This post was updated September 1, 2026.
Now that you’ve organized your research and ideas, it’s time to make movie magic. We’ve gathered some useful resources and ideas to help you create your video project. Check them out as you continue working on your World of 8 Billion student video contest submission.
The websites, software, and smartphone apps listed below offer free, easy-to-use tools and options for creating your video. We’ve also included tutorials and guides to help you use these tools effectively and make your video the best it can be!
5 Creative Filmmaking Styles: Make Your Video Stand Out
Here are some common filmmaking styles you could use to make your video. Even though the content of your video is more important than the production, it might be fun and challenging to use one of these styles to deliver your message.
1. Cut-out animation
This style uses paper cut-outs placed or moving on a white board or background to help deliver your message. You’ll need to draw or print out the images before you start filming, but the actual video is easy to make once you have your cut-outs and the narration to go along with it. You can get really creative with the arrangement and motion of your cut-outs for your film.
For this style, it’s important to have a good set-up for filming. Check out this short tutorial: How to create a common craft style video
2. Stop-motion animation
Also known as stop-frame animation, this technique involves capturing scenes one photograph at a time and gradually moving objects between each shot. When the sequence of still frames is played back rapidly, it creates the illusion of movement. It’s the same way a flipbook works, only instead of drawings on paper changing slightly from page to page, you’re moving objects captured by your camera a little bit from each photograph to the next. You can use almost anything to make a stop-motion film including people, paper, clay, toys, and whatever is lying around!
This helpful page explains how to shoot a stop-motion film with instructions and videos to go along with it: How to Produce a Stop Motion Video
For a great example from the World of 8 Billion contest, check out An Ancient Invasion, a winning student video that uses stop-motion to creatively tell its story. And here are some other examples of stop-motion animation to give you ideas: Game Over, Post-its, Music video, Toilet paper. Don’t let the dates of these films fool you – these examples still showcase great stop-motion techniques and creative ideas.
3. Whiteboard animation
In whiteboard animation, whiteboard drawings are combined with narration to better explain concepts and ideas. It’s not animation like in cartoons or flip books: the “motion” comes from the audience watching the actual process of drawing happening right before their eyes. One unique way to make a video with whiteboard animation is to draw your images first and then record yourself erasing it in the opposite order you would like the images to appear. Then run the footage backward and record your narrations.
For a great example of an animated video, check out Wetland Parks: Bridging Land, Water, & Community, one of last year’s winning videos.
4. Music video
Write a song or rap to convey your ideas and messages musically. It might involve a bit more planning and editing, but songs can be especially persuasive, engaging your audience in a fun and interesting way that really sticks with them.
If you need background music for your song, make sure you use music you have permission to use. Royalty-free and Creative Commons music can be great options but always check the license as some tracks do still require you to credit the artist. You can check out our guide to finding royalty-free music and images for more options. Creative Commons also offers a list of sources for Legal Music For Videos.
For a great example of using music to get your message across, check out Geothermal Energy: An Infinite Resource, a winning student video that uses an original song/rap to creatively explain its topic.
For a different take, check out Classification Rap, an educational music video that uses rhythm and rhyme to explain a science concept in a fun, memorable way.
5. Newscast
Present your ideas and solutions like a true broadcast journalist. Write your script like its breaking news, and deliver the report to a would-be television audience. Be sure to cover the five W’s of the story (who, what, when, where, and why), and dress the part. You could even bring in friends or project partners to be interviewed as witnesses or experts.
For a great example of a newscast format, check out the winning student video Mediterranean’s Most Wanted: The Crab Invaders.
5 Free Video Editing Programs
(listed from least complex to most complex)
The following video editing programs will help you put your video clips, pictures, and narration together to produce a complete work of art. Some tools require you to create an account or download software, so students should check with a parent/guardian or teacher before getting started.
1. Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a free online and mobile video editing tool that lets you combine video clips, photos with narration, and music to create polished and engaging videos. To start an account, all you need is an email address, and then you’ll be ready to make sparks fly.
Check out this page for example videos and details on how to use Adobe Express.
2. Canva Video Editor
Canva is a great choice for beginner video editors. With its simple interface, you can quickly drag and drop videos from your device, record them into the project, or use Canva’s free library of clips and audio to create your next video project. Editing can be done in the app or in your browser, and it allows you to collaborate in real time.
While Canva’s editing features aren’t the most comprehensive, its array of effects makes it easy to create simple and clean looking intro screens, thumbnails, and transitions. Check out a full beginner’s guide on how to get started creating videos in Canva.
3. iMovie
iMovie is a simple and easy video production program available on Mac computers and as an app on iPhones and iPads. It has an intuitive interface and user-friendly menus that let you find what you want and need to produce your video.
If you’re new to iMovie, this beginner-friendly iMovie tutorial can help you get started.
4. Microsoft Clipchamp
Clipchamp is a video editor with built-in screen and webcam recording. You can record your screen, webcam, or both, which can be helpful for incorporating presentations, websites, maps, data, or other digital content into your video. The editor also includes basic tools for trimming and arranging clips and adding text, audio, and transitions. Clipchamp works in a web browser and is also available as an app for Windows.
Just need to record your screen? If you’re using a Windows computer, the built-in Snipping Tool can record a selected area of your screen and save it as a video. You can then add that recording to the video editor of your choice.
5. OpenShot
OpenShot is a free and open-source video editor for Windows/Mac/ChromeOS. It is available in 70+ languages and offers the basic editing capabilities trimming and arranging clips, adding audio and titles, and creating simple transitions and effects. While the interface may feel a bit more traditional for students, it’s a useful option for students.
Here is a link to one of many quick video tutorials on OpenShot.
Free Apps for Editing on your Smartphone
If you’re looking for free apps to edit videos right from your smartphone, check out our blog Top Video Editing Tools: Find What Works for You.
There are many options for video editing platforms, and ultimately it’s important to pick one that suits your experience, budget, and project criteria.
What better way to check them out by drafting a submission to our annual international World of 8 Billion video contest, open to middle and high school students from around the world!