Motion Graphics for Social Media in Adobe After Effects from Udemy

Jumpstart your journey to making money with your creativity in motion graphics. Hi, I'm Valeri, and I'm excited to share my top course on making cool animations for social media.

But, I want to be clear: this course isn't just about following the latest trends. It's about learning how to work on big animation projects from start to finish. Trends may come and go, but the skills you learn here will stick with you forever. You'll learn how to tackle any project, even complicated ones like explainer videos. By the end of this course, you'll know how to come up with creative ideas and feel confident working on big projects to tell amazing stories.

We'll start with how to understand a script from a client, or how to make one yourself with AI if there isn't one. Then, I'll show you how to think of cool visuals, find inspiration, and look up stuff that can help your project. You'll also learn how to plan your work with a storyboard. Next, we'll make the scenes in Illustrator. I'll teach you how to create a great voiceover with AI, making it easier to start animating your project.

After that, we'll jump into After Effects to start bringing your project to life. I'll share tips on matching animation to voiceovers and moving smoothly from one scene to the next.

You'll also get to know how to add captions, using AI or doing it yourself in After Effects. Lastly, we'll polish your animation with some basic effects and sound before it's all done. So, get ready to boost your motion design skills and move closer to earning from your creativity.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the steps to create with complex animation projects based on a script.
Learn how to come up with creative ideas and gain the confidence to deal with complex projects.
Learn how to analyse the script you get from the client.
Learn how to create one from scratch using ai.
Learn how to come up with interesting visuals, how to get inspiration, and how to search for relevant references.
Learn how to make a storyboard that will guide you through the process.
Learn to design the necessary scenes in illustrator.

Learn how to generate a high-quality voiceover using ai.
Learn tricks for timing the animation to a voice-over and making smooth transitions between the scenes.
Learn how to create captions, whether by using ai platforms or creating them from scratch in after effects.
Learn how to improve the overall look with basic visual and sound effects.
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Learn the steps to create with complex animation projects based on a script.
Learn how to come up with creative ideas and gain the confidence to deal with complex projects.
Learn how to analyse the script you get from the client.
Learn how to create one from scratch using ai.
Learn how to come up with interesting visuals, how to get inspiration, and how to search for relevant references.
Learn how to make a storyboard that will guide you through the process.
Learn to design the necessary scenes in illustrator.
Learn how to generate a high-quality voiceover using ai.
Learn tricks for timing the animation to a voice-over and making smooth transitions between the scenes.
Learn how to create captions, whether by using ai platforms or creating them from scratch in after effects.
Learn how to improve the overall look with basic visual and sound effects.
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Show less

Syllabus

In this part, we'll discuss the important things you need to know when working on a project based on a script. We'll also learn how to create great scripts using AI.

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Read about what's good

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Teaches how to create animations for social media, which is a growing field with high demand for creative content, especially among those seeking to monetize their skills

Develops skills to handle animation projects from start to finish, which is essential for professionals aiming to manage complex projects and deliver comprehensive solutions

Explores the use of AI for script creation and voiceovers, which can significantly speed up the animation process and reduce production costs for independent creators

Requires Adobe After Effects and Illustrator, which may require a subscription and a learning curve for those unfamiliar with the Adobe Creative Suite, but are industry standard

Focuses on techniques for smooth transitions and timing animation to voiceovers, which are crucial for creating engaging and professional-looking motion graphics

Covers the creation of captions using AI or After Effects, which is essential for making content accessible and engaging a wider audience on social media platforms

Reviews summary

Workflow for social media motion graphics

According to learners, this course provides a highly practical workflow for creating motion graphics for social media using After Effects and Illustrator. Many found the instructor's approach clear and easy to follow, appreciating the focus on a complete pipeline from script to render. Students particularly valued the hands-on project which helps solidify the concepts taught. While some reviewers noted it's best for beginners or those looking for a practical workflow overview rather than deep After Effects technical dives, the course is widely seen as effective for building confidence and understanding the creative and technical process for social media content.

Incorporates AI for script, voiceover, and captions.

"Using AI for script and voiceover is a modern touch I appreciated."

"The AI tips were interesting and practical for efficiency."

"La parte de usar IA para voz en off fue muy útil."

"It's good to see AI integration for real-world workflow."

"Learning to use AI for different parts of the process saved time."

Ideal for those new to After Effects or motion graphics workflow.

"This course is perfect for beginners wanting to understand motion graphics."

"If you're new to AE and social media animation, start here."

"Para empezar en Motion Graphics lo recomiendo totalmente."

"It demystifies the process for newcomers."

"I had little experience, and this course was very accessible."

Course includes a practical project to apply skills.

"The project is great for applying everything you learn."

"Building the project alongside the instructor was very helpful."

"Me encantó poder hacer un proyecto real durante el curso."

