Introduction

If you want your explainer video to be clear, engaging, and perfectly aligned with your message, you need one thing before animation begins: a strong storyboard. Whether you’re creating a marketing video, product demo, or training clip, a storyboard acts as the blueprint that keeps your visuals, script, and flow organized.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to storyboard an explainer video, even if you’re a beginner. We’ll cover the process step-by-step, plus practical tips to help your video look professional and polished.

What Is a Storyboard for an Explainer Video?

A storyboard is a visual representation of your video, showing what will happen in each scene. Think of it as a comic strip version of your explainer video. It typically includes:

• Rough sketches or simple illustrations

• Scene descriptions

• Script or narration lines

• Notes on movement, transitions, and timing

• Camera angles or animation instructions

A storyboard saves time, prevents confusion, and ensures that everyone—client, scriptwriter, animator—understands the same vision.

Why Storyboarding Matters in Explainer Videos

Before you spend hours animating, a storyboard ensures:

✓ Clear communication

Everyone sees how the video will look before production starts.

✓ Faster production

You avoid rework because issues are detected early.

✓ Stronger storytelling

You can refine pacing, visuals, and flow at the planning stage.

✓ Better brand alignment

You confirm visual style, tone, and messaging before execution.

✓ Cost-effective workflow

Fixing a storyboard is cheaper than fixing an animation.

How to Storyboard an Explainer Video (Step-by-Step)

Below is a practical method used by professionals who create animated explainer videos for businesses.

1. Start With a Clear Script

Your storyboard depends entirely on the strength of your script.
Before drawing anything, write a script that includes:

• The problem

• The solution

• How your product or idea works

• The key benefits

• A clear call to action

Keep it simple and conversational. A strong script makes storyboarding easier and smoother.

2. Break Your Script Into Scenes

Divide your script into short, manageable segments. Each section should represent:

• One message

• One visual idea

• One action

For example:
Script: “Our software saves you time by automating daily tasks.”
Scene Idea: User overwhelmed → software automates → user becomes relaxed.

This step helps you connect narration with a visual plan.

3. Choose a Storyboard Format

You can storyboard using:

• Paper and pencil

• Google Slides or PowerPoint

• Canva storyboard templates

• Figma or Adobe Illustrator

• Professional tools like Storyboarder or Boords

Choose whatever helps you visualize quickly—sketch quality doesn’t matter; clarity does.

4. Draw Rough Thumbnails (Simple Sketches)

Your sketches don’t need to be pretty. They only need to show:

• Character position

• Elements on screen

• Background layout

• Key actions or transitions

Keep each frame simple. Boxes, stick figures, arrows—perfectly fine.

5. Add Script and Voiceover Lines to Each Frame

Under each thumbnail, add the exact narration or dialogue for that scene.

This builds a 1:1 connection between visuals and voiceover, preventing confusion later.

Example:

Frame Visual: User on computer looking stressed
Voiceover: “Managing daily tasks can be overwhelming.”

Perfect alignment equals perfect flow.

6. Describe the Action and Motion

Explainer videos involve movement—so describe it.
Add details like:

• “Character waves”

• “Icons slide in from left”

• “Camera zooms out”

• “Graph grows upward”

• “Transition fades to next scene”

These notes guide animators and keep the video dynamic.

7. Add Branding Notes

To maintain brand consistency, include:

• Brand colors

• Fonts

• Logo usage

• Icon style

• Character style

The earlier these decisions are made, the better.

8. Arrange the Scenes in a Logical Flow

Now check your story structure:

• Does the video start with the problem?

• Are transitions smooth?

• Is the pacing natural?

• Is the message clear and simple?

• Is the CTA strong?

This is the stage where you adjust everything before production begins.

9. Review With Your Team or Client

Share your storyboard for approval. Encourage feedback on:

• Visual clarity

• Story flow

• Accuracy of representation

• Missing details

• Timing concerns

Collect all notes before animating.

10. Finalize and Prepare for Production

Once approved:

• Lock the script

• Freeze storyboard frames

• Transfer instructions to your animation software (Vyond, After Effects, etc.)

• Begin production

A finalized storyboard becomes your official production roadmap.

10. Finalize and Prepare for Production

Once approved:

• Lock the script

• Freeze storyboard frames

• Transfer instructions to your animation software (Vyond, After Effects, etc.)

• Begin production

A finalized storyboard becomes your official production roadmap.