What Are Explainer Videos and How Do They Work?

What Are Explainer Videos?

Explainer videos are short, engaging videos designed to explain a product, service, or concept in a clear and concise manner. Typically running between 60 and 90 seconds, these videos are crafted to grab the viewer’s attention quickly and convey the most important points of a message in a way that’s easy to understand. They are frequently used by businesses to boost brand awareness, educate potential customers, and increase conversion rates.

Types of Explainer Videos

Explainer videos come in various forms, each serving different purposes depending on the message and the audience:

1. Animated Explainer Videos: These are popular for their versatility and visual appeal. Animation allows for the visualization of abstract ideas and storytelling, making complex concepts easier to understand.
2. Live-Action Explainer Videos: These use real people and settings to convey a message, which can add a personal touch and increase relatability.
3. Whiteboard Animation: Known for their simplicity, whiteboard animations show graphics being drawn on the screen in real-time, which is particularly effective for educational content.
4. Motion Graphics: These videos use graphics and text animation to communicate information, making them ideal for brands looking to convey data or complex ideas in an engaging way.
5. Product Explainer Videos: Focusing on a specific product, these videos highlight key features and benefits, helping potential buyers understand the product’s value.

Why Are Explainer Videos So Effective?

The rise of explainer videos is not by chance. They work because they align well with modern viewer habits and preferences. Here’s why they’re so effective:

1. Short and Engaging: Attention spans are short. Explainer videos deliver essential information quickly, making it easy for viewers to absorb the content before losing interest.
2. Visual Appeal: Our brains are wired to process visual information faster than text, and visuals make content more memorable.
3. Storytelling: A well-crafted explainer video follows a narrative, making it easier for viewers to relate to the content.
4. Information Retention: People remember 80% of what they see and do compared to only 20% of what they read. Explainer videos increase the likelihood of audiences retaining information and taking action.
5. Higher Conversion Rates: A strategically placed explainer video on a landing page can increase conversion rates by up to 80%, making them a vital tool for businesses looking to improve ROI.

How Does an Explainer Video Work?

The Role of Animation and Visuals

Using animation or live-action footage, an explainer video company can bring any concept to life. For example, animated explainer videos allow companies to creatively illustrate complex processes that would be difficult to convey with only text or static images. Animation also has the flexibility to match brand style and tone, ensuring a cohesive message.

Crafting the Script

The script is the foundation of any great explainer video. It needs to be concise, engaging, and aligned with the brand’s message. Scripts often follow a structure:

1. Introduction: Grabs attention by addressing a common pain point or question the viewer might have.
2. Problem: Describes the problem or challenge the audience faces.
3. Solution: Presents the product, service, or concept as the solution.
4. How It Works: Briefly explains how the product or service solves the problem.
5. Call to Action: Encourages viewers to take the next step, whether it’s visiting a website, signing up for a demo, or contacting sales.

The Production Process

Creating explainer videos involves several steps, from pre-production planning to post-production editing. Here’s a closer look:

1. Concept Development: Identify the target audience and key message.
2. Scriptwriting: Develop a script that conveys the message in a concise and engaging way.
3. Storyboard Creation: Map out the visuals that will accompany the script.
4. Animation and Visuals: Bring the storyboard to life with animation or filming.
5. Voiceover: Choose a voiceover artist whose tone aligns with the brand.
6. Editing and Post-Production: Add final touches, including music, sound effects, and visual adjustments.

Choosing the Right Explainer Video Company

Partnering with a skilled Explainer Videos company can make a significant difference. A good company will have the expertise to handle the entire production process and ensure that the video aligns with your brand’s goals.

When evaluating an explainer video company, look for these qualities:

• Portfolio and Style: Examine the company’s portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your brand.
• Experience: A well-established company will have experience in creating explainer videos for various industries.
• Production Quality: Look at the production quality, including animation smoothness, voiceovers, and sound quality.
• Pricing: Balance quality with affordability. The most expensive option isn’t always the best.
• Customer Service: Choose a company that listens to your needs and is willing to collaborate closely.

Best Practices for Creating Explainer Videos

Whether you’re partnering with an agency or creating explainer videos in-house, here are some best practices to follow:

1. Keep It Short and Focused: Aim to deliver your message in 60-90 seconds.
2. Focus on the Benefits: Highlight the benefits of your product or service rather than just listing features.
3. Use a Clear Call to Action: Guide viewers toward the next step, whether it’s a website visit or a sign-up form.
4. Match Tone and Style to Brand: Ensure the video reflects the tone, values, and style of your brand.
5. Optimize for All Platforms: Make sure the video can be viewed easily on mobile devices and social media.

Examples of the Best Explainer Videos

Some of the best explainer videos effectively communicate complex ideas while keeping the viewer engaged. Here are some characteristics of top-performing explainer videos:

1. Relatable Stories: Videos that tell a relatable story often leave a lasting impact on viewers.
2. Clear and Concise: The best explainer videos get to the point and avoid unnecessary details.
3. Strong Visuals: High-quality visuals and engaging animations can captivate the viewer.
4. Engaging Voiceover: A clear, expressive voiceover adds a personal touch to the message.

Why Explainer Video Are Vital for Business Growth

Explainer video offer several advantages for businesses:

1. Increased Conversion Rates: By providing information in a digestible format, explainer can help convert casual visitors into customers.
2. Enhanced Brand Awareness: A memorable explainer video can increase brand recall, making your company stand out in a crowded market.
3. Simplified Communication: Explainer videos make it easy to communicate complex information in an accessible way.
4. SEO and Social Media Benefits: Videos are more likely to be shared, improving social media engagement and boosting SEO rankings.

Future Trends in Explainer Videos

As technology evolves, so does the world of explainer videos. Here are some emerging trends:

1. Interactive Videos: Allow viewers to engage with the video, making the experience more personalized.
2. 3D Animation: While 2D remains popular, 3D animation is on the rise for companies looking to make a unique impact.
3. Personalization: Some companies are using data to create personalized explainer video that speak directly to individual users.

Conclusion

Explainer videos have proven to be an invaluable tool for modern businesses. Whether through animated explainer , live-action, or whiteboard animations, they offer a powerful way to engage audiences and boost brand impact. Choosing the right video services and following best practices for creating videos can help ensure your videos make a lasting impression.