Explainer videos are a powerful way to communicate ideas and connect with audiences, but selecting the right type of video style is key to ensuring your message resonates. Each format has unique strengths and is suited to different types of content and audiences. Here’s a look at the main types of explainer videos to help you decide which is the best fit for your brand.

‍

1. Animated Explainer Videos

‍

Animated explainer videos are highly versatile, using motion graphics, characters, and colorful visuals to bring complex ideas to life. These videos are great for explaining abstract products, such as software or services, as animation allows for creativity and visual storytelling that might be challenging with real-life footage.

‍

Best For: Startups, tech companies, and brands with complex or abstract products.

‍

Pros: Highly engaging, visually versatile, cost-effective.

‍

Cons: May lack a personal touch since they don’t show real people.

‍

2. Whiteboard Explainer Videos

‍

Whiteboard videos use hand-drawn illustrations on a whiteboard to guide viewers through a narrative, step by step. This style is ideal for educational content, as it mimics a classroom setting and breaks down information in a straightforward, easy-to-follow manner.

‍

Best For: Educational content, nonprofits, and brands looking to explain processes or step-by-step guides.

‍

Pros: Simple, highly informative, effective for explaining complex ideas.

‍

Cons: Limited visual appeal, may lack dynamic elements.

‍

3. Live-Action Explainer Videos

‍

Live-action videos feature real people and settings, creating an authentic connection with viewers. This format works well for businesses with physical products or for brands that want to build a personal connection. Showing people using your product can add trust and relatability, making it ideal for customer testimonials or team introductions.

‍

Best For: E-commerce, personal services, and brands looking to humanize their message.

‍

Pros: Builds trust, relatable, great for showcasing real products.

‍

Cons: Higher production costs, less flexibility for abstract concepts.

‍

4. Motion Graphics Explainer Videos

‍

Motion graphics videos focus on animated text and graphic elements rather than characters or hand-drawn illustrations. This style is particularly effective for data-heavy or abstract topics that require clear visual representation, such as financial services, tech companies, or data-focused products.

‍

Best For: B2B companies, financial services, or businesses explaining data-driven topics.

‍

Pros: Professional, clear, great for abstract concepts.

‍

Cons: Can feel impersonal without characters or narrative.

‍

5. Screencast Explainer Videos

‍

Screencast videos capture a screen recording with narration, ideal for software tutorials, app demos, or online service overviews. This format allows viewers to see exactly how a product or service works, providing a step-by-step visual guide that’s perfect for educational purposes.

‍

Best For: SaaS, educational platforms, or products with complex user interfaces.

‍

Pros: Low-cost, instructional, great for technical demos.

‍

Cons: Limited engagement if not visually dynamic, typically less suitable for marketing-focused content.

‍

Choosing the Right Type for Your Brand

‍

When choosing the right type of explainer video, consider your product, target audience, and key message. A tech startup might benefit from animated videos to explain an abstract service, while a retail brand might prefer live-action videos that feature people using the product in real life.

‍

Conclusion

‍

The right explainer video style can make a significant difference in how effectively your brand communicates with its audience. By selecting a format that aligns with your message and audience, you can create an engaging, memorable video that drives real results for your brand.