"The practical assignment helped me solidify my understanding."

"The project structure makes the learning concrete."

Instructor is easy to understand and explains concepts well.

"The instructor is clear and concise in his explanations."

"Valeri explains things really well, making complex steps simple."

"Muy bien explicado y fácil de seguir incluso para un principiante como yo."

"I could easily follow along with the lessons."

"The instructor's teaching style is very engaging."

Learn a full project pipeline from script to final render.

"This course covered the complete process from concept to final render."

"The workflow presented is very practical for social media projects."

"Aprendí paso a paso cómo abordar un proyecto de motion graphics completo para redes sociales."

"It gives you the workflow you need to create projects for clients."

"I really appreciate the step-by-step approach covering the entire process."

Emphasizes the process over advanced technical details.

"It covers the workflow but isn't a deep dive into AE techniques."

"Don't expect advanced After Effects tricks, it's about the pipeline."

"Es más sobre cómo armar el proyecto completo que sobre animaciones complejas."

"Lacks depth on specific animation principles or advanced effects."

"The course focuses on the 'how-to' of a project rather than the 'why' of specific AE features."

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 Motion Graphics for Social Media in Adobe After Effects with these activities:

Brush Up on Adobe Illustrator Skills

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Reviewing Illustrator skills ensures you can efficiently create the necessary scenes for your motion graphics projects.

Browse courses on Adobe Illustrator

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Review basic shape creation and manipulation techniques.
Practice using the pen tool for precise vector drawing.
Explore different color palettes and gradients.

Review 'After Effects Apprentice'

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Reading 'After Effects Apprentice' will give you a solid foundation in After Effects, allowing you to create more complex and visually appealing motion graphics.

View After Effects Apprentice: Real-World Skills for... on Amazon

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Read the introductory chapters covering the After Effects interface and basic animation principles.
Work through the tutorials on keyframing, compositing, and effects.
Experiment with different techniques and apply them to your own projects.

Animation Timing Exercises

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Practicing animation timing helps you create smooth and engaging motion graphics that sync perfectly with voiceovers.

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Create simple animations with varying speeds and accelerations.
Experiment with different easing techniques to achieve natural-looking movement.
Animate objects to match the rhythm and pace of a short audio clip.

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Explore Advanced After Effects Tutorials

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Following advanced tutorials helps you expand your knowledge of After Effects and learn new techniques for creating stunning motion graphics.

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Search for tutorials on specific effects or techniques you want to learn.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, paying attention to the instructor's explanations.
Adapt the techniques to your own projects and experiment with different variations.

Create a Short Animated Explainer Video

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Creating an explainer video allows you to apply all the skills learned in the course and build a portfolio piece.

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Write a script for a simple product or service.
Design the visuals in Illustrator or another vector graphics program.
Animate the visuals in After Effects, paying attention to timing and transitions.
Add voiceover, captions, and sound effects to complete the video.

Read 'The Animator's Survival Kit'

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Understanding the principles of animation will significantly improve the quality and appeal of your motion graphics.

View Adventures in Animation: How I Learned Who I... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on timing, spacing, and weight.
Study the examples and apply the principles to your own animations.
Practice animating different types of movement, such as bouncing balls and walking characters.

Create a Social Media Ad Campaign

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Developing a social media ad campaign allows you to apply your motion graphics skills in a real-world context and build a professional portfolio.

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Choose a product or service to promote.
Research the target audience and develop a marketing strategy.
Create a series of animated ads for different social media platforms.
Track the performance of the ads and make adjustments as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Motion Graphics for Social Media in Adobe After Effects will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Motion Graphics Designer

A motion graphics designer brings stories and ideas to life through animation, and this course is designed to help you do just that. Motion graphics designers create captivating visual content for various platforms, including social media. This course can help you master the fundamentals of motion graphics using Adobe After Effects, specifically for social media. The course teaches you how to analyze scripts, create storyboards, design scenes in Illustrator, and generate voiceovers using AI, all essential skills for a motion graphics designer. You will also learn how to create animations, add captions, and polish your work with effects. By the end of the course, you’ll feel ready to tackle complex projects and confident in your ability to tell stories through motion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

Social Media Content Creator

Social media content creators are responsible for crafting engaging content that captures attention, and this course can help you enhance that talent through motion graphics. The course focuses on creating animations specifically tailored for social media platforms. Understanding how to analyze scripts, generate visuals, and develop storyboards, you can create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. The course also covers essential technical skills like designing scenes in Illustrator, creating voiceovers with AI, animating in After Effects, and adding captions. Mastering these skills, as this course attempts to provide, will enable a social media content creator to deliver high-impact, visually appealing content that drives engagement and achieves specific goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Content Creator

