrid video – as I call them – that uses a mix of approaches and includes:

  • Film footage
  • Photos
  • Graphics
  • Text
  • Other animation

This style of animated video is a good option if you want a film approach for your video, but don’t have the budget to commission your own film with different locations and actors.

However, as this involves buying footage, or finding royalty free clips, it can be hard finding the right clips to fit the video’s storyboard.

Graphics animation

A graphics style animated video uses graphical images and shapes to communicate a specific message. Shapes, objects, items, people can all be graphic. Those graphics can then be animated.

Graphics animated videos work well to:

  • Communicate data, as in the example below.
  • Tell story in a fun way using characters
  • Summarise key points
  • Solve problems
  • Explain difficult topics

A final thought

You can make any of the above animated video styles with or without a voiceover recording. Much depends on your message, your personal preference and what you want to communicate.

For example, a thirty-second social media piece doesn’t usually need a voiceover script.

While a training video, explaining a topic, will need a script so the voiceover can guide learners through the explanation.

We have experience of making and creating all these types of videos. Get in touch if you have a video project you need help with.

 

 

  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

How To Write A Video Script
How To Write A Video Script 560 315 Pam Jones

Watch this video or read the story below the video for my top tip in how to write a video script effectively.

 

I often get asked how I write a video script. And to answer this question, I thought I’d tell you about a project I’m currently working on, developing some animated explainer videos for an educational organisation.

The animation videos will help to explain difficult maths topics. And for projects like this I usually get some existing material to work from. It’s a really good start. It gives me background knowledge on the topic and helps me understand what people need to learn. But; there are two main challenges in using existing material for a video script.

The first is that sometimes in existing material there’s too much detail. And that’s because the material was originally written for the eye to read and this can be difficult to convert into a script which an audience will be listening to.

The second challenge with using existing material might be that there is not enough detail or the right detail. And that might mean going back to the client, and asking questions like:

  • What is the story here?
  • What are we trying to teach people in this video?
  • What is the key learning point?
  • What is the current material not doing that the video could do really effectively?

You don’t want repeat everything, your existing materiel is already covering. Instead you want to be able to use the power of video, to approach the topic from a slightly different angle.

Whether there’s too much material or not enough details, the video script writing process involves editing existing material, simplifying the words, and some times writing new material, like a story or scenario.

Writing a video script, particularly for educational content does require skill. And remember for all video scripts, don’t write for the eye to read. Instead, write the video script for the ear to hear as if you’re speaking to someone right there in front of you.

So that’s just a brief tip into my video script writing process. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

Three Ideas To Tell Your Business Story Using Video
Three Ideas To Tell Your Business Story Using Video 560 315 Pam Jones

In a previous post, we discussed that one way to use video for business is to tell a story. But what makes a business story?

This post, gives three ideas you can use video to tell your business story.

I recently attended a workshop on the how to get your name in the media. An insightful workshop on the world of PR. The workshop discussed how every good piece of PR focuses on telling the right story.

The right story being one that connects with the right audience.

Alongside the idea of telling a story, the trainer highlighted the importance of using pictures to help tell that story.

And if pictures are a powerful means of telling your story, imagine how influential video can be.

My fellow attendees on the workshop were either business owners like me or people who are responsible for marketing in the organsation they work in. Our challenge was to think about how to tell a great business story.

Everyone has a story to tell. Indeed, most of us have many stories to tell. But, if you’re in business, how can you best tell your business story?

Here are three ideas to get you started creating your business stories and telling those stories using video

1.Tell the story of your business journey

Take people on your business journey. This gives them a chance to get to know you and your business. This is so important for a business owner. Why? Because people buy from people that they know, like or trust.

If they can get to know you through your journey, they’ll connect with you on an emotional level.

So, go ahead and tell your business story.  Tell your audience about why you set it up, why you’re here and why it’s so special.

2. Tell people about the business problems you solve

Ask yourself some questions:

  • What is the problem you solve for your customers? Think about the problem from their perspective.
  • You had a lightbulb moment that prompted you to start your business to solve that problem. How did it come about – what triggered it?
  • What’s special about your business that helps you fix that problem?

Answer these three questions and you have another business story to tell your audience.

3. Case studies

Case studies are, in essence, a story. They recount how you helped a client get amazing results. This is particularly relevant if you are a B2B service.

A case study is your chance to showcase the work you do.

