How to make an AI animation in 4 steps 

How to make an AI animation in 4 steps 
Table of Content

Creating an AI animation might sound complex, but it’s actually a straightforward process that anyone can master. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or already have some experience. After all, it’s the AI that takes care of the hard part. 

The process of how to make an AI animation starts with choosing the right AI tool that fits your project’s needs. Then comes the fun part: Entering your prompt and letting the AI do its magic. Of course, you can then add your own touch and all. With these basic steps, creating impressive animations becomes an easy and enjoyable creative journey. 

 

What is AI animation? 

AI animation is revolutionizing the animation process, making it faster and more accessible for everyone. Instead of manually crafting each frame, AI-powered tools use algorithms to create movements, transitions, and entire scenes based on your input. This streamlined approach allows you to visualize your creative ideas with much less effort than traditional methods.

The technology behind AI animation relies on machine learning models that are trained on vast amounts of visual data. These models help the AI understand how elements should move, interact, and apply artistic styles, effectively acting as a creative assistant. For those new to this technology, an AI video generator can be an excellent way to explore these capabilities.

AI animation is being adopted across various industries, from entertainment and gaming to advertising and education. Whether you’re putting together a quick social media clip or working on a more detailed project, AI tools can simplify the process and enhance your creative output. 

 

Why use AI to make animated videos? 

Now that you understand what AI animation is, let’s see why you might choose to use AI for your animation videos. Artificial intelligence brings a range of benefits that streamline the creation process, no matter your level of experience. Let’s say you’re not sure how to make educational videos for an online course you’re offering; AI will do it for you. 

One of the biggest advantages is speed. Traditional animation can be a slow and time-consuming process, often requiring hours or even days to complete a project. With AI, you can create animations in minutes. 

Another major perk of using AI is cost efficiency. Hiring a team of animators or investing in expensive software can be out of budget for many. AI tools, on the other hand, tend to be more affordable and can significantly cut down on the funds needed to produce high-quality animations. This means that, even with a limited budget, you can still create something impressive using an AI-powered animation maker.

 

Create AI animation

 

AI also makes the creative process more accessible and fun. It takes care of complex tasks like generating movements and transitions, so you can play around with different ideas and styles without needing advanced technical skills. This is great for beginners who want to dive into animation without being overwhelmed with technicalities. With AI, you can get professional-looking results with just a few clicks, enjoying the process as you go.

For those who are more experienced, AI can be like having an extra pair of hands, handling the repetitive tasks so you can take on the more exciting parts of your project. It streamlines your workflow and frees up more time for you to explore new creative possibilities and push your work to the next level. What’s best is that many of the best animation apps come with AI capabilities you can use for your projects. 

 

How to make an AI animation video with Renderforest 

Considering the great benefits of AI animation, you may be wondering how to make an AI video of your own using this technology. With Renderforest, the process is user-friendly for anyone from beginners to experienced creators. The AI animation generator guides you every step of the way.

 

Choose your flow

Choose your flow

 

Renderforest offers two options for creating your AI animation video: the “Turn your ideas into videos” flow and the “Turn your texts into videos” flow.

  • Idea to video flow. If you’re working with a general concept or idea, this option is ideal. You simply input your idea, and the AI will generate a customizable outline for your video. This outline serves as a solid foundation, allowing you to focus on refining the content while the AI handles the structural elements.
  • Text to video flow. If you have a pre-written script, this flow lets you skip the outline phase and go straight into video creation. By entering your script directly, the platform takes you straight to the customization stage. This is perfect for those who already have a clear vision in mind.

 

Generate outline and customize

Customize you AI animation

 

Once you’ve selected your flow, the AI will either generate an outline (in the Idea-to-Video flow) or take you directly to the customization phase (in the Text-to-Video flow). In both flows, you can tweak and personalize your project. You can set the tone of your video, choose a speaker, and customize the overall look and feel. These options allow you to shape the video’s personality and style so that it matches your vision.

 

Generate video

Generate your AI animation video

 

After you’ve customized your outline or script, it’s time to bring your video to life. Simply click the “Do Magic” button, and the AI will turn your ideas into a polished, professional animation within minutes.

