Engage Your Audience with Holiday Countdown Videos Using Doodly

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Thursday, December 05, 2024

The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect opportunity for you to connect with your audience in fresh and creative ways.

As Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other celebrations draw near, your audience is looking for content that feels festive, engaging, and relevant.

Countdown videos are one of the most effective tools you can use to build excitement and spark interest in your brand.

Think about creating a series of short, engaging videos that highlight your holiday promotions or encourage your audience to take action.

For example, if you’re in retail, a countdown to National Ugly Sweater Day could not only showcase your products but also create a sense of anticipation and fun.

These videos do more than entertain—they help you inform, engage, and drive results. And they’re a simple way to make sure your message resonates.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create your own holiday countdown video series from start to finish.

From sourcing the right visuals to recording professional voiceovers, you’ll discover how to make your videos both festive and impactful.

With tools like Doodly and Talkia, you have everything you need to bring your ideas to life and connect with your audience like never before.

Let’s get started and turn your holiday marketing into something truly special!

Step 1: Plan Your Holiday Countdown Video Series

Planning is the foundation of any successful project, and holiday countdown videos are no different.

To create content that resonates and achieves your goals, you need a roadmap.

Think of this step as your creative brainstorming session paired with strategic direction.

Holiday countdown videos aren’t just about counting the days—they’re about building a sense of excitement and connection.

Your goal might be to boost engagement, promote a product, or share festive cheer.

Starting with a clear plan ensures every video you create has purpose and impact.

Your countdown series should reflect your brand’s voice and resonate with your audience.

Ask yourself:

What message do I want to share?

Is it about the fun and quirkiness of National Ugly Sweater Day?

Or is it a heartfelt celebration of the season?


Identifying the core message will guide your entire video-making process.

Now, let’s get practical. Here’s how to plan your holiday countdown series effectively:

1. Identify Your Purpose

Think about what you want to achieve with these countdown videos.

Are you promoting a product, creating awareness, or simply adding some holiday cheer to your brand?

​For example, a clothing retailer might want to highlight a seasonal product like ugly sweaters, while a nonprofit could use the countdown to share heartwarming stories leading up to Christmas.

2. Pick a Theme That Resonates

Your theme should align with your audience and brand. Consider what holiday or event you’re building up to:

  • Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa for traditional vibes.
  • Quirky events like National Ugly Sweater Day for something fun and unconventional.
  • Winter Solstice for a nature-inspired, serene theme.

Choose what fits your audience’s interests and your brand’s tone.

3. Decide the Length of Your Series

Short and sweet is the way to go. A 5- or 7-day countdown is perfect—it creates excitement without overwhelming your audience.

​Each video should be concise, ideally between 10–15 seconds, to keep viewers engaged and eager for the next.

4. Write Your Scripts

Jot down short, engaging messages for each video. Make them festive and relatable.

For example:

  • "5 days until National Ugly Sweater Day! Get ready for the quirkiest day of the year!"
  • "4 days left! Time to plan your outfit for Ugly Sweater Day!"

5. Outline Your Video Elements

Think about what you’ll include in each video. You’ll need:

  • Graphics: Festive visuals like sweaters, holiday decor, or themed icons.
  • Music: Lighthearted tracks that evoke the holiday spirit.
  • Voiceovers: Friendly narration to tie it all together.
  • Template: A consistent design to maintain visual harmony across the series.

6. Choose Your Tools

To simplify the process, use software like Doodly for creating animations and Talkia for voiceovers.

​With these tools, you can create professional-quality videos without needing advanced technical skills.

7. Set Up a Timeline

Plan your production schedule. Allocate specific days for:

  • Gathering assets.
  • Creating templates.
  • Producing and exporting videos.

This ensures you stay on track and can release your videos on time.

Pro Tip

Create a mood board or inspiration folder to gather ideas for your theme and style. Pinterest is a great platform to find creative visuals that align with your project.

By investing time in planning, you set the stage for a smooth and efficient video creation process. With your plan in place, you're ready to gather the assets that will bring your vision to life.

Next Step: Let’s dive into Step 2—gathering the graphics and music for your videos!

Step 2: Gather Graphics and Music for Your Videos

With your plan in place, it’s time to bring your ideas to life by gathering the visuals and audio that will define your holiday countdown series.

