Introduction
Explainer video meaning, you ask? We’ve got the answer.
But first, let’s get something straight.
Your prospects aren’t going to dig through a wall of text to figure out what your business does. They won’t read your 8-paragraph “About Us” page.
They’re busy. Distracted. Drowning in content. You’ve got about 90 seconds (or less) to make your point before they vanish.
That’s why smart marketers turn to perhaps the most underrated conversion tool in the game today: the explainer video.
So, What’s the Real Explainer Video Meaning?
At its core, an explainer video is a short, high-impact marketing video that clearly explains what your product or service does and—more importantly—why anyone should care.
Think of it as your pitch…only way more fun, way more effective, and working for you 24/7.
We’re not talking Hollywood blockbusters here. We’re talking bite-sized clarity bombs—usually 30 to 90 seconds long—that combine simple scripting, engaging visuals, and a laser-focused message.
The true explainer video meaning is about getting your value across fast…before attention runs out.
Why Explainer Videos Work (And Why You’re Crazy Not to Use One)
Let’s talk numbers. It’s been a few years, but according to a 2020 study, 84% of consumers said they were convinced to buy a product or service after watching an explainer video. Not interested, not curious. Convinced. That’s a marketer’s dream.
And it gets better.
Drop one of these puppies on your homepage and watch conversion rates shoot up by as much as 80%. That’s not a typo. That’s reality.
It’s no wonder nearly three-quarters (73%) of marketers say explainer videos are their top-performing format. But here’s the kicker: most businesses still don’t get the explainer video meaning right. They think it’s about “looking cool.” It’s not. It’s about selling smart.
Two Flavors, Same Mission: Simplicity
Explainer videos come in two main flavors:
1. Animated Explainers
These are the most common. Affordable. Flexible. Visually creative. Whether you’re building a digital universe in 2D, going cinematic with 3D animation, or spicing up data with motion graphics—animation gives you complete control over how your message is delivered.
No actors. No camera crews. Just pure imagination paired with message clarity. Here’s just one of our many animated explainers for a leading optics and photonics organization:
2. Live-Action Explainers
Want a human touch? Use real people. Real locations. This kind of explainer connects emotionally, builds trust, and stands out in a sea of animated content. Even something as simple as a person talking to camera can work wonders when the message is tight and the visuals are clean.
In fact, our own Gisteo explainer video is live-action:
And for the rebels out there: yes, you can mix both. Hybrid videos, or mixed media videos, combine the best of both worlds.
No matter what you choose, the explainer video meaning stays the same: explain clearly, engage emotionally, convert decisively.
So What Makes Explainers So Darn Effective?
Let’s break it down.
1. They Force You to Focus
You can’t cram a 10-page brochure into 60 seconds. Creating an explainer video forces you to zero in on what really matters: who you help, how you help, and why anyone should care. It’s the ultimate clarity exercise for your brand.
2. They Tell a Story That Sells
Good explainer videos follow a simple but deadly effective format:
-
Hook with a relatable problem.
-
Reveal your product or service as the solution.
-
Show how it works.
-
Hit them with a crystal-clear call to action.
It’s fast. It’s friendly. It sells.
3. They Reflect Your Brand’s Personality
An explainer video isn’t just a pitch—it’s a vibe check. The visuals, tone, pacing—they all say something about who your company is. Whether you’re sleek and corporate or quirky and creative, a good explainer lets your brand’s true self shine through.
4. They Work Anywhere and Everywhere
Website landing page? Check. Social media? Check. Email campaigns, onboarding, tradeshow screens, internal training, client pitches? Check, check, and check.
Explainer videos are portable, shareable, and ridiculously versatile. And because they increase time-on-page, they can even give your SEO a nice little boost.
5. They Unleash Your Creativity
Explainer videos are your sandbox. Want to animate a talking robot? Do it. Want to set your story in outer space? A talking Moose? Go for it. Actually, we did that for a family game and here’s the video to prove it:
Modern video tools make it easy—and cost-effective—to create something memorable, even magical.
The only limit is your imagination (and maybe your budget, but we can work with that).
Humanizing Your Brand Through Explainer Videos
In today’s digital landscape, establishing a genuine connection with your audience is paramount. Explainer videos serve as a powerful tool to humanize your brand, making it more relatable and trustworthy.
1. Showcasing Faces and Emotions
Incorporating real people into your videos—be it team members, satisfied customers, or relatable characters—can enhance viewer engagement.
Featuring faces in videos helps build familiarity and trust. Viewers are naturally drawn to human faces, and seeing someone smile or express genuine emotion can evoke similar feelings in the audience, fostering a deeper connection with your brand.
2. Telling Authentic Stories
Storytelling is a timeless method to convey messages effectively. Crafting narratives around relatable characters and scenarios allows viewers to see themselves in the story, making your message more impactful.
By presenting challenges and demonstrating how your product or service offers solutions, you not only inform but also resonate emotionally with your audience.
3. Reflecting Your Brand’s Personality
An explainer video isn’t just about explaining a product or service; it’s an opportunity to showcase your brand’s culture and values.
The style, tone, and content of your video should align with your brand identity, whether it’s professional, playful, innovative, or compassionate. This alignment helps in creating a consistent and authentic brand image that audiences can relate to and trust.
4. Building Trust Through Transparency
Transparency is key to building trust. Explainer videos that openly address common questions, demonstrate product usage, or share behind-the-scenes insights can demystify your offerings. Such transparency not only educates but also shows that your brand has nothing to hide, reinforcing credibility and trustworthiness.
Wrapping It All Up
The explainer video meaning isn’t about flashy animation or trendy visuals. It’s about results. It’s about cutting through noise, simplifying your message, and turning more eyeballs into action.
In the age of shrinking attention spans, clarity is king—and explainer videos wear the crown.
At Gisteo, we’ve produced thousands of explainer videos for companies of all shapes and sizes. Our rates are more affordable than most (especially with our unique Unlimited Yearly Plan). We know what works, what converts, and how to turn “just another video” into a business asset that performs.
If you’re still wondering what the explainer video meaning is for your brand, let’s talk. Contact us today or schedule a free consultation to further discuss.
