What Is An Explainer Video ?

Introduction

Definition of an Explainer Video

An explainer video is a short, engaging video that breaks down a product, service, or concept into clear and easy-to-understand visuals and audio. Unlike traditional ads or lengthy presentations, explainer videos use creative visuals and concise narration to deliver information quickly. This format makes complex topics simpler and more accessible for audiences, helping them grasp ideas that may be challenging to convey through text alone.

In the digital landscape, where audiences are constantly bombarded with information, explainer videos serve as a valuable tool. They focus on delivering key messages in a way that is both engaging and memorable, providing audiences with an efficient way to understand what a brand has to offer.

Why Explainer Videos are Essential in Digital Marketing

Explainer videos have gained widespread popularity across industries due to their ability to make complex ideas easy to understand and retain. They’re commonly used by companies in sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and education, where products or services often need explanation. From introducing a new product to explaining company values, explainer videos help brands communicate effectively with their audiences.

Their visual appeal and storytelling approach make explainer videos particularly powerful in digital marketing. In a world where digital content is highly competitive, explainer videos stand out as they can quickly convey core messages in a way that holds viewers’ attention and enhances understanding.

The Purpose and Impact of Explainer Videos

How Explainer Videos Simplify Communication

Explainer videos are uniquely effective in breaking down complex information into digestible, visually appealing segments. By combining visual storytelling with carefully crafted scripts, they can transform intricate concepts into relatable narratives. This makes them ideal for brands and industries where explaining a product or process is essential to audience understanding.

Unlike text-heavy descriptions or static presentations, explainer videos guide viewers through information step-by-step, using visuals, animations, and voiceovers to maintain interest. They make complex topics easier to understand and retain, significantly boosting message comprehension.

The Business Value of Explainer Videos

The impact of explainer videos on business success is profound. These videos increase engagement, drive higher conversion rates, and strengthen a brand’s credibility. For instance, studies show that including an explainer video on a landing page can improve conversion rates by up to 80%, highlighting their effectiveness in attracting and retaining customers.

Explainer videos also reinforce a brand’s reliability by presenting information in a way that’s informative yet approachable. By delivering clear and consistent messages, these videos help build trust and resonate with viewers. They offer a cost-effective way to engage audiences, making them a valuable asset for businesses aiming to boost customer interest and drive results.

Types of Explainer Videos

1. Animated Explainer Videos

Animated explainer videos are one of the most popular formats, particularly suited for 2D and 3D animation styles. These videos provide flexibility in terms of storytelling, allowing for creative visuals that can be tailored to the brand’s style and audience preferences. They’re ideal for demonstrating how a product works, explaining complex processes, or creating a memorable brand character. Animated explainer videos engage viewers through visuals, making them a highly versatile option for any industry.

2. Whiteboard and Infographic Videos

Whiteboard videos are characterized by their simplicity and clarity. Typically, they feature a “drawing hand” animation style that sketches out visuals on a white background, often coupled with text and voiceover to explain each step. This format is widely used for educational and instructional purposes, as it clearly illustrates processes, steps, or ideas. Infographic videos work similarly by presenting data or step-by-step information, making them excellent for conveying information-heavy content in a straightforward way.

3. Live-Action Explainer Videos

Live-action explainer videos incorporate real people, locations, and products to convey the brand’s message. They’re particularly useful for businesses aiming to build an authentic connection with their audience, as they showcase real-life scenarios. For instance, a brand may use a live-action explainer to demonstrate product usage or highlight customer testimonials. This type of video can strengthen trust and relatability by giving viewers a tangible look at the people and products behind the brand.

When to Choose Each Type

Selecting the right type of explainer video depends on your brand, audience, and goals. Animated videos work well for abstract concepts or product demos, while whiteboard and infographic videos are ideal for educational or detailed content. Live-action videos best suit brands looking to build authenticity and directly showcase their products or services. Each type offers unique benefits, so choosing one that aligns with your objectives is essential for effective storytelling.

How Explainer Videos are Created: The Production Process

Step 1. Initial Concept and Script Development

The creation of a successful explainer video begins with understanding the brand message, audience, and specific objectives. In this phase, Austin Visuals collaborates closely with clients to discuss the desired message and tone, ensuring that the video aligns with the brand’s voice. A strong script is essential, as it lays the groundwork for clear and engaging communication. Our team works to develop a script that captures the main message in a concise, relatable way.

Step 2. Storyboarding and Visual Planning

Storyboarding is where the vision takes shape. Each scene is planned out in detail to create a coherent, engaging narrative that flows seamlessly from start to finish. The storyboard outlines the visual elements, transitions, and character interactions, ensuring every moment supports the message. Storyboarding helps visualize the concept before moving into the animation or filming stage, allowing clients to see a preliminary version of the narrative structure.

Step 3. Animation and Visual Design

Once the storyboard is approved, our team begins the animation phase, where we bring visuals to life through dynamic animation. Whether it’s a 2D animated character or a 3D-rendered product, this stage turns the concept into visual action. Animation design choices, such as colors, movements, and transitions, are meticulously crafted to align with the brand identity and enhance the viewer’s understanding of the message.

Step 4. Sound Design and Voiceover

Sound design and voiceover add depth to the visual experience. A professional voiceover can make a significant difference in how the message is perceived, lending an engaging, human touch to the content. The sound design team also incorporates background music or sound effects to further enrich the viewing experience, ensuring that the audio complements and enhances the video’s visuals.

Step 5. Final Edits and Delivery

In the final stage, we conduct thorough reviews and edits, fine-tuning each element to ensure the final video aligns perfectly with the client’s vision. Adjustments to animation timing, voiceover syncing, and visual effects are made as needed to achieve a polished final product. After approval, the completed explainer video is delivered, ready to engage audiences and communicate the brand’s message effectively.

