Nowadays, brands have switched to digital options for promotions, and well-designed videos have been used as an asset behind successful marketing. According to the latest survey, video marketing has achieved 66% more conversions than picture or text-based options.
However, crafting a video with a strong impact isn’t easy. You need reliable software and creative video ideas to get high reach and engagement. This blog will highlight the best animation software to create influential marketing videos for free.
1. Doratoon
Doratoon takes the lead in our list with its wide Frange of features being a diverse animation software easily understandable even by non-technical users.
Whether you belong to the business sector or running your brand by yourself, Doratoon has something for everyone, being the primary choice of most animators.
Doratoon lets you create animations from scratch per your marketing objective and branding campaign. With its comprehensive list of options, you can even record your narration, add external media, polish your video with effects and filters, etc.
1.1 Why Doratoon is the Best Animation Program for Marketing Videos
Doratoon is beginner-friendly software with many characteristics that make it ideal for creating marketing videos.
Here are the reasons why it is considered the best free animation software:
- Easy to navigate interface
- Ready-to-use customizable templates
- Around 10K stock props and over 100M stock photos and clips.
- More than 100 different animated characters with adjustable movements
- 10K background images in 2D as well as 3D formats
1.2 Pros and Cons of Doratoon
Just like every other software Doratoon also has its highlights and drawbacks, which are mentioned as follows:
Pros
- Extremely affordable and free to use for a basic option
- Easy-to-use interface
- No technical knowledge is needed for creating videos or animation
- Wide range of features, templates, characters, tools, props, etc.
- Customization option for existing animation or videos
- Voice-over options with AI dubbing
- Automatic drawing suggestions with AI drawing
Cons
- Limited features in the free version
1.3 How to Make An Animation for Free?
Follow these steps to make animated videos free of cost using Doratoon:
Step 1: Start a New Draft or Use a Built-in Template
Access Doratoon’s website, and click Create a New Video. Select the method of work, and choose a new scene on the Toolbox. You can also pick a built-in template offered by Doratoon.
Step 2: Edit the Marketing Video
Access Doratoon’s wide set of features, including Props, Characters, Stock-free Media, Text-to-Speech, etc. Using these tools, you can edit the video per your convenience.
Step 3: Download the Video
After concluding the editing, check the final outcome using the Preview window. Next, click Export, add relevant information for the video, and press OK
2. Animaker
Just as the name suggests, Animaker is a free animation software through which you can elevate any marketing campaign. It is an ideal choice for new learners featuring drag-and-drop controls and an intuitive interface that is simple to understand.
With Animaker, you can create around six basic types of videos from 2D to 2.5D, from whiteboards to infographics, and hand-crafted to typography.
Features
- In-app camera for webcam and screen recording
- Text-to-speech features
- Stock music for sound effects and voice over
- Already made graphics and templates
- Different video layouts are available
- Effects and transitions for video improvement
Pros
- Helpful customer support
- Intuitive interface
- A great variety of media Library
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited animated characters
System Support: Web-based
3. Powtoon
Powtoon is an online website browser-based free-to-use animation software that can easily create various types of videos.
Moreover, the app lets you create videos of up to three minutes with a vast collection of tools. You can create your personalized animation with custom style and background options.
Also, Powtoon allows picture-in-picture recording where you can show two types of videos at once. You can show your gameplay video while commenting about it, or you can share a tutorial in a video and explain the steps on another screen at a time.
Features
- Resize, crop, rotate, and trim your videos
- Animated explainer videos with in-built narration dialects
- Infographic style video templates and graphics
- Share directly to social media platforms
- Import PPTs and PDFs to convert into videos
- Importing external media like images, videos, themes
Pros
- Easy to use
- A wide variety of templates
Cons
- Pricing is super high
System Support: Web-based
4. Biteable
For those who want to create short animated videos in bite-size format for promotions, advertisements, YouTube shorts, or Reels, Biteable can seal the deal with its multiple options.
Additionally, you can create outstanding animation by editing their ready-to-use templates and props. Besides, there are many different stock videos and graphics available with a background changing option to transition any video with your own touch. Biteable has a collaboration feature letting you share your videos with anyone instantly.
