We do have a 14-day free trial: Sign Up to GoAnimate. The trial includes all features of a GoPremium account. When you subscribe, you'll be able to download videos created on your free trial. Plans are available on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis.
The long and illustrious history of moving pictures all started with the zoetrope. Then there was the thaumatrope, the flip book, and my personal favorite, the phenakistoscope. And now we have (drumroll please): The Internet.
People have been excited about moving pictures for ages. But achieving a passable animation has never been as easy or required as little talent as it does today.
Previously, we made some suggestions for sites where you can get your webcomic on. This week, we're bringing you five excellent ways to tackle animation, the next step in your pseudo-artistic journey.
1. GoAnimate
For animators who would rather put in a little time rather than settle for a mediocre movie, GoAnimate is the way to go. The site offers enough customization to fully express creative genius, but it's easy enough to master without any actual animation or technical skills.
For almost every component, the website offers a choice between complete customization and a library of already configured objects. Users can either choose a character or make a completely customized one; they can choose a soundtrack or upload one; they can have the computer speak the dialogue or record it themselves. All of these components are laid out visually on an easy-to-navigate timeline.
There's also an interesting community feature similar to many social media sites. Users can collect followers, earn badges and send messages to one another. Personal dashboards track how many people view your animation, which is way more fun than feeling like you're sending your brilliant clip into cyber thin air.
2. Devolver
Devolver streamlines the animation process into a quick, six-step multiple choice project. Choose your background, characters and one of four plots; type in some dialog; choose some music; and — voila! — you have an animated movie. Despite the extremely limited customization options, it's actually not a bad looking cartoon.
It's quick to e-mail your animation to a friend, but they will need to visit the Devolver site in order to watch the movie and there's no option to download. This aspect, paired with the fact that the dialog is really the only thing you can customize, makes this site more like a more exciting way to send an e-mail message than an actual animation; much like a customized e-card. Still, there are a bunch of situations that could warrant this of animation — an inside joke, a prom date request... a marriage proposal.
3. Animasher
Instead of assigning actions to characters via a drop-down menu, Animasher users just hit a record button. Any movement that they create by dragging and dropping the images will be played back. Animators can compile multiple scenes of these moving images to complete a story.
It's a pretty painless way to make a movie, but there are some drawbacks. The images move but aren't actually animated, so it's difficult to accomplish changing expressions. As a result, the animation comes out looking more like a puppet show than a movie.
Some tools that make the site more interesting are the ability to add your own images, record dialog with a microphone and add video clips. If you like the scrapbook-like look and process, there aren't any better, free options out there without downloading or having actual software knowledge.
4. Xtranormal
As far as visual quality goes, this site is impressive (which is probably the cause of the slow preview load times). The workspace is a little different than the other animation sites mentioned in this article. All character movement, sound bytes, expressions and gestures are added directly into the script where you type the dialog.
Unfortunately, the site's options for free use are limited. Sarah Palin is one of two default characters in the 'Starz' theme, for instance, but any other choices require cash commitment before you're able to publish your animation. The same is true for 'premium objects,' like different backgrounds that you're able to preview but not publish, unless you pay. As evidenced by the site's YouTube channel, there are definitely opportunities to makes some pretty cool movies, but the free version seems limited.
5. Voki
You can't create much of a story with Voki, but you can create an animated speaking avatar. The site is extremely easy to use. Just choose a character base (choices range from Uncle Sam to classic normal-looking people), adjust the background and colors, and add a voice. To put words in your avatar's mouth, you can either call a number and leave a message, type out a greeting and let the computer generate a voice with the accent of your choice, or record a message with your computer's microphone. When you're finished, you can embed the code in your website or e-mail your message to a friend.
6. Zimmer Twins
Remember those choose your-own-adventure novels? This animation site applies the same concept to short cartoons. The site partners with Teletoon, a Canadian animation channel, to give children a starter in animation.
The site challenges you to use its animation tool to finish the stories, which chronicle the adventures of siblings Eva and Edgar. The best finished stories are then recorded by voice actors and turned into TV spots.
Which site was your favorite? What animation sites do you use? What features would you love to see in sites like these? Let us know in the comments!
More Design Resources from Mashable:
- 6 Free Sites for Creating Your Own Comics - Top 5 Web Font Design Trends to Follow - 6 New Mac Apps for Designers and Developers - 9 Free Resources for Learning Photoshop - HOW TO: Score a Web Design Job
Image courtesy of iStockphoto, sage78
2015-09-28
As a blogger I often search for exciting new ways to add value to my content without breaking the bank. It’s not as easy as it sounds. My clients and readers expect me to deliver great content and associated products at reasonable prices. Too many times I come across great tools for creating content that are too expensive and cause me to raise prices. Today, however, I came across a website that is too good to not share. I’m excited to introduce you to GoAnimate.com, a website dedicated to making professional animated videos that will most definitely change your life.
Official Website: goanimate.com
This is not just another GoAnimate Review just like GoAnimate is not just another website for making animated videos. With prices starting as low as $39 per month I would say that they have not only perfected the practice but raised the standard.
When I initially started using this program I thought to myself that there must be a catch and decided to review the program. In this in-depth GoAnimate Review I will walk you through the various features, the different packages they offer, and show you just how easy making an animated video can be.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
I am now the happy owner of my very own professional animated video. I created my first video within about 5 minutes of finishing the step-by-step tutorial on the GoAnimate site. I am very impressed with my experience and have made a list of pros and cons list below:
Pros:
• A variety of prices depending on the plan you choose • Free 14-day trial, where no credit card information is needed, that let’s you test the program. • DIY approach which gives you control over every feature • Intuitive features • Time saver • Cloud Interface • Fast to respond • Unlimited creation, hosting and downloads with every subscription • Includes a library of characters, sounds, backgrounds and props. • Not just for business- GoAnimate offers school, government and agency programs.