Think of this step as curating the building blocks of your videos—graphics that catch the eye and music that sets the mood.

These elements are more than just decorations; they’re tools that help you connect with your audience and keep them engaged.

A polished, professional-looking video starts with the right assets.

From quirky ugly sweaters to elegant holiday decor, selecting visuals and audio that align with your theme is important for creating videos that stand out.

Let’s dive into how to source, prepare, and organize everything you need.

1. Hunt for the Perfect Graphics

You need images that match your theme, whether they’re quirky, elegant, or festive.

  • Visit Freepik: Type keywords like "ugly Christmas sweaters" or "holiday backgrounds" into Freepik.com’s search bar. The platform offers a treasure trove of options to choose from.
  • Download Your Favorites: Once you’ve found designs that resonate with your theme, download them. Make sure the files are high-quality and preferably in PNG format for easy use.

2. Prep Your Graphics

Downloaded images often need a little work before they’re ready to use.

  • Crop or Separate Items: Many designs, like sweater bundles, are a single image. Use free tools like Canva or more advanced software like Photoshop to crop or cut them into individual elements.
  • Add Visual Effects: Adding sticker outlines or shadows makes your images pop. Canva's effects tools can give your visuals a polished, professional look without requiring advanced editing skills.

3. Choose the Right Background Music

Music adds depth to your video, creating a festive atmosphere that complements your visuals.

  • Find Royalty-Free Tracks: Check platforms like Pixabay for free music downloads. Search for keywords like "cheerful" or "holiday" to match your theme.
  • Match the Mood: Quirky countdown videos might benefit from upbeat tracks, while elegant holiday greetings might call for soft, soothing tunes.

4. Organize Your Files

Keeping your files organized saves time during production.

  • Create Folders: Set up folders named "Graphics," "Backgrounds," and "Audio."
  • Label Clearly: Rename files with descriptive names like "Red Sweater.png" or "Jingle Bells.mp3." This way, you won’t waste time searching for assets later.
  • Centralize Your Files: Keep everything in one folder for easy access when uploading to Doodly.

5. Test Compatibility

Before diving into video creation, ensure your assets work well together.

  • Open Doodly and test uploading one of your graphics. Adjust it to see how it fits on the canvas.
  • Play your chosen background music while visualizing the video. Does it complement the tone?

Pro Tip: Reuse and Repurpose

If you’re planning multiple countdown videos, look for graphics and music that can work across the entire series. A cohesive design across all videos creates a professional and polished feel.

By gathering and organizing your graphics and music upfront, you lay a strong foundation for smooth video production. Next, we’ll dive into creating the video template, making your design process even more seamless.

Up Next: Let’s get creative and build the perfect video template in Step 3!

Step 3: Create the Video Template

A well-structured video template is the backbone of your holiday countdown series.

It ensures all your videos are visually cohesive and can be created quickly without starting from scratch every time.

Here’s how to build a template that’s both eye-catching and easy to replicate:

1. Start a New Project in Doodly

The first step is setting up your video project in the right format.

  • Create a New Video: Log into Doodly and click "Create New Video" on the main dashboard.
  • Name Your Project: Use a descriptive title like "Holiday Countdown Template" to keep things organized.
  • Set Custom Resolution: For a vertical format, uncheck the "Keep Aspect Ratio" box and input 1080 x 1920. This size works perfectly for Instagram Reels, TikTok, or other mobile-friendly platforms.

2. Select a Festive Background

Your background sets the mood, so it’s essential to choose one that matches your theme.

  • Upload Your Background: Use the "Props" tab to import a festive background image you downloaded earlier, like snowy textures or holiday-themed designs.
  • Adjust the Orientation: If the background is horizontal, rotate it vertically using Doodly’s curve tool.
  • Fit the Canvas: Resize the image to cover the entire workspace seamlessly, creating a polished and professional look.

3. Add Bold Countdown Text

The countdown text is the focal point of your video, so make it stand out.

  • Use the Text Tool: Click on "Text" and type a countdown message such as "5 Days to Go!"
  • Pick a Festive Font: Choose fonts that reflect the holiday spirit, like "Dancing Script" or upload your own from Google Fonts for added customization.
  • Play with Colors: Use bold holiday colors—red for numbers and green for text are great choices to capture attention.

