19 Sites and Apps for Digital Storytelling

Want to better engage your K-12 classrooms in the storytelling process? We all know that engagement is vital to our students learning and doing the same thing over and over can get tiring. As educators, what are some ways we can as some POP to storytelling?

Digital storytelling tools are an easy and FUN way for students to take ownership of their work. Below is a list of tools teachers and students can use to create anything – from incredible video projects to an actual book – to tell their stories! No matter if you are an elementary educator, teaching high school, or even an online educator, many of the resources provided will fit your need. Take a look…

1. Pic Lits

A simple and quick to use tool for a variety of student learners that uses images to match with keywords and helps to improve literacy skills through writing. Grade Level: 1-12
Price: Free

Learn More: Pic Lits

2. OK Play App

Students can create digital and interactive stories to share with their peers. It includes tools for drawing, design, sound effects, and much more – students can even star in their own stories! Great for narrative storytelling! Grade Level: K+ – though more suited for primary, elementary, and middle school students
Price: Free

Learn More: App Advice

3. Comic Master

Comic Master is a web-based platform that allows students to create their own digital comic book or graphic novel. Grade Level: Elementary through High School

Price: Free

Learn More: IT or not IT

4. Draw and Tell

The name says it all – DRAW using any of the creation tools (colors, stickers, etc), then TELL about your story! Students have the option to move stickers as they speak and to record them for sharing! Grade Level: K+, though more suited for primary and elementary students (also great for speech and special needs!)
Price: Free

Learn More: Duck Duck Moose

5. Animato

Animato is a great web-based platform for all students – with templates, styling, and drag and drop options, music, and stick library – it’s easy for anyone to create beautiful stories! Grade Level: 5-12
Price: Free with Animoto branding; price plans available

Learn More: Animoto

6. Toontastic

A digital story app created by Google where students can create 3D stories. Includes a variety of digital storytelling options – history videos, science reports, fiction, book reports, and more! Grade Level: K+
Price: Free

Learn More: Google

7. Little Bird Tales

A web-based platform that is easy to use for all academic levels. In 3 steps, students can create and share their digital content. Grade Level: K+
Price: Free for a trial period

Learn More: App Store

8. Xtranormal

Easy to use desktop tool for creating animated videos. Students can choose characters, sets, and dialogue. Grade Level: K+
Price: Free trial; 3 months for $15

Learn More: Xtra Normal

9. Storybird

Create digital comic strips, picture books, poetry, and more! Storybird allows users to use a curated collection of art to tell their stories. Grade Level: K+ (age 13+ to create individual accounts)
Price: Free to create; different pricing for printing/downloading

Learn More: Story Bird

10. My Story Book Creator School Edition

Students can tell their story with an easy-to-use build-a-book platform – add drawing, pictures, and text! Grade Level: K+, though more suited for primary, elementary, and middle school students
Price: Free; $5 for printing

Learn More: My Story Book

11. ACMI Generator

Teach students how to create a short film, create storyboards, add visual effects, as well as edit their films. Fosters critical thinking skills and problem-solving. Grade Level: High School
Price: Free

Learn More: ACMI

12. Puppet Pals HD

Simple “drag and drop” that is accessible to all students. Use the different characters and backdrops, then add audio and character movements. Grade Level: K+
Price: Free

Learn More: Apple

13. Microsoft Sway

An online platform for digital storytelling – create beautiful-looking stories, interactive reports, and presentations in minutes! Grade Level: 6-12
Price: Sway is free to use for anyone with a Microsoft Account

Learn More: Sway Office

14. Make Beliefs Comix

Students can use the platform to create a comic strip using pre-made displays and characters. There’s also a built-in story starters section and one for English Language Learners. Grade Level: 3-8
Price: Free

Learn More: Make Beliefs Comix

15. Adobe Express

Save time using the customizable templates to tell art-inspired stories via the web or mobile device app. Grade Level: 7-12
Price: Free; premium plan for more options – $9.99/month

Learn More: Adobe

16. Storyboard That

Digital storytelling allows students to be creative without having artistic skills. It also includes great tools for educators to make customizable content to share with students. Grade Level: 3+
Price: Two storyboards per week for free; $9.99/month

Learn More: Storyboard That

17. Powtoon

Create a clean, well-produced video, with animation, custom characters, and doodling on this web-based platform. Teachers can also use it as a classroom display to creatively share content. Grade Level: K+
Price: Free trial; $10/month for classroom

Learn More: Powtoon

18. 826 Digital

A digital storytelling tool that supports teachers and students through the writing and sharing process. Grade Level: K+
Price: Free

Learn More: 826 Digital

19. Moovly

Easy to use interface to create interactive videos for digital storytelling. Offers custom videos and adds effects to stories such as audio, images, or videos. Grade Level: K+
Price: Free; has advanced subscriptions for varying prices

Learn More: Moovly

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the resources, get out there and try them in your class! I hope that the tools provided become an asset to your classroom and help to add some excitement to your lessons and student engagement!