Create a Stop Motion Video Using Your Hands
Make a stop motion video using your hands as characters, a smartphone or tablet, simple props, and frame by frame photography to learn animation basics.
About this activity
Make a stop motion video using your hands as characters, a smartphone or tablet, simple props, and frame by frame photography to learn animation basics.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Think of a short idea for your hand characters like a high five a dance or finding treasure.
- 2
Step 2
Gather the materials listed above and bring them to your workspace.
- 3
Step 3
Make your stage by laying the paper or poster board flat or taping it to a wall.
- 4
Step 4
Arrange your small props on the stage where the story will happen.
- 5
Step 5
Place your smartphone or tablet on the stack of books or tripod so the camera points at the stage.
- 6
Step 6
Open the camera app or a stop-motion app on the device.
- 7
Step 7
Lock the focus and exposure in the camera app so the pictures look the same.
- 8
Step 8
Turn on the lamp and aim it at the stage so the lighting stays steady.
- 9
Step 9
Put your hand into the first pose on the stage and hold very still.
- 10
Step 10
Tap the shutter to take the first photo.
- 11
Step 11
Move your hand a tiny bit to the next pose.
- 12
Step 12
Tap the shutter to take the next photo.
- 13
Step 13
Repeat Step 11 and Step 12 until your short story is finished.
- 14
Step 14
Play the photos as a video in the app adjust the speed and then save or export the stop motion video.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished stop motion video on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I create a stop motion video using my child's hands as characters?
Plan a short story or sequence, then set a smartphone or tablet on a tripod or stable surface with consistent lighting and a plain background. Position the hands as your characters, take a photo, move fingers or hands slightly, and take the next photo. Repeat until the sequence is complete. Import the frames into a stop-motion app or video editor, set a frame rate (about 8–12 fps), then add sound, titles, or music.
What materials do I need to make a hand stop motion animation?
You need a smartphone or tablet with a camera, a tripod or phone stand for stability, and a stop-motion or photo-sequencing app. Use a plain backdrop, consistent lighting (lamp or daylight), and small props like toys, paper cutouts, or tape. Optional items: adhesive putty to steady props, colored gloves or stickers for finger characters, a simple storyboard sheet, and headphones for recording narration or adding sound effects.
What ages is making a stop motion video with hands suitable for?
This activity suits children about 5 years and up. Ages 5–8 enjoy simple guided movement and need adult help with the device, while 9–12-year-olds can plan scenes, shoot frames, and edit more independently. Preschoolers can join with close adult participation. Adjust project length and complexity to attention span—short sequences (30–60 frames) work best for younger kids to stay engaged.
What are the benefits of making stop motion hand videos?
Making hand stop motion boosts creativity, storytelling, sequencing, and fine motor skills while teaching patience and basic animation concepts. Kids practice planning, problem-solving, and digital literacy by photographing frames and using editing apps. It encourages collaboration and communication when done with family, builds confidence as projects improve, and is low-cost and adaptable for school assignments or fun home activities.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
If I don't have a tripod or poster board, what can I use instead?
Use a stack of books or a heavy box to hold your smartphone or tablet steady (step 5) and swap poster board for printer paper, a sheet, or taped-together cardboard to make your stage (step 3).
My photos look jumpy or change brightness when I play the video—what should I check?
Make sure your device is fixed on the stack of books or tripod (step 5), lock the focus and exposure in the camera app (step 6), secure the paper with tape (step 3), and keep the lamp aimed at the stage so lighting stays steady (step 8).
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids, choose a very simple idea (step 1), take fewer photos and larger hand moves (steps 11–12) with adult help pressing the shutter (step 10), while older kids can add more frames, detailed props (step 4), and edit speed in the stop-motion app (step 13).
What are some ways to make the stop motion more creative or personal?
Personalize the stage with drawn backgrounds or colored paper (step 3), add small props or costumes (step 4), record a voiceover or music and adjust the video speed in the app before exporting (steps 13–14) and then share it on DIY.org (step 14).