4. Incorporate Visual Elements

Visuals breathe life into your countdown video, making it fun and engaging.

  • Upload Graphics: Add your cropped sweater designs or other festive props through the "Props" tab.
  • Arrange Creatively: Position sweaters at quirky angles or near the text to draw the viewer’s eye. Experiment with placement to achieve a balanced composition.
  • Add Festive Icons: Snowflakes, gift boxes, or Christmas lights can fill blank spaces without overwhelming the design.

5. Add Call-to-Action (CTA) Elements

Encourage viewers to take action with a clear and compelling CTA.

  • Insert a Shape: Add a colored rectangle or bar beneath the text for your CTA message. Contrasting colors like gold or white help it stand out.
  • Write the CTA: Use a direct message like "Shop Ugly Sweaters Now!" or "Plan Your Holiday Outfit!"
  • Set an Animation Effect: Select the pencil icon to apply an animation like fade-in, which adds a smooth, professional touch.

6. Fine-Tune Your Template

Polish your design to ensure everything looks professional and flows seamlessly.

  • Align Elements: Use alignment tools in Doodly to make sure text, props, and shapes are evenly spaced and balanced.
  • Preview Your Design: Play your video draft to see how the elements interact. Adjust spacing, colors, or animations as needed.

7. Save and Duplicate the Template

Once your template is finalized, save it for easy duplication.

  • Save the Project: Title it something clear like "Holiday Countdown Template" to quickly identify it in your library.
  • Create Copies: Right-click on your template and duplicate it for each day of your countdown. For instance, rename copies as "4 Days to Go," "3 Days to Go," and so on.

With a polished template ready, you’ve eliminated the heavy lifting for the rest of your series.

Next, it’s time to bring your videos to life with voiceovers and background music.

Up Next: Let’s dive into Step 4—adding audio elements to your videos!

Step 4: Add Voiceovers and Background Music

Voiceovers and background music breathe life into your countdown videos. They help convey your message and add an emotional touch.

Here’s how to get it done:

1. Craft Your Voiceover Scripts

The script sets the tone and delivers your message clearly.

  • Keep It Short and Sweet: Aim for 1–2 sentences per video to keep it engaging and easy to follow.
  • Example for "5 Days Left": "5 days until National Ugly Sweater Day! Get ready for the coziest, quirkiest day of the year. Stock up on your ugly sweaters and join the fun!"
  • Include a Call-to-Action: Encourage viewers to take action, such as visiting your website, joining an event, or making a purchase.
  • Write Variations: Tailor each script to fit the countdown day and maintain variety.

2. Use Talkia for Voiceovers

Voiceovers add a personal touch to your countdown videos, and Talkia, part of the Voomly Cloud family, makes it simple to create professional audio.

  • Log into Talkia: Start by navigating to Talkia within the Voomly Cloud dashboard. It’s an intuitive tool designed to help you create polished voiceovers without any technical hassle.
  • Paste Your Script: Take your pre-written script for the video and paste it into Talkia’s text box. Keep your text concise but engaging, ensuring it aligns with the tone of your countdown series.
  • Select a Voice: Talkia offers a wide range of voice options, including male, female, and various regional accents. For a festive vibe, pick a cheerful or warm voice—Lydia is a popular choice for holiday-themed projects.
  • Preview the Audio: Once you’ve chosen a voice, hit the preview button to listen to how it sounds. This step allows you to check if the tone and pace match your video’s mood. If it doesn’t feel right, you can tweak the script or explore other voice options until it fits perfectly.

By using Talkia, you can create high-quality voiceovers that add personality to your videos and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

3. Export and Label Your Voiceovers

Organize your audio files for seamless editing later.

  • Export Each File: Save each voiceover with a clear name, such as “5 Days Voiceover” or “3 Days Voiceover.”
  • Store in Folders: Keep all voiceover files in a dedicated folder for quick access during video editing.

4. Choose the Perfect Background Music

Music enhances your video’s mood and makes it more engaging.

  • Search for Festive Tracks: Platforms like Pixabay offer royalty-free music perfect for holiday themes. Search for lighthearted, cheerful tunes to complement your visuals.
  • Test Your Choices: Preview several tracks to find one that fits the tone of your countdown. For example, "Sugar Plum Fairies" adds a playful, festive vibe.

