In 2015, video accounted for 70% of all consumer internet traffic. By 2022, that figure skyrocketed to a staggering 82%. As video continues its reign as king of content, marketers are feeling the pressure to churn out exceptional video content at a breakneck pace.
But in the rush to jump on the video bandwagon, far too many marketing videos fall flat. They lack the meticulous planning and clear vision needed to resonate with audiences and drive results. That‘s where storyboarding comes in.
Just as an architect wouldn‘t dream of breaking ground without a blueprint, a marketer shouldn‘t kick off video production without a storyboard. Storyboarding forces you to translate your video concept into a concrete, shot-by-shot game plan. It‘s the crucial step that bridges the gap between a nebulous idea and an impactful video.
And thanks to the rise of digital storyboarding software, what was once a painstaking, time-consuming process has become streamlined and simplified. These tools have revolutionized the way marketers approach video pre-production.
If you‘re looking for a storyboarding tool to level up your video marketing game, you‘re in the right place. We‘ve curated a list of the top storyboarding software for 2024, catering to a range of budgets and use cases. Let‘s dive in.
Why Use Storyboarding Software? The Benefits Explained
Before we jump into our top picks, let‘s talk about why you should be using storyboarding software in the first place. What advantages does it offer over old-school pen and paper?
1. Efficiency
Traditional storyboarding is a time sink. Sketching out each panel, making revisions, collaborating with team members—it all adds up. Storyboarding software streamlines the process with drag-and-drop functionality, pre-designed assets, and real-time collaboration features.
As Sam Balter, HubSpot‘s Principal Video Editor, notes, "Storyboarding software has been a game-changer for our team‘s efficiency. What used to take days now takes hours."
2. Enhanced Visualization
Storyboarding software offers extensive libraries of characters, props, and backgrounds, making it easy to bring your vision to life, even if you lack drawing skills. Some tools even allow you to incorporate animation and motion graphics for a richer visual representation.
3. Improved Collaboration
Cloud-based storyboarding platforms enable real-time collaboration. No more emailing sketches back and forth or struggling to decipher a colleague‘s handwriting. Teams can work together seamlessly, regardless of location.
According to a survey by the Content Marketing Institute, 56% of B2B marketers cited "fostering collaboration among teams" as a top content marketing challenge. Storyboarding software offers a solution.
4. Easier Iteration
Revisions are par for the course in the creative process. But with traditional storyboards, each change means starting from scratch. Digital storyboarding tools make it simple to make edits on the fly.
5. Stakeholder Buy-In
Getting stakeholders aligned with your vision early on is crucial. Storyboards provide a tangible artifact that helps get everyone on the same page. And with web-based review and approval features, getting that green light is easier than ever.
The Top Storyboarding Software for 2024
Now that we‘ve covered the ‘why‘, let‘s get to the ‘what‘. Here are our top picks for storyboarding software to elevate your video marketing in 2024.
1. Boords
Boords is an online storyboarding tool that prioritizes simplicity and speed. Their extensive library of over 1500 shot templates allows you to quickly assemble storyboards with drag-and-drop ease. Customizable color schemes help ensure your boards align with your brand identity.
Where Boords really shines is collaboration. Real-time co-editing, frame-specific comments, and web-based review and approval make teamwork a breeze. As one user raves, "Boords has transformed the way our team collaborates on video projects. It‘s intuitive, efficient, and has become an essential part of our workflow."
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Asset Library | 1500+ shot templates |
| Collaboration | Real-time co-editing, comments, web-based review |
| Pricing | Starts at $49/month |
| Free Trial | 14 days |
| Platforms | Web |
| Integrations | Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive |
Ideal For: Marketing teams looking for an intuitive, collaboration-centric solution.
2. Plot
Designed by a former animator, Plot is all about streamlining the storyboarding process. One standout feature is the ability to incorporate both images and video clips into your storyboards. This allows you to experiment with different media types to best convey your vision.
Plot also offers version history, allowing you to track how your storyboard has evolved over time. And if you have existing storyboards in other formats, the Plot team will migrate them into the tool for free—a testament to their commitment to customer service.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Media Types | Images, video clips |
| Version History | Track changes over time |
| Pricing | Starts at $10/month |
| Free Trial | 14 days |
| Platforms | Web |
| Integrations | Dropbox, Google Drive |
Ideal For: Marketers wanting to incorporate mixed media into their storyboards.
3. Frameforge Previz Studio
Frameforge is a powerhouse 3D storyboarding software trusted by industry heavyweights like Pixar, Marvel, and Paramount. But don‘t let that intimidate you—the intuitive interface is suitable even for storyboarding novices.
