A Complete Guide to Creating Whiteboard Explainer Videos in 2025

Introduction

Explaining something complex shouldn’t feel like solving a riddle.

But when the topic is technical or abstract, slides don’t cut it, long-form videos lose attention, and text alone leaves too much room for confusion.

That’s where whiteboard explainer videos come in. 

They use simple sketch-style visuals, a guiding voiceover, and a clear flow to break things down, step by step, concept by concept. 

Whether it’s explaining a product feature or breaking down a complex solution, whiteboard videos make your message feel effortless to grasp. 

And the best part? You don’t need a design team or studio budget to get started.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what makes whiteboard explainer videos so effective, how to create one from scratch, and how to do it affordably to make your own video drive real results.

What Are Whiteboard Explainer Videos?

Whiteboard explainer videos are a type of animation where ideas are visually sketched out, usually in black and white, on a blank white background, often accompanied by a voiceover that narrates the story. The result often results in the viewer watching someone draw a concept in real time, helping them follow along step by step.

Unlike motion graphics or high-production video formats, whiteboard animations rely on simplicity. By stripping away distractions and focusing on the essentials, visuals, narration, and sequencing, they make complex or abstract information feel more digestible.

Where are Whiteboard Explainer Videos Commonly Used?

Whiteboard explainer videos shine in use cases where clarity is more important than visual flair:

• Marketing: They work well for top-of-funnel brand stories, mid-funnel explainer content, or even bottom-of-funnel “how it works” videos that build trust with prospects. SaaS companies especially lean on them to simplify complex tech stacks.
  
• Training & Onboarding: From HR policies to compliance modules, companies rely on whiteboard animations to onboard new employees and train internal teams. According to a study by the University of Twente, the hand-drawn style combined with narration significantly improves attention span and message retention, making it ideal for walkthroughs, SOPs, or upskilling programs.
  
• Nonprofits & Healthcare: When the goal is to inform, educate, or drive empathy, whiteboard videos help deliver a message that’s both clear and emotionally resonant, without overwhelming viewers.

In fact, 96% of people say they watch explainer videos to learn more about a product, and 89% report having been swayed to purchase after watching one, as per HubSpot Marketing Statistics.

That’s exactly why whiteboard explainer videos are such a smart choice, not just for simplifying ideas, but for nudging decisions.

Key Characteristics of Whiteboard Animation

Not all explainer videos are created equal. What sets whiteboard animations apart is their unique visual and narrative style, one that feels intuitive, focused, and instructional. Here’s what gives whiteboard videos their signature look and feel.

Hand-Drawn or Digital Sketch Style

At the heart of most whiteboard videos is the illusion of someone sketching in real-time. Whether it’s hand-drawn frame by frame or created using drag-and-drop software, the goal is to mimic the feel of a real person drawing on a whiteboard. This aesthetic adds a personal, low-friction vibe that puts viewers at ease and keeps them curious about what’s coming next.

While many use digital tools, the sketch effect still mimics pen-on-board movement, which makes the visuals feel active, like learning in a live session rather than watching a static presentation.

Sequential Storytelling with Visual Flow

Whiteboard animation leans heavily on linear storytelling. Concepts are introduced one at a time in a clean, left-to-right (or top-to-bottom) flow, which aligns with how most people process information. This sequential reveal helps maintain focus, prevents cognitive overload, and encourages retention.

Each new visual typically builds on the previous one, reinforcing understanding as the video progresses. It’s a storytelling rhythm that feels more like watching a concept unfold, rather than being dropped into the middle of it.

Use of a Virtual Hand or Marker

The “hand” is more than a gimmick; it’s a psychological anchor. In fact, an experimental study confirms that hand-drawn content significantly boosts intrinsic motivation. While it may not always impact learning performance, the presence of a drawing hand makes the experience feel more engaging, which can enhance viewer connection and emotional buy-in.

This hand-drawn illusion also triggers curiosity. Viewers naturally want to know what’s coming next, keeping them watching longer than they might with other animation styles.

Typically Minimalist and Monochrome (But Not Always)

The clean whiteboard look, often black lines on white, is no accident. It aligns with Mayer’s coherence principle, which recommends minimizing unnecessary detail. While newer whiteboard videos now use touches of brand color, the goal remains the same: keep attention on the message, not the medium. Many modern whiteboard videos now integrate brand colors, callout highlights, or visual cues to guide the eye or reinforce key points.

For example, Adobe’s whiteboard explainer for its in-store campaign solution uses grayscale sketches with subtle pops of red and blue to differentiate between stages and actions. While monochrome is the baseline, adding color strategically can boost impact, especially when used to signal transitions or emphasize data.

How Whiteboard Explainer Videos Are Different from Other Explainer Styles

With so many explainer formats out there, such as 2D animation, motion graphics, and live action, it’s easy to wonder: what makes whiteboard animation different? And more importantly, when is it the right choice?

This section breaks down key differences so it’s easier to decide where whiteboard animation fits into your video strategy.

Feature / Style	Whiteboard Animation	2D Animation	Motion Graphics
Primary Use	Explanational content, walkthroughs, and onboarding	Storytelling, emotional engagement, and product launches	Brand intros, feature highlights, data explainers
Visual Style	Hand-drawn or sketch-like, minimalist	Colorful characters, backgrounds, and dynamic scenes	Polished graphics, text, and shapes, visual transitions
Pacing	Sequential, linear; one idea at a time	More cinematic with multiple elements moving simultaneously	Often fast-paced and rhythmic
Emphasis	Clarity and comprehension	Emotion, personality, and visual appeal	Visual polish, brand identity, and professional tone
Best For	Teaching abstract or complex ideas clearly	Building brand connection, explaining emotionally resonant topics	Presenting stats, features, or business results with visual punch
Visual Distraction	Low – focused on key message	Medium to high – rich scenes may distract from the core idea	Medium – transitions and animations can sometimes outshine content
Engagement Trigger	Curiosity, progression (What’s the hand drawing next?)	Characters, humor, and immersive scenes	Visual impact and pacing
Audience Expectation	“I want to understand this.”	“I want to be engaged and entertained.”	“I want the facts, fast and sleek.”

When Should You Choose a Whiteboard Over Other Styles?

Whiteboard explainer videos are ideal when the message is complex, abstract, or process-driven, especially when the viewer needs to understand rather than feel something.

Ideal Scenarios for Whiteboard Animation

• Explaining a complex product or feature (especially in SaaS, fintech, or healthtech)
• Introducing a new solution to the market through storytelling and visual clarity
• Breaking down your value proposition for top-of-funnel marketing campaigns
• Educating prospects on how your product solves a specific pain point
• Creating engaging landing page videos that improve conversions
• Amplifying demand gen campaigns with visually engaging explainers.

When to Avoid It (and What to Use Instead)

• If the goal is to stir emotion or brand affinity, use 2D or live action
• If the product involves rich visuals (e.g., mobile UI or physical goods), use screen recordings or 3D animation
• If the audience expects high production polish (e.g., for ads or investor pitches), motion graphics or hybrid formats may be better

The format is powerful, but like any tool, it works best when matched to the right job.

How to Create a Whiteboard Explainer Video 

Creating a whiteboard explainer video doesn’t require a production studio or animation background. With the right approach, it’s possible to produce a compelling, professional-grade video in just a few days, even on a modest budget.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to go from idea to finished whiteboard animation.

Step 1: Define the Message and Viewer Outcome

Start with alignment: what’s the core idea you want to leave your viewer with? That outcome should drive the tone, length, and pace of the entire video. Some examples:

• A product walkthrough might need to build clarity and trust within 90 seconds.
• An internal explainer might aim to standardize knowledge across distributed teams.
• A customer onboarding video might need to alleviate friction and guide next steps.

