Flourish vs aecharts (2026): Exporting Chart Data to Video
Flourish and aecharts solve different problems. One is for interactive web embeds, the other for video export. Here's when to use each.
The Key Difference
Flourish: Interactive embed platform for web browsers. Optimized for news sites and data journalism with hover/click interactions.
aecharts: Video export tool for social media. Creates downloadable MP4 files with animated data visualizations.
Quick Verdict
Use Flourish if...
- •You need interactive chart embeds for websites
- •You want browser-based chart exploration with hover effects
- •You're embedding visualizations in news articles or reports
Use aecharts if...
- •You need downloadable MP4 video files
- •You're creating content for TikTok, Reels, or Shorts
- •You want offline video files, not web embeds
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Flourish | aecharts |
|---|---|---|
| Chart updates from CSV | Supported | Auto-update on paste |
| Native MP4/WebM export | GIF only (paid), no MP4 | One-click MP4 export |
| Timeline control per data point | Limited (story points) | Full control per value |
| Offline video file | Requires embed/screen record | Direct download |
| Social video presets (9:16, 1:1) | Web embed focus | Chart-optimized presets |
| Watermark-free export | Paid (Business plan) | Paid plan |
See the Difference
Same data. One exports clean video natively, one doesn't.
Flourish: Requires workarounds for video export
aecharts: Native MP4 export in one click
When aecharts Is the Wrong Tool
aecharts isn't for everyone. Consider other options if:
- You need interactive web embeds with hover and click interactions
- You're publishing data journalism on websites (not social)
- You want viewers to explore data at their own pace in a browser
Switching from Flourish to aecharts
Migrating your chart workflow takes less than 2 minutes:
- 1Export your data from Flourish as CSV (or use your original dataset)
- 2Paste the CSV data into aecharts editor
- 3Select a chart template and adjust animation timing
- 4Export as MP4 for social media — ready in seconds
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use aecharts for Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts?
Yes. aecharts exports MP4 videos in 9:16 (vertical), 1:1 (square), and 16:9 (landscape) formats, perfect for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Flourish is designed for web embeds, not social video.
Does Flourish export video files?
Flourish exports animated GIFs (on paid plans) but not MP4 video files. For MP4 export, you'd need to screen record the embed or use a third-party tool. aecharts provides native MP4 export.
Is aecharts good for interactive web embeds?
No. aecharts is focused on video export, not interactive embeds. If you need browser-based chart exploration with hover effects and click interactions, Flourish is the better choice.
Which tool is better for newsroom data journalism?
It depends on the output. Flourish excels at interactive web embeds for online articles. aecharts is better when you need video clips for social media promotion of that same data story.
More Comparisons
Ready to Create Chart Videos?
Transform your data into engaging animated chart videos. Export as MP4 in seconds.