Video Editor

A video editor assembles raw footage into a cohesive and engaging final product, and incorporating motion graphics is a great way to enhance this work. This course can help video editors enhance their skill set by adding motion graphics, especially for social media content. The course covers how to create animations from scratch, incorporate voiceovers, and add visual effects using Adobe After Effects. Understanding how to analyze scripts, create storyboards, and design scenes, you can create compelling and visually appealing videos. Furthermore, learning to add captions and perfect transitions, as taught in this course, will enable a video editor to produce polished and professional videos for social media.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Animator

Animators bring characters and stories to life through movement and visual effects. This course can help aspiring animators develop skills centered on motion graphics for social media to create engaging content. The course covers fundamental animation techniques using Adobe After Effects, from understanding a script to adding final touches. Learning how to create storyboards, design scenes, generate voiceovers with AI, and animate scenes smoothly, you will be well-equipped to create compelling animations. This course may be particularly useful if you wish to focus on short-form animated content for platforms like TikTok or Instagram.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Digital Marketing Specialist

Digital marketing specialists use various strategies to promote products and services online. This course may be helpful in enabling individuals to add motion graphics to their marketing campaigns. The course emphasizes creating animations optimized for social media platforms. By learning how to analyze scripts, create visuals, and develop storyboards, you can help create compelling marketing content. The course covers technical skills like designing scenes in Illustrator, creating voiceovers, animating in After Effects, and adding captions, enhancing a digital marketing specialist's ability to engage audiences and drive conversions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Specialist

Instructional Designer

Instructional designers create engaging and effective learning materials, and motion graphics are increasingly being used to explain complex concepts. This course can help instructional designers learn how to create animated explainers for online courses or training programs. The course covers how to analyze a script, create a storyboard, design scenes, and generate voiceovers, providing the foundation needed to produce clear and concise instructional videos. You will also learn how to animate scenes and add visual effects, skills that will enhance the overall engagement and effectiveness of learning materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

E-Learning Developer

An e learning developer works to create digital educational content, and motion graphics are an effective tool. This course may be useful because it focuses on practical skills to create complex animation projects, which may be relevant for more sophisticated modules. Key skills taught in this course, such as script analysis and storyboarding, are transferrable to the educational context. The course provides hands on experience through working on a project and a home task.

See salaries and explore the career path for E-Learning Developer

Presentation Designer

A presentation designer is someone who enhances slide decks and related material to communicate a message. This course may be useful as an introduction to motion graphics. Although focused on animation projects, key skills such as script analysis and storyboarding are relevant to ensuring the clarity of slides. This course also teaches key skills such as creating voice overs, designing scenes, and adding captions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Presentation Designer

Freelance Creative

Freelance creatives often undertake a mix of different project types, and a course such as this one may improve their employment prospects. The course's focus on social media also may be helpful for advertising services on relevant platforms, as well as keeping abreast with trends. This course may be useful as an introduction to using AI for voiceover and captioning tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Creative

Project Manager

Project managers oversee projects from start to finish. Although a project manager is unlikely to produce motion graphics themselves, this course may build valuable familiarity with key tasks. The course will teach how to come up with creative ideas and how to search for outside references. This course also gives insight into some of the software programs used by graphics professionals, Illustrator and After Effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

User Interface Designer

User interface designers create attractive and user-friendly interfaces for software programs and websites. This course may improve the ability of UI designers to add movement in appropriate places. The course provides hands on experience through working on a project, which may be helpful for building a portfolio. The course also teaches key skills such as creating voice overs, designing scenes, and adding captions.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Interface Designer

Web Designer

Web designers are responsible for the visual appearance and usability of websites. Although this course deals with graphics for social media, it also helps teach the use of Illustrator and After Effects. The course also provides hands on experience through working on a project, which may be helpful for building a portfolio. The course also teaches key skills such as creating voice overs, designing scenes, and adding captions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers have responsibility for planning, developing, and implementing marketing strategies. This course may improve the ability of marketing managers to evaluate the work of graphics professionals. The course provides hands on experience through working on a script, developing a storyboard, generating voiceovers with AI, animating in After Effects, and adding captions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Visual Designer

Visual designers create the overall look and feel of websites, applications, and other digital products. While this course focuses specifically on motion graphics for social media, it might introduce visual designers to animation principles and techniques that can enhance their designs. The course covers how to analyze a script, create visuals, and develop storyboards, providing a basic understanding of the animation process. You may find it helpful for incorporating subtle animations and transitions into user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Designer

Technical Writer

Technical writers create documentation and guides for complex products and services. Although not a core skill, this course may be useful for technical writers who must design supporting materials. The course can help one visualize processes and explain them in graphic form. The course additionally exposes users to AI based tools for automatically generating content and improving workflows.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Motion Graphics for Social Media in Adobe After Effects

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Workflow for social media motion graphics

Activities

Career center

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