Clarity at this stage ensures the rest of the process doesn’t spiral into visuals without purpose. As Lakshmi Rebecca, Founder at Red Bangle, puts it, “What people miss the most is the importance of a brief and the clarity of why they need the video. That’s still the biggest gap.”

Step 2. Write a Script That Simplifies, Not Oversimplifies

A strong whiteboard video starts with a strong script. It’s the backbone of the story. The best scripts are short (under 300 words), punchy, and built around a clear goal. Use frameworks like:

• AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) for product explainers
• PAS (Problem, Agitation, Solution) for onboarding or training
• Or a “Before → After → Bridge” structure for transformation-based stories

Keep the language conversational. Speak directly to the viewer’s challenge, then guide them toward the solution. If the topic is technical, simplify without dumbing it down.

Step 3. Visualize It, Frame by Frame

Whiteboard explainer videos build linearly, one idea drawn at a time. That’s what makes them feel approachable and engaging.

The visual structure needs to:

• Reinforce the narrative flow
• Reduce visual clutter
• Anticipate where the eye will go next

This is where our storyboard process comes in. Each line of the script is mapped to a moment on screen, sketched and sequenced to hold attention and guide understanding. We make room for pacing, transitions, and the occasional creative twist (like a surprise reveal or clever visual metaphor).

Step 4. Match Voice, Tone, and Timing

In a whiteboard video, the voiceover is the guide. It shapes how viewers feel about what they’re seeing and whether they trust what they’re hearing. The right voice should:

• Match the intent (calm, confident, or energetic)
• Mirror your brand personality
• Be clear, consistent, and well-paced

Every line should be timed against the visual storyboard to ensure rhythm and flow—no awkward pauses or rushed scenes.

Step  5: Animate with Clarity and Control

Whiteboard animation’s strength lies in how each drawing unfolds to support the message. Done well, this creates anticipation (“What’s coming next?”) and deepens understanding. We focus on:

• Clean, distraction-free line drawings
• Visual cues that follow the voiceover
• Subtle hand-drawn effects that feel intentional, not overused

Where color is used, it’s to emphasize, not decorate. When transitions happen, they support logic, not flashiness. Every scene builds from the last with purpose.

Step 6: Add Final Touches: Sound, Timing, and Polish

A subtle background track can lift the pacing and tone, especially when chosen carefully to avoid clashing with the voiceover.

We handle:

• Music selection and licensing
  
• Audio balancing for clarity
  
• Accessibility features like subtitles or screen reader support (when needed)
  
• Final exports for all major platforms (YouTube, landing pages, internal LMS)

Step 7: Choose the Right Agency Partner

A whiteboard explainer video may look simple, but getting it right takes more than just dragging and dropping visuals. For all the steps we saw above, from the script to the pace, voice, and visual flow, everything needs to work together to tell one clear story.

That’s why choosing the right creative partner is key, especially if the video will be used externally or as part of your brand experience. When evaluating agencies, look for:

• Strategic inputs, not just execution
• Experience in simplifying complex or technical topics
• Collaborative workflows with minimal back-and-forth
• Creative quality that balances clarity with originality

For instance, at Red Bangle, we work closely with clients to define the message, shape the script, and design visuals that feel intentional, not templated. Our Creative Cloud Platform streamlines every step, from storyboard to delivery, with real-time feedback, version tracking, and central access to all assets.

Also read → Why working with a professional video agency delivers better results than going DIY or building in-house.

Best Whiteboard Explainer Videos (Examples to Learn From)

Some of the most effective whiteboard explainer videos don’t just simplify information—they also strike the right tone, pacing, and visual flow for their audience. Here are two standout examples from Adobe, each showcasing a different use case but following the same principles of clear, sequential storytelling.

Infosys x Adobe eDAM Solution

This whiteboard video, produced by Red Bangle, showcases Adobe’s enterprise digital asset management solution—a topic that could easily veer into technical overload. But instead of overwhelming the viewer, it uses storytelling and whiteboard sketches to make the problem (content chaos) and solution (centralised asset management) instantly relatable.