 

Edit

Edit your AI animation video

 

Once your video is generated, Renderforest will direct you to the video editor where you can fine-tune every detail. 

  • Add or create media. Personalize your video by uploading logos, images, or other media elements.
  • Edit text, font, and colors. Adjust the text content, select the perfect font, and customize colors.
  • Theme selection. Choose a theme that best represents the style and mood of your video.
  • Add music or voiceover. Enhance your video with background music or a voiceover. You can also use the AI text-to-speech feature for professional-sounding narration.
  • Watermark. Protect your content or brand your video by adding a watermark with your logo.

 

After making all the tweaks, take a minute to preview your video. If everything looks just right, export your project in your preferred format and share it with your audience.

 

Examples of AI-generated animation videos

Needless to say, AI-generated animation is transforming the creative world, offering new and exciting possibilities that are hard to ignore. Here are some examples that show just how AI is opening up fresh creative avenues for everyone looking to create animation videos:

 

“Planet Zebulon Five” by Curious Refuge

“Planet Zebulon Five” is a fun and imaginative project from the AI video community Curious Refuge. What’s really cool about this short film is that AI was used to create not only the unique creatures on this fictional planet but also the short animations that bring them to life. While the animations are brief, they show how close we are to seeing AI generate entire scenes. This project is a great example of how AI is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the animation world.

 

 

“Absolve” by Jacques

“Absolve,” a music video directed by Paul Trillo for French electronic musician Jacques, blends traditional visual effects with AI-generated imagery. One of the most striking scenes is the Louvre museum melting into a surreal pool of artwork. AI was key in transforming these static images into dynamic, dreamlike visuals. It’s a great example of how AI can be combined with traditional techniques to create something truly special.

 

 

“Critterz” by OpenAI

“Critterz,” an animated short, broke new ground by using AI-generated visuals exclusively. The creators used OpenAI’s DALL-E tool to design all the characters and scenery, which were then brought to life by an Emmy award-winning animation team. This project stands out because it’s the first of its kind, showing how AI tools like DALL-E can open up new creative possibilities in animation.

 

 

Best AI animation generators 

1. Renderforest

Renderforest AI animation generator

 

Overview

Renderforest offers a suite of tools for creating videos, logos, websites, and more. Known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of templates, the platform has become a go-to solution for marketers and content creators looking to generate animations quickly and efficiently.

 

Key features

  • Ready-made templates for various video types
  • Logo animations and music visualization tools
  • AI-driven video creation tools, including an AI animation maker
  • Integration with cloud storage for easy access and sharing

 

Pros

  • Extremely easy to use, making it accessible to users of all skill levels
  • Diverse templates that cater to different needs and industries
  • Fast rendering times, allowing for quick turnaround on projects

 

Cons

  • Primarily focused on short-form content, which may limit more complex projects
  • Less control over intricate animation details compared to more advanced tools

 

Ideal for

Renderforest is perfect for marketers and content creators who need to create videos such as presentations, product demos, social media clips, animated explainer videos, and so on. Its wide range of templates and ease of use make it a valuable tool for those who need to create content consistently. 

 

2. Animaker

Animaker AI animation maker

 

Overview

Launched in 2014 by a group of creative entrepreneurs, Animaker was designed to make video creation accessible to everyone, regardless of technical skills. Over the years, Animaker has evolved into a robust platform known for its simple interface and rich library of assets. It’s particularly popular for creating explainer videos, presentations, and educational content.

 

Key features

  • Drag-and-drop interface for easy video creation
  • Extensive library of pre-made characters, props, and backgrounds
  • Multiple animation styles, including 2D, whiteboard, and infographic animations

 

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly
  • Variety of templates and assets
  • Affordable pricing plans, with a free version available

 

Cons

  • Limited advanced features for professional animators
  • Watermark on videos created with the free version

 

Ideal for

Animaker is a great animation software for social media managers, small business owners, and educators who need to create animated video content quickly. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to those with little to no experience in animation.

 

3. Sora AI

Sora AI animation maker

 

Overview

Launched in 2021 and developed by OpenAI, Sora AI is one of the most advanced AI animation generators on the market. It combines cutting-edge AI technology with a user-friendly interface, offering high-quality animation solutions for both professionals and beginners. Sora AI aims to democratize sophisticated AI animation generation, making it accessible to a wider audience.