5. Import Audio into Doodly

Once your audio files are ready, bring them into Doodly.

  • Upload Voiceovers and Music: Go to the "Sounds" tab in Doodly, and upload your voiceover files and selected music track.
  • Drag Voiceovers to the Timeline: Align the voiceover with the corresponding day’s text and visuals.

6. Adjust Audio Settings

Fine-tune the sound to ensure a polished result.

  • Set Music Volume: Reduce the background music volume to around 10% so it doesn’t overpower the voiceover.
  • Add Fade-In/Out Effects: Right-click the audio track on the timeline and select "Fade In" or "Fade Out" for smooth transitions.

7. Preview and Revise

Check your video to ensure the audio flows seamlessly with the visuals.

  • Play the Video: Watch the video from start to finish, paying attention to the timing of the voiceover and music.
  • Make Adjustments: If the audio overlaps awkwardly or feels out of sync, tweak the placement on the timeline.

By integrating voiceovers and music, your countdown videos will feel polished and professional, capturing your audience’s attention with both sight and sound.

Up Next: Let’s bring it all together by creating and customizing each day’s video in Step 5!

Step 5: Create and Customize Each Countdown Video

Now that your graphics, template, voiceovers, and music are ready, it’s time to assemble and customize each countdown video.

By working from a single template, you’ll save time and ensure consistency across all videos.

1. Duplicate the Template

Start by creating individual copies of your base video for each countdown day.

  • Go to Doodly’s Main Page: Locate the template video you created earlier, titled something like “....Ugly Sweaters - 5 Days”.
  • Duplicate the Video: Right-click on the video title and select "Duplicate."
  • Rename Each Copy: Rename the duplicates to reflect the specific countdown day, e.g., “4 Days,” “3 Days,” and so on.

This step creates a working version for each countdown day while preserving your original template.

2. Swap Out Voiceovers

Each countdown day needs its corresponding voiceover.

  • Delete the Existing Audio: On the timeline, remove the "5 Days" voiceover from the duplicated video.
  • Add the Correct Voiceover: Drag the “4 Days Voiceover” audio file from the Sounds tab onto the timeline for the "4 Days" video.
  • Align the Audio: Adjust the placement of the voiceover to start as soon as the video begins.

3. Update Text and Colors

Make the countdown feel fresh by adjusting the text and colors for each day.

  • Edit the Countdown Text: Click on the "5 Days" text, and change it to “4 Days Left” for the next video.
  • Play with Colors: Adjust the text colors to keep things visually interesting. For example, make “4” blue and “Days” gold to match the holiday theme.

4. Swap Sweaters

Bring variety to your videos by rotating the sweater designs.

  • Replace the Sweater Graphic: Go to the Props tab, delete the current sweater, and upload a new one from your saved files.
  • Adjust Placement: Position the new sweater slightly differently from the last video—for example, tilt it at an angle to keep the visuals dynamic.

5. Refine the Call-to-Action

Tailor the message for each day to match the countdown’s progression.

  • Modify the CTA Text: Change “Stock Up Now!” to something more fitting, like “Plan Your Outfit!” or “Get Ready for the Big Day!”
  • Add Decorative Elements: Use props like festive borders or icons (e.g., bells or snowflakes) to make each video unique.

6. Adjust the Background Music

Each video might need slight tweaks to the music track.

  • Shorten the Track: If the voiceover for "4 Days" is shorter than "5 Days," trim the background music to match.
  • Ensure Smooth Transitions: Use fade-in and fade-out effects so the music feels natural and cohesive with the video.

7. Preview and Polish

Before exporting, review your video to ensure everything looks and sounds perfect.

  • Play the Video: Check for timing issues, misplaced graphics, or audio mismatches.
  • Make Final Tweaks: If the sweater graphic feels too small or the text isn’t aligned, adjust accordingly.

8. Export Each Video

Once you’re happy with a video, export it and move on to the next.

  • Save Each Video Separately: Name them clearly, such as “Countdown - 4 Days” and “Countdown - 3 Days.”
  • Store in Folders: Organize your completed videos into a dedicated folder for easy access.

