Explainer videos are short videos, often with animation that are intended to demonstrate or describe a certain product or service in a concise form. They are a powerful marketing tool that provides businesses with a dynamic medium to explain complex concepts in a simplified form and engage viewers in a matter of mere seconds.
However, given the diverse styles and formats of explainer videos available, it can be tricky to select the right kind for your business. In this article, we explore seven effective categories to equip you with the knowledge to choose the right type of explainer videos according to your marketing objectives and brands. We also touch briefly upon a few explainer video examples to give you an idea.
Animated Explainer Videos
Animated explainer videos are the most popular format, with animation offering unlimited flexibility and creativity. There are two categories:
2D Explainer Videos- These versatile, cost-effective animations employ flat characters and graphics, and are ideal for explaining processes, services, or marketing concepts. A good example of 2D explainer videos is Dropbox’s papercraft-style video for a collaborative workspace.
3D Explainer Videos- Intended for a premium impact, 3D animation adds depth and realism, making them particularly well-suited for representing complex products or technical processes.
One excellent 3D animated explainer video example is Tezos introductory video which provides an immersive viewing experience while introducing how the Blockchain network works.
Motion Graphics Explainer Videos
Motion graphics explainer videos are a combination of animation with data visualization and dynamic typography. These videos are ideal for presenting statistics, infographics, and complex ideas in an engaging way. One prominent example of a motion graphics explainer video would be Google’s “Year in Search” videos. These include exceptional motion graphics to tell compelling data-driven stories.
Whiteboard Explainer Videos
These types of videos comprise hand-drawn animations on a whiteboard. Such a format is excellent for creating a personal and relatable feel, making these types of videos perfect for explaining concepts in a step-by-step manner.
Looking for an example? Check out this simple but powerful whiteboard animated video by Adobe for its product EchoSign.
Live-Action Explainer Videos
Live-action explainer videos feature real people, products, and settings, and hence add a touch of authenticity and emotional connection. These types of explainer videos are often used for testimonials, product demonstrations, or brand stories.
A great live-action explainer video example is this two-minute demonstration video by Grammarly. In a short span of time, the creators have successfully conveyed the essence of the service with all the key features.
Screencast Explainer Videos
These videos record computer screen activity and are ideal for software tutorials, user onboarding guides, or showing website features. For instance, check out this shirt screencast video by Lemonade App demonstrating how the app works in a simple manner. It is one of the simplest examples of screencast videos, showing an app screen recording on a static phone with an aesthetically pleasant gradient backdrop.
Stop Motion Explainer Videos
Stop-motion explainer videos combine animation with physical objects. They offer a unique charm and handcrafted feel to the video and are effective for product demonstrations, creative storytelling, or educational content. One brilliant example of a stop motion explainer video is Honda “Paper” which showcases the power of stop motion storytelling. In a two-minute video that brand has successfully managed to present its legacy of 60 years.
Interactive Explainer Videos
Interactive explainer videos include a mix of clickable elements and branching narratives. These types of videos encourage viewers to interact and engage them with choices and personalize the overall viewing experience. An example is the promotional video for Google’s virtual reality app Tilt Brush. Google commissioned six artists to paint in real-time via the software and then created a video that allows viewers to choose one artist and watch the artist do their magic.
Choosing the Right Explainer Video
To select the best explainer video format, you must consider a number of factors:
- Your target audience- Consider their preferences and the content that resonates with them.
- Your budget- Animation styles and production complexity will have a significant impact on the cost.
- Your message- Some formats like screencasts excel at technical explanations, while live-action excels at emotional connection. Hence you must select a video format that will be helpful in conveying your message more effectively.
- Your goals- Determine if you aim to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or educate viewers, and then choose the type of explainer video accordingly.
Making Your Explainer Video
When it comes to making your explainer video, you have multiple options
- Explainer Video Software- You can consider using DIY platforms like Vyond and Powtoon that offer user-friendly tools for creating basic animations. There is also the option to create videos on your camera or smartphone and then use video editing software like Movie Maker Online or Final Cut Pro to edit the video. However, do remember to invest in a well-written explainer video script that clearly conveys your message and guides the video’s narrative.
- Explainer Video Companies- Professional agencies specialize in creating high-quality videos. It is important to ensure that they tailor the videos to your specific needs.
When you select the right type of explainer video and leverage its captivating potential, you can effectively boost brand awareness and engagement or simplify complex concepts and educate viewers. You can also use this medium to showcase your products or services in a dynamic way or drive conversions and increase sales.
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As one of the best explainer video companies, we are recognized for creating high-quality videos that can help you connect with new audiences, enhance your brand awareness, simplify complex concepts, and ultimately help you boost your conversions and profitability.
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