When planning your case study, include the following:

  • Who the client was
  • The problem they faced
  • Why the chose you
  • How you then helped them
  • The results they achieved by working with you
  • A testimonial – this doesn’t have to be them in front of the camera. It could be an image you’ve crafted from the testimonial they’ve supplied

Now, go ahead, pick up a pen and paper and start thinking about those business stories. Once you’ve written that story, be brave, be bold and use video to tell it.

And remember there’s more than one way to do it. Animation, a video blog, or using a professional photo company. All are fantastic ways to tell your business story.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

Convert powerpoint to video
  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

How To Convert PowerPoint To Video
How To Convert PowerPoint To Video 560 315 Pam Jones

Do you have PowerPoint training materials that you want to make available online? A previous post covered how to convert PowerPoint into an elearning course.

Another option open to you is converting the PowerPoint into a video. This is one of the simplest ways of making an online course. But how do you convert a PowerPoint presentation into a video?

PowerPoint has its own slide-recording functionality – see the recording menu image below.

PPT record menu

PowerPoint’s own help section will guide you through this process so there’s no need for me to go into detail with it here. Instead, here are some essential things to plan and organise before you hit the record button.

Narrate your slides

A PowerPoint presentation is generally created for use in a face-to-face classroom setting. If that’s the case for your PowerPoint, how about narrating your slides? Narrating the slides will:

  • Make the content more meaningful – for example, you can explain in full a bullet point or image.
  • Allow you to connect with your audience through the narration, as if you’re delivering the presentation face-to-face.

Prepare a script to narrate

To help you narrate the slides, you need a script. You might know the detail of your presentation inside out and think it will be easy to record the slides without a script. Yet, in my experience, once you start to record, you might start to feel nervous narrating. And that might be enough to make you forget what you want to say. Using a script means:

  • You’ll know exactly what you want to say
  • You’ll avoid unnecessary ‘umms’, ‘ahhhs’ and pauses.
  • Your narration will have a smooth flow. And that will make for a better-quality video.

Animating your slides

Next, assess the content of each slide.

Do you have text or images which will appear one at a time when you click the mouse?

For example, in a classroom situation, the trainer might reveal bullet points one at a time. Talk about each point separately before moving and revealing the next point.

When you record the slides, you’ll need to narrate the detailed explanation, using the mouse to reveal your content in time with your script. In other words – you’ll need to synchronise both narration and content animation.

To plan your animation with your script notes, simply bullet the narration.

In the example below – there are six points I wanted to cover. My notes section of each slide details the script I want to narrate. I’ve numbered each script to match the slide content. So, I know that, when I’m ready to talk about point 1, I need to click the mouse to reveal that point during the recording.

converting powerpoint to video

 

Rehearse

Like every good performance, it’s important to rehearse it. Without actually pressing the record button, practise the script and the animation first. You’ll get to hear how your script sounds and see how the content is animating in time with your script. From this rehearsal:

  • Make any necessary changes to fine tune the script and animation.
  • Check that the sound does not pick up any surrounding noises. If it does, try using a separate microphone.

And finally…

  1. Follow the above steps to plan your recording.
  2. Work through the Help section in PowerPoint telling you how to record the slides.
  3. Then hit the record button to start converting your PowerPoint into video.

Find out more about our animated services here.

why are videos so effective
  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

Why Are Videos So Effective? YouTube Rescued Me
Why Are Videos So Effective? YouTube Rescued Me 525 360 Pam Jones

Watch this video or read the story below the video which demonstrates why videos are so effective.In this situation – YouTube rescued me in an hour of need.

Here’s the story.

Recently YouTube rescued me. Let me tell you how.

It was half term and my daughter and I had a long drive to Yorkshire to visit family.

Halfway through the journey it was clear that something was wrong with the car.

It started to vibrate. The vibration got stronger and stronger over about an hour. I finally decided that we had to stop and get help.
Of course, I started to get worried. By this time we’d been in the car for 5 hours. I was getting tired. My daughter was bored and we both just wanted to get to Yorkshire. We were only about 40 miles away.

I came off the motorway and called the AA breakdown service.

As you know when your car breaks down, you usually have to wait for some time.

It was staring to get dark. And when I came off the motorway the nearest road I could stop and wait on was on a quiet and slightly deserted lane.

So now I’m getting even more worried. I explain to my daughter was happening. And gradually she’s starts to ask lots of questions as 5 year olds do.
The longer we wait, the more worried I start to feel. I didn’t want her to start to worry either – because that would add to the stress of the situation. So I need to give her something to do and not let my worry show.

