Animated explainer videos offer brands a dynamic way to present complex ideas through engaging visuals, memorable storytelling, and concise messaging. Creating an effective animated explainer video, however, requires strategic planning and attention to detail. Here are some best practices to ensure your animated explainer video resonates with viewers and meets your brand’s objectives.

1. Keep It Short and Focused

Animated explainer videos are most effective when kept between 60-90 seconds. This length allows enough time to introduce the problem, present the solution, and include a call to action without losing the viewer’s attention  .

Tip: Structure your script with a clear beginning, middle, and end, prioritizing the key message you want viewers to take away.

2. Prioritize Script Clarity and Conciseness

The script is the foundation of any animated explainer video. Keep it straightforward and focus on one key idea. Avoid jargon and use a conversational tone that resonates with your audience.

Tip: Divide the script into three sections: the problem, the solution, and the call to action. Start with a relatable problem to capture interest, explain your solution briefly, and then end with a compelling CTA  .

3. Use Storytelling to Connect with Your Audience

Engaging stories make videos more memorable. Instead of focusing on product features, craft a story that demonstrates how your product solves a problem or improves the viewer’s life.

Tip: Characters and relatable scenarios can make the story more engaging. This approach is particularly effective for building an emotional connection, as viewers are more likely to remember solutions presented within a story .

4. Invest in Quality Visuals and Animation

High-quality visuals and animation give your video a professional look and feel, reflecting positively on your brand. Ensure that animations are smooth, on-brand, and visually consistent with your style guide.

Tip: Use vibrant colors and custom characters or icons that align with your brand’s aesthetic, making the video both visually appealing and cohesive. This attention to detail enhances brand recognition and reinforces trust  .

5. Add a Compelling Voiceover and Background Music

A professional voiceover adds credibility and clarity to your animated explainer video. Choose a voice that aligns with your brand personality (e.g., upbeat and friendly, calm and authoritative). Background music can add emotional appeal, but it should complement—not overshadow—the voiceover.

Tip: Test several voiceover styles to find the one that resonates best with your audience. Use background music sparingly, ensuring it enhances rather than distracts from the video’s core message  .

6. Focus on Visual Flow and Transitions

Transitions between scenes should be seamless, guiding the viewer through the narrative smoothly. Avoid abrupt cuts or overly complex animations that may disrupt the visual flow.

Tip: Use motion graphics to highlight important information and maintain a logical flow, especially when presenting statistics, key features, or data points. This flow ensures the audience remains engaged and follows the narrative effortlessly .

7. Incorporate a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

The CTA guides viewers on what to do next, whether that’s visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase. Keep it clear, direct, and placed strategically toward the end of the video.

Tip: Experiment with placing a visual or verbal CTA, or combine both for emphasis. Ensure that the CTA aligns with the video’s objective, encouraging viewers to take the next logical step  .

8. Optimize for SEO and Multiple Platforms

Optimizing your video for SEO helps improve its discoverability on search engines. Use relevant keywords in the video title, description, and tags. Additionally, create versions of the video that are suitable for various platforms, such as vertical for social media stories and horizontal for YouTube and website use.

Tip: Transcribe the video and add subtitles, as these not only improve accessibility but also boost SEO. This can be particularly helpful on YouTube and in social media posts where captions can drive better engagement  .

Conclusion

Creating an animated explainer video that effectively communicates your brand’s message requires a blend of clear storytelling, high-quality visuals, and strategic calls to action. By focusing on these best practices, you can produce a video that not only captures attention but also converts viewers into loyal customers.