What Is An Explainer Video And How To Make One?

In the world of digital content, attention spans are shrinking, and the need for clear, engaging communication is more significant than ever. This is where explainer videos come into play. An explainer video is a short, concise, and visually appealing way to convey complex information or ideas in an easily digestible format. Whether you want to explain a new product, introduce a service, or tell a compelling story, explainer videos can be a powerful tool. This comprehensive guide explores what explainer videos are, why they are effective, and how to create one that captivates your audience.

What Is an Explainer Video?

An explainer video is a short, typically animated video that clearly and concisely explains a product, service, concept, or idea. These videos are designed to engage the audience, simplify complex information, and leave a lasting impression. Explainer videos are characterized by their brevity, usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes, making them a perfect medium for today’s fast-paced digital world. Fortunately, you can use an explainer video maker to ensure you can easily create these engaging videos without requiring extensive technical expertise. Some of these tools are even equipped with AI capabilities, making them incredibly user-friendly and capable of producing professional-quality explainer videos.

The Purpose of Explainer Videos

Explainer videos serve multiple purposes across various industries and contexts:

Introducing a Product or Service: Businesses often use explainer videos to introduce new products or services to their audience. These videos can highlight the key features and benefits in a captivating manner.
Clarifying Complex Concepts: Explainer videos simplify complex ideas or processes, making them more understandable for the audience. They are instrumental in the tech and educational sectors.
Boosting Conversion Rates: Websites with explainer videos have higher conversion rates. A well-crafted explainer video can turn a curious visitor into a paying customer.
Enhancing Brand Storytelling: Some brands use explainer videos to tell their story or convey their mission and values in a compelling and emotionally resonant way.

The Elements of a Successful Explainer Video

Script: The script is the pillar of your explainer video. It should be clear, concise, and engaging. Start with a hook to capture the viewer’s attention in the first few seconds. Clearly define the problem or challenge your product or service addresses. Present your solution and its key benefits. Include a call to action (CTA) to guide the viewer on what to do next.

Visual Style: The visual style of your explainer video can vary widely, from 2D animation to live-action or a combination of styles. The style choice should align with your brand and the message you want to convey. 2D animation is popular for explainer videos because it’s versatile, cost-effective, and can be tailored to your brand’s aesthetic. On the other hand, 3D animation offers a more immersive and dynamic visual experience suitable for complex product demonstrations. Finally, real people and settings can add authenticity to your video, making it an excellent choice for personal or tangible products and services.

Voiceover and Sound: An explainer video’s voiceover is essential for effectively conveying your message. It should match the tone and style of your video. Consider hiring a professional voiceover artist with the right tone and pacing for your content. Background music and sound effects can enhance the viewing experience. They should complement the content and not distract from it.

Duration: Explainer videos are short by design, typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Keep your video as concise as possible while still delivering your core message. Ensure that every element contributes to the video’s purpose.

Branding and Logo: To maintain brand consistency, incorporate your branding elements, including your logo, color palette, and font choices. These elements should be subtly integrated into the video without overwhelming the content.

Storytelling and Flow: A successful explainer video tells a story. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Engage the viewer by addressing a problem, presenting a solution, and concluding with a compelling call to action.

Call to Action (CTA): Every explainer video should include a CTA that guides the viewer on what to do next. Whether signing up for a newsletter, purchasing, or scheduling a demo, complete the CTA clearly and compellingly.

How to Create an Explainer Video

Start by defining the goal of your explainer video. What do you want to achieve with it? Is it to increase product awareness, drive conversions, or educate your audience? Your goal will guide the content and style of your video. Understanding your audience is also crucial. Tailor your message to their needs, preferences, and pain points. Create a viewer persona to keep your audience in mind throughout the process. Then, as mentioned earlier, your script is the foundation of your explainer video. It should be engaging, concise, and focused on the problem-solution dynamic. Consider seeking professional script writing assistance if needed.

Select the visual style that best suits your message and brand. This might be 2D animation, 3D animation, live-action, or a combination of styles. Your choice should resonate with your target audience. Storyboarding helps visualize the flow and pacing of your video. It’s like creating a blueprint for the video. Sketch out scenes and transitions to ensure that the video follows the script. Hire a professional voiceover artist who can deliver your script with the right tone and pacing. Additionally, select background music and sound effects that enhance the viewing experience.

Produce the Video

With all the elements in place, it’s time to produce the video. This involves creating the animation, incorporating the voiceover and music, and fine-tuning the visual and audio elements. Integrate your branding elements, such as your logo and color scheme, into the video. Ensure that these elements are present but not overly distracting. Make sure your video is optimized for both mobile and web viewing. This includes ensuring the file format and size are suitable for different platforms. End your video with a compelling CTA. Whether it’s directing viewers to your website, a product page, or a sign-up form, make the action you want them to take crystal clear.

Explainer videos are a dynamic and engaging way to communicate your message to your target audience. They simplify complex information, engage viewers, and drive action. By understanding the critical elements of a successful explainer video and following a structured process, you can create a video that captivates your audience and helps you achieve your goals. Whether you’re promoting a new product, educating your audience, or simply telling your brand’s story, explainer videos have the potential to leave a lasting impact in the fast-paced world of digital content.