VideoScribe Review
Sparkol is tech company based in the United Kingdom and it has gained recognition thanks to VideoScribe, an innovative whiteboard animation software that is feature-rich and at the same time, easy to use. The program consists of five simple steps and it has a wide variety of functions to choose from. It is a convenient solution to create videos for your business without complication and without spending a high amount of money. VideoScribe was the first software of this kind to be launched and over the years, Sparkol has worked to update its technology, offering new options for users. We’ll find out more about Sparkol’s VideoScribe in this review.
Getting started
The first thing that you will notice about VideoScribe is its neat, straightforward layout and a user-friendly interface that offers a fantastic experience. Instead of having to deal with complicated animation programs, you can rely on VideoScribe to offer a simple, yet advanced solution that allows you to unleash your creativity. The step-by-step tips make things simple as they take you through every part of the process. Even if you don’t have previous experience with animation software, you will be able to start using VideoScribe without issues.
It is possible to start working online and save your progress in the cloud. Alternatively, you can download the software and work anywhere, even without an internet connection. Usually, whiteboard animation programs require a monthly or yearly subscription, but VideoScribe offers the chance to buy a lifetime license. You can also opt for a monthly or yearly subscription, if preferred, but if you want to own the software and forget about paying regular fees, you can make a one-time payment of €480 EUR (around $590 USD) and get your own license. The price per month is €20 (around $24.50) and for one year you pay €132 EUR, which is roughly $162 USD. There is also a free trial that gives you the chance to test the software for 7 days without paying.
Features
VideoScribe works with Mac and Windows. There are also apps for iOS and Android, although they offer limited functionality. VideoScribe gives you the chance to create videos on different platforms. You can design your own characters and layouts, program movements with a hand to “draw” every scene, create your own text and more. The programs also offers many menus that include sounds and visual settings that will bring a special touch to your videos.
The creation process is very simple thanks to VideoScribe’s five-step process. You can start by adding text and images, then you can select animation times, select sounds or a soundtrack, record and import voiceover and publish. VideoScribe offers a practical guide that shows you how to use all the functions available and there are also many example videos available on the website that can spark your imagination.
VideScribe also stands out thanks to the flexibility that it offers so that you can import your own visual and audio props. The application comes with many characters, sounds, background elements and more, but it also gives you freedom to manage your creations in your own way. It is possible to upload a profile of your own hand to create each scene, or you can simple choose one of the options that the program offers by default.
Besides having a library of sounds and allowing users to import their own options, VideoScribe includes complete soundtracks. It is possible to use them to create background audio theme for some parts of the videos or for the full video. This lets you set a specific tone in any video and you won’t have to create your own music or look for music that you can use without paying royalties.
As previously mentioned, VideoScribe offers a 7-day free trial that lets you discover what the software has to offer. However, the free trial comes with some limitations in terms of the options that you can use and the access to the cloud-based solution. It should also be noted that the videos created during the free trial will feature the VideoScribe watermark. All the three paid options available (monthly and yearly subscription and one-time fee), allow you to get access to the complete program and all its functionality. You can download the desktop software and use the mobile apps.
What are the alternatives to VideoScribe?
VideoScribe stands out thanks to its innovation and this whiteboard animation software is a leading solution in the industry. However, there are other options available that are worth considering. Moovly, Powtoon, GoAnimate and EasuSketch Pro are other alternatives that offer the same core functionality. Plus, Moovly, Wideo and Powtoon are known for offering free versions, although they have limited features. Powtoon and GoAnimate also offer team licenses that give multiple users the chance to interact and to collaborate on the same video in real-time. GoAnimate even offers the possibility to automatically sync the mouth movements of a character to any audio.
Although VideoScribe’s interface is designed specifically for whiteboard style videos drawn with a hand, there are other programs that support additional features and that offer more versatility. Still, VideoScribe is a superb option in its area and it gets top marks thanks to its good performance and ease of use. You don’t need to be a professional artist or have advanced technical skills to be able to use the software and create a video in just a few minutes. Another advantage of VideoScribe is that it is possible to buy a lifetime license. This allows you to save money in the long run.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a hassle-free and effective way to create whiteboard style animation videos, VideoScribe is a fantastic choice. Compared to other programs, its functionality may be limited, but it does what it is meant to do with high quality and in an easy way. You can purchase the program and use it for as long as you want. It is easy to use and it offers multiple DIY features, as well as a vast selection of audio and visual elements and even full soundtracks.