What Are Explainer Videos? And Why Are They So Effective?

People are constantly bombarded with vast amounts of information, which makes it crucial to communicate your message in a concise, engaging, and easy-to-digest manner, capturing the attention of your audience is more challenging than ever. This is where explainer videos come in. These short, highly effective videos are designed to explain complex concepts or products quickly and clearly.

In this blog, we’ll explore what explainer videos are, why they are so effective, and how explainer video production has become a vital tool for businesses across various industries.

What Are Explainer Videos?

Explainer videos are short, animated, or live-action videos that aim to simplify a message or concept. Typically lasting between 60 to 90 seconds, they distill complex information into bite-sized, visually appealing pieces that are easy for the viewer to understand. These videos often use clear language, engaging visuals, and sometimes even humor to keep the audience’s attention while educating them about a specific topic, product, or service.

Explainer videos often include a narrative structure that takes the viewer through a problem, a solution, and the benefits of the solution, ending with a call to action. For instance, if you’re launching a new app, the explainer video might first show the problem the app solves, then explain how it works, and finally demonstrate why it’s valuable to the viewer.

Types of explainer videos include:

  • Animated explainer videos: These are perhaps the most common type, as animation offers limitless creativity and flexibility. It’s perfect for illustrating abstract concepts or products that might be difficult to show in live-action.
  • Live-action explainer videos: These feature real people and are often used for more human-centered content. They can be especially effective when you need to build trust or showcase the human side of your business.
  • Whiteboard explainer videos: In this style, drawings are created in real-time to help illustrate points as the video progresses. These are great for educational content.
  • 3D explainer videos: For businesses with products that have complex mechanics or design elements, 3D animation can offer detailed insights that no other form can.

Whether animated, live-action, or a mix of both, the goal of an explainer video is always the same—helping your audience grasp your message quickly and effectively.

Why Are Explainer Videos So Effective?

The rise in explainer video production isn’t just a passing trend—it’s rooted in the way people consume information. Here are several reasons why explainer videos are so effective:

1. Simplifies Complex Information

Explainer videos break down complicated topics, making them easy to digest. People are more likely to stay engaged when they understand the information being presented, and video excels at simplifying complex data. Through the use of graphics, visuals, and storytelling, even the most intricate product features or services can be explained in a way that’s simple and easy to understand.

For example, a company specializing in AI-driven software might struggle to explain its offerings through text alone. An explainer video can showcase how the software works in a clear and engaging manner, walking the viewer through the technology step by step.

2. Engages Multiple Senses

Humans are visual creatures. Research shows that people retain 80% of what they see and do compared to only 20% of what they read. Explainer videos take advantage of this by appealing to both auditory and visual senses, which helps to reinforce the message. The combination of images, motion, sound, and narration helps create a richer, more memorable experience than text alone.

By engaging multiple senses, explainer videos hold the viewer’s attention for longer. This engagement is key in today’s attention economy, where businesses are fighting for a few seconds of people’s focus.

3. Increases Conversion Rates

One of the primary reasons companies invest in explainer video production is because these videos are powerful conversion tools. A well-crafted explainer video can guide a viewer through a seamless customer journey, leading them to take the desired action—whether that’s signing up for a newsletter, purchasing a product, or booking a consultation.

In fact, studies show that including a video on a landing page can increase conversion rates by up to 80%. This is because video can convey trust, professionalism, and clarity much more effectively than text or static images. Viewers feel more confident in making a purchase or taking action when they understand the value proposition, and explainer videos excel at delivering that clarity.

4. Enhances SEO

Explainer videos doesn’t just benefit conversions—it also helps with search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines like Google prioritize content that provides value to users, and videos are no exception. Embedding an explainer video on your website can help improve your ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), especially if the video is relevant to the content and optimized with the right keywords.

Additionally, videos keep users on your website for longer, reducing bounce rates and signaling to search engines that your content is valuable. This added dwell time is a key ranking factor for search algorithms, making explainer videos a useful tool for boosting visibility and online presence.

5. Builds Trust and Credibility

Building trust is crucial in today’s market, where consumers are often skeptical of businesses and their claims. Explainer videos allow companies to humanize their brand, introduce themselves, and communicate their values more effectively than any other medium. The personal, visual nature of video can make your business seem more approachable and trustworthy.

For example, if a new user lands on your website and sees an explainer video walking them through how your product works, they’re more likely to feel confident in trying your services. Explainer videos often include testimonials, demonstrations, or company overviews that can give customers the confidence they need to move forward with a purchase.

6. Highly Shareable

Another reason explainer videos are so effective is their shareability. People love sharing content that’s engaging and easy to understand. Explainer videos, with their concise and compelling format, are often shared across social media platforms, exponentially increasing their reach.

A compelling explainer video can go viral, which can lead to significant brand awareness. If someone finds the video valuable, they are likely to share it with their network, leading to a ripple effect that drives more traffic to your business.

Final Thoughts

In the age of information overload, the ability to simplify complex ideas and grab attention is invaluable. That’s why explainer video production has become a crucial tool for businesses looking to connect with their audience, boost conversions, and improve their overall online presence.

Explainer videos are a powerful way to communicate your brand’s value in a format that is engaging, easy to digest, and memorable. Whether you’re launching a new product, educating your audience, or increasing brand awareness, explainer videos offer a proven way to simplify your message while maximizing its impact.

Albert corn
Author: Albert corn