Features
- Add audio files and music from a massive collection of the in-app media file or upload your own
- Share video projects directly to social media using a link or embedded code
- Biteable offers privacy control options when publishing videos to prevent a breach
- Download projects in full HD MP4 format
Pros
- Responsive customer service
- The templates are easily customizable
Cons
- No drag and drop feature
- Copy/paste is also unavailable
System Support: Web-based
5. Pencil2D
Pencil 2D is a desktop-based animator which lets you create custom animations drawn by hand and shape them into 2D video format.
Almost all operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac, support the app and are ideal for business and personal usage. So, whether you want to create product-based animation or real-life service depiction, Pencil 2D can work smoothly.
The app interface is beginner friendly and simple to use, providing many how-to blogs and videos for ease of use.
Features
- Import videos, audio, images, and other media
- During sketching, inking, painting, or other animation steps, switch from raster to vector for more detailed work
- Adjustable video display resolution and frame rate
- Onion skinning feature for realistic graphics
- Custom toolbar according to your requirements
- A variety of exporting options from AVI, MP3, MP4, and more
Pros
- Great tool for beginners
Cons
- Limited options compared to other animation software
- No 3D animation
System Support: Windows, Linux, macOS
6. Procreate
Another reliable and intuitive software on our list is Procreate, offering frame-by-frame and layer-based animation techniques.
The app allows its users to create any animation with the ease of working digitally while giving the experience of hand painting side by side.
You can switch between pencils, pens, and paints with different cuts on paper types. It can be easily manageable using a stylist and an Apple pencil to create powerful animations.
Features
- Create proper shapes with the Quick Shape feature
- Pick any color from existing photos or videos using ColorDrop
- Additional SFX for polishing your projects and adding a final touch
- Multiple blurring and overlaying options
- Typography options and font controls
Pros
- Multilingual
- Wide variety of brushes, tools and functionalities
- Easy to learn and intuitive for artists
Cons
- Limited only to iOS/iPadOS
System Support: iOS
7. Doodly
Doodly is an operable desktop-based software using Mac and Windows, specially designed for whiteboard and explainer animations.
Marketing campaigns need videos that explain to viewers the necessity and benefits of products; thus, Doodly can be an ideal choice by offering just the right tools.
Moreover, you can create custom animations using hand-drawn doodles or change your existing photo into a Doodle. Furthermore, it works the best for 2D or sketch-based animations, a priority for most brands.
Features
- Intuitive dashboard expert in multiple projects at a time
- Thousands of pre-made templates, props, and images
- Point-and-click controls
- The Rainbow feature makes all the colors brighter
- Saving time with the alignment feature where you can several elements at once and align them all together on canvas
Pros
- Convenient for beginners and pros alike
- Affordable
Cons
- The render time takes more than usual
- 3D doodles are unavailable
System Support: Windows and macOS
8. Vyond
Vyond is an online animation tool designed to create The app is a classic asset in the animation industry; most people prioritize it over much different software because of its ever-improving list of features.
In addition, marketers can easily create attractive animations for their products and increase engagement using dialogues, accurate lip-syncing, and overall realism.
Features
- Multiple built-in templates for training and marketing videos.
- Edit videos with a wide range of customization options in just seconds
- Ready to use characters, scenes, background, and objects
- Massive collection of royalty-free graphics and audio
Pros
- 24/7 support
- Extremely easy to use
Cons
- Sign-up required to use the the tool for free
- Text editing and formatting is limited
System Support: Web-based
9. Synfig Studio
The next animation software and video editor on our list that is entirely desktop-based, offering 2D animation tools, is Synfig. You can not only create characters but also vector graphics to create frame-by-frame animations.
Also, it offers a detailed bone regulatory system for the movement of your animated characters for realistic and natural activities.
Features
- Create timeline-based animations
- Advanced feature set for professional animators
- Cut-out animation options using bitmap images
- Layering based on Skeleton Distortion for complex animation
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple and versatile
Cons
- Limited features
System Support: Windows, Linux, macOS
10. Adobe Character Animator
Whenever you think of graphic design or visual arts, the name Adobe pops into your mind with its product and tool variation for different purposes.
Similarly, its product is based on animation requirements, i.e., Adobe Character Animator is ideal for creating live animations and 2D and 3D characters.
