I've used both of these tools extensively. They're often mentioned in the same breath, but they actually solve different problems. Let me explain.
The Fundamental Difference
Doodly is a timeline-based animation editor. You build scenes by placing characters, props, and text on a canvas, then configure how and when each element gets drawn. It's a creative tool—you're designing and directing.
SpeedSketch is an image-to-animation converter. You upload an existing image, and the software automatically generates a hand-drawn animation of it. There's no timeline, no scene building—it's a conversion utility.
These aren't competing approaches. They're different tools for different situations.
When Doodly is the Better Choice
Doodly makes sense when you need to:
- Create multi-scene narratives. You're telling a story with multiple characters, scene transitions, and a structured timeline.
- Use pre-built characters and props. Doodly's library includes thousands of assets. If you don't have existing visuals, this is valuable.
- Precisely control timing. You need specific elements to appear at exact moments, synchronised with voiceover.
- Build complex explainer videos. Product demos, training videos, sales presentations with multiple sections.
- Customise hand styles. Doodly offers different hand animations and drawing effects.
If your workflow involves storyboarding, scripting, and building animations from scratch using a library of assets, Doodly is designed for that.
When SpeedSketch is the Better Choice
SpeedSketch makes sense when you need to:
- Convert existing images quickly. You already have the visuals—diagrams, infographics, illustrations—and want them animated.
- Create social media content fast. You need a whiteboard-style animation in minutes, not hours.
- Work without a budget. SpeedSketch's image-to-video feature is free.
- Avoid a learning curve. Upload, configure, download. No timeline editing to learn.
- Animate custom artwork. Your designer created something unique, and you want it drawn on screen.
If your workflow starts with "I have an image, I want it animated," SpeedSketch is built for that.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Doodly | SpeedSketch |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Timeline editor | Automatic conversion |
| Asset library | ✓ Extensive | — |
| Custom image support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Primary use case |
| Multi-scene videos | ✓ Yes | Single image per video |
| Timeline control | ✓ Full control | Automatic |
| Learning curve | Moderate (hours) | Minimal (minutes) |
| Time to create video | 15-60+ minutes | 1-2 minutes |
| Platform | Desktop app | Browser-based |
| Pricing | $39-69/month | Free (image-to-video) |
The Honest Trade-offs
Doodly's Advantages
- Professional asset library with consistent style
- Precise control over every element's timing
- Built-in voiceover recording and sync
- Scene transitions and complex narratives
- Established tool with extensive tutorials
Doodly's Disadvantages
- Significant monthly cost ($39-69)
- Desktop-only (Windows/Mac required)
- Time investment to create each video
- Learning curve before productive use
- Tied to Doodly's aesthetic
SpeedSketch's Advantages
- Free for image-to-video conversion
- No learning curve—upload and go
- Works in any browser
- Fast turnaround (minutes)
- Animates any custom artwork
SpeedSketch's Disadvantages
- No asset library—you need existing images
- Single image per video (no scenes)
- Less control over animation timing
- AI text-to-video requires subscription
- Newer tool with smaller community
My Recommendation
There's no universal "better" here. The right choice depends on your workflow:
Choose Doodly if: You're building multi-scene explainer videos from scratch, want access to an asset library, and are willing to invest time and money in a professional tool.
Choose SpeedSketch if: You already have images you want animated, need quick turnaround, or can't justify a monthly subscription for occasional use.
Consider using both: Some workflows benefit from both. Use Doodly for your main explainer content, SpeedSketch for quick social clips when you have existing graphics.
Making the Decision
Before choosing, ask yourself:
- Do I already have images I want to animate, or do I need to create visuals from scratch?
- How much time can I spend learning and creating?
- Do I need multi-scene narratives with precise timing?
- What's my budget for tools?
- How often will I use this?
The answers will point you in the right direction.