Labelled infographic or character animation: choosing an explainer video format
Most explainer videos fall into one of two formats. A labelled infographic video takes one picture (a diagram, a process, a list) and reveals labels on it one at a time while a voice explains each part. A character or multi-scene animation tells a story across many scenes, often with a presenter, animated characters or an avatar. They need different tools, and picking the format first saves you paying for features you won't use.
The two formats at a glance
| Labelled infographic video | Character or multi-scene animation | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Explaining one picture: anatomy, a machine, a process, a comparison | Stories, scenarios, presenters, longer training videos |
| What you start from | A single image | A script broken into scenes |
| How it is built | Labels and narration placed over the image | Scenes, characters and effects arranged on a timeline |
| Typical length | Short: one idea per video | Often longer, across many scenes |
| Effort per video | Low once the image is right | Higher: every scene and entrance is timed |
When a labelled infographic video is the right choice
Choose this format when the thing you are explaining can be shown in one picture and the viewer's job is to learn its parts. Science and anatomy diagrams, "how it works" cutaways, step-by-step processes and "five things to know" lists all fit. Because there is one image, the video stays focused, and it is quick to make a series of them.
Reelitly is built for this format only. You set the topic and template, and Vision AI looks at the image, proposes label text and where each label sits, then a text-to-speech voiceover is synced to each reveal. You can edit label text, positions and order before you export an HD MP4 at 1920x1080, 1080x1920 or 1080x1080. There are two templates: Pointer Reveal for diagrams and anatomy, and Grid Reveal for lists and comparisons.
When you need character or multi-scene animation
Choose a character or scene-based animation tool when the video needs people, a story, or many scenes: a customer scenario, a workplace training role-play, a presenter talking to camera, or a long video where different things happen on screen. These tools usually give you a scene editor with a timeline, so you control when every element enters and leaves. That control takes more time per video, and it is what makes those videos possible.
Reelitly is the wrong tool for this. It has no characters, avatars or multiple scenes.
Questions to ask before you pick a tool
- Can the idea be shown in one image? If yes, a labelled infographic video is usually faster to make and easier to follow.
- Do you need a person or character on screen? If yes, you need a character or avatar tool.
- How many videos will you make, and how often? Check whether the tool charges per video, by credits, or by a monthly or yearly seat, on the tool's own pricing page.
- Who edits the video? A timeline gives full control; a guided wizard is quicker for people who don't edit video often.
What Reelitly costs
Reelitly runs on credits. Signing up gives 50 free credits without a card, which covers a first project: its first image, voiceover and render cost 35 credits together. After that, packs cost $5 for 250 credits, $15 for 1,000 and $40 for 3,000, and they never expire. A Pro subscription is $9.99 a month for 1,000 credits.
Questions
Is Reelitly free?
You get 50 free credits on signup without a card, enough to finish a first video.
Can Reelitly make character animation?
No. Reelitly animates labels over a single image. It has no characters or avatars.
What resolution does Reelitly export?
HD MP4 at 1920x1080 landscape, 1080x1920 portrait or 1080x1080 square.