What we'll cover
When it comes to marketing, videos are the best for engaging all kinds of audiences, especially animation. How to create this? Simple answer: by using animation software a tool commonly used by video production agencies. But guess what? You can use it for your marketing needs too.
In this article, we've gathered the five best animation software options you can use to create your marketing materials. Look into their features, prices, pros, and cons to choose the right one and take your marketing efforts to the next level. But before we get into that, let's go over some important points to keep in mind.
Key Factors To Consider Before Choosing Animation Software For Marketing
- User-friendliness and Ease of Learning: Choose software with a user-friendly interface and clear instructions, especially if you're new to animation. Look for helpful tutorials or a supportive online community that can guide you through the process.
- Features Catered to Marketing Goals: Make sure the software's features align with your specific marketing plans. If you're aiming to create engaging explainer videos or captivating product demos, look for tools that offer 3D animation, special effects, and other creative options to bring your marketing ideas to life.
- Platform Compatibility and Versatility: Opt for software that works seamlessly across various platforms and devices. Ensure it's compatible with your operating system, whether it's Windows, macOS, or Linux. Having the flexibility to work from your desktop, laptop, or even your mobile device can make a big difference in your workflow.
- Budget Considerations and Cost-Effectiveness: Take a close look at the pricing structure and any additional costs associated with the software. Some may offer subscription-based models, while others might have one-time purchase options. Be aware of potential add-ons or premium features that could impact the overall cost. Finding a balance between affordability and the features you need is key.
- Availability of Support and Resources: Prioritize software that offers reliable customer support through various channels, such as live chat, email, or phone. Having access to a robust knowledge base, FAQs, and video tutorials can be incredibly valuable for troubleshooting issues and mastering advanced techniques. Additionally, being part of an active online community can provide continuous learning opportunities and keep you updated on the latest trends and best practices in the field of animation for marketing.
5 Best Animation Software For Marketing
1. Create Studio Pro
Create Studio Pro is a versatile multimedia software that empowers creators with advanced tools for video editing, animation, and graphic design automation. It offers a user-friendly interface, extensive features, and professional-grade capabilities, making it an ideal choice for content producers, designers, and video enthusiasts seeking to elevate their creative projects.
Features:
-
Easy drag-and-drop editor for smooth video creation.
-
Various design options are available for different business needs, like 3D character explainers, promos, and YouTube content.
-
Access to ready-made character assets for creating engaging 3D videos.
-
Video effects and customizable bobblehead characters.
-
One-click animation for any layer using the motion presets.
-
Keyframes for precise control over the animation process.
-
Extensive library of images and GIFs for creative flexibility.
-
Support multiple animation styles, including 2D, whiteboard, and explainer videos.
-
Integrated audio tools for adding voiceovers, sound effects, and music.
Pricing:
-
Starts at $37 per month for the Creator Plan.
-
Offers both monthly and yearly subscription options
-
Additional upgrades and add-ons are available for accessing more advanced features and content
Pros:
-
Intuitive interface and user-friendly design, perfect for both beginners and experienced animators
-
If you find the software isn’t for you, they offer a full refund anytime within 30 days after your purchase.
-
Includes an AI background removal feature
-
Unlimited video exports
-
Fully compatible with both Windows and iOS.
Cons:
-
There is no free trial.
2. Powtoon
Powtoon is a user-friendly, cloud-based platform for creating engaging animated videos and presentations. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and vast library of customizable templates, characters, and assets, Powtoon empowers users to craft dynamic and visually appealing content for various purposes, including marketing, Search engine optimization(SEO), education, and business communication. It's a go-to tool for crafting captivating multimedia presentations.
Features:
-
Easy-to-use tools for making animated videos and presentations.
-
There are a lot of templates, characters, and props to choose from.
-
Voice and sound integration.
-
Collaborative feature for your team projects.
Pricing:
-
Free plan available with limited features
-
Subscription plans start from $50 per month.
-
Custom enterprise plans with tailored solutions for larger organizations and specific branding requirements.
Pros:
-
Easy for everyone to use.
