Introduction
Explainer videos are powerful tools for communicating complex ideas in a simple, engaging manner. Whether you’re introducing a new product, explaining a service, or sharing a concept, a well-crafted explainer video can captivate your audience and convey your message effectively. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make an explainer video that resonates with your audience.
1. Define Your Objective
Before diving into production, clarify the purpose of your video. Are you aiming to:
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Introduce a new product or service?
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Explain a complex process?
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Highlight key features or benefits?
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Drive traffic to your website or landing page?
Having a clear objective will guide the content, style, and distribution of your video.
2. Understand Your Audience
Identify who you’re speaking to. Consider their:
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Demographics (age, location, profession)
- Psychographics
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Pain points and challenges
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Level of familiarity with your topic
Tailoring your message to your audience ensures relevance and engagement.
3. Craft a Compelling Script
The script is the backbone of your explainer video. Keep it:
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Concise: Aim for 60–90 seconds in length.
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Clear: Use simple language and avoid jargon.
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Structured: Follow a logical flow—problem, solution, benefits, and call to action.
Remember, you’re telling a story. Make it relatable and engaging. For more information on creating video script, check out this video:
4. Develop a Storyboard
A storyboard visualizes your script, scene by scene. It outlines:
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Visual elements and animations
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On-screen text
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Voiceover cues
This step ensures alignment between the script and visuals, streamlining the production process.
5. Choose the Right Style
Select a visual style that aligns with your brand and message. Common styles include:
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2D Animation: Simple and versatile, suitable for most topics.
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Whiteboard Animation: Mimics hand-drawn illustrations, ideal for educational content.
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Live-Action: Features real people and settings, adding authenticity.
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Motion Graphics: Uses dynamic text and shapes, great for data-driven content.
Your choice should resonate with your audience and enhance your message.
6. DIY Software Options: The Truth About Going It Alone
If you’re considering the DIY route, here are some software options with their pros and cons:
Animation Software:
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Vyond ($299/month): Offers template-based animation with customizable characters, backgrounds, and props. Good for beginners but limited creative freedom.
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Animaker ($20–$120/month): Features drag-and-drop functionality with multiple animation styles. Limited export options at lower price points.
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Powtoon ($19–$99/month): User-friendly interface with pre-made templates. Can feel template-driven and less unique.
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Adobe After Effects ($20.99/month): Professional-grade animation capabilities but steep learning curve.
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Blender (Free): Open-source 3D creation suite with powerful capabilities but extremely technical.
Video Editing Software:
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Adobe Premiere Pro ($20.99/month): Industry-standard editing software with comprehensive tools.
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Final Cut Pro ($299.99 one-time): Apple’s professional video editing software.
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DaVinci Resolve (Free version available): Powerful color grading and editing capabilities.
Voiceover Resources:
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Audacity (Free): Basic audio recording and editing software.
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Voice123 or Voices.com ($100–$500 per project): Professional voice actor marketplaces.
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Fiverr ($5–$100): Budget voice talent with variable quality.
Stock Assets:
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Envato Elements ($16.50/month): Subscription-based platform for video templates, music, sound effects.
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Shutterstock ($29–$199/month): Stock footage, images, and music.
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Artlist.io ($16.60/month): Royalty-free music and sound effects.
The DIY approach might seem cost-effective initially, but consider these hidden challenges:
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Learning curve: Software takes weeks or months to master.
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Equipment costs: Professional-quality microphones, lighting, cameras.
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Time investment: What could take professionals days might take amateurs weeks.
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Quality limitations: Without experience, your video may look amateur.
7. Produce the Video
With your script and storyboard in hand, proceed to production:
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Voiceover: Hire a professional or use quality recording equipment.
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Animation/Filming: Use your chosen software for animation; or film live-action scenes as needed.
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Editing: Combine visuals, audio, and effects to create a cohesive video.
Ensure consistency in style, pacing, and tone throughout the video.
8. Add Background Music and Sound Effects
Enhance your video with appropriate background music and sound effects. They should:
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Complement the mood and message.
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Not overpower the voiceover.
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Be properly licensed for use.
Audio elements add depth and engagement to your video.
9. Review and Revise
Before finalizing, review your video for:
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Clarity and coherence.
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Visual and audio quality.
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Alignment with objectives.