So I decided to give her my phone so she can watch the YouTube app for kids. Immediately she starts to watch.

By keeping her occupied with YouTube, she was quiet and calm. She didn’t keep asking me questions. That kept me calm and focused to keep an eye out for the AA man. Eventually when The AA arrived I was able to speak to the mechanic without my daughter interrupting me. Again YouTube helped keep the situation calm. Our car got fixed and we made it to Yorkshire safely.

So you can see YouTube rescued me. It rescued us in an hour of need.

It just goes to show how effective videos are. They do so many things – they connect you to the wider world, Videos keep your audience engaged. Videos educate, sell and can communicate your message more effectively than other formats.

So my closing thought to you is – is it time you used video in your business?

There are lots of ways to use video. And you never know who you might connect with.

Your video might give you a new enquiry. It might make it easier for someone to understand what you do. Or you never know, it might even rescue someone whilst they’re waiting for an appointment or a breakdown service.

If want to have a chat about using videos in your business, then get in touch.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

5 Secrets To Making Video A Success
5 Secrets To Making Video A Success 1280 720 Pam Jones

What do you need to make your animated video effective and a success?  Which captures your audience’s attention and gives them maximum engagement? Watch this video to find out. Alternatively, read the video’s script below.

This week I’m starting with a WOW.

A wow to the BBC for creating a brilliant drama recently.

Last week was the finale of The Bodyguard. A drama which has record viewing figures and on several occasions made me jump out of my seat.

So what made it such a success? It’s been talked about constantly in the media. Many of us thought that it’s the best thing the BBC has produced in a long time. Well let me tell you what I think.

The Bodyguard had:

  1. An immersive storyline.
  2. Compelling characters acted by just the best actors.
  3. Was packed with action and filled with emotion.

I. Just. Loved it.

And all these elements worked together to great that final piece of drama. It wasn’t just the acting, or just the storyline – everything had to and did work together.

And that’s the same in our world of video production.

There are several things that need to work together in a video so that it communicates your message effectively and captures your audience’s attention.

  1. You need an expertly written script.
  2. Graphics or footage which bring your script to life.
  3. Carefully chosen animation effects which bring that all important movement and are perfectly timed with the script.
  4. A voiceover talent which flawlessly records your script using the right tone, pace and annunciation. The voice which speaks to your audience.
  5. And let’s not forget the background music to give extra engagement.

So bear these things mind when you think about your next video project. It will make your video a success.

I’d love to know what you think. So if you have any thoughts. Leave a comment.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

ways to use animated videos
  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

5 Ways To Use Animated Videos For Learning
5 Ways To Use Animated Videos For Learning 560 315 Pam Jones

You can find out the answer to this question in two ways:

  1. Watch the video below
  2. Read the detailed post below the video

If you’re looking to use animated explainer videos for learning, then you might wondering: How? What should the script cover?

We’ve been developing animated videos for learning for many years. In our experience, there are five main ways how animated videos can be used for learning. Let’s take a look at each one.

Animated videos for learning

1. Simplify a complex topic

Do your learners struggle to understand a particular topic? Then it might be time to use animated video to simplify the topic. Often explaining a topic in a video is far more effective than asking them to reading more about it.

Graphics, video effects and music will work seamlessly together to give your learners their light bulb moment  when they say…”Ah I finally get this now!”

2. Tell your learners a story

Include a central character in your animated video and ask learners what the character should do in the situation. Here you’re involving the learner by getting them to think about the story. The animated video then unfolds the story, perhaps including consequences of the character’s choices.

3. Solve a problem step-by-step

For a subject, like Accounting, use animated videos to take your learners through a problem. Show them how to calculate or solve the problem step-by-step. Add further value but using animation and voiceover to explain where numbers have come from and why.

4. Create a “What’s in it for me” animated video

This is where you give learners a compelling reason to complete an elearning course.

You might have a course about a subject which, let’s say, is not the most interesting. Use the animated video to engage learners at the start of course convincing them why they need to complete the course.  For example, a health safety course could include a powerful video about all the accidents – including death – that happen at work when people don’t follow health and safety rules.

Creating a video about this makes learners think:

If I don’t complete the course, something serious might happen to me or my colleagues.

5. Apply a concept

Use animated videos to show a particular concept being applied, like a business model or process. Create a scenario and show your learners how it is could be applied in that scenario.