-
There are lots of different templates for all kinds of videos and presentations.
-
They have good customer support.
-
You can try it for free.
Cons:
-
Expensive subscription, especially when billed monthly.
-
Limited animation features such as general poses (no detailed customization).
3. Animaker
Animaker is an innovative cloud-based animation and video-making platform. It empowers users to create captivating animated videos for various purposes, including marketing, education, and entertainment. With a user-friendly interface, pre-built templates, and a wide range of customizable elements, Animaker simplifies the video creation process, making it accessible to all.
Features:
-
Works smoothly on supported browsers using HTML5.
-
Provides many templates for creating different kinds of videos.
-
Has a wide library of animated characters, backgrounds, icons, images, your headshots, and videos.
-
It lets you customize characters with lots of facial features and accessories.
-
Supports over 20 facial expressions for lifelike animations.
-
Automatically syncs character speech with voiceovers using Auto Lip Sync.
-
Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface for simple animation creation.
-
Has camera effects, audio tracks, and transitions.
Pricing:
-
Subscription plans start from $12 per month.
-
Annual subscription options are available with up to 50% savings.
-
Custom pricing for enterprise plans, providing tailored solutions for larger organizations.
Pros:
-
Advanced character customization.
-
Lots of different assets are available for all your animation needs.
-
Affordable pricing plans for people and businesses.
-
Access to lots of music tracks and sound effects that you can use for free.
-
You can record your own voice to use in your videos.
-
Convenient one-click resizing for easy video formatting adjustments.
-
Free trial available.
Cons:
-
Learning how to use all the tools and features might take some time.
-
The free plan is limited to only 3 music credits and 3 watermarked downloads.
4. Renderforest
Renderforest is a versatile online video and animation platform. It empowers users to create stunning multimedia content effortlessly. With a user-friendly interface, it offers customizable templates for various purposes, from marketing videos to intros and logo animations. Its extensive library of assets and easy editing tools for video editing make it a valuable resource for both professionals and amateurs.
Features:
-
Easy-to-use video animation software accessible through your browser.
-
Offers over 500 ready-made animated video templates for quick customization.
-
Supports both 2D and 3D templates, providing creative flexibility.
-
Includes a script-to-video tool for converting scripts into visuals.
-
Provides a library of customizable branding options for consistent representation.
-
Offers a built-in stock footage and music library to enrich video content.
-
Facilitates real-time teamwork on projects through collaboration tools.
Pricing:
-
Monthly subscription options start at $14.99, with an opportunity to save up to 40% with an annual payment.
Pros:
-
Provides a wide selection of templates catering to various video and animation needs.
-
Offers affordable pricing suitable for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises.
-
Allows for an extended exploration with a forever free trial option.
-
Includes ready-made storyboards for efficient project planning.
Cons:
-
Some advanced editing features may be limited compared to specialized software.
-
Direct character animation is restricted to pre-existing templates, such as preset actions like waving, writing, dancing, etc.
-
Relies on internet connectivity for project collaboration and rendering.
5. Procreate
Features:
-
Advanced brush customization options for detailed artwork.
-
Responsive interface suitable for creating frame-by-frame animations.
-
High-resolution canvas support for precise animation work.
-
Extensive color palette and blending modes for vibrant visual effects.
-
Compatibility with various file formats, making it easy to share and export animations.
Pricing:
-
One-time payment of $9.99
Pros:
-
Regular updates and improvements ensure that users have access to the latest tools and features, enhancing their overall creative experience.
-
Budget-friendly (one-time payment option).
-
Offers a natural drawing experience.
-
Provides a handy and convenient workflow.
Cons:
-
It only works on iPad and needs an Apple Pencil, which might not be suitable for artists using other devices.
-
It doesn't have pre-made templates or designs, so you have to start your artwork from the beginning, which might need more artistic skill and creativity.
Conclusion
We've shortlisted these five options to make your decision easier. It’s your turn now to choose. Keep in mind the essential factors we discussed earlier. After that, get ready to animate and level up your marketing game!