Have you ever wondered how to sprinkle some magic dust on your marketing strategy? Enter the enchanting world of explainer videos. These captivating video have the power to transform complex ideas into engaging narratives. Ready to explore 5 awesome explainer video while learning how to make you own? Let’s go!
The Power of Explainer Videos
Explainer videos are like the superheroes of the digital marketing universe. These short, engaging videos simplify your message, captivate your audience, and boost your conversion rates better than almost any tool out there. Think of them as your brand’s elevator pitch but with flair, pizzazz, and a dash of entertainment.
Why Explainer Videos Are a Game-Changer
Engagement Galore: Done correctly, these videos grab attention and draw viewers into your message. They’re visually appealing and concise, making them perfect for our fast-paced, content-hungry world.
When was the last time you read through an entire page of text without getting distracted? In today’s digital age, attention spans are dwindling, and that’s where explainer videos come in. They cut through the noise, delivering your message in a format that’s easy to digest and hard to ignore. Imagine your audience actually sticking around to hear what you have to say, all because of a well-crafted video!
Clarity is Key: Got a complex product or service? No problem! Explainer videos break down complicated concepts into easily digestible nuggets of information, ensuring your audience understands your value proposition.
Let’s face it, some products and services are just plain complicated. Try explaining cloud computing or blockchain technology in a few sentences—it’s a challenge! Explainer videos use visuals, sound, and narrative to make even the most complex ideas clear and accessible. They can turn technical jargon into plain English, making sure your audience gets it without having to Google every other word.
Conversion Catalysts: Adding an explainer video to your landing page can boost conversions by up to 144%. Yes, you read that right. They turn casual browsers into committed buyers.
It’s one thing to grab someone’s attention; it’s another to get them to take action. Explainer videos do just that by clearly outlining the benefits of your product or service and guiding viewers towards a call to action. Whether you want them to sign up for a newsletter, download an app, or make a purchase, a compelling explainer video can be the nudge they need to click that button.
Types of Explainer Videos
1. Live-Action: Perfect for adding a personal touch. Think Dollar Shave Club’s iconic video—humor, relatability, and a clear message (see example below).
Live-action explainer videos feature real people and real settings, making them ideal for brands that want to establish a personal connection with their audience. They’re great for showcasing tangible products, demonstrating how they work, and sharing testimonials from satisfied customers. Live-action videos can humanize your brand, making it more relatable and trustworthy.
2. Animated: These videos let your creativity run wild. Ideal for tech products, they make even the most complex concepts look fun and approachable.
2D or 3D animation opens up a world of possibilities. You’re not limited by reality—you can create any scenario you want, making it easier to illustrate abstract ideas and processes. Animation is particularly useful for explaining software, apps, and other digital products. It’s also a great way to add a touch of humor and whimsy to your message, making it more memorable.
3. Whiteboard: Simple, effective, and budget-friendly. These videos are great for educational content and explaining processes step-by-step.
Whiteboard videos are all about simplicity. They feature hand-drawn illustrations on a whiteboard, making them perfect for explaining complex concepts in a clear and straightforward way. They’re often used for educational content, tutorials, and presentations. The step-by-step drawing process keeps viewers engaged, as they watch the story unfold in real-time.
Top 5 Explainer Videos to Inspire You
1. Gisteo: OK, we’re going to toot our own horn here a bit but this video is kind of masterful in blending humor with a relevant, clear message. It’s bold, it’s funny, and it’s unforgettable. If I had a dollar for every client who mentioned this video which “lives” at the top of our homepage, I’d be a very rich man. Just kidding…I might have a just few hundred dollars, actually, but our video have been a highly effective new business tool.
2. PooPourri: This video is simply brilliant. It combines wit and clarity with a strong call to action. It’s proof that a great script and confident delivery can sell, well, just about anything. I love how it uses humor to tackle a somewhat awkward subject—bathroom odors. The video’s smart script and confident delivery not only make viewers laugh but also effectively communicate the product’s benefits. By the end of the video, viewers are not only entertained but also convinced that they need PooPourri in their lives.
3. Dollar Shave Club: Dollar Shave Club’s explainer video is another legendary example of how to use humor to your advantage. The video’s irreverent tone and sharp wit immediately capture the viewer’s attention, while the clear and concise message explains exactly what the company offers. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment and information, making it a standout in the world of awesome explainer videos.
