Motion2DGuides to making animated videos
Short, practical guides written for people who want to publish, not to study animation. Each one works whether or not you use Motion2D.
2D vs 3D animation
2D vs 3D animation explained: how each is made, cost and time differences, which looks better for explainers, kids content and YouTube, and when to choose each.
GuideAI animation and copyright
Who owns AI-generated animation? What the U.S. Copyright Office says about AI and human authorship, how to protect your work, what to avoid.
GuideAnimated video ideas that work
Animated video ideas by niche: science, history, money, kids, business, motivation and more, with tips on what makes an idea work well in animation.
GuideAnimation styles, and when to use each
Common animation styles explained: 2D cartoon, flat motion graphics, whiteboard, cut-out, 3D, stop motion and more, with what each is best for.
GuideThe best AI animation tools, by job
The best AI animation tools in 2026, grouped by what you're making: cartoon stories, motion graphics, template explainers, stock-footage videos and 3D.
GuideHow much does an explainer video cost?
How much does an explainer video cost? What drives the price of animated explainers, typical ranges from agencies, freelancers and DIY tools, and where AI fits.
GuideHow long should an explainer video be?
How long should an explainer video be? Recommended lengths by use: homepage, product demo, social, training and YouTube, with word counts per minute.
GuideFree animation software worth your time
The best free animation software for beginners and pros: OpenToonz, Krita, Blender, Synfig, Pencil2D, and free AI tools, with what each is good for.
GuideHow to add a voiceover to an animation
How to add voiceover to animation: record or generate the voice, clean it, sync it to scenes, mix music, and add captions. Tools and tips for each step.
GuideHow to animate a character
How to animate a character: design for movement, key poses, timing and spacing, walk cycles, acting and lip sync. The basics, plus the AI shortcut.
GuideHow to animate a story
How to animate a story: break it into beats, choose what each scene shows, time it to narration and keep characters consistent. A practical method.
GuideHow to make a cartoon video
How to make a cartoon video: plan a short story, design simple characters, animate, voice and edit. Three routes compared: hand-drawn, puppet apps and AI.
GuideHow to make a history video
How to make a history video for YouTube or class: choose a question, research from good sources, tell it through people, and animate the past.
GuideHow to make an animated YouTube video
A step-by-step guide to making an animated YouTube video: topic, script, visuals, voice, edit, thumbnail and upload. With and without AI tools.
GuideHow to make an explainer video
How to make an explainer video: define one viewer and one message, write problem-first, keep scenes short, add captions and test. A 6-step method.
GuideHow to make animation for kids
How to make animation for kids: age-appropriate pacing, colours and words, simple stories, safety, and YouTube's Made for Kids rules. Practical tips.
GuideHow to make YouTube Shorts with AI
How to make YouTube Shorts with AI: find a one-idea topic, write a 2-second hook, generate a vertical animation, add captions and post on a schedule.
GuideHow to start a faceless animation channel
Start a faceless animated YouTube channel: choose a niche, plan 20 videos, set a schedule, use AI animation, and avoid the repetitive-content trap.
GuideHow to write an animation script
How to write an animation script: a simple two-column format, hooks, pacing at 130 to 150 words a minute and writing for the ear.
GuideYouTube animation monetisation, explained
Can animated and AI-made YouTube channels be monetised? Partner Program thresholds, the 2027 change and the inauthentic content rules.
Where to start
New to animation? Start with how to make an animated YouTube video, then how to write an animation script. Planning a channel? Read how to start a faceless animation channel and YouTube animation monetisation.
Questions and answers
Are these guides only for Motion2D users?
No. The advice works with any tool. Where Motion2D makes a step faster, we say so plainly.
How often are the guides updated?
Each guide shows the date it was last checked. Platform rules, such as YouTube monetisation, change often, so we review those first.
Can I suggest a guide?
Yes. Write to us from the about page.
Keep exploring
Animated video ideas that work
Animated video ideas by niche: science, history, money, kids, business, motivation and more, with tips on what makes an idea work well in animation.
How to make an explainer video
How to make an explainer video: define one viewer and one message, write problem-first, keep scenes short, add captions and test. A 6-step method.
The best AI animation tools, by job
The best AI animation tools in 2026, grouped by what you're making: cartoon stories, motion graphics, template explainers, stock-footage videos and 3D.
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