In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of creating animated videos in Canva, from choosing templates to adding motion, text animations, and exporting your video in high quality.
Why Use Canva for Animated Videos?
Canva is one of the best platforms for creating animated videos due to its ease of use and extensive library of templates, elements, and effects. Here’s why Canva is a top choice for beginners and professionals alike:
✅ User-Friendly Interface – No prior design skills are needed. The drag-and-drop tools make animation simple.
✅ Thousands of Free & Premium Templates – Start with pre-designed animated templates or create from scratch.
✅ Access to Millions of Design Elements – Canva offers animations, stock footage, icons, and graphics to enhance your videos.
✅ No Software Installation Needed – Use Canva directly from your browser or the mobile app.
✅ Affordable & Versatile – Create animated videos for personal use, social media, marketing, or business presentations.
Step 1: Choose the Right Canva Template
Before starting from scratch, consider using a pre-made animated video template to save time.
1️⃣ Open Canva and log into your account.
2️⃣ In the search bar, type “Animated Video” or “Animated Presentation” to browse templates.
3️⃣ Choose a template that matches your style and project goals.
4️⃣ Click “Customize” to start editing the animation.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a unique look, you can create your animation from a blank canvas by selecting “Create a design” and choosing “Custom Size.”
Step 2: Add Motion to Your Design
Canva offers built-in animation features that can transform static designs into engaging motion graphics.
How to Animate Elements in Canva
🔹 Select an element (text, image, or graphic) in your design.
🔹 Click on the "Animate" button at the top toolbar.
🔹 Choose from animation styles like Fade, Pop, Tumble, Drift, Rise, and Pan.
🔹 Adjust the animation duration to control speed and movement.
🔹 Click “Play” to preview the animation.
💡 Best Practice: Use a combination of entrance, emphasis, and exit animations to make your video more engaging.
Step 3: Add Animated Text Effects
Text animations help deliver your message dynamically. Here’s how to apply text animations in Canva:
1️⃣ Click on a text box in your design.
2️⃣ Go to the “Animate” tab and select from text animations like:
- Typewriter Effect – Perfect for storytelling.
- Bounce Effect – Creates an energetic feel.
- Roll Effect – Best for transitions and slideshows.
- Stomp Effect – Great for dramatic emphasis.
3️⃣ Adjust animation speed for better control.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair animated text with background music to enhance impact.
Step 4: Incorporate Video Clips & GIFs
Enhance your animation by adding video elements and GIFs.
🎥 To insert a video clip:
✔ Click on "Videos" in the left panel.
✔ Search for relevant stock footage.
✔ Drag and drop it onto your design.
🎭 To add GIFs:
✔ Click on “Elements” and search for GIFs.
✔ Drag and resize the GIF into your layout.
💡 Best Practice: Use short video clips in the background while adding animated text or graphics in the foreground.
Step 5: Add Transitions for a Smooth Flow
Transitions help create seamless movement between scenes in your animated video.
🔹 Click on the “+” button between two pages in your design.
🔹 Select a transition like Slide, Fade, Circle Wipe, or Line Wipe.
🔹 Adjust transition speed to match the pacing of your video.
💡 Pro Tip: Use consistent transitions throughout your video to maintain a professional look.
Step 6: Add Background Music & Voiceovers
Sound is a critical part of animation. Canva allows you to add background music or voiceovers easily.
🎵 To add music:
✔ Click on “Audio” in the left menu.
✔ Choose from Canva’s free or premium music library.
✔ Drag the music track onto the timeline and adjust its duration.
🎤 To add voiceover narration:
✔ Record your audio using an external tool.
✔ Upload it into Canva and place it in the video timeline.
💡 Best Practice: Adjust music volume to ensure it doesn’t overpower your voiceover.
Step 7: Export Your Animated Video in High Quality
Once your animation is complete, it’s time to export it in the right format.
1️⃣ Click on "Share" > "Download."
2️⃣ Select MP4 Video as the file format.
3️⃣ Choose 1080p (Full HD) resolution for the best quality.
4️⃣ Click Download, and your animated video is ready to share!
💡 Best Practice: Always preview the final version before downloading to check for smooth transitions and correct animations.
Creative Ways to Use Canva Animated Videos
Animated videos can be used in various ways, including:
🚀 YouTube Intro & Outro Videos – Make your channel stand out with animated branding.
📱 Social Media Stories & Reels – Engage followers on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
🛍 Product Promos & Ads – Showcase your products with eye-catching animations.
🎤 Presentation Videos – Create engaging slideshows with animated elements.
🎬 Educational Content – Make e-learning more interactive and visually appealing.
💡 Pro Tip: Repurpose animated videos by resizing them for different platforms using Canva’s "Resize" feature.
Final Thoughts
Canva makes animation easy, even for beginners, thanks to its intuitive tools and extensive library of templates and assets. Whether you're looking to create content for social media, marketing, or personal projects, Canva gives you everything you need to produce high-quality animated videos in just minutes.
If you want to take your content creation skills to the next level, consider joining Miracamp's Canva Training. You'll not only master Canva but also learn video editing, social media growth strategies, and brand-building techniques. Start your journey today and become a pro content creator! 🚀
FAQ Animated Videos in Canva
What is Canva’s animation feature?
Canva’s animation feature allows users to add motion to text, images, and design elements. It includes various animation styles like Fade, Pop, Bounce, and Slide to create engaging animated videos.
How do I create an animated video in Canva?
To create an animated video in Canva, select a template or start from scratch, add animations to elements using the "Animate" tool, and export the video as an MP4 file.
Can I add text animations in Canva?
Yes, Canva provides text animations such as Typewriter, Stomp, and Roll. You can find these in the "Animate" tab when selecting a text box.
Does Canva have free animated video templates?
Yes, Canva offers free animated video templates, but some advanced features and templates require a Canva Pro subscription.
Can I add music to an animated video in Canva?
Yes, you can add background music from Canva’s built-in audio library or upload your own audio file to enhance your animated video.
What file format should I use to download an animated video from Canva?
Export your animated video as an MP4 file to ensure smooth playback and compatibility across platforms.
How do I add transitions between scenes in Canva?
Click the “+” button between slides and select a transition effect such as Slide, Fade, or Wipe to create seamless scene changes.
Can I make GIFs in Canva?
Yes, you can create GIFs in Canva by selecting "Download" and choosing the GIF format instead of MP4 for short looping animations.
Is Canva good for creating YouTube intros and social media videos?
Yes, Canva is ideal for creating animated YouTube intros, Instagram stories, and TikTok videos due to its user-friendly interface and variety of templates.
What’s the best resolution for exporting an animated video in Canva?
For high-quality videos, export in 1080p (Full HD) or higher to maintain clarity across different platforms.