It also allows you to create a character or animation in Photoshop or Illustrator and import it to Adobe Character Animator for the final touch. Using a webcam, you can easily set up tags and animate using facial movement.
Features
- Downloadable characters via the creative cloud market
- Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe product integration for importing and exporting
- Automatic facial tracking
- Real-time motion capturing
- Adjustable character appearance
Pros
- Reliable
- Integration with other Adobe programs
Cons
- Cumbersome interface
- Limited capabilities
System Support: Windows and macOS
11. Moho
If you’re looking for a 2D animation platform with simplistic tools and features, Moho can help you with styling and editing similar videos. You need technical knowledge about animation, editing, tagging, and more to use this app. The app uses a blend of animation and AI technology for editing.
With such a diverse list of features, you can easily customize your existing photos or animate any characters while eliminating or adding texture, adding the overlay, and more.
Features
- AI-powered tools
- Custom bitmap helping to create custom brush styles
- Camera manipulation and material properties for 2D elements
- Search pre-made elements using keywords, subwords, and Boolean operations
- Frame layers help you create animated scenarios in layers
Pros
- Robust and versatile
Cons
- Issues with the original color
- Limited customer support
System Support: Windows and macOS
12. CelAction2D
Another promising software in our list of animation tools is CelAction 2D which offers high-quality, hand-crafted animation features that simplify animation and editing for you.
Four different editions are available for you to explore from Professional, Studio, Animator, and Educational, which you can use according to your requirements.
The software has many integration options available with other platforms helping you pick the right type of tool to take forward your project like gaming, ads, promotion, etc.
Features
- Dockable tool panel for working on multiple monitors
- Over 60 special effects in the library, making your video rich in animation
- Rendering is easy with PALA, HDTV format, and NTSC with any type of resolution
Pros
- High-quality software
Cons
- Only available for Windows users
- Limited drawing tools
System Support: Windows
13. Blender
Blender is a well-known desktop-based application that works the best if you have prior knowledge about modeling and animating characters in 2D and 3D formats.
Moreover, it is an open-source animation tool that can handle simulation, rendering, video editing, and 2D animation. There are millions of people who are linked to Blender and contribute to its improvements.
Features
- Sculpting, retopology, curve adjustments
- Draw your characters or models directly in 2D and 3D
- A large number of formats are available for exporting and importing
- You can adjust and fix your product by viewing it from different perspectives
- In-app light and object motion
Pros
- Free
- Best tool for 3D animations
Cons
- A bit difficult for beginners
System Support: Windows, Linux, macOS
14. Renderforest
If you are searching for a flexible animator that offers endless features that are easy to grasp, then Renderforest is a powerful option. It is quite helpful in creating different types of animations and cartoon-based scenarios for music videos, promos, advertisements, etc.
Most people use it for logo revelation purposes, which is generally ideal for short video options. Renderforest allows you to insert animation from existing videos or combine multiple products or narrations to form your own marketing video.
Features
- 4K support
- More than 800 templates
- Different sets of characters and designs
Pros
- A wide variety of templates and animations
- Customer service is excellent
Cons
- Expensive
- Watermark in the free version
System Support: Web-based
15. Canva
Finally, the last on our list known for its unique video editing and animation templates is Canva. It provides you detailed features for editing and animations, including personalized animations, rotating, trimming, splitting, and more.
Create videos with adjustable layouts depending on the device you want to display it in and multiple duration of animations. Also, Canva allows you to easily add your voice and narration with an in-app recorder or by uploading existing audio files.
Features
- Adjustable resizing option for videos
- Add filters, effects, and transitions
- Manual controls for opacity, overlay, and brightness, contrast.
- Ready to use templates for every purpose
- Library of stock videos, images, pre-licensed music, and elements.
- Renders videos at 1080p without watermarks for all sorts of video formats
Pros
- Super-easy for beginners
- Free
- Vast template library
Cons
- Slows down sometimes
- Video editing is a bit restrictive
System Support: Web-based
Conclusion
Using videos and animations for marketing has been a new trend on today’s promotional grounds. It has also been very successful in achieving its goals as people are more tempted by visuals as compared to text.
If your objective is to attract users to your product, then you can use any of the above-defined animation software, especially Doratoon.
It is one of the most relied-on animation software with versatile options, and you can easily access all of its features regardless of technical knowledge.