How to Write Copy for Animated Videos: Tips and Storyboarding Essentials

Jun 4, 2025

How to Write Copy for Animated Videos: Tips and Storyboarding Essentials

The key to writing great copy for an animated video is clarity, brevity, and structure. Your script should deliver the message quickly, align with your visuals, and guide viewers toward a clear action—all while sounding natural when spoken. A strong storyboard ensures that the copy flows visually and keeps the narrative cohesive from start to finish.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • How to write compelling copy for animated videos

  • Why storyboarding is a must for creative cohesion

  • Practical steps to align messaging and visuals from the start

Why Copy Is Critical in Animated Videos

Animation catches the eye, but copy drives the message home. The best animated videos communicate complex ideas in simple, engaging ways. And that starts with the right words—clear, concise, and goal-driven.

How to Write Copy That Works

1. Know Your Objective

Start with a question: What do you want the viewer to do or feel?

  • Sign up for a product?

  • Understand a process?

  • Remember your brand?

Your script should revolve around that goal.

2. Keep It Short and Conversational

Most marketing animations run between 60 and 90 seconds. That’s roughly 150–180 words.

  • Avoid fluff

  • Use natural, spoken language

  • Focus on benefits, not just features

3. Structure Like a Story

Use a three-part format:

  • Hook: Grab attention in the first 5–10 seconds

  • Message: Present your core idea or solution

  • Call to Action: Clearly state the next step

4. Match Tone with Brand Identity

Should it sound professional, friendly, playful, or bold? Your copy needs to match your brand voice and your audience's expectations.

5. Write for the Voice, Not the Page

Always read your script aloud. What sounds good on paper may feel awkward when spoken.

Why Storyboarding Is the Copywriter’s Best Friend

If you’re writing video copy without storyboarding, you’re working blind. Storyboarding isn’t just a design tool—it’s a creative compass for your entire project.

Storyboarding Builds Cohesion

It lets you see the whole narrative at a glance. Every transition, every visual cue, every beat of the script becomes part of a bigger picture. This ensures that copy and visuals flow together—not as isolated scenes, but as one cohesive journey.

Storyboarding Sparks Clarity

Visualizing your story from start to finish can unlock new ideas and sharpen your message. It helps the creative team see how each line of copy connects to a visual, which often inspires better writing and animation decisions.

Storyboarding Reduces Revisions

When clients and stakeholders see the full vision early—script and visuals—they’re more likely to approve direction and fewer changes are needed later. That means less guesswork, less back-and-forth, and more efficiency.

Final Thoughts: Start Strong With Copy and Storyboarding

Great animated videos don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of intentional writing and clear planning. When your copy aligns with a strong storyboard, you create not just a video—but a story that moves people.

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