What is an Explainer Video, The Benefits & How to make one

Have you ever tried explaining an idea to someone, only to have them give you a blank stare? Or, have you ever been on the other side of that, where someone is trying to explain something to you, but you just can’t seem to understand?

We’ve all been there before, and it’s frustrating. This is where explainer videos come in.

So, what is an explainer video?

An explainer video is a short, usually animated video, that concisely and clearly explains an idea or concept. They are often used for marketing purposes but can be used for just about anything.

Explainer videos can be used to explain a new product or service, explain how something works, or even explain an abstract concept.

What are the benefits of explainer videos?

Using an explainer video, you can explain complex concepts in a simple way. They can be engaging and entertaining, and they are often more memorable than other forms of communication.

Explainer videos also have a wide reach potential and can be shared easily online.

This is why many businesses use explainer videos as part of their video marketing strategy to showcase the company’s product to potential customers.

What are the different types of explainer videos?

There are many different types of explainer videos, but some of the most popular include:

• Animated explainer videos that use animation to bring the concept to life and explain it in a visually engaging way. The benefit of an animated explainer video is that it can be very creative and flexible.
• Live-action explainer videos use real people and footage to explain the concept. One of the reasons to use a live-action explainer video is that it can help create a more personal connection with the viewer.
• Whiteboard explainer videos use an illustrated whiteboard to explain the concept step by step. A whiteboard video is often used to explain more complex concepts.
• Screencast explainer videos use screen recordings to show viewers how to do something or how a product or service works. These types of explainer videos are often used as a how-to video or for software demonstrations.

3 Great explainer video examples

1. Dollar Shave Club – Marketing video

This is a good explainer video with over 27 million views because they address the customers pain points, a quick overview of the key features, and a clear call to action. It addresses all the issues of potential customers without dwelling on too much detail while keeping it light.

2. Google wallet – Product video

This is another good animated explainer video that introduces the product without making things complicated. The video production was done with a simplistic approach, a professional voice, and catchy music.

3. How to use YouTube Studio – Tutorial video

This explainer video combines both live-action and animated explainer videos into one. This is a smart way to demonstrate a product or service, as it is much more engaging.

What’s required to create explainer videos

If you’re interested in making your own explainer video, there are a few things you’ll need

• A script: This will be the foundation of your video and will help you determine what type of video you want to create
• Storyboards: These can be helpful for visualising your script and determining what footage or illustrations you’ll need.
• Voiceover: You’ll need someone to record the audio for your video. This can be done professionally or by someone within your organisation.
• Music: Adding music to your video can help set the tone and create an emotional connection with the viewer.
• Footage and illustrations: Depending on the type of explainer video you’re creating, you’ll need to gather footage or illustrations. This can be done yourself or through a professional service.

Once you have all of the elements for your explainer video, you’ll need to put it all together. This can be done with video editing software or through a professional video production company.

Key elements to great explainer videos

There are many different ways to make an explainer video, but there are some key elements that all great explainer videos have in common.

1. Well written script

The script is the foundation of any great explainer video. It should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should also be engaging and entertaining. This starts with having a voice actor with a clear and friendly voice.

2. Short video length

Explainer videos should be short, sweet, and to the point. Since the average explainer video is between 60 and 90 seconds, try to keep your explainer video under two minutes if possible. The idea is to deliver the message quickly and efficiently without losing the viewer’s attention.

3. Professional voiceover

A professional voiceover can help add credibility to your explainer video and make it more enjoyable to watch. This is especially important if you’re trying to sell a product or service.

While you can use a friend or colleague to do the voiceover for your explainer video, professionals have audio equipment that can help to create a high-quality recording.

4. Engaging visuals

The visuals in an explainer video should help explain the concept in a simple and clear way. They should be eye-catching and engaging, but not too busy or complex.

Animated explainer videos often use 2D or 3D animation to bring the concept to life. Adding animated characters to your explainer video can help engage the viewer and make the video more entertaining.

5. Music or a catchy soundtrack

Without a background soundtrack, explainer videos can feel long and boring. Music or a catchy sound effect can help engage the viewer and make the video more enjoyable to watch. It should also support the visuals and help create an emotional connection with the viewer.

6. Humour

Humour can be a good way to make your explainer video more enjoyable. But, be careful not to overdo it. Too much humour can make your video feel more like a commercial than an explanation.

7. A strong call to action

Having a strong call to action (CTA) is especially important when creating animated videos for a business. These are usually placed at the end of an explainer video. This is important because it tells the viewer what they should do next.

The call to action should be clear and concise. It should explain what the viewer should do next, such as visit your website or buy your product.

The CTA could be something like, “Visit our website to learn more,” or “Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates.”

How to promote your explainer video

Before you start promoting your explainer video, you would have to decide on the video platform. Two of the popular and free platforms are YouTube and Vimeo.

Having your explainer video hosted on a video platform will make it easier for people to find and watch your video. This also helps when you embed your video on your website or blog to help increase views.

There are a few key places to promote your video:

• Your website:Add the video to your website and make sure it’s prominently featured. You can also embed the explainer video on your blog or in email newsletters.
• Social media account: Share the video on social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. You can also create short teaser videos to post on Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
• YouTube:If you are using a separate video hosting from YouTube, it is still a good idea to upload the explainer video to YouTube and optimise the video listing for SEO. This will help people find your video when they’re searching for related terms.
• Press release: Send out a press release about your new explainer video to generate buzz and get media coverage. A high-quality explainer video is required, as mediocre content may not garner attention.
• Email signature: Add a link to your video in your email signature. This is a great way to promote your video without being too salesy.

Conclusion

Making an explainer video doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little planning and some creativity, you can create a video that will help your audience understand what you’re trying to say.