You may also find it useful to read this post: 4 Ways To Use Animated Videos For Business

 

We have experience of creating videos in all these ways – so if you’re thinking about using animated videos for learning, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

how long should animated video be
  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

How Long Should An Animated Video Be?
How Long Should An Animated Video Be? 560 315 Pam Jones

One of the early concerns clients have about animated videos is: How long should an animated video be? It’s a very good question. And the quick answer is:

“It depends on what you’ll be using the animated video for.”

However, we won’t leave it there. This answer does need explaining further.  In two previous articles, we looked at ways you can use animated videos in your business and for learning.

In this article, let’s look at a few of the uses again so we can give our recommendations on video length.

Animated video which showcases your testimonials

If you want to use animated video to showcase your best testimonials and client feedback, then in our experience you can do this effectively without a voiceover script. The aim of this kind of video is to:

  • Give a quick and powerful summary of what your customers say about your business.
  • Draw attention to the words your customers have written

Therefore, the testimonials and feedback will be designed using, colour, animated text and a variety of video effects.

The text can be supported with some graphics – but not too many.

In our experience, a video like this should be no longer than 1 minute.

Any longer, and you might lose the viewer’s attention and risk boring them.

Animated video which explains and markets your products and services

This kind of animated video is best designed with a voiceover script. Graphics are then used to support the script.

There’s a knack to explaining your products and services in a video without it coming across too “salesy”.

Your script needs to talk to your customers. Connect with their problems. And then you connect their problems to how your product and service can help them. We use a specific formula to write scripts for videos like this.

In our experience, a video like this should be between 2-3 minutes long.

Animated videos which teach or educate

The purpose of these types of videos is to simplify the complex. Typically your audience will be learners or students. Your learners are struggling to understand a topic. The animated video needs to be designed in such a way which explains the topic easily and visually. For this reason, this type of video always need a voiceover script.

We’ve created many videos like this for Universities and businesses. These videos need more time than a couple of minutes. You might have to write a story around the topic so you can teach from a different perspective. We have a magic learning design formula to write scripts like this.

In our experience a video which teaches or educates learners is between 5-10 minutes long.

Any longer than 10 minutes and we’d suggest revisiting the script and reducing the length.

How do we work out the length of the video?

For any scripted videos, the word count helps to assess how long the video will be. But to get a clearer idea of how long a script will be as a voiceover recording here’s what we do:

  1. Copy and paste the script into free Text to Speech software (easily available on the Internet).
  2. The software records the script using a computer generated voice.
  3. The recording shows you how long the voice recording is
  4. We then add an extra 10-15 seconds to allow for animation and script pauses

This process is repeated a few times during the script writing phase. In our experience it’s pretty accurate in telling us how long the animated video will be.

And of course, our clients are not alone in writing a script. Depending on the type of video they want us to make, we either write a script from scratch or edit a draft script which they provide.

 

Are you planning to use animated videos for your business? Book a FREE call to let us know what you’re planning – we may be able to help.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

what are animated videos
  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

What Are Animated Explainer Videos?
What Are Animated Explainer Videos? 560 315 Pam Jones

You can find out the answer to this question in two ways:

  1. Watch the video below
  2. Read the detailed post below the video

If you’re looking to use videos in your business or for a specific project, then one option is to use animated explainer videos. But what exactly are animated explainer videos?

First, let’s look at videos which are made using a camera.

In a filmed video, a camera films real people and things in different places, doing certain things. For example, actors are filmed on location for a new TV drama. Or, a wildlife programme about the migration of birds in specific parts of the world is filmed.

A filmed video uses things like:

  • Actors/people
  • Film and sound equipment
  • Locations
  • Props
  • Studio
  • Film crew
  • Production team (and more)

A filmed video typically needs more people to make the film. You just have watch the rolling credits to see how many people have been involved in making an episode of a TV programme or film.

In contrast, animated videos do not need any of the above things. Instead, a combination of the following are created to communicate a specific message:

Cartoon-style characters and graphics are created in graphics packages.

A voiceover artist records a carefully written script which explains, asks questions, or tells a story. It all depends on your message.

You might use occasional text to visually highlight key messages or questions.

Video editing software is used to bring all these elements together.

Animated videos can be created by just one person – all you need is a computer and the right skills to make all the above elements and bring the whole video alive. However, in our experience more than one person is needed to make animated videos. Scriptwriting, creating graphics, recording voiceovers and producing the whole video are distinct skills. We use a talented team of people with these skills.

