The Ultimate Guide to Explainer Videos: Best Practices and Examples
Explainer videos are a powerful tool in the modern marketing arsenal, offering a visually compelling and engaging way to communicate complex ideas. This guide will explore the best explainer videos across various styles, from educational content to product demonstrations, and provide practical insights for creating effective video marketing content.
Types of Explainer Videos
From humorous and creative to educational and informative, the best explainer video is one that resonates with your target audience. Regardless of the style, the key is to engage and inform viewers in a unique, captivating way. Here, we delve into the top styles of explainer videos:
1. Cartoon Explainer Video
Cartoon explainer videos are perfect for brands looking to convey a simple message with a fun, imaginative twist. They are often used by tech companies and startups aiming to demystify complex concepts in an approachable manner. Examples include Dropbox which uses colorful characters and animations to highlight their product features.
2. Motion Graphic Explainer
Motion graphic explainer videos utilize text, icons, and animated elements to bring abstract concepts to life. They are highly effective for explaining technical or complex information in a visually appealing way. Dollar Shave Club uses motion graphics to create humorous and relatable content that resonates with its customer base.
3. 3D Explainer Video
3D explainer videos offer a realistic and immersive experience, ideal for demonstrating product features or conveyance. They can be highly effective in showing the inner workings of a product or showcasing its external design. Crazy Egg uses 3D animations to demonstrate how their heatmap tool works, engaging viewers with a hands-on, interactive approach.
4. Explainer Video with Graphic Animations
This style combines text, graphics, and animation to create a dynamic and engaging presentation. It is particularly useful for educational content and tutorials. Mint uses this approach to explain financial concepts and how their service works, making it accessible and easy to understand for a broader audience.
5. Motion Explainer with Characters
Motion explainer videos with characters (such as anthropomorphized objects or humorous characters) can be entertaining and relatable. They work well for brands aiming to build a connection with their audience through storytelling. Squarespace uses animated characters in their explainer videos to highlight their design and creative tools, making the experience both engaging and instructional.
6. Line Art Explainer Video
Line art explainer videos use simple, hand-drawn illustrations to explain concepts. They are creative, minimalist, and often used by brands that want to convey a sense of simplicity and approachability. Zendesk uses line art to create a clean and easy-to-follow explainer video that simplifies their service offerings and customer journey.
Best Practices for Creating Effective Explainer Videos
While the above styles showcase the diversity of explainer videos, their success ultimately depends on strategic planning and execution. Here are some best practices:
1. Tailor Your Message to Your Audience
Your explainer video should align with your audience's preferences and needs. Use market research to understand your target demographic and craft a message that resonates with them.
2. Plan and Script
A structured script is essential to ensure your video is clear and concise. The script should outline the key points you want to convey and the narrative you want to follow.
3. Visual Design and Animation
The visual design and animation should support your message, enhance the narrative, and engage the viewer. High-quality production values can make a significant difference in how well your video performs.
4. Voiceover and Music
A professional voiceover and appropriate background music can enhance the emotional impact of your video and make it more memorable.
5. Optimize for SEO and Social Media
Ensure your video is optimized for search engines and social media platforms. Use relevant keywords in your title, description, and tags to improve discoverability and drive organic traffic.
Conclusion
Explainer videos are a versatile and powerful tool for any business looking to capture the attention of their audience and communicate complex ideas effectively. By understanding the different styles and following best practices, businesses can create engaging and effective explainer videos.
Additional Resources
For more inspiration and resources on creating great explainer videos, visit our awesome explainer videos page. You can also contact renowned video marketing professionals like Shane Yeager and his team at CineSalon for expert advice and guidance. Their typical consultation is free and worth your time.