 

Key features

  • AI-driven character animation and motion generation
  • Customizable templates for various animation styles
  • Real-time collaboration tools for team projects
  • Integration with other creative software and platforms

 

Pros

  • Cutting-edge AI technology for high-quality results
  • User-friendly interface
  • Affordable pricing

 

Cons

  • Being a newer product, it has a shorter track record than more established tools
  • Fewer templates and resources compared to older platforms

 

Ideal for

Sora AI is a viable option for startups, small businesses, and individual creators looking for advanced yet accessible animation tools. It’s especially great for those who want to leverage AI to create high-quality animated clips without the need for animation skills.

 

4. Adobe Animate

Adobe Animate AI animation maker

 

Overview

Adobe Animate, a flagship product from Adobe Inc., has been a leading tool in digital media and creative software since its inception. Originally launched as FutureSplash Animator in 1996, it was later acquired and rebranded by Macromedia and Adobe. Today, Adobe Animate incorporates AI technology to streamline animation processes. It also integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.

 

Key features

  • Vector animation tools for creating interactive content
  • AI-powered features for smoother animations and motion paths
  • Extensive library of assets and templates
  • Integration with Adobe Sensei AI for intelligent automation

 

Pros

  • Rich feature set ideal for professional animators and designers
  • Integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud products
  • Delivers professional-grade animations with a high level of control

 

Cons

  • Expensive subscription model, especially for individual users
  • Steeper learning curve

 

Ideal for

Adobe Animate is best for professional animators, designers, and content creators who need versatile tools for complex projects, including realistic animations. Its integration with Adobe’s ecosystem makes it the go-to software for those already familiar with Adobe products.

 

5. Toonly

Toonly AI animation maker

 

Overview

Developed by Bryxen Inc. and launched in 2018, Toonly specializes in creating explainer videos through a drag-and-drop interface. It’s designed to be accessible for users with no prior experience creating animations, making it popular among businesses and educators who need to prepare instructional or promotional content.

 

Key features

  • Drag-and-drop interface for easy video creation
  • Customizable characters and scenes 
  • Voiceover integration for adding narration
  • Library of pre-made templates and assets

 

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Tailored for explainer videos
  • Cost-effective, with affordable pricing options

 

Cons

  • Limited to specific animation styles
  • Less flexibility for more complex or diverse animation needs

 

Ideal for

Toonly is a solid choice for businesses, educators, and marketers who need to create instructional or promotional content. Its simplicity and focus on explainer videos make it an excellent tool for making straightforward and dynamic animations without the steep learning curve.

 

Create AI animation

 

How to make an AI animation video 

We’ve seen how AI tools make animation a breeze, whether you’re new to it or have some experience. These tools simplify the process, save time, and offer plenty of creative options to help you make professional-quality videos. With AI, you don’t need to be an expert to create something amazing. It’s a great way to elevate your content and explore new ideas. Give AI animation a try and see how it can boost your creativity and make video creation more simple and fun.

 

Related reading:

 

How to make an AI animation FAQ 

Can I make animation with AI?

Yes, you can make animation using artificial intelligence. AI animation tools have made it possible for anyone, regardless of skill level, to create animated videos. These tools simplify the creation process by automating tasks like character movement, scene transitions, and even voiceovers. You can start with an idea or a script, and the AI will help you turn it into a polished animation.

 

What is the best AI animation generator?

The best AI animation generator depends on your needs. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use platform with a wide range of templates, Renderforest is a great option. It’s suitable for both beginners and professionals, offering tools that make video creation simple and efficient.

 

Can AI create a cartoon for me?

Yes, AI can help you create a cartoon. AI tools can generate characters, design scenes, and even animate the entire cartoon for you. While you may need to guide the process with your input, AI makes it much easier to create a cartoon, even if you’re not an experienced animator.

 

How do you make an AI video for free?

To make an AI video for free, you can use free versions of popular AI animation tools. Many platforms, like Renderforest, offer free plans with basic features that allow you to create simple AI-powered animation videos without any cost. Simply sign up and explore the available tools and templates to create your video clip.

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