Animated Explainer Video Guide for 2025

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Picture of Stephen Conley
Stephen Conley
Stephen is Gisteo's Founder & Creative Director. After a long career in advertising, Stephen launched Gisteo in 2011 and the rest is history. He has an MBA in International Business from Thunderbird and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he did indeed inhale (in moderation).

It’s a new year and it’s time for a new animated explainer guide for 2025.

Capturing your audience’s attention has never been more challenging, but fortunately animated explainer remain once of the most valuate tools for cutting through the noise.

Whether you’re a startup looking to communicate your value proposition, a healthcare provider looking to explain complex medical procedures or a SaaS company launching a new platform, Gisteo’s animated explainer guide will walk you through everything you need to know about animated explainers in 2025.

What Are Animated Explainer Videos?

Animated explainer videos are short, engaging pieces of content that use animation to communicate complex ideas, products, or services in a simple, memorable way.

Typically ranging from 60-90 seconds, these videos combine compelling visuals with concise messaging to drive action. By blending storytelling, animation, and strategic scriptwriting, explainer videos effectively educate and convert viewers into customers.

Why Your Business Needs an Explainer Video in 2025

Animated explainer videos have been more than just a trend for the past decade—they’re a necessity in today’s digital-first world. Here’s why:

  • According to a Wyzowl study, 78% of users report a better understanding of products or services after watching an explainer video.
  • Hubspot reports that websites featuring explainer videos experience 2.6x longer average session durations.
  • And Wyzowl’s annual report also reveals that 84% of consumers have been convinced to purchase a product or service after watching a brand’s video.

These numbers highlight the importance of leveraging animated explainer videos to educate, engage, and convert your audience. Quite simply, animated explainer videos are the Swiss Army knives of marketing tools.

Key Components of a Successful Explainer Video

Creating an effective explainer video requires a strategic approach. Here are the essential components:

1. Compelling Story Structure

A great explainer video normally follows a simple yet powerful storytelling framework:

  • Clear problem identification – Address a common pain point.
  • Solution presentation – Show how your product or service solves the issue.
  • Benefits explanation – Highlight key advantages and why it matters.
  • Strong call-to-action – Guide viewers on the next steps to take.

There are a number of different scriptwriting frameworks that we use at Gisteo. This video outlines 9 different ways to write your story:

2. Professional Animation

High-quality animation enhances engagement and credibility. Key elements include:

  • Clean, modern design – A polished, professional aesthetic.
  • Consistent branding – Colors, typography, and style that align with your brand.
  • Smooth transitions – Seamless animation that keeps the video dynamic.
  • Engaging visual metaphors – Using imagery to simplify complex concepts.

3. Strategic Script Writing

The script is the foundation of your explainer video. Keep it:

  • Concise – Focused messaging that delivers key points efficiently.
  • Conversational – Engaging language that resonates with your audience.
  • Clear in value proposition – Clearly stating why your solution is beneficial.
  • Emotionally compelling – Creating a connection through storytelling.

Popular Animation Styles in 2025

Different animation styles cater to various industries and messaging needs. Here are the top styles trending in 2025:

1. 2D Animation

  • Perfect for: Clean, versatile storytelling.
  • Best for: Tech, business services, and startups.

2. Motion Graphics

  • Perfect for: Data visualization and technical concepts.
  • Best for: SaaS companies and technical products.

3. Mixed Media

  • Perfect for: Dynamic, attention-grabbing presentations.
  • Best for: Creative industries and innovative products.

4. Kinetic Typography

  • Perfect for: Message-focused communication.
  • Best for: Service-based businesses and educational content.

Industry-Specific Applications

Animated explainer videos are versatile and can be tailored to various industries:

Healthcare

  • Patient education
  • Medical procedure explanations
  • Healthcare technology demonstrations
  • Insurance policy breakdowns

SaaS

  • Product demonstrations
  • Feature updates
  • User onboarding
  • Technical concept explanations

E-Commerce & Retail

  • Product showcases
  • Customer testimonials
  • Promotional campaigns
  • How-to guides

Finance & Fintech

  • Banking services explanations
  • Investment strategies
  • Cryptocurrency and blockchain breakdowns
  • Fraud prevention education

Education & E-Learning

  • Course previews
  • Training modules
  • Interactive learning experiences
  • Concept explanations for students

Manufacturing & Industrial

  • Production process demonstrations
  • Safety training videos
  • Product assembly instructions
  • Industry innovations highlights

Nonprofits & Government

  • Awareness campaigns
  • Policy explanations
  • Fundraising initiatives
  • Community engagement

Production Process Breakdown

Creating an animated explainer video involves a structured process:

1. Discovery & Strategy (Week 1)

  • Define goals and objectives
  • Identify target audience
  • Select animation style
  • Develop key messaging

2. Script Development (Week 2)

  • Structure the story
  • Integrate key messages
  • Prepare voiceover script

3. Visual Development (Week 3)

  • Storyboarding
  • Style frame selection
  • Character and asset design

4. Animation Production (Weeks 4-5)

  • Scene animation
  • Transition effects
  • Sound design and voiceover integration
  • Final polish and quality check

For more on our process at Gisteo, check out this quick video:

Best Practices for 2025

To maximize impact, follow these best practices:

1. Keep it Concise

  • Focus on one core message.
  • Aim for 60-90 seconds.
  • Front-load key information.

2. Optimize for Mobile

  • Use clear, readable text.
  • Design for sound-off viewing.
  • Ensure smooth playback on all devices.

3. Maintain Brand Consistency

  • Align visual identity with existing branding.
  • Keep messaging consistent with other marketing materials.

4. Include a Strong Call-to-Action

  • Clearly state the next step viewers should take.
  • Keep it focused and memorable.

Investment Considerations

Animated explainer videos vary in cost depending on complexity and quality:

  • Typical range: $2,000 – $15,000. Gisteo is on the more affordable end of this spectrum.
  • Factors affecting cost:
    • Animation style
    • Video length
    • Complexity
    • Production timeline

ROI Metrics to Track

To measure success, monitor these key performance indicators:

1. Engagement Metrics

  • View duration
  • Play rate
  • Social shares

2. Business Metrics

  • Conversion rate
  • Time on site
  • Lead generation

3. Sales Metrics

  • Sales cycle length
  • Close rate
  • Customer acquisition cost

Future Trends in Explainer Videos

As technology advances, expect to see:

  • Interactive elements – Clickable hotspots and branching narratives.
  • AR/VR integration – Immersive storytelling experiences.
  • Personalized content – AI-driven customization based on user behavior.
  • AI-powered animation – Faster production with AI-generated visuals.

Ready to Create Your Animated Explainer Video?

Before starting, consider these key questions:

  • What’s your core message?
  • Who’s your target audience?
  • What’s your desired outcome?
  • What’s your timeline and budget?

Remember: The best animated explainer videos combine strategic messaging with professional animation to create memorable, effective content that drives business success.

Conclusion

Animated explainer videos continue to be one of the most effective tools for business communication this year and beyond.

By understanding key components, following best practices, working with experienced professionals and keeping in mind other key aspects outlined in this animated explainer video guide for 2025, you can create compelling videos that drive real results for your business.

If you have an animated explainer video that you would like to discuss, don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a free consultation.

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