In today’s digital landscape, animated explainer videos have become a go-to tool for brands looking to educate, inspire, and convert their audiences. Whether you're a startup launching a new app or a corporation simplifying a complex process, an explainer video helps break down information into engaging, digestible content. But many businesses still wonder: how explainer videos are made?
Why Explainer Videos Matter
Before diving into the production process, it’s important to understand why explainer videos have become such a dominant force in modern marketing. These short, animated videos:
Simplify complex topics
Grab attention quickly
Boost SEO and engagement
Improve conversion rates
Are ideal for websites, social media, and presentations
With attention spans shorter than ever, explainer videos offer an efficient and visually engaging way to communicate your message—especially when created by an experienced animated explainer video production company.
Step-by-Step: How Explainer Videos Are Made
So, how are explainer videos made? Here's a detailed look at the typical production pipeline followed by professional animation studios:
1. Discovery and Strategy
The process begins with understanding your brand, product, and goals. The production company will ask questions like:
Who is your target audience?
What’s the core message?
What do you want viewers to do after watching?
This strategic phase ensures the final video aligns with your marketing objectives.
2. Scriptwriting
Every great explainer video starts with a clear, concise script. The writing focuses on:
Identifying a problem
Presenting your product or service as the solution
Including a call to action (CTA)
A typical script for a 60-second video is about 140–150 words. The tone is often friendly, conversational, and action-driven.
3. Storyboard Creation
Once the script is approved, the storyboard brings the visual plan to life. This is a series of sketches that match key moments in the script, showing how each scene will appear. Think of it as a comic-strip version of the video.
4. Voiceover Recording
A professional voice actor records the script to match the tone of your brand. Whether it’s upbeat, professional, warm, or quirky, the voiceover is key in setting the mood for the entire video.
5. Illustration and Design
Next, designers create custom characters, icons, and backgrounds based on your brand’s visual identity. This phase ensures your video is unique, not a recycled template from a DIY app.
6. Animation
Now comes the magic. Animators bring the illustrations to life through movement, transitions, and timing. Motion graphics, character lip-syncing, and scene changes are all handled here. This is where top-level studios—especially elite animation studios in Toronto—shine.
7. Sound Design
Music, sound effects, and syncing are added to enhance the viewer experience. A light background track and subtle effects can dramatically elevate the final product.
8. Review and Final Delivery
You’ll typically receive a draft to review and suggest revisions. Once approved, the animated explainer video production company delivers the final HD version, optimized for web, social platforms, or wherever you need it.
Why Work with a Professional Animated Explainer Video Production Company?
While DIY tools are available, most brands seeking quality, impact, and customization turn to professional studios. Here’s why:
Expert storytelling ensures your message is clear and persuasive.
Custom visuals match your brand and stand out.
Professional production increases credibility and conversions.
Time-saving—you get a dedicated team handling everything.
Partnering with a top-tier animated explainer video production company ensures your investment leads to real results.
The Role of Toronto in the Global Animation Scene
When it comes to choosing a creative partner, animation studios in Toronto are gaining global recognition. Why?
✅ Diverse and Talented Workforce
Toronto is home to some of the best animation schools in North America, producing skilled illustrators, designers, and motion artists.
✅ International Portfolio
Many studios in the city work with international clients, giving them a global understanding of branding, culture, and storytelling.
✅ Government Incentives
Canadian studios often benefit from tax credits and funding for media production, helping reduce costs for clients without sacrificing quality.
It’s no surprise that Toronto animation studios are frequently listed among the best animation studios of 2025, thanks to their creativity, professionalism, and world-class output.
How Anime Inspires Explainer Video Design
Although explainer videos are primarily corporate or educational in nature, many creators draw stylistic inspiration from anime. The vibrant color schemes, emotional expressions, and dynamic motion found in anime have influenced animation trends globally.
For animators looking for reference, even an anime download website free can offer a library of content to study visual storytelling techniques. However, it’s important to distinguish between inspiration and imitation—professional studios build original assets while borrowing elements of anime flair to connect with certain audiences.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how explainer videos are made helps demystify the creative process and empowers businesses to make informed decisions when hiring an animation partner. From strategy and scriptwriting to animation and delivery, every step is a building block toward telling your story with clarity and impact.
Working with a trusted animated explainer video production company, especially one with a track record like the animation studios in Toronto, ensures your message is not only heard—but remembered. As animation continues to shape digital marketing in 2025 and beyond, investing in quality storytelling through explainer videos is a smart move for brands of all sizes.
So whether you’re launching a startup, scaling your marketing, or just curious about the creative world behind animation, remember: great explainer videos don’t just happen—they’re made with expertise, vision, and purpose.
