10 Free (or Cheap) Digital Storytelling Tools

Introduction to Digital Storytelling

In the digital era, digital storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool that blends traditional storytelling techniques with modern digital media. This fusion creates engaging, interactive, and immersive experiences that captivate audiences. Digital storytelling is not just for businesses; it’s also a fantastic resource for creative writing, especially in educational settings. Teachers and students can use digital storytelling tools to create stories that are both fun and educational. These tools help students learn to craft their own stories, develop a strong narrative structure, and express themselves in unique and creative ways. Whether you’re a teacher looking to inspire your students or a student eager to explore creative writing, digital storytelling offers endless possibilities.

Why businesses are turning into digital storytellers

The time-honored tradition of creative storytelling has seen a comeback in the world of marketing. Businesses are learning (or rather re-learning) that creative storytelling attracts and engages their customers differently than traditional marketing. Unlike traditional marketing and advertising, creative storytelling engages more than the rational part of the brain. Creative stories engage emotions and memory.

In fact, creative storytelling can engage the entire brain.

This is critical because customers are getting better at avoiding traditional marketing. Use of adblockers, DVR technology, popup blockers and other creative ways to avoid traditional marketing and advertising are on the rise. It’s becoming harder for businesses to tell customers what they should believe. With technology and global competition, it’s also getting more crowded.

Because of these reawakening, there has been a rapid increase of storytelling experts and articles (including DIY Marketers’ conversation with Jed Record (@jedrecord) about the impact of storytelling can have on your business),

These storytelling principles and tips are helpful. At some point, your business has to tell the story. To communicate that story in an engaging way, you’re going to need some resources.

That’s where this list comes in.

Below you’ll find 10 free or cheap) tools that will help transform your words and ideas into a professional-looking graphic or video without paying a Hollywood director or storytelling consultant.

Let’s get started…

Graphic & Static Content Tools   1. Storify

Storify is a great tool for creating stories using a variety of elements: social media content, Google search results, Tumblr posts, and even Soundcloud results. If you are holding an online event, like a Twitter or Facebook chat, this is a great tool you can use to collect content from that event and share it one place as a single story.

Price: Basic use is free.Contact Spotify for Enterprise level for advanced features

Case Study: College student’s Storify story sets record with 1.5 million views

2. Vizzlo

Vizzlo is designed for professional business storytelling. If you are telling a story to your supervisor, colleagues, or supplies, this site offers a plethora of traditional graphics like Gantt charts, timelines, and pie charts. It also offers non-traditional graphics like hourglass charts, onion charts, road maps, and even charts that look like hamburgers.

Pricing: Free for basic features. Approximately $11-$18 per month.

Examples: Introducing Vizzlo’s new project management charts

3. Infogram: Drag and Drop Editor

Infogr.am offers options to present your story’s message and data in the form of an infographic, chart, or map. Using a simple drag and drop editor and the ability to import data from a variety of sources to develop interactive and highly engaging graphics. If you want to create something that will engage with your audience after the story, Infogr.am is one way that you do that.

Pricing: Free for a basic account. $19-67/month for a team account

Examples: Infogr.am Best Examples Library

4. Storyboard That

Storyboard That allows users to use the same tool used by Hollywood creators and comic book creators, storyboards. Storyboard That can also be used to create graphic novels, comics, and eBooks. Like Infogr.am, users drag and drop the elements they want to add and edit. Once complete, users can print the storyboards, embed them on a website, convert them to a PowerPoint, or share them on social media.

An example of a cheesy storyboard I created for the ALWAYS FULL CAPACITY CORN CHIPS STORE.

Pricing: Free for 2 digital storyboards per week, $9.95 and up for monthly

Example: Context/Problem Template

5. Blabberize

Remember that talking mounted fish “Big Mouth Billy Bass“? Well, you can imitate the same concept online. Blabberize is one of the storytelling apps that enhances creativity by allowing users to add their own sound or narration. With Blabberize, users add a voice or sound to a static picture or series of pictures. Using Blabberize, businesses who want to make a quick, funny video (like a character) can upload an image, add their own sound or narration, and share it for viewers to enjoy.