Cons:
It is really hard to find a “Con” with GoAnimate.
I can really only think of one thing. Since GoAnimate is a cloud-based system, it does require an Internet connection. It is a great platform for the program because this can make it a very fast program, but I know that some people would prefer a downloadable program.
The good news is that it is easy to combat this, since most videos can be made in about 5 minutes. You do need Internet, but not for very long.
GOANIMATE PLANS
The masterminds behind GoAnimate understand that before you pay for something, you want to give it a go first.
They also understand that no one wants to give their credit card information to try something out for free.
This is why when you sign up for their free 14-day trial, they don’t expect you to give any credit card information. It is a 14 day no hassle, no credit card needed, and all-inclusive free trial.
After the 14 days are up you have the chance to upgrade to the following plans:
GoPublish – as low as $39 per month or $299 per year
The GoPublish plan is perfect for those who just want a great and professional animated video program to add value to the content on their site or business. It includes the following features:
• Download videos up to 720P • Produce unlimited videos • Unlimited downloads or exports • Directly export videos to YouTube and other sites • Import audio, Images and Video files • Commercial License
GoPremium- as low as $79 per month or $599 per year
The GoPremium plan is perfect for those who want just a little bit more. This plan includes the following:
• Download videos up to 1080P • Remove /Replace Logo • Live Chat • All the other features of the GoPublish Plan
GoTeam- as low as $159 per month or $999 per year for 1 seat
The GoTeam plan is the one I personally like the most. This gives the user the option to work in teams. This plan includes the following:
• 1 seat or Multi-Seat • Priority Service Queue • Download as Animated GIF • Import Fonts • All the features of the GoPremium plan
GOANIMATE FEATURES
Easy To Learn You don’t have to have a degree to use GoAnimate. The website is easy, intuitive and fast. The moment you start to create your first video an interactive tutorial pops up to guide you through each step.
Simple Tools GoAnimate boasts a wide variety of tools and an easy to use interface. You can create your own characters, choose from several templates, or import your own. No matter what you end up choosing, you’re always just a few clicks from a great professional video.
DIY Content One of the most useful tools that GoAnimate has is the ability to import your own content. This makes it easy for you to use images or sounds you have already created, as well as any branding content want to include.
Time saver Along with importing your own content, GoAnimate allows you to choose from a vast library of characters, backgrounds, props and sounds. If you take advantage of this you have the possibility to create a video in just 5 minutes.
Cloud Based System Oh yes, GoAnimate will take up no space on your hard drive, as you do not have to download this program and no set up is required. You could work on your videos from all over the world, granted you have Internet access.
Intuitive Most of their time saving success comes from their intuitive process. When you finish creating a scene and add a second scene, the video editor copies over the previous scene as is. This is great, as it saves you the extra step of recreating the first scene. The video editor is also set up in a way that flows. For example, you will have to select the background first, then the character, then the movements or actions, followed by any props and text. This flow allows you to easily go to the next step without any back and forth.
Anyone Can Use It Whether you are a rookie or a pro, GoAnimate has got you covered. As a rookie you will learn through a step-by-step process and use the library of content. As a pro, you can import all the images, props, sounds and backgrounds you want or use the library of content. Either way, you end up with a professional and unique video.
Work In Teams Thanks to their GoTeam plan, you can collaborate with other team members on a video or a set of videos. This option is great for businesses as it allows for infinite possibilities.
School Program GoAnimate for schools is a great plan that allows students and teachers to make videos in a private and secure environment. It does not come with a commercial license and plans start as low as $59 per year.
Text-To-Speech Although you have the possibility to import pre-recorded sound to your video, you also have the option of simply entering text and having it be converted to speech. This is another time saving option and allows your video to have a different effect.
Automatic Lip-Sync Need I say more? You don’t need to worry about having to sync your audio with your character. I can only assume they use magic to allow for this feature.
HOW TO CREATE A VIDEO with GoAnimate
GoAnimate has really thought of everything. Setting up your video is very easy and can be done in just a couple of steps. You don’t even need an idea to begin making a video today. Follow all the steps below:
1. Go to goanimate.com and sign up for their FREE 14-day trial. 2. Launch their video maker with the click of one button. 3. With your target audience in mind select a background and scene. 4. Select your characters and decide what actions they will need to take. 5. Add a few scenes to unfold your story. 6. Add audio and be amazed as the audio magically syncs up with the character. 7. Add any props or finishing touches needed like color, music and text. 8. Review and edit where needed 9. Publish 10. Look at your watch and realize that it’s only been five minutes. Smile.
GoAnimate RECAP
In this GoAnimate review we learned that there is such a thing as affordability and amazing (maybe even magic) video editing in the world of cloud based programs.
With a vast amount of features from versatile and easy to learn editing to automated lip-sync this GoAnimate review covers the ins and outs of GoAnimate.com
The program is not just easy to learn but also intuitive. GoAnimate offers high-end results without the hassle of downloading software. You have the option of starting immediately, taking a DIY approach and creating a great professional video in about five minutes. With their most affordable plan starting at $39 a month and an initial 14 day no hassle, no credit card needed, all-inclusive free trial, you’ll wonder where GoAnimate has been all your life.
Editor's Rating
GoAnimate is one of the best options out there for easy to use online video editors. GoAnimates personal, business, and school plans provide options for every user. Try out GoAnimate for 14 days free and decide for yourself.