GoAnimate (sometimes stylized as Go!Animate) is a
cloud-based platform for creating and distributing animated videos. It allows
users to develop both narrative videos, in which characters speak with lip-sync
and move around, and video presentations, in which a voice-over narrator speaks
over images and props, which may also move around. The service is provided on
afreemium basis to consumers, and has multiple subscription levels available
for businesses. GoAnimate provides users with drag-and-drop tools that the
company's website indicates can be used to access thousands of character
models, backdrops, and other assets to create scenario-based videos - like
political videos depicted during the 2012 presidential campaign.[6] The
platform offers text-to-speech character voices with customizable environments.
It is also commonly known for grounded videos.
History
GoAnimate was founded in 2007 by Alvin Hung. It originated
from Hung’s desire to create an animated story for his wife, evolving to an
animated video production tool. Go!Animate is a founding member of YouTube
creation tool partner program, launched in 2009.
In 2012, eMarketer projected that video would be the
fastest-growing online ad format in 2012, with spending to increase nearly 55
percent over 2011. Business2community.com reports that the popularity of video
as a medium to communicate information results from its ability to effectively
tell stories, spread messages and encourage action. It notes that bloggers who
may not be skilled writers are turning to video as well.
In September 2013, GoAnimate relaunched with a new look, new
features, and the removal of GoBucks and GoPoints. The Video Creator was
renovated in October 2013, and the Character Creator was revamped in late
November 2013.
