OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

Create Animated Social Media Posts using Canva

Stacey Shanklin-Langford

By the end of this project, you will learn how to create an animated social media post using the free version of Canva. Animated social media posts are great tools for drawing the attention of your followers and customers to the information you are aiming to share. We can use Canva to complete this project because it provides all the tools you need to create an organized and visually appealing product while offering a variety of options for sharing and collaboration. You will learn how to plan and organize your ideas and utilize graphic design tools as you create an animated social media post.

Read more

By the end of this project, you will learn how to create an animated social media post using the free version of Canva. Animated social media posts are great tools for drawing the attention of your followers and customers to the information you are aiming to share. We can use Canva to complete this project because it provides all the tools you need to create an organized and visually appealing product while offering a variety of options for sharing and collaboration. You will learn how to plan and organize your ideas and utilize graphic design tools as you create an animated social media post.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Well-suited for visual designers or marketers on social media
Develops skills in social media marketing and graphic design
Taught by Instructors Stacey Shanklin-Langford who have experience in the field
Covers essential elements of creating animated social media posts
Provides hands-on practice in using Canva software
Note: This course is best suited for learners in the North America region

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Animated social media posts with canva (free version)

According to learners, this course is a positive and highly practical guide to creating animated social media posts using Canva. Many appreciate its focus on the free version of Canva, making it accessible and cost-effective. Students commend the clear, step-by-step instructions and find the pacing perfect for beginners, allowing them to immediately apply what they learn to their social media strategies. Some learners, particularly those with existing Canva experience, found the content to be too basic or desired more advanced animation techniques, suggesting it's most beneficial for novices. While a few noted minor pacing inconsistencies, the overall consensus points to a highly effective and foundational course.
Course primarily designed for North American users.
"Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region."
"As a European user, some of the regional notes mentioned in the description were relevant, but it didn't impact the core content much for me, thankfully."
"I was aware of the North America focus, but the core animation principles were universally applicable regardless of my location."
Varied pace and content depth; best suited for novices.
"I already knew a lot about Canva so it felt a bit too basic for me."
"Found the pace a bit too slow in some parts and too fast in others. Also, felt like some crucial steps were rushed."
"I expected more sophisticated animations. Disappointing if you're not a complete novice."
"I wish there were a few more advanced animation techniques or creative ideas explored."
Course effectively leverages the free version of Canva.
"The focus on the free version of Canva was a huge plus, no need to upgrade."
"The free Canva focus is brilliant."
"I appreciate that the course teaches how to use the free version of Canva effectively without needing a Pro subscription."
Excellent for beginners, with clear, easy-to-follow steps.
"The instructor breaks down complex steps into easily digestible segments."
"The pacing was perfect for a beginner, and the hands-on project really helped solidify the concepts."
"This course demystified the process. The step-by-step guidance was invaluable."
Gain practical skills directly applicable to social media.
"I immediately applied what I learned to my business's Instagram."
"I can now create dynamic posts for my online shop without hiring a designer."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Create Animated Social Media Posts using Canva with these activities:
Attend an Online Social Media Marketing Event
Expand your knowledge and connect with professionals in the field of social media marketing by attending an online event.
Browse courses on Social Media Marketing
Show steps
  • Research upcoming online social media marketing events.
  • Register and attend the event.
  • Engage with speakers and attendees to learn and network.
Participate in a Canva Workshop
Enhance your Canva skills through hands-on practice and expert guidance in a dedicated workshop.
Browse courses on Canva
Show steps
  • Find and register for a Canva workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in exercises.
  • Apply the techniques and knowledge gained to your social media post design.
Review Graphic Design Principles
Review the fundamentals of graphic design to enhance your visual communication skills and make more effective social media posts.
View Graphic Design: The New Basics on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read Chapters 1-3 to understand the basic principles of graphic design, including hierarchy, contrast, and balance.
  • Examine examples of effective social media posts and identify how they apply these principles.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Advanced Canva Features
Enhance your skills by exploring advanced features of Canva, such as animation effects and custom transitions, to make your social media posts more dynamic.
Browse courses on Canva
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on Canva's animation features.
  • Experiment with different animation presets and custom settings.
  • Learn how to create seamless transitions between elements.
Contribute to the Canva Community Forum
Engage with the Canva community by sharing your knowledge and helping others, deepening your understanding of the platform.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Join the Canva Community Forum.
  • Read and respond to discussions related to social media post design.
  • Share your own tips, tricks, and experiences with the community.
Design a Social Media Post
Utilize Canva to create a visually engaging social media post that demonstrates your understanding of design principles.
Browse courses on Canva
Show steps
  • Choose a topic or message for your social media post.
  • Select templates and elements from Canva's library.
  • Apply graphic design principles to arrange and style your elements.
  • Incorporate relevant text, images, and animations.
Create Multiple Social Media Post Variations
Experiment with different design elements and layouts to create multiple variations of your social media post, optimizing for various platforms and audiences.
Browse courses on Canva
Show steps
  • Create a new canvas for each variation.
  • Experiment with different templates, color schemes, and fonts.
  • Test different combinations of images, videos, and animations.
Prepare a Presentation on Your Social Media Post
Develop your presentation skills by analyzing and presenting your social media post, explaining the design choices and their impact.
Browse courses on Presentation Skills
Show steps
  • Analyze the effectiveness of your social media post and identify areas for improvement.
  • Create a presentation outlining your design process and rationale.
  • Practice presenting your work clearly and concisely.

