How to Make a Simple Explainer Video: Script to Publish

A short explainer video can say in a minute what takes a page of text, and you do not need a camera, a studio or drawing skills to make one. Whiteboard and doodle styles are popular because simple drawings keep attention on the idea. This guide takes you from idea to published video, whatever software you use, and mentions one tool near the end.

Step 1: Pick one audience and one message

Most weak explainer videos try to cover too much. Before you write anything, finish these two sentences:

• "This video is for [who], who want to [do what]."
• "After watching, they will understand [one idea] and will [do one thing]."

If you cannot finish them in a line each, narrow the topic. A video called "How a loan works" is too wide; "Three questions to ask before you sign for a loan" is a video.

Step 2: Choose a format and length

Explainers can be screencasts, slides with voiceover, animated characters, live action or doodle-style whiteboard drawings. Doodles suit abstract topics, processes and "how it works" ideas, because simple drawings can show relationships without realistic footage. They suit poorly where people need to see the real thing, such as a physical product demo.

For length, shorter is usually easier to finish and to watch, so set a target length before you write. Decide where it will appear, such as a website, social feed or training course, because that affects the shape and length you need. Check each platform's current guidance for sizes and limits.

Step 3: Write the script

Write for the ear, not the eye.

1. Hook: open with the problem or question your viewer has, in one or two sentences.
2. Body: explain in three to five short points, in an order that builds.
3. Call to action: end with one thing to do: read a guide, sign up, try a step.

Tips:

• Use short sentences and everyday words.
• One idea per sentence, one point per scene.
• Read it aloud, and change anything you stumble on.
• Time the read-through. Cut until it fits the length you chose.
• Do not make claims you cannot support. If you quote a number or a rule, check it and say where it came from.

Step 4: Storyboard the visuals

A storyboard is a simple table or list of scenes: what the viewer hears and what they see. For each line of the script, note the picture. For example:

• "Many people forget to check their settings." Show a person looking confused at a screen.
• "Here is a quick three-step check." Show numbers 1, 2, 3 appearing in turn.

Keep visuals simple. One idea per scene, a few elements, and lots of white space. Avoid putting a long sentence on screen while you also say it; viewers read faster than you speak and will get ahead of you.

Step 5: Create the visuals

You have several routes:

• Draw by hand and film it or scan it.
• Use a presentation program with simple shapes and a screen recorder.
• Use a dedicated animation or whiteboard video tool that supplies drawn elements and templates.
• Use an AI tool to draft scenes from a prompt. Check the output carefully for errors and for anything that looks wrong or misleading before publishing.

Whichever you pick, use a consistent style, colors and fonts throughout.

Step 6: Record the voiceover

Clear audio matters more than people expect. Viewers forgive imperfect visuals more readily than bad sound.

• Record in a quiet, soft room. A closet or a room with curtains and rugs can reduce echo.
• Use a decent microphone, or the best one you have, close to your mouth but not so close that you pop on "p" sounds.
• Speak a little slower than normal, with a friendly tone, and smile.
• Record a few takes and pick the best, or edit them together.
• Listen on headphones and on a phone speaker.

If you use a synthetic voice, check that it sounds natural, and check the tool's and platform's rules about disclosing AI-generated content where they apply.

Step 7: Add music and sound with care

Music can add energy, but it can also drown the voice. Keep it quiet under speech.

Only use music, images and fonts you have the right to use. A track you found online may not be licensed for your use. Use a library whose license covers your use, and keep a note of the license and the source.

Step 8: Add captions

Some viewers watch with the sound off, and captions help viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Add captions or subtitles, and check the automatic ones for errors. Include on-screen text only where it helps.

Step 9: Review before you publish

• Is the message accurate, with no claims you cannot back up?
• Does the first five seconds explain what the video is about?
• Is the audio clear, with music at a low level?
• Are captions correct?
• Do you have the right to use everything in it?
• Does it end with one clear next step?
• If it promotes something you earn commission on, does it say so clearly, in the video and in the description?

Show it to someone who has not seen it. If they cannot say what it was about, revise.

Step 10: Publish and learn

Add a clear title and description, a good thumbnail if the platform uses one and a link to a useful page. After a few days, look at how many people watched and where they stopped. If most leave in the first few seconds, rework the hook.

Common mistakes

• Trying to say everything in one video.
• A long, slow intro before the point.
• Text-heavy scenes read aloud word for word.
• Poor audio.
• No captions.
• Using music or images without permission.
• Forgetting to disclose a commission.

Quick checklist

• One audience, one message.
• Script read aloud and timed.
• Storyboard with one idea per scene.
• Clear voiceover, quiet music.
• Captions checked.
• Licenses and disclosure checked.
• One call to action.

Where a doodle-video tool can fit

If you want to make whiteboard-style videos without drawing, a tool can speed things up. InstaDoodle (affiliate link) is one. The vendor describes an AI text-to-video feature and an image-to-sketch converter, a drag-and-drop editor with a library of doodle elements, templates and fonts, and voiceover and music options, running in the browser. I have not used it. The vendor's partner page lists a starting price plus separately priced upgrades, says some AI features and higher-resolution export are in the upgrades and says pricing may later move to a monthly plan, and the ClickBank listing shows a small recurring charge, so read every order screen. Any AI-made script or video still needs your own review. See our notes on what to check.

Disclosure: I earn a commission if you buy through links in this post, at no extra cost to you.