Ever tried explaining something and felt like words just weren't enough?
That's how I felt until I discovered Doodly.
It changed the way I communicate ideas, making them more engaging and fun.
What Is Doodly?
Doodly is a software that lets you create whiteboard animation videos. You know those videos where a hand draws pictures while someone explains something? That's what Doodly does, but without you needing to draw anything yourself.
Why it's great: Visuals make it easier for people to understand and remember information. With Doodly, you can turn your ideas into captivating videos that hold attention.
Who Should Use Doodly?
- Teachers and Educators: Make lessons more interesting and help students grasp concepts faster.
- Business Owners: Explain products or services in a way that grabs customers' attention.
- Marketers: Create eye-catching ads and promotional videos.
- Students: Present projects in a unique and engaging way.
- Content Creators: Add variety to your content with animated videos.
Bottom line: If you have a message to share and want to keep people interested, Doodly is a tool worth considering.
Key Features of Doodly
Drag-and-Drop Interface
No need to learn complicated software. With Doodly's drag-and-drop system, you simply choose an image or character and place it where you want on the canvas.
Why it's important: It makes video creation accessible to everyone, even if you're not tech-savvy.
Example use case: Quickly assembling an explainer video for a new product without any prior experience.
Extensive Library of Images and Sounds
Doodly offers thousands of custom-drawn images, characters, and props. Plus, it includes a wide range of background music tracks and sound effects.
Why it's important: A rich library means your videos can be diverse and tailored to your message.
Example use case: Finding the perfect character to represent your target audience in a marketing video.
Custom Voiceovers and Audio Import
Record your own voice directly in Doodly or import pre-recorded audio files.
Why it's important: Adding your voice personalizes your videos and helps connect with your audience.
Example use case: Narrating a story or giving instructions in a tutorial video.
Multiple Canvas Styles
Choose from different backgrounds like whiteboard, blackboard, greenboard, or even glassboard.
Why it's important: The canvas style sets the tone of your video.
Example use case: Using a blackboard style for an educational math lesson.
Easy Customization
Adjust animations, timing, and the order of elements effortlessly.
Why it's important: Smooth transitions and timing keep viewers engaged.
Example use case: Syncing images with your voiceover to emphasize key points.
Video Export Options
Export your videos in various resolutions and formats, from low quality for quick sharing to full HD.
Why it's important: Ensures compatibility with different platforms and devices.
Example use case: Creating a high-definition video for a professional presentation.
How I Learned About Doodly
I was working on a project where I needed to explain a complex idea. Writing it out wasn't cutting it, and traditional slides felt boring. I wanted something that would capture attention. A friend mentioned Doodly, so I gave it a try.
My problem was finding an easy way to make engaging content without spending weeks learning new software. Doodly turned out to be exactly what I needed. I was able to create a compelling video in just a few hours, and it made a huge difference in how my idea was received.
3 Things I Like About Doodly
User-Friendly Interface
From the moment I opened Doodly, I was impressed by how intuitive it was. There were no confusing menus or steep learning curves.
Personal experience: I dragged my first character onto the canvas and watched as it came to life. It was satisfying and boosted my confidence in video creation.
Huge Asset Library
The extensive collection of images and sounds meant I didn't have to look elsewhere for resources.
Personal experience: I found characters and props that perfectly matched the story I wanted to tell, making my video more cohesive.
Regular Updates and Support
Doodly doesn't rest on its laurels. They consistently update the software and add new features.
Personal experience: When I encountered a minor glitch, their support team was quick to help, showing me they value their users.
3 Things I Didn't Like About Doodly
Limited Character Customization
While there's a vast array of characters, customizing them is limited.
Why it's a problem: Sometimes, I wanted to change a character's appearance to better fit my narrative but couldn't.
Story: I was creating a video for a specific audience and wished I could tweak the characters to represent them more accurately.
No Mobile App
Doodly works great on a computer, but there's no app for tablets or smartphones.
Why it's a problem: Inspiration can strike anywhere, and not having mobile access limits when I can work.
Story: I had a creative idea while traveling but had to wait until I got home to implement it.
Slow Export Times for Complex Projects
Longer or more detailed videos can take a while to export.
Why it's a problem: Waiting for exports can be frustrating, especially when working on tight deadlines.
Story: I once waited over an hour for a video to export, which delayed my ability to share it with a client.
Pros of Doodly
- Easy to Use: Ideal for beginners and non-techies.
- Rich Asset Library: Thousands of images, characters, and sounds.
- Regular Updates: Continuously improving features.
- Custom Voiceovers: Personalize your videos with your own voice.
- Versatile Use Cases: Suitable for education, marketing, and more.
Cons of Doodly
- Limited Character Customization: Can't modify characters extensively.
- No Mobile App: Restricted to desktop use.
- Slow Export Times on Complex Projects: Takes time to render longer videos.
Doodly Pricing and Plans
Doodly offers two main plans, with options for monthly or annual billing.
Standard Plan
- Monthly: $39 per month
- Annually: $20 per month (billed annually at $240)
Includes:
- Over 1,000 character images
- 35 fonts
- 100 royalty-free music tracks
Enterprise Plan
- Monthly: $69 per month
- Annually: $40 per month (billed annually at $480)
Includes:
- Over 3,000 character images
- 70 fonts
- 150 royalty-free music tracks
- New characters added monthly
Potential Financial Benefits: Investing in Doodly can save money you'd otherwise spend hiring professional animators. You can create unlimited videos without extra costs, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
Doodly Alternatives
If you're exploring other options, here are some alternatives:
VideoScribe
A tool focused on whiteboard animations.
- Pros: Simple interface, good for basic animations.
- Cons: Fewer features compared to Doodly.
Explaindio
Offers both 2D and 3D animation capabilities.
- Pros: More animation styles and effects.
- Cons: Steeper learning curve, might be overwhelming for beginners.
Powtoon
An online platform for creating animated videos and presentations.
- Pros: Lots of templates and styles.
- Cons: Subscription can be pricey for full features.
FAQ About Doodly
Q: Is Doodly suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, Doodly is designed to be user-friendly, even if you have no prior experience.
Q: Can I use my own images in Doodly?
A: Absolutely! You can upload your own images and use them in your projects.
Q: Does Doodly work on both Mac and PC?
A: Yes, Doodly is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Q: Is there customer support available?
A: Yes, Doodly offers customer support and has a range of tutorials to help you get started.
Q: Can I sell the videos I create with Doodly?
A: Yes, you can use your Doodly videos for personal or commercial purposes.
Where to Get Doodly?
Ready to give Doodly a try? You can purchase and download it from their official website. Click here to get Doodly.
My Final Thoughts on Doodly
Doodly has transformed how I share ideas. It's simple to use and produces professional-looking videos. While it has room for improvement, especially with character customization and mobile access, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you're looking for an effective way to create engaging content without a steep learning curve, Doodly is a solid choice.
My Doodly Bonus Tips on How to Maximize Its Use
Plan Your Script Before Starting
Having a clear script helps streamline the video creation process.
Tip: Write down your key points and match visuals to your narration.
Explore Tutorials and Community Resources
There's a wealth of tutorials and user-made content to help you learn new techniques.
Tip: Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to Doodly users.
Customize with Your Own Assets
Don't be afraid to upload your own images, fonts, and music to make your videos unique.
Tip: Incorporate your brand elements for consistency if you're using Doodly for business.
Experiment with Different Canvas Styles
Switch between whiteboard, blackboard, and glassboard to see which best fits your message.
Tip: Use the glassboard style for a modern, sleek look.
Keep Your Videos Concise
People have short attention spans. Try to keep your videos engaging and to the point.
Tip: Aim for videos that are 2-3 minutes long to maintain viewer interest.
Take Advantage of Regular Updates
Stay updated with the latest features Doodly offers.
Tip: Check the Doodly blog or newsletter for news on new assets and functionalities.
Doodly has been a valuable tool in my arsenal for creating engaging and effective videos. Whether you're a teacher, marketer, or someone who just wants to share ideas in a fun way, Doodly makes it possible without the hassle. Give it a try, and you might be surprised at how much it elevates your content.