Career center

Learners who complete Create Animated Social Media Posts using Canva will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Motion Graphics Designer
Motion Graphics Designers that have a strong animated social media portfolio typically find greater success in their career. This course will help you do just that.
See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer
Animator
Animators who can also handle the visual design for social media will often find themselves with advantages in career advancement. This course can help build your skills in this in-demand area.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animator
Graphic Designer
A Graphic Designer often needs to create animated social media posts for their clients. This course can help you get started in this career or gain new skills in your current position.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer
UX Designer
UX Designers are responsible for taking a product from the idea stage to production, which includes creating visual prototypes for testing. This course will give you the skills you need to do that.
See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer
Visual Designer
A Visual Designer that has strong skills in visual design has a significant advantage in this field. This course can help build those skills and open new doors for your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Designer
Content Marketing Manager
Creating visually appealing social media posts is an important part of the work of a Content Marketing Manager. This course will give you the skills you need to get started and advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Marketing Manager
Creative Director
A Creative Director needs to have a strong visual design foundation. This course will help build that foundation and allow you to create new opportunities for yourself in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director
Product Designer
Product Designers regularly create visual prototypes for testing. This course will help you get started in this career or advance your current skillset.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer
UI/UX Designer
UI/UX Designers often need to create prototypes for visual elements seen across different platforms. This course is an example of just that and will help you break into this career or advance.
See salaries and explore the career path for UI/UX Designer
Art Director
Art Directors are always looking for ways to advance their skillset. This course is an example of that and can provide you with new ideas to take back to your current position.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director
Marketing Manager
Successful Marketing Managers often have strong visual design skills. This course will help you build a foundation for creating animated social media posts, which will increase your appeal in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Web Designer
Web Designers that have a strong visual design foundation often find a lot of success. This course can help you build out your skills in this area, which will help you succeed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer
Photographer
Photographers that have a strong background in visual design often find themselves with better career opportunities. This course will help you gain those skills for use in your current role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer
Video Editor
A certain amount of animated social media work will come across the desk of nearly all Video Editors. This course can help you get started with that or improve your current skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager is likely to be regularly looking for ways to create better visual content for an audience. This course can help you gain the skills to do just that and may be a valuable asset for your career in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Create Animated Social Media Posts using Canva.
Cover image
The Power of Visual Storytelling: How to Use...
Save
Delves into the art of visual storytelling, exploring how images, videos, and animations can effectively convey messages and emotions. It provides insights into the principles of visual communication, making it valuable for those looking to create impactful social media posts that resonate with audiences.
The Power of Visual Storytelling: How to Use...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Success in Social Marketing
Save
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of social media marketing. It covers various aspects, including platform selection, content strategy, and campaign management, offering valuable insights for those seeking to develop effective social media marketing strategies.
Success in Social Marketing
Paperback
Check
Success in Social Marketing
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
A Home to Share
Save
Comprehensive guide to Canva, written for beginners. It covers all the basics of using Canva, including how to create designs, add text and images, and share your work. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to get started with Canva.
A Home to Share: Designs that Welcome Family and...
Hardcover
$$
A Home to Share: Designs that Welcome Family and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Epic Content Marketing, Second Edition: Break...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of content marketing, including how to create, distribute, and measure your content. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use content marketing to attract and engage customers.
Epic Content Marketing, Second Edition: Break...
Hardcover
$$
Epic Content Marketing, Second Edition: Break...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Social Marketing Digital Book Set
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of social media marketing, including how to use social media to build relationships, generate leads, and drive sales. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use social media to grow their business.
Social Marketing Digital Book Set
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of social media marketing, including how to create a social media strategy, create engaging content, and measure your results. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use social media to achieve their marketing goals.
Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies
Paperback
$$
Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies (For...
Kindle Edition
$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Create Animated Social Media Posts using Canva.
Brand Identity and Vector Graphics
Most relevant
Presenting Data Using Charts with Canva
Most relevant
Build a Professional Resume using Canva
Most relevant
How to Create Realistic Reflections with Adobe Photoshop
Most relevant
Design a Professional Business card with QR code using...
Most relevant
How to create and sell templates on Canva
Most relevant
Public Speaking with Canva
Most relevant
Creating Infographics with GenAI for Marketing
Most relevant
Brand New Brand
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Effort
2 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Coursera Project Network
Instructor
Stacey Shanklin-Langford
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Well-suited for visual designers or marketers on social media
Develops skills in social media marketing and graphic design
Taught by Instructors Stacey Shanklin-Langford who have experience in the field
Covers essential elements of creating animated social media posts
Provides hands-on practice in using Canva software
Note: This course is best suited for learners in the North America region
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Create Animated Social Media Posts using Canva.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser