Create explainer videos for free with Canva: is it worth it?

Pros and cons: Canva or an explainer video agency?
Here's how it works and what you get out of it:

Every day, companies are looking for the perfect solution for their explainer video production. While self-creation with tools like Canva is becoming increasingly popular, there are clear situations where a professional agency is the better choice.

In this article, I will show you the possibilities and limitations of both approaches so that you can make the right decision for your company.

Explanatory videos - making complex content easy to understand

Explainer videos have established themselves as a powerful communication tool, and for good reason: they make complex topics easy to understand, present content in an appealing way and motivate people to watch and learn. Whether for products, services or educational purposes - the visual presentation of complex relationships creates clarity and is memorable.

How to create your own explainer video with Canva - step by step

Canva has democratized the world of video design and offers you a user-friendly platform for creating explainer videos. Here you can find out exactly how to proceed:

Step 1: Registration and getting started

1. Go to canva.com and create a free account or log in.
2. On the start page, select "Video" from the template options.
3. Enter "explanatory video" in the search field to find suitable templates.

Step 2: Selecting the right template

1. Browse the template library and choose a design that suits your theme and style.
2. Click on the desired template to open and edit it.
3. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the layout - each template consists of different scenes.

Step 3: Customizing the content

1. Replace the placeholder texts with your own content. Simply double-click on the text.
2. Adjust fonts, font sizes and colors by selecting the text and using the options in the top menu bar.
3. Replace images by clicking on the existing image and then selecting a new one from the media library or uploading your own images.

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Step 4: Expansion and design

1. Add new scenes by clicking on the "+" at the bottom of the time axis.
2. You can drag additional elements such as icons, shapes or illustrations into your video from the left sidebar.
3. Adjust the background color of each scene to separate sections or create moods.

Step 5: Add animation

1. Select an element and click on the "Animate" button in the top menu bar.
2. Choose from the various fade-in, emphasize and fade-out effects.
3. Set the duration of each animation as required.

Step 6: Sound and music

1. Click on "Audio" in the left sidebar to add background music or sound effects.
2. Choose from Canva's free audio library or upload your own recordings.
3. If required, record a voice track directly in Canva or import your pre-recorded voice track.

Step 7: Adjust timing

1. Use the timeline at the bottom of the screen to adjust the duration of each scene.
2. Drag the edges of each element to set the start and end time.
3. Make sure that voice recordings and visual elements are synchronized.

Step 8: Preview and fine-tuning

1. Click on the play button to see a preview of your video.
2. Check transitions, timing and the overall effect.
3. Make final adjustments to achieve a well-rounded overall result.

Step 9: Export and share

1. Click on "Share" in the top right corner.
2. Select "Download" and the desired file format (MP4 for most purposes).
3. Use the sharing options to share your video directly on social media platforms or generate a link.

‍Canvaas an introduction to explainer video production

Canva offers you an easy way to create engaging explainer videos. Here are the key benefits:

Easy to get started without prior knowledge

Canva enables even beginners to create appealing explainer videos. With the intuitive drag & drop editor and numerous professional templates, you can get started quickly. All you need is your theme and some creativity - Canva does the rest.

Cost-effective for small budgets

For companies with a limited budget, Canva is an attractive option. You can create marketing explainer videos without investing a lot of money or time. These videos can be used in a variety of ways: on your website, in social media, in newsletters or as part of presentations. However, you also need to invest time and resources accordingly.

Fast implementation of simple concepts

If you want to explain a straightforward topic, Canva has everything you need: an extensive library of videos, illustrations and images that you can customize to your liking. The templates are professionally designed and can be filled with your own content.

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When is a professional agency like nutcracker the better choice?

Despite the advantages of Canva, there are situations in which it makes more sense to work with a professional explainer video agency like nutcracker:

Complex topics and products

The more complex your product or service, the more important a well thought-out didactic presentation is. At nutcracker, we have years of experience in simplifying complex content. Our concept developers and editors know how to find the common thread and make complicated issues understandable for any target group.

High quality standards

If you play in the First League, your communication should also be first class. Professional explainer videos from nutcracker stand out with customized designs, Hollywood-ready animations, high-quality voice recordings with professional voice actors and a thoughtful storytelling approach. This quality can be decisive in setting you apart from the competition.

Specific branding requirements

For companies with clear corporate design guidelines, a professional agency is indispensable. At nutcracker, we adapt every explainer video exactly to your brand identity - from the color palette and typography to the animation style and tonality.

Time pressure and lack of resources

Although Canva simplifies the creation process, you still need time and creative energy. If your internal resources are limited or you're pressed for time, outsourcing to experts may be the more efficient solution. We take care of the entire production process and deliver a turnkey explainer video.

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Canva vs. nutcracker: a comparison

Advantages of Canva explainer videos

• Cost efficiency: Low to no costs for simple productions
• Fast implementation: Rapid creation for simple concepts
• High flexibility: make changes yourself at any time
• Low entry barrier: no special expertise required
• Immediate availability: no waiting times for external service providers

Disadvantages of Canva explainer videos

• Limited customization: template-based solutions with limited customization options
• Quality differences: Production quality tends to be lower than professional solutions
• Lack of consulting: No strategic support for conception and storytelling
• Limited complexity: Difficult for very complex topics or products
• Generic appearance: Risk that videos look similar to those of the competition

Advantages of nutcracker explanatory videos

• Customized solutions: Individually tailored to your needs
• Professional quality: high-quality animations, voice recordings and music
• Strategic consulting: conceptual support right from the start
• Time saving: No commitment of internal resources
• Didactic expertise: experience in simplifying complex content
• Target group-specific approach: Optimized for your specific target group
• Brand conformity: Perfect integration into your existing brand communication

Disadvantages of nutcracker explanatory videos

• Higher investment: Professional quality has its price
• Longer production time: running through a structured production process
• External feedback: coordination loops with external partners required

Conclusion: The right choice for your needs

The decision between Canva and a professional agency like nutcracker depends on your specific requirements:

Canva is ideal for: Simple explainer videos, small budgets, quick implementation, internal communication or if you are taking your first steps in explainer video production.

nutcracker is the better choice for: Complex topics, high quality requirements, important customers or investors, limited internal resources
and if the video is a central element of your marketing strategy.

Or an interesting third variant:

Agency for Canva: of course we can also set up all your assets in Canva for you and create your own Canva video templates for you.

At nutcracker, we encourage you to try Canva for simple projects with a limited budget. However, for strategically important videos that need to represent your brand and convey complex content, we offer you the expertise and quality that can make all the difference.
 

Would you like to find out more about our customized explainer video solutions?
‍Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. We will be happy to help you find the optimal solution for your communication goals.
Let's crack it!