When it comes to animation, visuals grab attention, but it’s the voice over script that drives the story home. A well-written script can make the difference between a forgettable video and one that leaves an impression. Whether you’re a business creating an explainer video or a studio working on character-driven animation, the way you write your voice over script matters.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to write voice over scripts for animation that connect with audiences, keep pacing smooth, and deliver genuine business results.
Why Voice Over Scripts Matter in Animation
Animation has the power to simplify complex ideas and bring brands to life. But without a solid script, even the most polished visuals fall flat. The script is where strategy meets storytelling. Why?
- It sets the tone of your animation.
- Ensures clarity, especially when explaining products or services.
- Keeps viewers engaged with pacing that matches the visuals.
For businesses, this isn’t just creative fluff – it’s about ROI. Research shows that animated explainer videos can increase conversion rates by up to 20%, when the script is concise and audience focused.
Step 1: Define the Goal of Your Script
Before writing a single word, ask: “What do I want this animation to achieve?”
- Explainer videos focus on clarity and simplicity.
- Brand videos use tone and style to reflect personality.
- Training animations prioritise structure and step-by-step flow.
- Character animations emphasise dialogue and emotions.
Step 2: Know Your Audience
The best scripts are written with a specific audience in mind. Writing for business professionals? Keep it professional but accessible. Writing for children? Use playful, simple language.
A benchmark to remember: a typical business animation script should be written at a 7th-9th grade reading level. That balance makes it easy to understand without sounding oversimplified.
Step 3: Structure the Script for Flow
A good voice over script for animation isn’t written line by line like a novel. It’s structured to match timing and visuals. Here’s a framework:
- Hook (0-15 seconds) – Capture attention quickly, a question or bold statement works best.
- Main Message (15-60 seconds) – Deliver the core message by breaking complex ideas into short, digestible parts.
- Supporting Details (60-90 seconds) – Reinforce with benefits, examples, or dialogue.
- Call to Action (90-120 seconds) – End with a clear next step: visit a site, sign up, or contact your business.
Pro Tip: Keep scripts around 150 words per minute. A 90-second animation should be about 225 words, as longer scripts risk losing engagement.
Step 4: Write for the Ear, Not the Eye
Unlike blog posts or reports, voice over scripts are written to be spoken. That means:
- Using short sentences.
- Writing in a conversational tone.
- Avoiding jargon unless your audience expects it.
- Using contractions (e.g., “it’s” instead of “it is”) to keep the flow natural.
Read your script aloud – if it sounds awkward, it will be felt in the final animation.
Step 5: Balance Narration with Silence
Animation isn’t just about the words. Sometimes, silence or minimal narration lets the visuals do the talking. This is especially true for product demos or animations with strong character actions.
Case in point: A study from Wyzowl, found that animations with clear pauses and pacing led to 17% higher retention rates, compared to scripts that overloaded viewers with constant narration.
Step 6: Match Script Style to Voice Talent
A strong script needs the right voice talent to bring it to life. Think about:
- Tone – Friendly, authoritative, playful, or formal?
- Pacing – Fast for energetic content, slower for serious topics.
- Character roles – Do you need multiple voices for dialogue?
Businesses often underestimate this step, but pairing a script with the right talent can increase message recall by up to 30%.
Step 7: Refine and Test
Don’t treat your first draft as final. Assess scripts by:
- Reading them aloud immediately.
- Timing them against your storyboard.
- Running them by a small audience segment for feedback.
Refinement ensures that your script not only sounds good, but aligns perfectly with visuals and goals.
Case Study: Animated Explainer for a Tech Startup
A European SaaS startup recently invested in a 2-minute animated explainer. Their first draft ran over 400 words – nearly double the recommended length. The result? Their audience switched off halfway.
After restructuring the script to 280 words with a sharper focus on customer pain points, completion rates increased by 35% and sign-ups grew by 18% within the first month.
The takeaway: brevity and clarity pay off.
Key Takeaways for Businesses
If you’re planning an animation project, remember:
- Start with a clear goal and audience.
- Keep scripts concise – around 150 words per minute.
- Write conversationally, not formally.
- Pair scripts with the right voice talent.
- Evaluate and refine before final production.
When done right, a professional voice over script doesn’t just enhance your animation – it drives results. For business owners, that means more engagement, higher retention, and a stronger return on your creative investment.