Creating effective explainer videos is a crucial aspect of connecting with your target audience and promoting your content and brand. While the idea of producing such videos might initially seem daunting, this article aims to provide straightforward tips and exceptional examples to assist you in this endeavor.
An explainer video is a concise presentation that effectively communicates how something works to a specific audience. In marketing, these videos are frequently employed to showcase the benefits and functionality of a product or service. They can be shared on platforms like YouTube and social media or prominently featured on your website’s homepage or product pages.
There are various types of explainer videos, with the three most common being live-action, animated, and whiteboard explainer videos. Live-action videos, incorporating real people, are best suited for businesses selling physical products or services centered on people. Animated videos, created through animation, are ideal for explaining intangible services or software products. Whiteboard videos, falling under the animated category, specifically feature hand-drawn (or simulated) animation on a whiteboard. Additionally, screencast videos provide a cost-effective option, showcasing users interacting with a product or service online.
To ensure the success of your explainer video, adhere to some best practices. Keep the video short, ideally between 30 to 90 seconds, but if necessary, use creativity to maintain audience attention in longer videos. Get straight to the point and clearly convey your message within the first 30 seconds. Use simple language, avoid technical jargon, and address your audience directly to maintain engagement throughout the video.
Now, let’s delve into the process of creating an explainer video. The method you choose will depend on the type of explainer video you intend to make. Most explainer videos follow general steps, starting with writing a script providing a brief overview of your product or service. Introduce a problem and explain how your offering resolves it. Conclude with a call-to-action prompting viewers to take relevant steps. Record a clear and high-quality voiceover, then decide on your production approach, whether hiring professionals or opting for a DIY approach. Add music and sound effects to keep your audience engaged, utilizing platforms like YouTube, Audacity, Free Sound, and MusOpen for licensed music and effects. Once completed, upload your video to the preferred platform and monitor its performance to gather insights for future improvements.
To gain inspiration and understanding in crafting explainer videos, analyze some outstanding examples. Ten noteworthy videos include Grammarly, Synthesia, Feels, Walmart – YMS, Inventory Ahead, Purina, Freighty, Fiverr, UberEats, and Spotify. Each exemplifies different elements of effective explainer videos, such as clear explanations, engaging storytelling, eye-catching animation, and relatable narratives. By studying these examples and incorporating best practices, you can create your own successful explainer videos. For further insights into video creation, refer to video marketing statistics to inform your strategy.
