diff --git a/manim_slides/config.py b/manim_slides/config.py
index 9d57f07..32c4298 100644
--- a/manim_slides/config.py
+++ b/manim_slides/config.py
@@ -84,6 +84,11 @@ class SlideConfig(BaseModel):
     def start_animation_is_before_end(cls, values):
         if values["start_animation"] >= values["end_animation"]:
 
+            if values["start_animation"] == values["end_animation"] == 0:
+                raise ValueError(
+                    "You have to play at least one animation (e.g., `self.wait()`) before pausing. If you want to start paused, use the approriate command-line option when presenting."
+                )
+
             raise ValueError(
                 "Start animation index must be strictly lower than end animation index"
             )