What makes this video work:

• Sequential flow: The story follows a problem-solution structure, which builds narrative clarity from start to finish.
  
• Simple visuals: Monochrome sketches are used consistently, with light color accents to differentiate key touchpoints.
  
• Focused script: Every line adds value. There’s no fluff, no filler—just the message, delivered cleanly and confidently.

This is a perfect example of how whiteboard videos can bring clarity and emotion to complex B2B offerings, especially in SaaS or martech.

UNICEF: Data Manifesto 

This whiteboard explainer by White Animation tackles a sensitive and often overlooked topic: how children’s data is collected, used, and protected. What makes it powerful is its simplicity. Instead of relying on technical jargon or heavy-handed visuals, the video uses clean sketches and voiceover to communicate a strong call for ethical, child-centric data practices.

What makes this video work:

• Gentle narrative tone: The pacing and voiceover are designed to inform, not alarm, creating a balanced tone around a sensitive topic.
• Hand-drawn visuals with symbolic clarity: The illustrations are minimal but expressive, using common metaphors (locks, fingerprints, silhouettes) to simplify abstract ideas like consent, vulnerability, and privacy.
• Call-to-action framing: The video not only explains the problem but also empowers viewers to take action through UNICEF’s manifesto.

Tips to Make Your Whiteboard Explainer Videos More Effective

Creating a whiteboard video is one thing; making it stick with your audience is another. Even the best scripts and visuals can fall flat without the right delivery. These tips focus on optimizing structure, pacing, and engagement to keep viewers watching and acting.

Start with a Hook in the First 10 Seconds

Attention spans are short. If the first 10 seconds don’t hit, viewers are gone. Start with a strong hook: pose a question, show a relatable problem, or make a bold statement. 

One creator observed 40–60% audience drop-off in the first minute. The advice from others? Skip the fluff. Start strong. Lead with the most eye-catching moment, question, or problem.

For example: “Why do most software demos confuse the very people they’re meant to help?”

This instantly signals value and relevance. The goal is to get the viewer nodding, thinking, “That’s exactly the issue I’m facing.”

Keep It Under 2 Minutes (If Possible)

Most whiteboard videos work best between 60 to 120 seconds. It’s enough time to frame the problem, introduce the solution, and deliver a CTA, without overloading the viewer.

Longer formats (3–5 minutes) can still work for training or internal use, but for customer-facing videos, brevity drives performance. Viewers associate shorter videos with efficiency and relevance, two things that build trust fast.

In Lakshmi Rebecca, founder of Red Bangle’s words:

“B2B marketers are data-savvy. They know videos need to be sharp—60 seconds, 90 seconds max—because they have a lot to prove and very little time to capture attention.”

If a topic is complex, split it into a series of short videos rather than one long explainer.

Use a Strong CTA at the End

Don’t leave the viewer hanging. A clear, concise call to action gives the video purpose beyond just educating.

Effective CTAs for whiteboard videos include:

• “Book a demo to see it in action”
• “Download the full guide”
• “Talk to our team today”
• “Try it free for 14 days”

The CTA should match the viewer’s awareness stage. Mid-funnel videos should guide toward engagement, not a hard sell.

Also, make sure the visuals support the CTA. For example, if the video ends with “Book a demo,” show a simple animation of someone clicking a calendar or filling a short form. Reinforcing action visually increases conversion likelihood.

Conclusion

Whiteboard explainer videos might seem simple, but that’s exactly why they work. In a world overloaded with content, clarity is rare. This format cuts through the noise by doing one thing well: helping people understand.

Whether you’re launching a new feature, training employees, or explaining a big idea to a wide audience, whiteboard animation brings structure, focus, and a human touch. It’s not about impressing with visuals, it’s about delivering a message that sticks.

If you’re considering adding whiteboard explainer videos to your content mix, the smartest next step is to talk to a team that does this every day.

Ready to get started? Book a call with our experts at Red Bangle to explore what a whiteboard explainer video could look like for your brand.