Creating an explainer video isn’t just about writing a script or designing animations. The storyboard is where your idea starts to come alive visually. A good storyboard ensures your video flows logically, communicates your message clearly, and keeps viewers engaged.
In this blog, we’ll share essential storyboarding tips for making explainer videos that captivate and convert.
1. Understand the Purpose of Your Video
Before sketching anything, clarify the goal of your explainer video:
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Are you introducing a new product?
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Explaining a process or concept?
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Driving sign-ups or sales?
Knowing the objective will guide the storyboarding process, helping you decide which scenes are essential and which are extra.
2. Start With Your Script
Your storyboard should visually represent your script.
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Break the script into scenes or beats.
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For each scene, note the voiceover, visuals, and on-screen text.
Example:
Voiceover: “Tracking projects can be stressful.”
Visual: Animated character juggling multiple tasks.
Starting with a script ensures your storyboard aligns perfectly with your narration.
3. Focus on a Clear Visual Flow
A storyboard is essentially a visual roadmap. Keep the flow logical:
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Hook first: Grab attention in the first few seconds.
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Problem: Show the challenge or pain point.
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Solution: Introduce your product or idea.
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How it works: Break down the steps.
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Call-to-Action: End with clear guidance for viewers.
Tip: Sketch arrows or notes showing motion or transitions between scenes.
4. Keep It Simple and Consistent
Explainer videos are usually short, so your visuals should be simple and easy to follow:
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Use clean shapes and minimal text.
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Maintain consistent colors, fonts, and characters.
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Avoid clutter; too many details can confuse viewers.
5. Include Visual Cues for Motion
Explainer videos often rely on motion graphics or animations.
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Mark movement, transitions, or effects on the storyboard.
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Indicate camera zooms, pans, or slide-ins.
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This helps animators understand your vision without trial and error.
Example notation:
“Character moves from left to right as text appears on screen.”
6. Think About Timing
Every second counts in an explainer video.
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Estimate how long each scene will appear.
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Align voiceover duration with visuals.
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For example: 10 seconds for a problem scene, 15 seconds for a solution, etc.
Tip: Use a timer while storyboarding to ensure the total video length stays within your target (usually 60–120 seconds).
7. Use Placeholders for Text and Graphics
You don’t need polished artwork during storyboarding.
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Use boxes for text, simple icons, or stick figures for characters.
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Focus on composition and flow, not perfect design.
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Animators or designers can replace placeholders with high-quality visuals later.
8. Review and Iterate
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Show the storyboard to team members or stakeholders.
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Ask: Does the story make sense? Are the visuals clear?
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Iterate based on feedback to avoid costly changes during production.
9. Optional: Number Your Scenes
Numbering each scene helps:
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Keep track of voiceover segments.
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Coordinate animation and editing.
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Make notes on scene length or special effects.
Conclusion
A storyboard is the bridge between your script and the final explainer video. It ensures your message is communicated clearly, the pacing is right, and viewers stay engaged from start to finish.
By planning visuals, motion, and timing carefully, you can create explainer videos that not only look professional but also deliver results.
Pro Tip: Even a rough storyboard is better than no storyboard—it prevents confusion, saves time, and makes animation smoother.