The real power of Frameforge lies in its 3D capabilities. Customizable 3D characters, props, and environments allow you to craft truly dynamic storyboards. The 3D camera controls let you experiment with different angles and shots, giving stakeholders a realistic preview of the final product.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 3D Capabilities | Customizable characters, props, environments |
| Camera Controls | Adjustable angles, shots, lenses |
| Pricing | One-time fee starting at $99.95 |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
Ideal For: Marketers aiming for cinematic, visually-rich storyboards.
4. Storyboard That
Don‘t let the name fool you—while originally designed for educators, Storyboard That has found a strong following among marketers looking for an affordable, user-friendly option. The expansive library of scenes, characters, and props makes it easy to create professional-looking storyboards, no drawing skills required.
The drag-and-drop interface is highly intuitive, allowing you to quickly populate scenes. One unique feature is the ability to add and format dialogue boxes, thought bubbles, and captions, making it ideal for scripted content.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Asset Library | 100,000+ images |
| Text Capabilities | Dialogue boxes, thought bubbles, captions |
| Pricing | Starts at $8.99/month |
| Free Trial | 14 days |
| Platforms | Web |
Ideal For: Marketers new to storyboarding seeking an easy-to-learn tool.
5. Canva
You likely know Canva as a go-to for creating social media graphics and presentations. But did you know it also offers a storyboard creator? With a vast library of templates, stock images, and illustrations, Canva makes crafting visually-appealing storyboards a snap.
Canva‘s real-time collaboration features are a standout, allowing team members to work together on a storyboard simultaneously. Commenting and @mentions make it easy to provide feedback and get approvals.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Asset Library | Millions of stock images, graphics, templates |
| Collaboration | Real-time co-editing, comments, @mentions |
| Pricing | Free plan available; paid plans start at $119.99/year |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive |
Ideal For: Marketing teams already using Canva for other design needs.
How to Choose the Right Storyboarding Software
With so many options out there, how do you choose the right storyboarding software for your team? Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Ease of Use
The best storyboarding tool is the one your team will actually use. Look for intuitive interfaces and features that align with your team‘s technical comfort level.
2. Asset Libraries
Consider the types of videos you typically create. Do you need a wide variety of characters and scenes, or are you working with mostly custom content? Evaluate each tool‘s asset library to ensure it meets your needs.
3. Collaboration Features
If you have a large team or frequently work with external stakeholders, robust collaboration features will be key. Look for tools with real-time co-editing, commenting, and easy sharing capabilities.
4. Pricing
Of course, budget is always a factor. While some storyboarding tools offer free plans, more advanced features and larger asset libraries often come at a premium. Consider your budget and the features you truly need.
Putting Your Storyboarding Software to Work
Once you‘ve selected your storyboarding software, it‘s time to dive in. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your new tool:
1. Start with a Script
Before you start storyboarding, make sure you have a finalized script. This will serve as your roadmap, guiding which scenes and shots you need to visualize.
2. Leverage Templates and Assets
Take full advantage of your software‘s pre-designed templates and assets. Not only will this speed up your storyboarding process, but it will also help ensure visual consistency.
3. Focus on Key Moments
Your storyboard doesn‘t need to depict every single shot. Hone in on the pivotal moments—the scenes that drive the narrative or evoke strong emotions.
4. Annotate, Annotate, Annotate
Use your storyboarding tool‘s annotation features to add context and direction to each frame. Include notes on camera angles, transitions, dialogue, and any other key details.
5. Collaborate Early and Often
Bring in key stakeholders early in the storyboarding process. The sooner you can get alignment on the vision, the smoother your production process will be.
The Future of Storyboarding
As technology continues to advance, so too does the world of storyboarding. Here are some exciting trends and developments to keep an eye on:
AI-Assisted Storyboarding
AI is starting to make its way into the storyboarding process. Some tools can now auto-generate storyboards from a script, or suggest shot compositions based on your content. As these capabilities evolve, they have the potential to revolutionize the speed and ease of storyboarding.
Virtual Reality Integration
Imagine being able to step inside your storyboard, exploring your scenes in a fully immersive environment. That‘s the promise of VR storyboarding. Some high-end tools are already offering VR capabilities, and it‘s likely to become more widespread in the coming years.
Enhanced Collaboration
With remote work now the norm, storyboarding software will continue to prioritize features that enable seamless virtual collaboration. Expect to see more robust co-editing capabilities, integrated video conferencing, and streamlined feedback loops.
Storyboarding Your Way to Video Marketing Success
In the fast-paced, competitive world of video marketing, efficiency and collaboration are more critical than ever. Storyboarding software offers a solution on both fronts, helping you bring your creative vision to life faster and more effectively.
By leveraging these digital tools, you‘ll be well-positioned to create marketing videos that truly stand out, resonating with your audience and driving real business results. So what are you waiting for? Start storyboarding your next video masterpiece today.
