Where teachers use them
- Flipped learning — the explanation at home, the practice in class.
- Revision — a two-minute recap before a quiz.
- Absent students — the core of today's lesson, ready to send.
- Differentiation — the same idea explained more simply, or in another language.
- Homework help — a video for the question everyone gets stuck on.
From lesson plan to video
- Upload your lesson notes or type the topic. Add the year group: "photosynthesis for Year 7".
- Check the script. Make sure the vocabulary matches what you teach.
- Pick a voice. 15 languages — useful for language classes and multilingual families.
- Generate and share. Post the MP4 to Google Classroom, your LMS or a class page.
Length by age group
| Students | Length | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 5–8 | 1–2 min | One idea, simple sentences |
| Ages 9–13 | 2–4 min | Add one example |
| Ages 14–18 | 3–6 min | Explain the why, then recap |
| University | 5–10 min | Structure with clear sections |
Free for everyday use
Teachers can make five Studio videos a day free — write the scenes, add your own diagrams or free stock photos, and get a free voiceover. Free videos are 720p with a small watermark and kept seven days. AI-written, AI-illustrated lessons need credits; plans start at $19.99 a month.
Lesson video structure that works
| Part | Purpose | Scenes |
|---|---|---|
| Question | Spark curiosity | 1 |
| Prior knowledge | Connect to what they know | 1–2 |
| New idea | Explain in small steps | 3–8 |
| Example | Show it applied | 1–2 |
| Recap | Restate the key point | 1 |
| Think question | Prompt reflection or class discussion | 1 |
Ideas by subject
| Subject | Video idea |
|---|---|
| Science | Why ice floats when most solids sink |
| Maths | Why you can't divide by zero |
| English | What makes a strong opening line |
| History | Why the Roman Empire split in two |
| Geography | How a river shapes a valley |
| Computing | What an algorithm really is |
Accessibility and inclusion
- Students can pause and rewatch at their own pace.
- Narration in 15 languages supports multilingual families and language learners.
- Drawn visuals help students who struggle with text-heavy material.
- Add captions in your video platform for students with hearing difficulties.
Getting students to make them
Asking students to explain a topic as a whiteboard video is a strong check of understanding: to write a clear script, they have to understand the material. The free Studio is simple enough for students, and five videos a day covers a class project.
Saving time across the year
Make each video once, reuse it every year, and update the script when the curriculum changes. A library of 30–40 short videos covers the hardest concepts in most courses.
Frequently asked questions
Can teachers use Sketchvo for free?
Yes; five free Studio videos every day plus one AI-made video.
Can I upload my own diagrams?
Yes, in the Studio each scene can use your own picture.
Does it work with Google Classroom?
Videos are MP4 files you can upload to Google Classroom or any LMS.
Can students make videos too?
Yes; it's simple enough for student projects and presentations.
How long should a lesson video be?
Usually 2–6 minutes; shorter for younger students.
Is it safe for students to use?
Students can use the free Studio; as with any online tool, follow your school's policy on accounts and data.