Explainer videos have taken the digital world by storm, and for good reason. They’re engaging, concise, and make complex ideas simpler to understand. Whether you’re hoping to boost your brand awareness, launch a new product, or educate your audience, a well-crafted explainer video can deliver results.
But creating one isn’t as simple as hitting the record button; it’s both an art and a science. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to produce an explainer video that not only captivates but converts. By the end, you’ll be ready to get started on your very own masterpiece.
What Is an Explainer Video?
An explainer video is a short, usually animated or live-action video designed to explain a product, service, concept, or idea in a clear and compelling way. Typically 60 to 120 seconds long, explainer videos use visuals, narration, and storytelling to capture the attention of your target audience.
From startups pitching innovative tools to corporations introducing a new initiative, explainer videos are versatile marketing tools that can be tailored to any message or audience.
Why Are Explainer Videos Effective?
- They simplify complex topics through compelling visuals and storytelling.
- They engage your audience quickly by combining visual and auditory elements.
- They drive conversions, with studies showing that videos boost purchase intent by 85%.
Now that you know why explainer videos matter, it’s time to create your own.
Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Audience
Before you begin, nail down the purpose of your explainer video. Ask yourself these questions:
- What problem are you solving?
- Who is your target audience?
- What action do you want viewers to take after watching?
For example, if you’re a SaaS platform targeting tech-savvy professionals, your focus might be showing how your tool makes their workflow more efficient. Your visuals and tone would be polished and professional, reflecting their preferences.
Pro Tip
Create an audience persona that includes age, occupation, pain points, and preferred communication style. This will help shape your content.
Step 2: Write a Killer Script
The script is the backbone of your explainer video. It needs to hook viewers within the first 10 seconds and keep them engaged until the call-to-action (CTA).
What to Include in Your Script:
- The Problem (Hook): Start with a relatable scenario to draw viewers in.
- The Solution (Core Message): Introduce your product or service as the hero.
- The Benefits (Value Proposition): Clearly explain how it solves the problem.
- Call-to-Action (CTA): Guide viewers toward the next step, whether it’s visiting your website or signing up for a free trial.
Example of a Strong Script Start
“Ever feel overwhelmed managing your team’s projects? Meet FocusFlow, the app designed to simplify your workflow and boost collaboration in just one click.”
Pro Tip
Keep your script concise and conversational. Aim for around 150 words for every minute of video.
Step 3: Choose Your Style
Explainer videos come in various styles. The choice depends on your brand image, target audience, and message.
Popular Styles of Explainer Videos
- Animation: Perfect for breaking down abstract or technical concepts.
- Live-action: Best when showcasing real people and relatable scenarios.
- Whiteboard Animation: Affordable and ideal for educational content.
- Motion Graphics: Sleek and modern, great for B2B audiences.
Pro Tip
Consider hybrid styles. For instance, blending live-action with animations can create a dynamic visual experience.
Step 4: Create a Storyboard
A storyboard is your script’s visual blueprint. It helps visualize how each scene will look, ensuring your ideas translate effectively.
What to Include in Your Storyboard:
- Scene sketches or mock-ups.
- Notes on camera angles and transitions.
- Dialogue, voice-over, and on-screen text.
Pro Tip
Use free tools like Canva or Storyboarder to create a professional-looking storyboard in minutes.
Step 5: Record Quality Voice-Over and Audio
Your voice-over is one of the most important elements of your video. It needs to sound confident, clear, and aligned with your brand’s tone.
Tips for a Great Voice-Over
- Hire professional voice actors for credibility.
- Use high-quality microphones if recording in-house.
- Edit to ensure clarity and remove background noise.
Don’t forget to pair the voice-over with engaging background music or sound effects that enhance the viewing experience.
Step 6: Design the Visuals
The visuals should complement the message without overshadowing it. Whether you hire a professional animator or use DIY tools, make sure your visuals align with your brand’s aesthetics.
Tools for DIY Visuals
- Canva for quick, static graphics.
- Adobe After Effects or Blender for custom animations.
- Biteable or Powtoon for user-friendly, templated options.
Keep the color scheme, fonts, and animations consistent with your brand’s identity.
Step 7: Edit and Polish
Once all the elements are ready, it’s time to bring them together. Use editing software like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or Camtasia to put your video together.
What to Focus on in Post-Production:
- Smooth transitions between scenes.
- Clear alignment between visuals and voice-over.
- Captioning or subtitles for accessibility.
Test your video on colleagues or a focus group to identify areas for improvement.
Step 8: Publish and Share
Your explainer video is ready, but don’t stop there. Share it across platforms to maximize visibility.
Where to Publish Your Video:
- Your Website (Landing Pages): Boost conversions by embedding it on your homepage.
- Social Media: Post teasers or full versions on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
- YouTube: SEO-optimize your video to rank higher on Google searches.
- Email Campaigns: Embed the video in newsletters to re-engage leads.
Track engagement metrics (views, shares, and click-through rates) to measure its success.
Craft Explainer Videos That Work
Explainer videos from Huat Designs aren’t just a passing trend. They’re powerful storytelling tools that can help simplify your message and drive conversions. By defining your purpose, writing a strong script, and carefully designing visuals, you can create a video that connects with your audience and achieves your goals.
Feeling inspired but overwhelmed? Tools like Jasper can help you craft compelling scripts and visuals easily. Why not sign up for a free trial today and see how Jasper can transform your explainer video game?
