Let’s be honest: having a brilliant idea for a video is the easy part. We’ve all been there—lying in bed at 2 AM, picturing this cinematic masterpiece with perfect lighting and an emotional soundtrack. But then you wake up, grab your camera, and realise you have absolutely no idea where to start.
The gap between that "dream" in your head and the final MP4 file on your computer is a massive, intimidating canyon. And the bridge across that canyon? It’s a storyboard.
If you’ve heard the term and thought, "That’s just for Pixar movies or people who can actually draw," I’m here to tell you that you’re missing out on the single most helpful tool in your creative kit. Storyboarding in video production isn't an art contest; it’s a survival strategy. It’s about getting your ideas out of your brain and onto a surface where you can actually work with them.
In this guide, I want to walk you through how to storyboard a video in a way that feels like a conversation between two creators, rather than a lecture from a textbook. Whether you're making a 15-second TikTok or a 30-minute documentary, let’s talk about how to make your production life a whole lot easier.
What is a Storyboard, Really? (And Why You Actually Need One)
Think of a storyboard as a comic strip version of your future video. It’s a series of panels that show exactly what’s happening in every shot. But here’s the secret: it’s not just a set of drawings. It’s a visual blueprint. If you were building a house, you wouldn't just buy some wood and start nailing things together, right? You’d want a blueprint so you don't accidentally put the toilet in the middle of the kitchen. A storyboard does the same thing for your video. It tells you where the "walls" of your story are, where the "windows" of emotion should be, and exactly how the reader moves through the "house."
Why it’s the MVP of Your Production
I’ve seen so many creators skip this step because they’re "too busy" or "it takes too long." But trust me, skipping a storyboard to save time is like skipping your morning coffee to save money—you’ll pay for it in productivity later.
It Saves Your Sanity (and Money): On a film set, every minute costs something. Even if it’s just your own time, that’s valuable. When you know exactly what you need to film, you don’t spend three hours "finding the vibe." You walk in, look at your board, and execute.
It’s Your Communication Superpower: If you’re working with a crew—or even just one friend helping you out—you can’t just say, "Make it look cool." "Cool" is subjective. But a storyboard? That’s objective. When you show someone a panel, they see exactly what you see.
It Catches "Plot Holes" Early: Sometimes an idea sounds amazing in a script, but when you draw it out, you realize it’s physically impossible or just plain boring. Storyboarding is your chance to "edit" your movie before you even hit record.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Storyboard a Video
Step-by-Step Guide to Storyboarding a Video
Let’s break down the storyboarding process into simple steps. Whether you're creating a 30-second ad or a short film, these steps will help you get started.
1. Write a Script or Outline
Let's get this straight first. You can't just draw a video without knowing its concept. A video has to start somewhere, and that usually involves storyboarding. Storyboarding starts from scripts or outlines. Wrapping your head around what’s going to happen and what needs to be said in a particular scene is scripting. Outlines can be even more straightforward, like a list of important sequenced events.
For example, let’s say you’re storyboarding a commercial about a new phone. The script might look like this:
Scene 1: Close-up of the phone’s sleek design.
Scene 2: Person uses the phone to make a call.
Scene 3: Phone’s camera in action, snapping a picture.
Having this basic script or outline helps you decide which scenes to storyboard.
2. Choose the Shots You Need
Think about the type of shots that will best communicate the action in your video. These shots will guide your storyboard illustrations. Some common types of shots include:
Wide Shots: Show the entire scene or location.
Medium Shots: Focus on people or objects from the waist up.
Close-ups: Zoom in on a particular detail, like someone’s face or an object.
Over-the-Shoulder Shots: Common in conversations, showing the perspective of one character.
Let’s take our phone commercial example. You might need a wide shot for the scene where the person is using the phone in a café, followed by a close-up to show the camera in action.
3. Start Sketching the Scenes
Now that you know which shots you need, it’s time to start sketching them out. Don’t worry if you’re not an artist—storyboards don’t have to be perfect. Stick figures or simple shapes will do just fine, as long as they show the key action in each scene.
For example:
In Scene 1 (the phone’s design), you can draw a simple outline of the phone in the middle of the frame.
In Scene 2 (making a call), you could sketch a character holding the phone to their ear with a speech bubble indicating they’re talking.