Gather feedback from team members or a test audience, and make necessary revisions.
10. Distribute and Promote
Share your explainer video across relevant channels:
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Website: Embed on your homepage or product pages.
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Social Media: Post on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
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Email Campaigns: Include in newsletters or promotional emails.
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YouTube/Vimeo: Upload to video-sharing platforms for broader reach.
Optimize titles, descriptions, and tags for searchability.
11. Monitor Performance
Track your video’s performance using analytics tools. Monitor metrics such as:
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View count and watch time.
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Engagement (likes, shares, comments).
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Conversion rates.
Use insights to refine future videos and strategies.
The Professional Advantage: Why Hire Gisteo
Let’s be honest. There’s a reason why the most successful companies in the world don’t leave their video marketing to chance or have the intern handle it with a YouTube tutorial.
Here’s what professional studios like Gisteo bring to the table:
Expertise That Pays For Itself
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Strategic thinking: We don’t just create pretty videos; we craft strategic communication tools that drive specific business results.
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Marketing psychology: We understand what motivates viewers to take action and how to trigger those responses.
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Industry experience: Having created thousands of explainer videos, we’ve learned what works and what falls flat.
Production Value That Commands Attention
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Custom animation: No templates or cookie-cutter designs that scream “amateur hour.”
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Professional voice talent: Trained actors who know how to deliver your message with the perfect tone and emphasis.
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Original music and sound design: Custom audio that enhances your message rather than distracting from it.
Time and Resource Efficiency
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Faster turnaround: What might take you weeks to figure out, we can execute in days.
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No equipment investment: No need to purchase software, microphones, cameras, or lighting.
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No opportunity cost: Your team stays focused on what they do best while we handle the video.
Results That Matter
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Higher engagement rates: Professional videos typically see 20–30% higher engagement than DIY attempts.
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Better conversion: Our clients report conversion improvements of 30% or more with professional explainer videos.
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Stronger brand perception: 72% of consumers say video quality directly impacts their view of a company.
The Gisteo Difference
At Gisteo, we’ve perfected the art and science of explainer videos. Our team combines marketing strategy, storytelling expertise, and technical excellence to create videos that don’t just explain—they persuade.
Our process eliminates the guesswork:
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We start with a deep dive into your business goals and audience needs.
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Our writers craft compelling scripts that speak directly to your customers’ pain points.
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Our design team creates custom visuals that elevate your brand.
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Professional voice talent and sound engineers ensure perfect audio quality.
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Our animation team brings everything to life with smooth, engaging motion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long should an explainer video be?
A: Ideally, explainer videos should be between 60 to 90 seconds. This duration is sufficient to convey your message without losing the viewer’s attention.
Q2: What is the typical cost of producing an explainer video?
A: Costs can vary widely based on complexity, style, and production quality. DIY options might start at a couple hundred dollars, while professional productions can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more. Gisteo pricing is available here.
Q3: How long does it take to produce an explainer video?
A: Production timelines can range from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the video’s complexity and the production team’s schedule.
Q4: Do I need a script before starting production?
A: Yes, a well-crafted script is crucial as it serves as the foundation for the entire video, guiding visuals, voiceovers, and pacing.
Q5: Can I use my explainer video across multiple platforms?
A: Absolutely! Explainer videos are versatile and can be shared on your website, social media channels, email campaigns, and more.
Q6: What makes an explainer video effective?
A: Clarity, conciseness, engaging visuals, a compelling script, and a strong call to action are key elements of an effective explainer video.
Q7: Why should I choose Gisteo for my explainer video needs?
A: Gisteo offers a blend of strategic insight, creative storytelling, and technical expertise, ensuring your explainer video not only looks great but also drives results.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to make an explainer video is essential for businesses aiming to communicate effectively in today’s digital landscape. While DIY tools offer a starting point, partnering with professionals like Gisteo can elevate your message, ensuring clarity, engagement, and a polished final product.
At Gisteo, we combine strategic insight, creative storytelling, and technical expertise to produce explainer videos that not only inform but also inspire action. Whether you’re introducing a new product, simplifying a complex service, or aiming to boost conversions, our team is here to help you achieve your goals.
Contact Gisteo today or schedule a free consultation, and let’s create an explainer video that truly sets your business apart.
