When was the last time you watched a great how-to video or a video that taught you something new? Perhaps you learned how to fold an origami crane, use a new software tool, or even figure out how to change your kitchen faucet.

Videos are a powerful tool for teaching because they allow viewers to see and hear new concepts in action. When you need to teach your audience something new, an explainer video is a great place to start.

In this post, we’ll explore the definition of an explainer video, how to create one, and some video examples that will help you better understand and engage your audience.

1. Use a whiteboard animation to tell a story

Whiteboard animation is a style of video that makes it look like a hand is drawing the video as it goes along. This style is great for telling stories because it can be broken down into a series of scenes that build on each other.

In this example, the story is about a girl who wants to buy a pet. We see her go through a series of emotions as she tries to decide what kind of pet to get, and then we see her go through a series of actions as she tries to convince her parents to let her get a pet.

2. Create a stop-motion video using props

Stop-motion videos are a fun, creative way to tell a story. They’re made up of a series of photos, where each photo is a frame in the video. When you play the photos quickly one after the other, it creates the illusion of movement.

You can create a stop-motion video using props to tell a story or illustrate a concept. This type of video works well for businesses that have a physical product they want to showcase.

For example, if you own a bakery, you could create a stop-motion video to show the process of making a cake. You could use props like flour, eggs, and sugar to illustrate the steps in the recipe.

Or, if you’re a real estate agent, you could use a stop-motion video to show the process of buying a house. You could use props like a tiny house, a for-sale sign, and a sold sign to illustrate the process.

3. Use a 3D animation to explain a complex process

3D animation is a great way to explain complex processes in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

For example, if you’re a software company, you could use 3D animation to show how your software works and what it does. Or, if you’re a manufacturing company, you could use 3D animation to show how your products are made.

The possibilities are endless, and 3D animation is a great way to make your explainer video stand out.

4. Create a cartoon character to represent your brand

If you want to create a fun and engaging explainer video for your brand, consider creating a cartoon character to represent your business.

Creating a cartoon character is a great way to give your brand a face and make it more relatable to your audience. You can use your cartoon character in your explainer video and other marketing materials to help build brand recognition.

When creating your cartoon character, be sure to keep your target audience in mind. You want to create a character that your audience will be able to relate to.

You should also think about what kind of personality you want your character to have. Do you want your character to be funny and lighthearted, or do you want them to be more serious and professional?

5. Use a live-action video to show off your products

If you have a unique product that you want to show off in a video, consider using a live-action explainer video. This type of video can be a great way to showcase your product in action and to give your audience a better idea of what it looks like.

In this example, the company uses a live-action video to show off their product, a smart lock. The video does a great job of demonstrating how the lock works and how easy it is to use.

If you decide to use a live-action explainer video, make sure to include some text or voiceover to explain what’s going on. You should also keep the video short and to the point, like in this example.

6. Create a video with a series of animated infographics

Infographics are a great way to present information in a visually appealing way. But, what if you could take your infographic and turn it into an animated video?

You can create a video with a series of animated infographics that explain a topic in-depth. For example, if you’re a marketing agency, you could create a video with a series of animated infographics that explain the different types of digital marketing.

This type of video is great for people who are visual learners and prefer to watch a video rather than read an article or blog post.

7. Use a motion graphic to explain a concept

If you’re trying to explain a complex idea, a motion graphic can be a great way to break it down into simple steps.

You can use text and graphics to illustrate your points, and then use a voiceover to explain each step in more detail.

Check out this example from The Atlantic, which uses a motion graphic to explain the concept of „deep time.”

8. Create a video with a series of customer testimonials

Customer testimonials are a great way to build trust with potential customers. But, let’s be honest, they can be a little boring.

Why not spice things up a bit and create a video ad with a series of customer testimonials? You can use animation and motion graphics to bring the testimonials to life and make them more engaging.

You can also use music and sound effects to add emotion and energy to the video. And, by using a series of testimonials, you can keep things short and sweet, which is always a good idea when it comes to video marketing.

9. Use a video with a voiceover and stock footage

If you don’t have a lot of time, you can use a voiceover and stock footage to create a quick video.

This is an easy way to create a professional-looking explainer video that gets your message across in just a few minutes.

You can find stock footage on sites like Pexels, Unsplash, and Pixabay. Then, upload the footage to your video editing software and add a voiceover.

You can also add text to the video to make it even more engaging.

This is a great option if you need to create a video quickly and don’t have the time or resources to shoot your own footage.

10. Use a video with a combination of live action and animation

Sometimes, a simple animation or live-action video just won’t do. But what if you could combine the best of both worlds?

A combination of live action and animation can create an explainer video that is truly unique. You can use live action footage to show real people using your product or service, and then use animation to illustrate how it works.

This type of explainer video can be a little more time-consuming to create, but the end result is often worth the effort. It can help you create a more personal connection with your audience while still effectively explaining your product or service.

Conclusion

Explainer videos are a great way to introduce a new product or service. They can also be used to show off how a product or service works, explain a business concept, or simply get your brand’s name out there. The possibilities are nearly endless, so get creative and start making your own explainer videos.