Pro Tip: Work Efficiently

Complete all changes for one video before duplicating again for the next. This ensures you don’t accidentally carry over the wrong settings or elements.

By customizing each countdown video, you create a cohesive and engaging series that keeps your audience excited every day.

Next Step: Let’s bring it all home with some finishing touches and final tips in Step 6!​

Step 6: Final Touches and Publishing Your Countdown Videos

Now that all your videos are customized, it’s time to polish them up and get them ready for publishing.

This step is all about ensuring your countdown series is seamless, professional, and ready to grab attention.

1. Review Each Video

Before you hit publish, watch each video with a critical eye.

  • Check Timing: Play through the videos to ensure the voiceovers, animations, and music are perfectly synced.
  • Look for Errors: Double-check for typos, misplaced elements, or inconsistencies in the design across the series.
  • Rename Each Copy: Rename the duplicates to reflect the specific countdown day, e.g., “4 Days,” “3 Days,” and so on.

2. Save and Organize

Keeping your work organized will save you time and effort later.

  • Label Each File Clearly: Use names like “Countdown - 5 Days.mp4” to avoid confusion.
  • Create Folders: Store all your videos, graphics, and voiceover files in a dedicated folder for the project.

3. Choose the Right Platforms

Think about where your audience is most active and tailor your uploads to those platforms.

  • Social Media: Platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Facebook are perfect for short, engaging countdown videos.
  • Email Campaigns: Embed your videos into email newsletters to drive engagement and excitement.
  • Websites: Feature the series on your homepage or create a dedicated holiday section.

4. Optimize for Each Platform

Each platform has unique requirements for video uploads, so make sure your content fits perfectly.

  • Check Dimensions: You already created vertical videos (1080x1920), which are ideal for most social platforms.
  • Use Captions: Many viewers watch videos without sound, so adding captions ensures your message isn’t lost.
  • Tailor the Post Text: Write catchy captions or descriptions for each upload to encourage viewers to interact.

5. Schedule Your Videos

Timing is everything in a countdown series.

  • Automate Posting: Use scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to post your videos at consistent intervals.
  • Engage in Real Time: Respond to comments and questions on your videos to foster a connection with your audience.

6. Promote and Share

Don’t just rely on organic reach—actively promote your videos to maximize their impact.

  • Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers in your niche to share your countdown series.
  • Use Hashtags: Include relevant holiday hashtags to boost discoverability, like #CountdownToChristmas or #UglySweaterDay.
  • Cross-Promote: Share links to your countdown series in blog posts, emails, or other marketing materials.

7. Analyze Performance

Once your videos are live, monitor their performance to understand what’s working.

  • Track Engagement: Look at likes, shares, and comments to gauge audience interest.
  • Review Retention Rates: Use analytics tools to see how long viewers are watching your videos.
  • Iterate for Future Campaigns: Take notes on what worked well and what could be improved for your next video series.

Pro Tip: Repurpose Your Content

Your countdown videos can have a life beyond the holidays.

  • Rebrand for Other Campaigns: Adjust the text and graphics to use the series for different events or promotions.
  • Bundle Videos: Compile all six videos into a single compilation for a final push at the end of the countdown.

With these final touches, your holiday countdown video series is ready to shine. Publish your videos confidently, knowing they’ll engage your audience and add a festive touch to their holiday season.

And there you have it—a complete guide to creating a fun, professional holiday countdown series using Doodly and Voomly! 🎄🎁

Conclusion: Bring Your Countdown Videos to Life

Creating a holiday countdown video series doesn’t just spread festive cheer—it builds anticipation, strengthens your brand, and connects with your audience in a meaningful way. By combining creativity, storytelling, and the right tools, you can craft engaging content that stands out.

From planning your theme to finalizing your videos, every step contributes to a cohesive and visually appealing campaign. Tools like Doodly make designing animations intuitive, while Voomly adds interactivity to your videos, ensuring your message leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s quirky holidays like National Ugly Sweater Day or major celebrations like Christmas, a countdown series can amplify your brand’s personality and increase engagement.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional animator. By following these steps and letting your creativity shine, you’ll create videos that resonate with your audience and drive results.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your graphics, record your voiceovers, and dive into the world of holiday countdowns with Doodly and Voomly. Start today, and watch the holiday excitement unfold, one day at a time!

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