VideoScribe has been around since 2012. It's the tool that defined the whiteboard animation category. SpeedSketch is newer and works differently. Let me explain when each makes sense.
Understanding the Different Approaches
VideoScribe is a professional animation suite. You create videos by arranging elements on a canvas, configuring animation paths, timing transitions, and syncing with audio. It's powerful and flexible—and it requires learning.
SpeedSketch is an automated converter. You upload an image, and the AI generates a drawing animation automatically. There's no canvas, no timeline, no animation path configuration—just input and output.
VideoScribe gives you control. SpeedSketch gives you speed. The trade-off is straightforward.
When VideoScribe is the Right Choice
VideoScribe makes sense when:
- You need professional-quality explainer videos. Client work, corporate training, polished marketing content.
- You want precise control. Specific timing, custom animation paths, exact synchronisation with voiceover.
- You're creating from scratch. VideoScribe's extensive library means you don't need existing assets.
- You're building multiple scenes. Complex narratives with transitions and varied content.
- You'll use it regularly. The learning investment pays off with frequent use.
VideoScribe is an industry standard for a reason. If you're doing serious whiteboard animation work, it's worth knowing.
When SpeedSketch is the Right Choice
SpeedSketch makes sense when:
- You have images you want animated. Diagrams, infographics, illustrations—existing visuals.
- Speed matters more than control. You need something in minutes, not hours.
- Budget is a constraint. SpeedSketch's image-to-video feature is free.
- You're creating occasional content. Not enough volume to justify learning a professional tool.
- You want to test the format. See if whiteboard animation works for your audience before investing in tools.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | VideoScribe | SpeedSketch |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Professional editor | Automatic converter |
| Built-in library | ✓ 10,000+ images | — |
| Custom image support | ✓ SVG recommended | ✓ Any image format |
| Animation control | ✓ Full control | Automatic |
| Audio/voiceover sync | ✓ Yes | Separate step |
| Learning time | Several hours | Minutes |
| Creation time | 30 min - hours | 1-2 minutes |
| Platform | Desktop + Web | Browser only |
| Pricing | £14-35/month | Free (image-to-video) |
Trade-offs Worth Understanding
VideoScribe Strengths
- Industry-standard tool with proven track record
- Extensive library of professional assets
- Full control over every animation detail
- Audio recording and synchronisation built in
- Large community and extensive tutorials
VideoScribe Limitations
- Monthly subscription required
- Significant learning curve
- Time-intensive for each project
- Custom images require SVG for best results
SpeedSketch Strengths
- Free for image-to-video conversion
- No learning curve
- Works with any image format
- Fast results—minutes, not hours
- Browser-based, works anywhere
SpeedSketch Limitations
- No built-in asset library
- Limited control over animation
- Single image per animation
- Newer tool, smaller community
Practical Recommendation
The decision comes down to your use case:
Go with VideoScribe if: You're creating whiteboard content regularly, need professional-quality output, want access to a library of assets, and can invest time in learning the tool.
Go with SpeedSketch if: You have existing images to animate, need quick turnaround, want to test whiteboard animation without commitment, or can't justify a subscription.
They can coexist: Use VideoScribe for your main projects, SpeedSketch when you need to quickly animate existing graphics.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do I have existing visuals, or do I need to create from scratch?
- How much time can I spend per video?
- How often will I create whiteboard content?
- Do I need precise control over timing and animation?
- What's my budget?
Your answers will make the choice obvious.