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The Complete Guide to Explainer Videos: What They Are, Types, and How to Use Them for Business Success
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The Complete Guide to Explainer Videos: What They Are, Types, and How to Use Them for Business Success

Explainer videos have become an essential tool for businesses aiming to simplify their messages, boost engagement, and increase conversions. These short, engaging videos effectively break down complex ideas, making them accessible and compelling for viewers. Here’s an in-depth guide on everything you need to know about explainer videos, how to create one, and why they’re invaluable for modern businesses.

1. What Are Explainer Videos?

Explainer videos are short, informative videos that convey a business’s value proposition, product features, or a complex idea in an easy-to-understand format. They are typically 60-90 seconds long, balancing simplicity with engaging storytelling to capture viewer attention quickly. These videos often incorporate animation, live-action, or motion graphics to bring concepts to life visually and audibly.

Explainer videos are ideal for:

Brand Awareness: Introducing a brand or product to potential customers.

Product Demonstrations: Showcasing features and benefits to drive engagement and sales.

Educational Content: Teaching users how to solve a specific problem  .

2. Benefits of Explainer Videos

Businesses choose explainer videos because they deliver results across multiple metrics, from SEO and engagement to conversions. Key benefits include:

Increased Engagement: People are more likely to watch and remember videos than read text alone, which can help boost site engagement and decrease bounce rates.

Better Conversion Rates: Studies show that landing pages with explainer videos can increase conversion rates by up to 80%.

Improved SEO: Search engines favor video content, which can help boost your rankings and drive traffic.

Versatile Marketing Tool: Explainer videos work across various platforms, from social media to email marketing  .

3. Types of Explainer Videos

There are several types of explainer videos, each suited to different marketing goals and target audiences:

Animated Explainer Videos: Using colorful animations, these videos explain abstract ideas effectively and are versatile for various audiences.

Whiteboard Videos: Mimicking a classroom setting, whiteboard videos use hand-drawn illustrations to guide viewers through concepts, ideal for educational content.

Live-Action Videos: Featuring real people, live-action videos are excellent for showcasing physical products or building a personal connection.

Motion Graphics: These videos combine graphic design with animated text and visuals, perfect for explaining data-heavy or abstract ideas.

Screencast Videos: Screen recordings with voiceovers, often used for tutorials and software demos  .

4. How to Create an Effective Explainer Video

Creating an explainer video involves several key steps to ensure it resonates with your target audience and meets your marketing objectives.

Step 1: Define Your Goal and Audience

Start by identifying the goal of your video and who it’s for. Is it to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or educate your audience? The more specific your goal, the easier it is to craft a focused message that resonates.

Step 2: Scriptwriting

A concise, engaging script is the backbone of any explainer video. The script should outline the problem, introduce your product as the solution, and end with a compelling call to action. Keep the language simple, avoid jargon, and use a conversational tone to hold the viewer’s attention  .

Step 3: Choose the Right Style

Select a video style that complements your brand and message. For example, use animation for abstract concepts, live-action for a personal connection, and screencasts for software demos.

Step 4: Voiceover and Music

The right voiceover can make your video more relatable, while background music adds emotional appeal. Choose a voice that resonates with your audience and matches your brand’s tone .

Step 5: Editing and Visuals

Focus on creating high-quality visuals that support your message. The editing process should ensure the video flows smoothly, with clear visuals, transitions, and effects that enhance understanding.

5. Best Practices for Explainer Videos

To maximize the impact of your explainer video, follow these best practices:

Keep it Short and Focused: Aim for a duration of 60-90 seconds to maintain viewer interest.

Focus on Storytelling: Use a narrative that resonates with viewers, guiding them through the problem and presenting your solution.

Include a Strong Call to Action (CTA): Guide viewers on what to do next, whether that’s visiting your site, signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase.

Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords in the video title, description, and tags to help search engines find and index your video content .

6. Distribution: Where to Use Explainer Videos

Explainer videos work across a range of channels, making them a flexible addition to your marketing toolkit. Some distribution channels include:

Website Landing Pages: Increase conversions by embedding explainer videos on product or landing pages.

Social Media Platforms: Use bite-sized versions of your video for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to capture attention quickly.

Email Marketing: Include explainer videos in email campaigns to boost open and click-through rates.

YouTube: Leverage YouTube’s vast audience and SEO benefits by uploading your explainer videos to a dedicated business channel .

7. Conclusion: Why Your Business Needs an Explainer Video

Explainer videos are one of the most effective tools for modern businesses, bridging the gap between complex ideas and user understanding. By combining engaging visuals, a strong narrative, and a compelling CTA, explainer videos can drive significant results across engagement, conversions, and brand loyalty.

Whether you’re new to explainer videos or looking to optimize your existing strategy, creating a high-quality explainer video is a powerful way to amplify your brand’s voice.

Meet the author

Alina

I'm the Director of Creative Operations at Viral Ideas. I'm passionate about marketing, writing, and social media.

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