Pricing:  Free

Example: Darth Vader Blabber

Interactive Digital Stories

Interactive digital stories take storytelling to the next level by allowing readers to engage with the narrative in a more immersive way. These stories often incorporate interactive elements such as video clips, audio recordings, and animations, enhancing the overall storytelling experience. Creating interactive digital stories is easier than ever with tools like Adobe Spark and Adobe Express. These platforms offer a range of pre-made templates and design tools, making it simple for teachers and students to bring their stories to life. With drag and drop editors and the ability to use mobile devices, crafting a compelling digital story has never been more accessible. Dive into the world of interactive digital stories and watch your creativity soar.

Video Content Tools 6. Spark Video

Spark Video, part of the Adobe Express family, allows users to create professional-looking videos within minutes. To create those videos, Spark video users can add images, clips, music, and templates to create their story. For an in-depth tutorial on how this can be done in less than 20 minutes check the tutorial below.

Pricing: Free

Case Study: 9 Ways to Grow Your Business with Adobe Spark

7. YouTube Director

Coming up with an idea for a video is a lot easier than turning that idea into reality. That’s where YouTube Director comes in handy. This iPhone app (and now on-site program) allows you to create videos right from your phone and then guides you through the director’s decisions you ned to make it better.

Need in-person help? YouTube is rolling out a program in select cities where a professional filmmaker will film it for you. You’ll, of course, need to spend more than $150 in advertising to get the service started.

Pricing: App is free. On-site program requires spending at least $150 on Google advertising

Case Study: YouTube Director case studies

8. Animoto

Animoto offers similar features to Adobe Spark, but it is specifically geared toward helping marketers create videos and slideshows quickly. Using the Marketing Video Builder, businesses select and customize pre-selected storyboards to make and publish their videos without the need for a director camera crew, or Hollywood budget.

Pricing: $8-$34 monthly depending on customized features

Case Study: Like A Local Tours

9. Ripl: Video Clips

Sometimes you don’t want to create a full video. With Ripl, you don’t have to. All you have to do is download the app, add video, add animations and/or music, and you’re done. From there, you can share and schedule posts for your customers on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Unlike other tools on the page, this is a tool is geared specifically for small businesses.

Pricing: Free basic version. Professional version at $9.99 per month

Case Study: Parkway Cars

10. Flipgram, Vidstitch, and Other Instagram-Friendly Apps

Flipagram is part of the whole suite of apps, like Ripl, that allows you to create videos, images, and sounds. This also includes VidStitch, an app that allows you to create photo & video collages. If you are interested in reaching a younger audience (Millennials and future generations), this may be the way to go. These sites allow users to create, edit, and combine videos and images in unique ways with a few swipes of the finger.

Audio and Podcasting Tools for Creative Writing

Audio and podcasting tools are fantastic for adding a new dimension to creative writing and digital storytelling. These tools enable students to create their own audio recordings, podcasts, and audio stories, which can be shared with a wider audience. Popular tools like Anchor and AudioBoom provide user-friendly platforms for creating and publishing audio content. Anchor allows users to produce and distribute their own podcasts, while AudioBoom offers a suite of features for creating and sharing audio stories. These tools not only help students enhance their creative writing skills but also give them the opportunity to practice public speaking and produce engaging audio content. Embrace the power of audio storytelling and let your voice be heard.

Online Platforms and Communities for Digital Storytelling

Online platforms and communities play a crucial role in sharing and showcasing digital stories. They provide a space for teachers and students to share their work, connect with others, and learn from each other. Storybird is a popular platform that allows users to create and share their own digital stories, offering a range of tools and resources to inspire creativity. Write the World is another excellent platform, providing a global community for young writers to share their work and connect with peers. These platforms help students develop their creative writing skills, build confidence, and find a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Join an online storytelling community and start sharing your digital stories today.

Conclusion

Digital storytelling is a powerful tool that can enhance creative writing, engage students, and provide a fun and interactive way to learn. With the help of digital storytelling tools, teachers and students can create their own stories, develop their narrative structure, and express themselves in a unique and creative way. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ways to engage your students or a student looking to develop your creative writing skills, digital storytelling is a great way to get started. So why not give it a try? With the right tools and resources, you can create your own digital stories and share them with the world.

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Source: https://diymarketers.com/storytelling/