4. Airbnb: This video mixes live-action and animation to showcase real user experiences, making it both relatable and compelling. Airbnb’s explainer video combines live-action footage with animation to tell the stories of real users. This hybrid approach makes the video engaging and relatable, as viewers see real people enjoying unique travel experiences. The video effectively conveys the value of using Airbnb, highlighting both the practical benefits and the emotional appeal of the service.
5. Alzheimer’s Disease “Fading Memories:” Not every explainer video needs to follow the tried and true problem-solution format, nor is humor a mandatory. This Gisteo production takes 2D animation to the next level with a fresh approach with cinematic techniques and a poignant storyline. I wrote and produced this video to help raise awareness for this devastating disease and I’m proud of the end result.
How to Create Your Own Explainer Video
OK, so how could you make your own explainer video if you didn’t have the budget for something like one of the above videos? Here are some tips on producing awesome explainer videos…or at least very good ones!
Scriptwriting: This is the backbone of your video. Keep it short, sweet, and laser-focused on your audience’s needs. Your script should tell a story that’s both engaging and informative.
Writing a great script is all about understanding your audience. What are their pain points? What solutions are they looking for? Your script should address these questions directly, offering clear answers and compelling reasons why your product or service is the best choice. Remember, a good script is concise and focused—every word should serve a purpose.
Quality voiceover : Choose a voice that matches your brand’s personality. Whether it’s professional, casual, or quirky, the right voiceover can bring your script to life.
The voiceover is the heart and soul of your explainer video. It sets the tone and helps convey your message in a way that resonates with your audience. Choose a voice that aligns with your brand’s personality. A professional, authoritative voice might be right for a financial service, while a more casual, friendly voice could be perfect for a lifestyle brand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different voices until you find the perfect match. And, at least for the time being, resist the temptation to use an AI-generated voice.
Production time: From DIY efforts to hiring professionals, there’s a production option for every budget. Tools like PowToon or hiring freelancers can help you craft a solid final product.
When it comes to producing your explainer video, you have plenty of options. If you’re on a tight budget, DIY tools like PowToon or Animoto can help you create a professional-looking video without breaking the bank. For a more polished result, consider hiring a professional production company like Gisteo. The key is to find a balance between quality and cost that works for your needs.
Add Some Tunes: Background music and sound effects can elevate your video. Check out sites like MusOpen, Artlist, FreeSound or Envato (one of our favorites) for royalty-free options.
Music and sound effects can add a lot of depth to your explainer video. The right background track can enhance the mood and make your message more impactful. Don’t forget about sound effects—they can add a touch of realism and help emphasize key points in your video.
Performance Tracking: Use analytics tools like YouTube Insights and Google Analytics to measure your video’s success. This data helps you refine your approach and make your next video even better.
Once your explainer video is live, it’s time to see how it performs. Use analytics tools to track metrics like views, engagement, and conversion rates. Pay attention to where viewers drop off and which parts of the video they engage with the most. This data is invaluable for refining your approach and making your next video even more effective.
The Benefits of Awesome Explainer Videos
Higher Conversions
Explainer videos are incredibly effective at driving conversions. By clearly explaining the benefits of your product or service and guiding viewers towards a call to action, these videos can significantly boost your conversion rates. They help turn casual visitors into committed customers, making them a powerful tool for any marketing strategy.
SEO Boost
Including video content on your website can improve your search engine rankings. Google prioritizes pages with video content, so having an explainer video can help boost your SEO. This means more visibility for your site and more organic traffic.
Increased On-Site Time
Videos encourage visitors to stay longer, absorbing more of your message. They are like magnets for attention, drawing viewers in and keeping them engaged. The longer someone stays on your site, the more likely they are to take action, whether it’s signing up for your newsletter, downloading a free resource, or making a purchase.
Shareability
Explainer videos are highly shareable, extending your reach across social media. People love sharing videos, especially ones that are entertaining.
Conclusion
Awesome explainer videos are a game-changer in the digital marketing landscape. They captivate, clarify, and convert like nothing else. Whether you’re a tech startup trying to explain a complex product or a lifestyle brand aiming to connect with your audience on a personal level, a well-crafted explainer video can make your message resonate.
As you decide to embark on creating your own explainer video, remember the key elements: a compelling script, a fitting voiceover, quality production, engaging music, and thorough performance tracking. With these in place, your explainer video will not only inform but also inspire and drive action.
Ready to transform your marketing strategy? Dive into the world of explainer videos and watch your brand grow. And if you need a little help along the way, contact us at Gisteo is here to bring your vision to life!
