Powtoon vs. think-cell vs. Vyond

Powtoon is a very capable suite of tools that help a developer create training videos that look way better than they should. I've used it to create fun, attention-getting commercials for new topics, I've used it to enhance what would otherwise be boring step-by-step tutorials, and I've used it to create all manner of "Explainer videos" for all kinds of topics - this is where it EXCELS! In my opinion, its biggest limitations are limits on imported video (max of 90 seconds), which mean that you have to do a lot of extra work to break up and import anything of substantive length. And because it presents your personal library of imported images and audio ONLY sequentially, it's VERY LIMITED in the re-usability of those assets - it's way faster to just import a new instance of an image and audio than to try to find it in your library.

Incentivized

As long as money isn't a major issue (this application is pretty expensive!), it's the best solution I've used so far for creating short explainer videos. It's pretty robust/full-featured and relatively easy to learn to use. Vyond is constantly adding assets and features, too. It would not really appropriate for making full-fledged e-learning, as there's no way to add any interactivity to it, and it's not something I'd used to create long, complex presentations.

Incentivized

• Powtoon is very easy to use; no previous experience is needed.
• It has a lot of features (images, backgrounds, videos, sounds, etc.)
• It automatically saves your work
• After you have created your video, you can download it to your computer in different resolutions

Incentivized

• In the newest version, the timeline allows you to control each asset individually in a way that mimics video auditing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Camtasia
• I love the way you can replace an object and the new object will automatically take on the formatting of the object it is replacing including, location, size, expression, duration on the timeline, etc.
• I really enjoy the spotlights on other user's videos. Even when I don't have time to read the full article, watch the full video, or attend the webinars, this is usually enough to give me new ideas to try out when making my own videos
• I appreciate the ample notice when things are changing. For example, the platform will be updated at the end of the year, but I have had access to the new format since June(ish) so I've had time to play around with it and get used to it. By the time the legacy format is retired I won't have any problems adjusting to the new format or functionality.

Incentivized

• Comparing it to Vyond, it is more time consuming to make videos. The timeline could be easier to understand.
• They recently started upcharging to use some scenes. This has made updating some of my videos challenging as the scenes that were included as part of my plan are now an upgrade to use.
• They don't have a voice over option. I have actually taken some of the videos out of the platform over to Vyond to add voiceover.
• Some items they have introduced, like turning a powerpoint into a video really don't work.

Incentivized

• The fact that it's on a cloud server means that sometimes the software can get clunky/slow.
• There may be extra work involved if you have multiple characters talking in one audio file and you want them to sync their mouths with their appropriate lines.
• Characters having multiple actions/expressions means multiple scenes, which can be very cumbersome to manage.

Incentivized

I was recently at a conference where I learned that many of my peers also use Vyond, solidifying my opinion that it is the right tool for out needs. Further more, one of our content vendors also uses it, ensuring that I will continue to use it as I believe this will facilitate our collaborations in the future

Incentivized

This program is great when you have no video experience! There's only a little of a learning curve to the program. In general, the user interface is great and easier than using a program like Adobe premier. It's a great resource to use as a marketer.

Incentivized

Vendor guy made it difficult bc he was only interested in selling

Incentivized

Vyond is just an animated video creation tool. You have to use your video content and track its performance through other means. Because it is an online tool it doesn't hog your resources or slow down any other tools that I use. It is a stand-alone product and it doesn't need to integrate with any of our other tools. It does what it does and that is all we need.

Incentivized

I have never needed the support feature. As I mentioned, everything was intuitive to me however I have taught myself Adobe, Final Cut and iMovie so most of these programs became intuitive.

Incentivized

I haven’t had any issues that required me to contact their support team. However, I believe support in any product starts before you have to call for help. Vyond provides an option for priority queue when you have their professional option. This is great for folks who need things done faster, especially when businesses can’t afford any downtime. Their Live chat feature is also reassuring, because I don’t always want to spend time on the phone or on hold if their call volume is high and I need to solve an issue.

Incentivized

There should be a Hypercare (expedited problem solving) support level on new rollouts for existing customers

Incentivized

Powtoon has the advantage over traditional video editing software in terms of the library of characters and elements that can be easily dragged and dropped onto the canvas. Powtoon is easier to use and has a more intuitive user interface than Vyond.

Incentivized

Vyond is the best tool our company has used for creating animated explainer videos and social content. We have tried many other software solutions but Vyond offers the most options for animating characters, text, and scenes. Despite the lack of options for overall styles, it offers a consistent and professional video every time. Plus, Vyond it's constantly adding new templates to their already expanding library

Incentivized

Vyond is pricey … not sure how long we will continue to use of the rate goes up

Incentivized

• We don't have to spend money on traveling to a location to do an actual live shoot.
• I'm spending less time on hand animating videos.
• We used these to create teaser videos for our professional development offerings. I believe because of the captivating graphics, we had a lot more people driven to our site.

Incentivized

• Customers have been able to self-train on our instruments using their videos as opposed to having a scientific trainer go in.
• We have been able to use videos in certifications that we sell and offer our customers.
• Since the videos can be made fairly quickly, it saves instructional design time and effort.

Incentivized