The Benefits of Using Explainer Videos

1. Clear Communication of Complex Ideas

One of the most significant advantages of explainer videos is their ability to simplify complex concepts. For businesses that need to explain intricate processes, technical products, or multi-step services, explainer videos break down these ideas into clear, engaging visuals. Using animation, voiceover, and visual storytelling, these videos can present information in a way that’s easy for viewers to understand and remember. By making complex ideas accessible, explainer videos enhance a brand’s credibility and make their offerings more approachable.

2. Increased Viewer Engagement and Retention

In a digital space saturated with content, holding audience attention is key. Explainer videos excel in this area because they combine visuals, sound, and movement to capture interest and sustain engagement. Studies show that viewers retain information presented in videos better than text alone, with explainer videos providing a memorable, enjoyable experience. This high level of engagement leads to increased viewer retention, meaning that audiences are more likely to remember and respond to the brand’s message.

3. Versatile Applications Across Marketing Channels

Explainer videos are incredibly versatile, making them a valuable asset across various marketing platforms. Brands use them on websites to enhance product pages, in email campaigns to introduce new services, and on social media to reach a broader audience. The adaptability of explainer videos means they can be repurposed for webinars, presentations, or digital ads. With explainer videos, brands have a powerful tool that performs well on any channel, allowing for consistent communication of key messages.

When Should You Use an Explainer Video?

Launching a New Product or Service

When launching a new product or service, an explainer video can help potential customers understand the unique benefits and functionality of what’s being offered. By providing a concise overview, explainer videos guide viewers through the product’s features and uses, ensuring they leave with a clear understanding. For new launches, an explainer video acts as an introductory piece, creating excitement while educating audiences on why the new offering is valuable.

Brand Awareness Campaigns

Explainer videos are also effective in brand awareness campaigns. They give viewers an introduction to the brand’s mission, values, and core services, helping establish a connection. By focusing on the brand story or unique value proposition, explainer videos make the brand relatable and memorable. In an awareness campaign, this format engages viewers from the start, setting the tone for future interactions and fostering trust.

Training and Education

Beyond external marketing, explainer videos are valuable for training and education. Many businesses use them for onboarding employees, teaching new skills, or explaining processes internally. Educational institutions and e-learning platforms also benefit, as explainer videos help clarify lessons and reinforce learning objectives. For training purposes, explainer videos save time and resources, allowing information to be shared in a uniform, easily digestible way.

Real-Life Success Stories: How Explainer Videos Have Helped Our Clients

Case Study 1: ACC Workforce and Community Programs (2D Animation)

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) partnered with Austin Visuals to create a 2D animated explainer video that highlighted their Workforce and Community Programs (WCP). ACC wanted to connect with prospective students and community members in a way that was informative yet engaging. Our team at Austin Visuals developed an animated video featuring ACC’s puma mascot as a relatable guide. The animation showcased various programs in an easy-to-understand manner while incorporating ACC’s brand colors for consistency. This project successfully communicated ACC’s message to a broad audience, emphasizing that their programs are accessible to all.

Case Study 2: Komatsu’s Industrial 3D Animation

For a client in the industrial sector, Komatsu, Austin Visuals crafted a 3D animated explainer video to demonstrate the functions of their complex machinery. In industries where technical specifications and functionality are critical, it’s essential to provide a visual explanation that is both accurate and compelling. The 3D animation helped showcase how Komatsu’s equipment operates, providing prospective clients with a realistic view of its capabilities. This animation not only clarified the product’s functionality but also enhanced Komatsu’s reputation as an industry leader by presenting their equipment in an innovative, professional format.

Both case studies illustrate how customized explainer videos—whether 2D or 3D—can serve diverse industries by simplifying complex information and engaging audiences effectively. Austin Visuals’ ability to tailor videos to meet each client’s unique goals has helped numerous brands communicate with clarity and impact.

Why Choose Austin Visuals for Explainer Videos?

Experience and Expertise

With over 18+ years in the animation industry, Austin Visuals brings extensive experience and specialized knowledge to every project. Our team is made up of skilled animators, designers, and storytellers who understand what it takes to craft an engaging, effective explainer video. Our experience spans various industries, including tech, healthcare, education, and industrial sectors, ensuring we have the expertise to handle any challenge or concept.

Custom Solutions for Every Brand

At Austin Visuals, we believe every brand has a unique story. That’s why we offer custom animation solutions designed to meet specific business goals. We work closely with our clients, collaborating on script development, visuals, and messaging to ensure the final product reflects their brand’s voice and values. From conceptualization to final delivery, we create videos tailored to resonate with target audiences and communicate the brand’s message clearly.

Proven Results and Satisfied Clients

Our track record speaks for itself. Austin Visuals has delivered high-quality animation solutions to numerous satisfied clients, with positive feedback highlighting our professionalism, creativity, and commitment to excellence. From small startups to established corporations, we’ve helped brands enhance their communication strategies and achieve measurable results. Our clients’ testimonials and success stories underscore our reliability and the value we bring to each project.

Services Offered by Austin Visuals

• Visual FX
• Post Production
• 3D Animation
• 2D Animation
• Drone Videography
• App & Software Development
• Motion Graphics
• Scripting
• Marketing Consultation
• Game Development
• Visual Solutions

Our Clients include :

Conclusion

Explainer videos are essential tools for brands in the digital age, turning complex messages into engaging, memorable content. Whether for product launches, brand awareness, or education, they capture attention and drive engagement across platforms like websites, social media, and presentations. Their flexibility and storytelling power make them invaluable for any brand looking to stand out.

Ready to create an impactful explainer video? Fill out the contact form below to connect with Austin Visuals. Our team will help transform your message into clear, effective visuals that resonate with your audience. Let’s bring your vision to life!