In our experience, animated videos are quicker to make than filmed video. And because less people and things are needed than filmed video, animated videos cost less to make than filmed videos.

You can see an example of an animated explainer video here.

 

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

voiceover for video
  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

Who Records The Voiceover For My Animated Explainer Video?
Who Records The Voiceover For My Animated Explainer Video? 560 315 Pam Jones

Animated videos can be produced with a voiceover narration, or without. For videos with narration, first the script is written, reviewed and edited.

Once it’s signed off, the script has to be recorded by someone. At this point you might be wondering: Who records the video’s script?

In our opinion and experience, it’s best to use a professional voiceover artist to record your video script. Here’s why.

1. Recording voiceover is a unique skill

Professional voiceover artists are also called “Voice Actors”. They don’t just pick up a microphone and start talking. There’s more to it than that.

Voiceover artists record a voiceover to:

  • Suit the audience and video’s purpose. For example, voiceovers for TV adverts are typically spoken quickly. A voiceovers for a children’s story is typically spoken softly and more slowly to help children relax before bedtime.
  • Communicate emotions. For example, a voice actor knows when to smile whilst they’re recording to communicate a happy message. And similarly they’ll lower the tone of their voice’s to convey a sad or more reflective message.
  • Accentuate key words

2. You need specific equipment to record voiceover

To achieve high quality sound in your voiceover recording, you need the right equipment. Using a mic on a smartphone might be fine for a quick Facebook Live video – but it just won’t do for a professionally produced video.

Professional voiceover artist will use specific equipment, such as:

  • A recording booth or other sound-absorption material to eliminate surrounding noises and sounds
  • A proper microphone
  • A microphone stand so the voice actor doesn’t have to hold the microphone
  • Headphones so the recording can be heard
  • Audio software to fine-tune sound quality

3. You  need to use the ‘right’ voice

You need to use the right voice to record your animated video’s script. For example, if your target customers are mostly female teenagers, then you should use a female voice which sounds of a similar age. Similarly, if your video is aimed at a US market, then your video’s script should be recorded by someone who can speak with a US accent so the video appeal to that market.

Once the voiceover artist has recorded the script, it’s checked for errors and sound quality before it’s added into the video. In the video software, graphics and video effects are then synchronised to precision with the final voiceover.

I hope this article has explained the unquestionable value of using a voiceover artist in your animated explainer video. We use a number of artists and give our clients a selection of voices to choose from to record their animated video’s script.

 

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

animated videos business
  • Pam Jones
  • No Comments

How Can You Use Animated Videos For Business?
How Can You Use Animated Videos For Business? 560 315 Pam Jones

You can find out the answer to this question in two ways:

  1. Watch the video below
  2. Read the detailed post below the video

 

In a separate post, I wrote about how you can use animated videos for learning.

Here are 4 ways you can use animation in video for your business.

1. Tell your company story in a fun way

In my opinion, most company websites have a very factual and sometimes serious set of pages about the company’s history. But you know what? The story doesn’t have to be told so seriously. You can have fun telling your story using animated videos. It’s a great way for your customers and prospects to get to know you through a fun and very engaging medium. Include things like:

  • How the company began
  • Why it’s so unique
  • How your products and services have evolved
  • Key milestones in your company’s growth

2. Testimonials

Customer testimonials and reviews are a very positive way to promote your business. However, it can be difficult to get your customers in front of a camera to give that testimonial. They might be too far from you. Or, they might not feel comfortable in front of the camera – even if you’ve asked them to film it themselves on their smartphone. However, if you have written testimonials, then use a custom video to summarise the best and most positive part of the testimonials.

Here’s an example of a testimonial animated video.

3. Social media adverts

Are you advertising on social media? Then instead of using photos, create short professional videos to grab your target market’s attention. Fast. People scroll their news feeds very quickly. You have 3 seconds to try and stop your audience from scrolling and getting them to notice your ad.
Your animated video ad might be an offer, or encouraging people to take action i.e. downloading a resource, trialing a service for free. Here’s a video we created for one of our own Facebook campaigns.

4. Market your products and services

Use animated videos to create compelling, high quality, marketing video content for your product and services. Explain how your products/services can help your prospect and why they should use your service/product.

 

We have experience of creating videos in all these ways – so if you’re thinking about using animated videos, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

Enter your
text here

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your Telephone (required)

    Tell us a bit more about what you need help with

    How did you hear about us?