Best Animated Explainer Video Makers (2026): 10 Compared

If you've ever tried to explain what you do in an email and watched the reader's eyes glaze over, you'll know why animated explainers work. A short film with simple characters, a friendly voice and a clear point can say in a minute what takes a page to write. The trouble is making one without hiring a studio.

Here's a list of ten animated explainer video makers, in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Two are widely known and the rest are smaller or more specialised. I've taken every description from each tool's own website and directory listings, so check the current details on the site before you start a project. If you also want to see how video fits with your wider plans, my guide to creating marketing videos is a helpful companion.

Ten animated explainer video makers at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a permanent free option, usually with limits on length, quality or branding. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free option. Free options often add a watermark or cap the export quality, so check before you publish.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Animaker	Online animation maker	2D animation with characters and scenes	Yes
Biteable	Online video maker	Template-led animated videos	Trial only
Colossyan	AI video maker	Presenter-led explainer and training videos	Yes
Genially	Interactive content maker	Animated, clickable explainers	Yes
Pictory	AI video maker	Turning scripts and articles into video	Trial only
Powtoon	Online animation maker	Animated and whiteboard-style explainers	Yes
Renderforest	Online video maker	Explainer templates and toolkits	Yes
Toonly	Cartoon animation software	Cartoon characters in short explainers	Trial only
Vyond	Animation platform	Character animation for business	Trial only
Wideo	Online animation maker	Simple animated videos in the browser	Yes

The ten animated explainer video makers

Animaker

Best for: Beginners who want to build animated scenes with ready-made characters and props in the browser.

Biteable

Best for: Teams who want to start from an animated template and adjust the words and colours.

Colossyan

Best for: Trainers and small teams who want an on-screen presenter to deliver a script in video form.

Genially

Best for: Educators and marketers who want an explainer that viewers can click through, not only watch.

Pictory

Best for: Content owners who want to turn written material into a short video with captions.

Powtoon

Best for: Teachers and business owners who want animated explainers built from templates.

Renderforest

Best for: Owners who want to pick an explainer template and swap in their own words and images.

Toonly

Best for: Owners who like cartoon-style characters and want a drag-and-drop way to build them.

Vyond

Best for: Companies producing training and communication videos with animated characters and scenes.

Wideo

Best for: Small businesses who want a straightforward editor for short animated marketing videos.

Write the explainer script before you open any software

The tool matters less than the script. A good explainer follows a simple path: the problem your viewer has, the way you solve it and what to do next. Keep it short, because most explainers hold attention best when they stay brief, and read it aloud to catch anything clumsy.

Once the script works, break it into scenes, with one idea per scene. That list of scenes is your storyboard, and every tool here becomes easier to use once you have it.

Choosing an animation style for your explainer

• Cartoon characters. Friendly and easy to follow, good for services and software.
• Motion graphics. Moving shapes, icons and text, good for data and processes.
• Whiteboard style. Hand-drawn lines appear as the voice speaks, good for teaching.
• AI presenters. A virtual person reads your script, good for training and updates.
• Mixed footage. Animation combined with clips of real people or products.

Fancy a more immersive look? My piece on tailoring 3D explainer videos covers how that style works for an audience.

What to check in an animated explainer video maker

• Template range. See whether there are starting points that suit your subject.
• Character and asset library. Look for people, objects and backgrounds that match your brand.
• Voiceover. Check whether you can record your own voice, use a generated one or both.
• Captions. Many people watch with the sound off, so see how easily you can add them.
• Brand control. Make sure you can set your own colours, fonts and logo.
• Export options. Find out the formats, shapes and resolutions available on the free option.
• Music licence. Read what the included tracks allow, particularly for business use.

Mistakes that make an animated explainer fall flat

• Packing in every feature of your service instead of one clear message.
• Letting the film run on for minutes before the main point arrives.
• Using a voice that races, so viewers can't read the words on screen.
• Choosing a style that doesn't suit your audience, such as childish cartoons for a serious service.
• Forgetting a clear next step at the end.

Which animated explainer maker suits which user

• First-timers usually do well with a template-led online tool and a short script.
• Trainers often like AI presenters or interactive formats.
• Teachers tend to enjoy whiteboard-style sequences.
• Marketing teams may want brand controls and a library of characters.
• Content writers might prefer a tool that turns an article into video.

A note on AI voices, avatars and labelling

Some tools here use computer-generated voices or virtual presenters. Many platforms ask you to label content made with AI, so check the rules of wherever you publish. Always review the finished video for mistakes before it goes out. Only use music, images and likenesses you have the right to use, and check the licence terms each tool gives you. This isn't legal advice, so check the rules for your own situation.

Why a smaller animated explainer maker can be a smart pick

Smaller tools often focus on one style or one kind of user, so the templates fit better and there's less to learn. Some are run by small teams who answer questions quickly.

Before you commit, check that the tool is still being updated, read its help pages and build one short test scene. Make sure you can download your finished film in a format you can keep.

Do you make an animated explainer video maker or a tool for making animated video? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Trying out your animated explainer maker shortlist

Choose two or three that match your style, then build the same thirty-second scene in each. Compare how easy it was to find the right characters, how the finished film looks and how clearly the tool explains its limits. Keep the one that suits you and note anything you'd like to ask the maker.

Frequently asked questions

What is an animated explainer video?

It's a short animated film that explains an idea, product or process in simple terms, usually with a script, a voiceover and moving characters or graphics.

How long should an explainer video be?

Short is usually better, often a minute or two. Make one clear point, then tell the viewer what to do next.

Can I make an animated explainer for free?

Yes, several tools have a free option, though it may add a watermark or limit length and quality. Check what yours includes before you publish.

Do I need to be able to draw or animate?

No. These tools provide templates, characters and scenes you arrange, so you don't need to draw anything yourself.

Do I need to label AI-made videos?

Some platforms ask you to. Check the rules of wherever you publish, and review any generated voices or presenters before sharing.