Video content is no longer just a trendy addition to marketing strategies—it’s essential. And at the forefront of video marketing are explainer videos, a tool many businesses are finding indispensable for distilling complex ideas into simple, digestible narratives.
From boosting engagement to increasing conversion rates, explainer videos have proven time and again to be a powerful way to connect with audiences and convert them into loyal customers. But what makes them so impactful, and how can you harness their potential? You’re about to find out.
This blog dives into the benefits of explainer videos, the different types available, inspiring real-world examples, their essential components, and tips for creating your own. Whether you’re a SaaS professional or a small business owner, you’ll leave here ready to incorporate explainer videos into your marketing master plan.
Why Explainer Videos Are a Must for Today’s Marketing Strategies
Explainer videos aren’t just trendy—they’re effective. The rise of mobile and video consumption has made these bite-sized, easy-to-understand clips more relevant than ever. Consider these stats:
- 96% of people have watched an explainer video to learn about a product or service.
- Businesses that use videos grow revenue 49% faster than those that don’t.
- Including a video on a landing page can increase conversions by up to 80%.
By helping to simplify complex concepts, explainer videos act as an education and marketing tool rolled into one—empowering customers to make informed decisions while bringing your brand closer to its goals.
Benefits of Explainer Videos at a Glance
- Higher Conversion Rates
The ability to clearly communicate the value of a product or service often drives purchase decisions. Explainer videos get right to the point, showing potential customers exactly what they need to know.
- Improved SEO Performance
Search engines love video content. Not only can explainer videos keep users on your site longer (a key ranking factor), but they can also boost organic traffic when optimized with the right keywords.
- Enhanced User Engagement
Explainer videos bring static webpages or newsletters to life. A rich visual story captivates an audience far better than text or images alone.
Now that you know why explainer videos are crucial, how do you decide on the type that’s right for your business?
Types of Explainer Videos and Their Unique Strengths
1. Animated Explainer Videos
Why They Work
Animated videos are perfect for breaking down complex ideas into engaging visuals. With unlimited creative possibilities, animation excels at representing abstract concepts and can adapt to almost any tone. Google, for instance, uses simple yet captivating animations in their “how-to” series to illustrate technological processes.
Best Use Cases
- SaaS tools explaining technical features
- Startups introducing groundbreaking concepts
- Product launches requiring fun, dynamic visuals
2. Live-Action Explainer Videos
Why They Work
Authenticity is the name of the game here. Live-action explainer videos show real people using your product or sharing testimonials, building trust through human connection. Take Dollar Shave Club’s iconic launch video. Fun yet informative, it used humor, a real CEO, and behind-the-scenes quirkiness to tell its story while standing out in a crowded market.
Best Use Cases
- Showcasing testimonials and case studies
- Providing product demonstrations
- Building human-centric brands
3. Whiteboard Explainer Videos
Why They Work
Loved for their simplicity, whiteboard explainer videos mimic a teacher’s use of a board to explain a concept step-by-step, providing clarity and engagement. Dropbox’s original explainer video used this format to great success, driving thousands of signups.
Best Use Cases
- Educational content or training materials
- Telling stories or solving problems visually
- Walking audience members through “how it works” guides
Each type of explainer video serves a unique purpose. To inspire your creative process, here are examples across various industries.
Real-World Examples of Explainer Videos
SaaS Example – Slack
Slack’s animated explainer video demonstrates how its platform streamlines communication, helping teams collaborate more efficiently. The straightforward visuals and a conversational voiceover mirror Slack’s promise to simplify work connections.
E-Commerce Example – Dollar Shave Club
We mentioned it earlier for good reason. This live-action masterpiece introduced Dollar Shave Club to the world in under 2 minutes. Its humor resonated, while its storytelling left potential users excited to try the service.
Healthcare Example – Zocdoc
Zocdoc uses an animation-heavy explainer video to show how easily users can book medical appointments via their platform. The video identifies pain points, provides solutions, and features a strong call-to-action at the end.
Education Example – Khan Academy
Khan Academy expertly employs whiteboard-style explainer videos to teach complex academic concepts in a bite-sized, yet engaging way.
Take notes from these brands—implementing their strategies can translate into success for your own business. But what makes an explainer video truly stand out?
Key Components of an Effective Explainer Video
A great explainer video doesn’t just happen. Here’s what you need to get it right:
- A Concise Script
Explainer videos should ideally be under 2 minutes long. Every second counts, so focus on storytelling and clear communication.
- Professional Voiceover
The tone and quality of voiceover narration play an essential role in building trust and reliability.
- High-Quality Animation or Production
Attention to detail matters. From sleek transitions to dynamic visuals, invest in professional production to stay memorable.
- An Irresistible Call-to-Action (CTA)
End your video with a clear step for viewers to take next, like signing up or visiting your site.
Have these elements in place? Great. Now it’s time to create!
Tips for Creating a Winning Explainer Video
- Align with Budget and Goals
Whether you’re splurging on high-quality studio animation or opting for DIY tools, your explainer video should align with your budget and marketing objectives.
- Pick the Right Style for Your Audience
Understand your target audience—business professionals might prefer sleek animations, while a lifestyle consumer may favor live-action vibes.
- Optimize for Hosting and Sharing
Upload to platforms like YouTube and Vimeo for SEO benefits, and promote via email and social channels for maximum reach.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating a video that makes an impact.
See Your Message Come to Life
Explainer videos are a game-changer for businesses looking to engage audiences, simplify complex topics, and ultimately drive conversions. Whether you’re demystifying SaaS tools or introducing premium e-commerce goods, a well-crafted explainer video can be the bridge between interest and action.
Feeling inspired to create your own? Partner with our video experts or explore our platform for free. Together, we’ll bring your vision to life, one frame at a time.