Text and typography in animated videos: readability rules

Text in video has a challenge print does not: viewers do not control reading time. If the sentence is long, the type small or the contrast low, the message is lost. This guide gathers practical typography in video rules to apply to the artwork you will animate in Editor de Vídeo Online — whether a hand-drawing sketch or a collage.

Rule 1: less text than you think

• No more than 5 to 7 words per text block.
• One sentence per scene.
• The full text goes in the narration or captions; on screen, only keywords.

Rule 2: minimum size

On artwork 1080 px wide (vertical 9:16):

On landscape artwork 1920 px wide, values can be similar, since the video is usually watched on larger screens.

Rule 3: readable fonts

• Sans-serif fonts (like Inter, Montserrat, Roboto) read better on small screens.
• Serif fonts give an editorial tone; use them for big titles, not small text.
• Handwritten fonts suit whiteboard and scrapbook, but only for short words.
• Use at most two font families per video.

Rule 4: contrast

Dark text on a light background or light text on a dark one. If text sits over a photo, put it on a paper label, a piece of tape or a cutout with a solid background — a solution that fits collages perfectly. See colors and palettes for animated video.

Rule 5: reading time

A simple benchmark: keep text on screen for at least 1 second per 3 words, plus 1 extra second. A 6-word sentence needs about 3 seconds held and readable.

Text in Hand drawing mode

In whiteboard videos, the hand "writes" the text. That is great for keywords but slow for long sentences.

• Write large, with a thick line in the sketch.
• Prefer print over cursive.
• Keep text separate from the drawing so they do not tangle.
• Adjust brush thickness for bold letters.

More in how to prepare a sketch for animation.

Text in Vox collage

In collages, text is usually part of the visual:

• Titles on paper cutouts or labels, each as its own layer.
• Cut-out letters in different sizes, zine style (in moderation).
• A highlighter or yellow tape under a word to emphasize it.

Animate text with subtle entrances: Short slide, Pop or Wipe. Avoid effects like Glitch and Shake on text that must be read. See the entrance animations guide.

Safe areas for text

On vertical platforms, the interface covers the top, bottom and right side. Keep important text in the central band of the screen. Details in the social media video format guide.

Typography checklist

• ☐ Up to 7 words per block
• ☐ Minimum size respected
• ☐ Two fonts at most
• ☐ High contrast
• ☐ Enough time to read
• ☐ Text inside the safe area

Frequently asked questions

Should I add captions even with on-screen text?

Yes, if there is narration. On-screen text summarizes; captions transcribe the speech.

What is the best font for video?

Sans-serif fonts with solid weight, like Inter, Montserrat or Roboto, work well in most cases.

Can I use my brand font?

Yes, as long as it is readable at small sizes. Very thin or decorative fonts should be reserved for titles.

Conclusion

Little text, large, high-contrast and with time to read: these rules solve most typography problems in video. Build your artwork with them in mind and animate it in Editor de Vídeo Online.