Walk into any office, and you’ll probably find a whiteboard—sometimes covered in ideas, sometimes abandoned with faded scribbles from six months ago. But one thing is certain: whiteboards have long been a staple for brainstorming, planning, and impromptu doodles during meetings.
Now, imagine that same whiteboard, but instead of static notes, it’s alive. Ideas appear and connect in real-time, guided by an invisible hand, turning abstract concepts into charming stories.
That’s whiteboard animation.
Whiteboards were invented in the 60s, and dry-erase markers followed in 1975. However, the tool wasn’t widely used in businesses until the 90s.
So, how did whiteboard animation go from classrooms to becoming a must-have tool for Fortune 500 companies? Let’s dive in.
The Birth of Whiteboard Animation: A Classroom Classic
Before animation entered the picture, teachers relied on whiteboards to break down complex topics. Drawing while explaining helped students visualize ideas, making learning more interactive and memorable.
All 90s kids can tell you how their school days passed sitting in front of a whiteboard that sometimes even served as a screen for the occasional forward-thinking teacher who projected a movie.
Then, in the early 2000s, something interesting happened. Video creators began recording themselves drawing on whiteboards to explain concepts—initially for educational purposes. You know the classic video with a hand quickly drawing with a voice-over? These videos, known as “whiteboard explainer videos,” quickly gained traction on platforms like YouTube.
Why does animation work so well? Here are a few reasons that stand out:
- It’s fun. Who doesn’t love a good doodle? They make ideas feel approachable, engaging, and just plain enjoyable to watch.
- It’s human. That little hand drawing on the screen isn’t just drawing: it’s creating a connection. Unlike traditional animation, where we accept fiction as it comes, whiteboard videos are basically telling you: I’m doing this for you. Think of it as the Space Jam effect: blending the real world with illustrated magic, making it twice as engaging.
- It moves, and movement captures attention. Our brains love to follow action. As the hand sketches, we track along, making it easier to connect the dots (literally) and remember key ideas.
- It taps into our inner child. Remember doodling in your notebook when you were supposed to be paying attention? Whiteboard videos take that same instinct and turns it into an effective learning tool. It’s classroom nostalgia minus the detention.
- It’s budget-friendly. Compared to live-action shoots with big crews, sets, and logistics, this format is an efficient, cost-effective way to tell a great story without breaking the bank.
These are just some benefits of whiteboard animation in business communication.
The Business World Takes Notice
It didn’t take long for companies to realize that if whiteboards worked in classrooms, they could work in boardrooms, too.
By the early 2010s, businesses started leveraging whiteboard animation videos for everything from product launches to corporate training. The format’s ability to simplify complex ideas made it the perfect medium. But how to thrive with whiteboard cartoons in business settings?
- Explaining technical products and services – Whiteboard explainers help businesses communicate intricate concepts without overwhelming their audience.
- Internal training & onboarding – Companies found that animated training videos were more engaging (and retained better) than traditional employee handbooks.
- Marketing & brand storytelling – A well-crafted animation video for business could take prospects on a journey, showing them exactly why they should care.
This shift marked the moment when whiteboard animation services became a high-value tool for organizations looking to engage their employees and customers in fresh, innovative ways.
Whiteboard Animation: When to DIY vs. When to Hire a Pro
Fast forward to today, and animation is more advanced—and accessible—than ever. Thanks to animation software, almost anyone can attempt a whiteboard video. But should they?
When to DIY Whiteboard Animation
DIY animation software might be a solid option if you’re creating a quick internal project, a budget-friendly explainer, or a rough concept draft. Doodly and Vyond offer whiteboard animation tools with templated assets and drag-and-drop features, making it easy to assemble something without starting from scratch.
However, there are some trade-offs:
- It can be time-consuming – What seems like a simple drag-and-drop process can quickly turn into hours of tweaking, adjusting, and reworking, especially if you’re new to animation.
- Not all of us are storytellers (or artists!) – A great whiteboard video isn’t just about moving images—it’s about narrative too. It’s about telling a compelling visual story in a way that keeps viewers engaged.
- It may look generic – Many DIY platforms rely on stock visuals, meaning your video might blend in rather than stand out.
- Limited customization – If you need something truly unique to your brand, a DIY tool might not cut it.
DIY can be a good place to start for individuals or small businesses with a tight budget. However, working with professional artists and animators is well worth the investment for companies and brands that want a high-impact, entirely custom, memorable video that captures attention (and drives results).
When to Hire a Whiteboard Animation Company
For many businesses, working with a professional animation team is the best way to go. Here’s why:
- Custom visuals – No cookie-cutter templates. Every frame is designed specifically for your message.
- Engaging storytelling – A well-structured story-driven narrative keeps viewers hooked and invested.
- Professional polish – High-quality production ensures your video looks credible and aligns with your brand.
- Efficiency – You get a top-tier video, without spending countless hours figuring out animation software.
At The Sketch Effect, we specialize in creating whiteboard animation videos that blend strategy, storytelling, and stunning visuals to make your message unforgettable.
The Future of Whiteboard Explainers
Whiteboard formats have come a long way from its beginnings. We expect to see even more advancements as businesses seek innovative communication methods.
But one thing remains the same: people will always respond to engaging, visual storytelling. And whiteboard video? Well, it’s not just surviving in the digital age; it’s thriving.
Ready to Bring Your Ideas to Life?
Whether you’re launching a product, training employees, or simplifying a complex message, whiteboard animation is the tool to do it. And The Sketch Effect is here to help.
Let’s chat about your next animation project!
