Making Finance Simple with Animated Explainer Videos

Let’s face it—finance can get complicated. Whether you’re dealing with fintech tools, banking services, or investment strategies, it’s not always easy to explain things clearly. That’s where animated explainer videos come in. These short, engaging clips are quickly becoming a go-to method for financial companies to make sense of complex topics for their audience.

Why Animation Works So Well in Finance

Trying to explain blockchain, compound interest, or insurance policies can feel like teaching rocket science. But animation makes these topics feel more human and far less intimidating. Here’s why it’s such a game-changer:

Tough Ideas Made Easy: Think of animation as a visual translator. It takes abstract financial ideas and turns them into stories you can see and understand—like turning a complicated retirement plan into a journey with checkpoints and milestones.
Keeps People Interested: Let’s be real: financial talk can be dry. But animated videos, with their colorful visuals and storytelling, pull viewers in. Research shows we remember way more from videos than from plain text—so this approach just works.
Shows Off Personality: The finance world is often seen as cold and formal. Animation gives companies a chance to warm things up, using characters or unique visuals to bring a sense of friendliness and approachability.
Looks Good Everywhere: Animated videos stay sharp whether someone’s watching on a phone, laptop, or during a big presentation. That kind of consistency helps build trust—something that really matters in finance.

What Makes a Finance Animation Video Stand Out?

Not all explainer videos hit the mark. The best ones usually follow a few golden rules:

Stick to One Big Idea: Good videos don’t try to do too much. They focus on one message—like the security benefits of a new banking app—so the viewer doesn’t get overwhelmed.
Tell a Story: The strongest videos start with a relatable problem and walk viewers through a solution using storytelling. Think: “Meet Sarah. She’s confused about investing…” Then the story flows from there.
Professional Voice and Sound: A polished voice-over makes a big difference, especially in finance. It builds credibility. Add in music and sound effects, and you’ve got a more immersive experience.
Keep It Short and Sweet: Most explainer videos run between 60 and 90 seconds. That’s long enough to explain the key points without losing attention. For more detailed topics, a series of shorter videos can work better.
End with a Clear Action: Every good video wraps up with a next step—download the app, visit the site, book a call. Don’t leave viewers hanging.

Types of Animation Styles That Work in Finance

Different visual styles suit different financial topics. Here’s a quick rundown:

2D Animation: Clean, professional, and flexible—great for explaining just about anything.
Motion Graphics: Perfect for showing stats, charts, and data. Think investment performance or market updates.
Whiteboard Animation: Feels like a live lesson. Great for educational topics like budgeting or loan processes.
3D Animation: More high-end, often used to showcase tangible items like credit cards or ATMs.
Character Animation: Puts a face to the story—ideal for making financial services feel more personal.

Real-World Examples That Nail It

A few standout videos show how animation can really simplify finance:

Stacks City: Uses storytelling and clear visuals to make blockchain feel approachable.
ID Finance: Proves that even simple shapes can deliver a powerful message when used creatively.
Moven Finance App: Has a strong narrative and emotional hook that connects with viewers on a personal level.
MasterCard “By The Numbers”: Keeps things super straightforward and visually clean, which helps broaden its reach.
PayPal’s Viral Clips: Taps into humor and unexpected comparisons to make a lasting impression.

Tips for Creating Your Own Finance Explainer Video

Thinking of making one yourself? Here’s what to keep in mind:

Talk About Benefits, Not Just Features: Focus on how your service makes life easier—saves time, cuts costs, reduces stress—not just what it does.
Hit the Right Pain Points: Understand what your audience is struggling with. Are they worried about data security? Confused by investment choices? Speak directly to those concerns.
Use Visual Metaphors: A padlock can stand in for security. A growing plant can show investment growth. Use imagery people relate to.
Play by the Rules: Finance is heavily regulated. Make sure your video messaging is compliant from the start—loop in legal early.
Know Your Audience: A CFO needs different language than a first-time investor. Tailor your tone, visuals, and examples accordingly.

What the Production Process Looks Like

Here’s how a typical video comes together:

Start with Strategy: Define your goal and who you’re speaking to. That shapes everything else.
Write the Script: Keep it simple and clear. Avoid jargon unless your viewers know the lingo.
Sketch the Storyboard: Plan out each scene visually—this helps align everyone before animation starts.
Design the Style: Choose visuals that reflect your brand. Blues and greens often feel trustworthy—great for financial themes.
Animate It: This is where your video comes to life. Movement, transitions, effects—it all comes together here.
Add Voice and Sound: Professional narration plus background music can really elevate the quality.
Review and Refine: Test it internally. Get feedback from marketing, legal, and product teams to fine-tune everything.

Measuring Success

Once your video’s out in the world, track how it’s doing:

Engagement: Are people watching it all the way through? Are they clicking?
Impact: Are you getting more sign-ups or fewer support tickets?
ROI: Compare your video cost to business results like increased conversions.

What’s Next for Finance Animation?

The world of explainer videos is evolving fast:

Interactive Videos: Let viewers choose their path or dive deeper into topics.
Augmented and Virtual Reality: Imagine walking through an investment portfolio in VR!
AI Personalization: Tailor videos to each user’s financial goals or preferences.
Social Micro-Videos: Bite-sized clips (15–30 seconds) made for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts.

Final Thoughts

In the finance space, where trust and clarity are critical, animated explainer videos are more than just trendy—they’re essential. They bridge the gap between complex information and everyday understanding.

Whether you’re promoting a new fintech tool or just trying to explain budgeting to beginners, animation can help you get your message across with clarity, creativity, and impact.