What is an Explainer Video?

“How many times did you not understand something until someone showed you how to do it?”

You may have heard how important an explainer video is to a business. Explainer videos are the most commonly created type of video, but still not sure what it is?

Simply put- it’s a short story that turns complex ideas into user-friendly terms to give your target audience a better understanding of your company and its products or services.

If you run a business that is hard to explain, then you need an explainer video. You may think your business concept is simple because it is your area of expertise. But if you are trying to find the words to clearly explain what your company does to a perplexed potential customer then you need an explainer video.

How many times did you not understand something until someone showed you how to do it? You have had those moments where a person is telling you the directions and you cannot figure it out until they come over and do it for you and then you go, “Oh, that was so easy. I get it now.” That’s the purpose of an explainer video. It makes the customer say, “Oh, I get what your company does. I understand your product or service better now.”

A whopping 96% of people watch videos to help them better understand a product or service.

Where would you put an explainer video anyway? Everywhere! You want to reach as many potential customers as possible. Use it on your homepage. Share it on social media. Display it on a landing page.

Explainer videos are short, under 3 minutes.

They have a quality script, content, voice-over/music, and a good production value. The script should be educational and engaging.

The character(s) in the video represent your target audience. The video focuses on a problem that your target audience has in their life. The video then needs to explain how your product or services solves this problem and why they should choose your company.

At the end of the video, there should be a Call-to-Action. What are viewers supposed to after watching the video? You need to tell them. Do you want them to visit your website? Make an appointment? Purchase your product?

An explainer video is an easy way to clearly explain a complex idea and help clients/potential customers remember your company.

Depending on your products and services, you want to choose an explainer video that is right for your company.

Types of explainer videos

Infographics: Great way to convey statistics, graphs, timelines, maps, how-to’s, lists, photos, and more. Helps to clarify information and showcase the main features of your company. An easier way to process large amounts of information.  example

Product Simulation: Shows your product in action. Used when advertising apps, software, or some type of digital platform. example

Character: Your target audience is represented by cartoon characters who solve a problem by using your product or service. The character can also be used to tell the story of your company, product, or service.

Whiteboard/Chalkboard: Conveys the spontaneous act of writing on a whiteboard- think office and classrooms. It is commonly used in technology, business, or academics. It features marker drawings on a white background. example

Motion graphic: Simplifies complex ideas by using graphics, animation, text, and sound in a compelling way.  2-D Example and 3-D example

Live-Action: This type of video uses real people and objects to highlight a company’s mission or purpose and explains products and services. example and animation mix example

Crowdfunding: Explains how you will spend investor money. It can be live-action or animated and typically lasts a little longer than 3 minutes because there can be a lot of explain. example

What are you waiting for?

The sooner you have an explainer video than the sooner you can start increasing sales, conversion rates, and increasing your customer’s understanding of your product or service.

Pick a type of explainer video that would work well for your business and read 12 Steps to Writing a Script to get started today.