Cartoon videos are everywhere in 2026.
You see them on:
- YouTube (kids + adults)
- Instagram Reels & Shorts
- Educational channels
- Brand storytelling videos
- Explainer content
- Faceless creator channels
The big change?
Most of these videos are not made by animation studios anymore.
They’re made using AI.
If you’re wondering:
- How people create cartoon videos without drawing
- Whether AI cartoon videos are free or paid
- If beginners can do this
- How realistic and monetizable these videos are
This guide is for you.
I’ll explain how to make AI cartoon videos in 2026, step by step, in simple language, based on how creators actually work today — not theory.
What Are AI Cartoon Videos?
AI cartoon videos are animated videos created using artificial intelligence tools instead of traditional animation software.
Instead of:
- Drawing frame by frame
- Hiring animators
- Learning complex software
You use AI to:
- Generate cartoon characters
- Animate scenes
- Add voice
- Sync lips
- Create full videos in hours, not weeks
In 2026, AI animation is fast, affordable, and beginner-friendly.
Why AI Cartoon Videos Are Booming in 2026
Here’s why creators are shifting to AI:
- No animation skills needed
- No drawing required
- Low production cost
- Faster content creation
- Works for faceless creators
- High engagement on social platforms
Cartoon-style videos feel friendly and universal.
That’s why they perform so well.
Who Can Make AI Cartoon Videos?
Anyone.
AI cartoon videos are perfect for:
- YouTubers
- Educators
- Parents & kids content creators
- Brands & startups
- Storytellers
- Freelancers
- Beginners with zero experience
If you can write a script, you can make a cartoon video.
Types of AI Cartoon Videos You Can Create
Before tools, understand the formats.
1. AI Cartoon Story Videos
Used for:
- Moral stories
- Kids stories
- Short animated reels
- YouTube storytelling channels
These work extremely well.
2. AI Cartoon Explainer Videos
Used for:
- Education
- How-to content
- Business explainers
- App or product explanations
Simple visuals + clear voice = high retention.
3. AI Cartoon Talking Character Videos
One cartoon character talks directly to the audience.
Great for:
- Motivation
- Facts
- Commentary
- Shorts & reels
4. AI Cartoon Shorts & Reels
Vertical format cartoon videos are trending heavily in 2026.
Fast-paced. Highly shareable. Perfect for growth.
The Basic Workflow of Making AI Cartoon Videos
No matter which tool you use, the process is usually the same:
- Idea & script
- Character creation
- Scene or background generation
- Animation
- Voice-over
- Editing & export
Let’s go through each step properly.
Step 1: Write a Simple Script (Very Important)
AI can animate visuals, but your script drives the video.
Tips for writing cartoon scripts:
- Use short sentences
- Simple language
- Clear emotions
- Conversational tone
Example:
Once upon a time, there was a small cat.
Everyone ignored her.
But one day, she proved them wrong.
This works better than complex writing.
Step 2: Create AI Cartoon Characters
In 2026, AI character creation is very advanced.
You can create:
- 2D cartoon characters
- 3D cartoon avatars
- Anime-style characters
- Kids-style characters
- Funny mascots
You usually describe:
- Gender
- Age
- Style
- Clothing
- Emotion
AI generates the character for you.
Pro tip:
Create one main character and reuse it across videos to build a brand.
Step 3: Generate Backgrounds and Scenes Using AI
Instead of drawing scenes, AI generates them.
Examples:
- School classroom
- Forest
- City street
- Bedroom
- Fantasy world
You can:
- Generate static backgrounds
- Generate animated scenes
- Mix both
Consistency matters.
Try to keep the visual style similar in all scenes.
Step 4: Animate the Cartoon Character
This is where AI really shines.
AI can:
- Move characters
- Add gestures
- Animate expressions
- Sync lip movement with voice
- Create walking or talking scenes
You don’t need to animate frame by frame.
You simply:
- Upload character
- Add script or voice
- Choose animation style
AI handles the rest.
