Whiteboard explainer videos that clarify engage enlighten entertain inform train educate

Since 2011, Gisteo has crafted whiteboard videos for companies big and small, all around the word. If you need an quality whiteboard explainer done quickly and affordably, we’re your team!

Watch: one of our recent whiteboard explainer video production for Valify, a healthcare purchased services sector. 

What are whiteboard explainer videos?

Overview

Whiteboard explainer videos normally combine a whiteboard background with a real person’s hand (holding a marker). While the voice over talent speaks, the hand illustrates relevant imagery and writes out words in order to bring the narration to life. 

History

The whiteboard video style was largely popularized by a British foundation called RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce). Their RSA Animate series was conceived as a fresh, engaging way of illustrating and sharing the ideas presented by guest speakers during TED-like talks. RSA’s videos have millions of views while helping spread the knowledge discussed in the lectures. The whiteboard approach used by RSA soon spread like wildfire beyond just the educational field. The whiteboard explainer video has become a popular choice among businesses and organizations of all types and sectors.

Watch: a fascinating pre-COVID discussion on re-imaging how we work

Strengths of whiteboard explainer videos

The human element

Whiteboard videos have a human, intimate quality about them that perhaps other styles of explainer videos do not. The hand used in these videos serves as a mesmerizing visual device that drives the entire video. 

Statistics

A study commissioned by Sparkol had 1000 people watch a whiteboard explainer video and 1000 people watch a talking head video – both videos pitching the exact same service business. The results were impressive:

  • The whiteboard explainer was shared 3 times more than the talking head video
  • 4 out of 10 viewers who watched the whiteboard animation were convinced enough to buy – twice as many as the talking head video.
  • 53% who watched the whiteboard animation would recommend the service described vs. 22% who watched the talking head video.
 

The bottom line

Much like other types of explainer videos, a whiteboard animation can help synthesize and condense large amounts of information effectively.  The unique presentation style used in whiteboard videos, however, can help “unpack” all this information in real-time and with fewer distractions.  They have an educational feel to them that puts your audience in learning mode. This can enable you to include even more content in your video (vs. typical explainer videos) while still keeping the video engaging and entertaining.

 

Watch: a Gisteo whiteboard video for Nexus, a therapy management company

Watch: our whiteboard production for Posillico recycling

Weaknesses of whiteboard explainer videos

So are there any cons to whiteboard explainer videos? Sure, like we say, there are “horses for courses” and the scribing hand approach may not be for everyone.

By their very nature, whiteboard explainer videos are not going to have explosive 3D effects and elaborate eye candy that rocks your world.  If you’re looking for a high-energy promo video, for example, whiteboard isn’t your “horse.”  If you want a seamless brand experience between your video and all of that beautiful vector artwork on your website, whiteboard videos are not your best bet. If you need a demo video for your app or software, complete with screenshots shown on a device, whiteboard animations may not be ideal.  The good news?  Gisteo has you covered, whatever your animation needs may be. Just saddle up the horse of your choice and we’ll make it happen!

Whiteboard animation video examples

Here’s a quick look at some of the many whiteboard explainer videos that we’ve produced over the years. Be sure to visit our Portfolio page to review a wide range of our animated explainer videos, organized by style.

Blue Dot Seats

Informative whiteboard animation for an event ticketing platform

Quickbooks

One in a series of whiteboard videos focused on small business owners

SEIU Heathcare

An informative whiteboard video for a Canadian healthcare group

StepOne Billing

Whiteboard explainer for a medial practice bill mangagement service 

Deidre's House

A poignant whiteboard animation for a New Jersey-based child advocacy center

Indeed

Part of a series of technical whiteboard explainer videos for the internal IT team

Schedule a free consultation

Book a video call with Stephen Conley, Founder & Creative Director. Stephen will meet with you and your team to discuss your overall goals. He’ll provide his general thoughts on what approach you should take and answer any questions you might have about the process.

Before producing animated explainer videos, Stephen worked at some of the world’s top advertising agencies. Since then, he’s worked with countless start-ups and leading brands during his 11+ years running Gisteo…so he knows his stuff when it comes to whiteboard explainer videos as well as branding and marketing in general!

Beyond whiteboard explainers: other video types/uses to consider to elevate your marketing

Whiteboard videos are just the beginning of what you can do with video content. There are countless uses for Gisteo videos. Explore this infographic to learn more about the top 20 video types you can leverage to enhance your marketing or branding efforts.

What clients say about Gisteo

Our cartoon explainer videos and marketing videos of all types have garnered some huge praise over the years. Countess clients have left us amazing reviews on Google, LinkedIn, Facebook and more. Check out our Praise page for more of the stuff that makes us blush!