What Makes a Great Explainer Video?

But what can make one explainer video stand out from another great explainer video? In this blog, we’ll explore the critical components that define a standout explainer video, the different types you can choose from, the step-by-step process to create one, and dive into the frequently asked question: How much does an explainer video cost?

The Purpose and Importance of Explainer Videos

Explainer videos are immensely valuable tools in the communication strategies of businesses of every size. They help to:

• Communicate Complex Information: To be able to explain complex concepts, goods, or services in easy-to-understand graphics.
• Boost Engagement: Of course, video content is much more interactive than plain text or even static images since it demands and gets people’s attention.
• Increase Conversions: As noted on Wyzowl, specifically, 81% of marketers have noted that explainer videos directly contributed to increased sales.
• Enhance Brand Awareness: Explainer videos have a great impact because of the way that they include the possibility of making a fabulous story, supported by a great look at the picture.

What Makes a Great Explainer Video?

There’s more to creating an effective explainer video than just great animation and a memorable jingle. It most simply means joining together several items and having them work in harmony, for better communication and interactivity. Looking at the following key components of the aforementioned definition, let’s strip them down.

1. A Clear and Concise Message

• Avoid giving viewers too much information and instead concentrate on the main point.
• Keep it simple: What's wrong? How is it resolved by your product or service? What is the action call?
• Aim for a runtime between 60 to 90 seconds; it should be both sufficient to convey the idea and brief enough to maintain interest.

2. A Well-Written Script

• The script is the backbone of your explainer video.
• To make the message relatable and interesting, use a conversational tone..
• Structure your script into three parts:
  • The Hook: Grab attention by highlighting a relatable problem or pain point.
  • The Solution: Introduce your product/service and explain how it solves the problem.
  • The CTA: Urge viewers to continue, whether that means making a purchase, registering, or finding out more.

3. Strong Visuals and Animation

• High-quality visuals are essential to keep viewers engaged and convey your message effectively.
• Opt for visuals that align with your brand identity, including colors, typography, and style.
• Use animations to illustrate abstract ideas or concepts that might be hard to show with live-action.

4. Professional Voiceover and Music

• A professional voiceover adds credibility and helps deliver the script.
• Sound effects and background music might improve the tone of the video, but they shouldn't overshadow the narration.

5. Storytelling That Resonates

• People connect with stories, not just features or facts.
• Build a narrative around your product that highlights its benefits through relatable scenarios.

6. A Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

• Every great explainer video ends with a clear CTA.
• Examples include: “Sign up for a free trial,” “Learn more today,” or “Contact us now.”

Types of Explainer Videos

The success of your explainer video depends on your choice of style. The most common kinds are as follows:

1. Animated Explainer Videos

Animated explainer Videos are brief, captivating videos that employ animation to visually clarify and simplify difficult ideas, concepts, goods, or services. They usually use voiceovers, motion visuals, and occasionally music to make the material memorable and easy to understand. These videos are frequently used to engage viewers, make points clear, and inspire action in marketing, teaching, and training.

2. Live-action Explainer Videos

A live-action explainer video is a brief film that explains a topic, good, or service using actual people, settings, and items. Live-action explainer movies use actors, props, or real-world locations to convey their message, in contrast to animated explainer videos that rely on graphics or animations. These videos are perfect for showing off physical goods or services in a familiar setting and building a human connection with the viewer.

3. Whiteboard Explainer Videos

Whiteboard explainer videos are animated videos in which the text is written and illustrated, frequently in a time-lapse fashion, on a whiteboard or other blank surface. As the story goes on, they hand-draw the pictures to graphically represent concepts, ideas, or procedures step-by-step. These videos are quite good at holding the viewer's interest while demythologizing difficult subjects.

Whiteboard explainer movies are frequently used in corporate training, education, and the promotion of goods and services that need thorough explanations. They are well-liked for online content marketing because of their interesting and understandable format.

4. Typography Videos

Typography videos are a subset of promotional or explainer videos in which the main visual component used to deliver a message is animated text. These videos artistically use typefaces, colors, and motion to highlight important ideas and keep the audience interested. They are frequently combined with music, voiceovers, or sound effects. Messages that mainly rely on textual content, like quotes, figures, or slogans, work especially well with typography films.

Popular Uses of Typography Videos:

• Marketing Campaigns: Highlighting key benefits, taglines, or statistics.
• Social Media Content: Delivering impactful messages in short, shareable formats.
• Educational Content: Presenting definitions, quotes, or facts engagingly.
• Entertainment: Incorporating lyrics or quotes into music videos or creative projects.

Typography films are a popular option for organizations wishing to deliver powerful, memorable messages because they are extremely adaptable and can be customized to fit a variety of needs.

Read More: Explainer Videos for SaaS: Your Ultimate Tool for Engagement, Conversions & Customer Loyalty

How Much Does an Explainer Video Cost?

How much does an explainer video cost? This is one of the most often questions that organizations ask. The length, style, and production quality of the movie are some of the variables that affect the response. A breakdown of typical expenses is shown below:

1. DIY or Template-Based Videos ($0-$500)

• Tools like Canva, Animoto, or Powtoon let you create basic explainer videos on a budget.
• Suitable for startups or small businesses with limited resources.
• Limitations: Lack of customization and professional polish.

2. Freelancer Services ($500-$5,000)

• Freelancers can handle scripting, animation, or voiceovers.
• Costs vary based on experience and expertise.
• Ideal for mid-sized businesses looking for higher quality without a full agency.

3. Professional Studios or Agencies ($5,000-$50,000)

• Agencies handle everything from concept to delivery, ensuring high production value.
• Great for businesses with larger budgets and a need for fully customized videos.
• Price determinants include animation complexity, length, and turnaround time.

Factors Affecting the Cost

1. Video Length: Longer videos cost more due to additional scripting, animation, and editing time.
2. Style and Complexity: Animated videos, especially 3D ones, are more expensive than whiteboard or live-action videos.
3. Voiceover and Sound Design: Hiring professional talent adds to the cost but enhances quality.
4. Customization: Tailored graphics and scripts require more resources than template-based approaches.

ROI of Explainer Videos

Investing in a top-notch explainer video can pay off handsomely. Companies frequently encounter:

• Higher Engagement Rates: Viewers are more likely to watch and share videos than read text.
• Improved Conversion Rates: Explainer videos simplify the buyer’s decision-making process.
• Enhanced Brand Perception: Professionally made videos boost credibility and trust.

Tips for Keeping Costs Low Without Sacrificing Quality

1. Plan Ahead: A clear script and storyboard reduce costly revisions.
2. Use Templates Wisely: Opt for semi-customized tools if budget is a concern.
3. Work with Freelancers: Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork offer affordable creative talent.
4. Focus on Essentials: Start with a simple video and upgrade as your budget grows.

Conclusion

An excellent explainer video combines storytelling, strategy, and creativity. Whether your goal is to inform, engage, or convert, your video will stand out if you concentrate on the appropriate components: compelling imagery, clear language, and a compelling call to action.

Even while the price of creating an explainer film might vary greatly, the investment frequently yields improved conversions, increased brand trust, and higher engagement. You can make an explainer video that makes an impact by knowing your audience, establishing your objectives, and selecting the best production strategy.

Are you prepared to improve your brand? Make your explainer video a priority right now.