Step 5: Add AI Voice or Voice-over
You have two options:
Option 1: AI Voice
Use AI-generated voice for:
- Faceless channels
- Kids content
- Multi-language videos
Modern AI voices are natural and expressive.
Option 2: Human Voice
Record your own voice if:
- You want personal branding
- You’re comfortable speaking
- The video needs emotion
Many creators mix both.
Step 6: Sync Lip Movement Automatically
In 2026, lip-sync AI is very accurate.
You:
- Add voice
- Choose language
- Click sync
The cartoon’s mouth moves naturally with speech.
This alone saves hours of work.
Step 7: Edit and Export the Video
Final touches:
- Add background music
- Adjust timing
- Add text or subtitles
- Export in required format
You can export for:
- YouTube
- Shorts
- Reels
- Ads
Best AI Tools for Making Cartoon Videos in 2026 (Conceptual Overview)
Instead of naming random tools, here’s how creators choose tools:
All-in-One AI Cartoon Platforms
These tools handle:
- Character creation
- Animation
- Voice
- Scenes
Best for beginners.
Character + Voice Combo Tools
Some creators:
- Create characters in one tool
- Animate and add voice in another
This gives more control and quality.
Open-Source & Advanced Tools
Used by:
- Tech creators
- Developers
- Animation enthusiasts
More setup, but very flexible.
How to Make AI Cartoon Videos for YouTube (Step Strategy)
Here’s a real strategy creators follow:
- Choose a niche (kids, stories, facts, motivation)
- Create one main cartoon character
- Write short scripts (60–120 seconds)
- Use AI voice
- Post consistently
This builds audience faster than random videos.
AI Cartoon Videos for Kids: Extra Care Needed
If your content is for kids:
- Keep visuals friendly
- Avoid scary expressions
- Use simple language
- No misleading information
Follow platform guidelines strictly.
How to Make AI Cartoon Shorts & Reels
Short videos are huge in 2026.
Tips:
- Vertical format (9:16)
- Strong hook in first 3 seconds
- Bright visuals
- Fast pacing
Cartoon shorts perform extremely well.
Can You Monetize AI Cartoon Videos?
Yes — if done correctly.
You can monetize through:
- YouTube ads
- Brand collaborations
- Digital products
- Educational content
- Story channels
Important: AI-generated content must still be original and valuable.
Is Making AI Cartoon Videos Legal?
Yes.
As long as you:
- Use licensed or original characters
- Avoid copyrighted characters
- Follow tool usage rights
- Don’t impersonate real people
AI animation is legal and widely accepted.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Avoid these:
- Copying famous cartoon characters
- Overusing effects
- Weak storytelling
- Low-quality scripts
- Posting without consistency
AI doesn’t replace creativity.
How Long Does It Take to Make One AI Cartoon Video?
With practice:
- Short video: 30–60 minutes
- Long video: 2–4 hours
Compared to traditional animation, this is incredibly fast.
AI Cartoon Videos vs Traditional Animation
AI Cartoon Videos:
- Fast
- Affordable
- Beginner-friendly
Traditional Animation:
- More control
- Higher cost
- Longer time
In 2026, AI is the smarter starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can beginners make AI cartoon videos?
Yes. No animation or drawing skills required.
Are AI cartoon videos allowed on YouTube?
Yes, if content is original and valuable.
Do I need a powerful computer?
No. Many tools work in the browser or cloud.
Can I create videos in multiple languages?
Yes. AI voice and subtitles support many languages.
Is AI cartoon content safe for AdSense?
Yes, if it’s original, informative, and policy-compliant.
Final Thoughts
Making AI cartoon videos in 2026 is no longer complicated or expensive.
If you:
- Focus on storytelling
- Use AI as a tool, not a shortcut
- Stay consistent
You can build engaging cartoon content even as a beginner.
AI handles the technical work.
Your ideas bring it to life.
Start simple. Improve with time. Scale smartly.