Make sure to include the most important details: What’s the action? How is the camera positioned? Is it moving or still?
4. Add Descriptions for Each Shot
Next, add short descriptions under each sketch. These notes will explain the action, camera movement, and anything else that’s important. For example:
Scene 1: Close-up of the phone on a table.
Description: Camera zooms in to show the phone’s screen, highlighting its sleek design.
Scene 2: Medium shot of the person using the phone.
Description: Character smiles while holding the phone to their ear, background slightly blurred.
These descriptions add context and make it easier for everyone on set to understand what needs to be done.
5. Think About Transitions
A great video doesn't just "jump" from shot to shot; it flows. When you are storyboarding in video production, you need to think about the "connective tissue."
The Match Cut: One of my favorites. You storyboard a shot of a round coffee cup, and the next panel is a round car tire. It creates a visual rhyme that feels incredibly intentional.
Cutting on Action: If a character starts to throw a punch in Panel 1, the punch should land in Panel 2. This keeps the momentum going and makes the edit feel invisible.
The "J-Cut" and "L-Cut": Even in a storyboard, you can note audio. A J-cut is when the audio from the next scene starts before we see the picture. Noting this on your board helps you plan shots that "linger" or "anticipate."
6. Review and Revise
After completing the storyboard, it is advisable looking over the work again. Do all the parts connect appropriately? Is every shot useful? It is common to modify or eliminate some parts of the scenes. It is absolutely fine- this is a part of the storyboarding process.
You might, for instance, discover that the phone’s design is best seen from a wide shot camera angle instead of a close-up shot and so you can choose to switch them around. Revisions are very important for any work, so make sure you utilize this privilege for the best outcome you can get!
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
I’ve looked at thousands of storyboards, and I see the same three mistakes over and over again. If you can avoid these, you're already ahead of the game.
1. The "Talking Head" Trap
This is when you have 10 panels in a row of just two people’s faces talking. It’s boring.
The Fix: Every 2 or 3 panels, change the perspective. Go to a wide shot to show their body language. Go to a close-up of a hand fidgeting. Keep the visual energy moving.
2. Ignoring the "Safe Zone"
If you’re making a video for Instagram or TikTok, the top and bottom of your screen are going to be covered by UI (captions, user names, like buttons).
The Fix: When you’re learning how to storyboard a video for social media, draw a "safe box" inside your panel. Keep all the important stuff—faces and text—inside that box so it doesn't get cut off.
3. Over-Drawing
You aren't making a comic book to sell at a convention; you're making a plan for a shoot. If you spend four hours drawing a perfect sunset in Panel 1, you’re going to be too exhausted to finish Panel 20.
The Fix: Use "Visual Shorthand." A scribble can be a crowd. A triangle can be a mountain. Save your energy for the direction, not the illustration.
Tips for Making Your Storyboard Work Even Better
Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind while you’re creating your storyboard:
Keep it simple: You don’t need detailed artwork—focus on the key shots and actions.
Use color: If you have time, use color to highlight important details, like lighting or mood.
Think about timing: Note how long each shot will last. This will help with pacing later on.
Be flexible: Sometimes, what you plan in the storyboard might not work on set. Be ready to adjust when needed.
Tools to Make Storyboarding Easier
While traditional storyboarding can be done with pencil and paper, there are several tools that can help make the process faster and more efficient. Here are some options:
Boords: A simple tool for creating digital storyboards that’s perfect for teams. It allows you to add images, descriptions, and even animations.
StudioBinder: A professional tool used by filmmakers to organize storyboards, call sheets, and shooting schedules.
Canva: A user-friendly design tool that offers templates for storyboarding.
Storyboard That: An online tool that provides pre-made characters and scenes, allowing you to create storyboards quickly.
Start Storyboarding Today
Storyboarding isn't about being a "great artist." It’s about being a great communicator. It’s the difference between a video that feels like an accident and one that feels like a masterpiece.
By taking the time to learn how to storyboard a video, you are respecting your own time and your audience's attention. You're giving yourself the freedom to be creative on set because you've already done the hard work of solving the puzzles.
So, grab your script, open up Story-Boards.ai, and start laying out those panels. Your future self (and your future editor) will thank you.
