Animation explainer videos are short, engaging, and informative videos that help break down complex ideas into simple, digestible content. Whether you’re introducing a new product, describing a service, or educating your audience, an animated video is a powerful storytelling tool.
What makes animation explainers so valuable is their ability to quickly grab attention and hold it. People have short attention spans, and long text just doesn’t cut it anymore. With a good animation, you can say more in less time, with more impact.
Let’s say you’re launching a tech product. You could hand out brochures or write a lengthy blog, but a 90-second animated video can visually show how it works, highlight the benefits, and keep viewers engaged. Plus, it sticks in their memory better than text.
Here’s why businesses, educators, and marketers are turning to animated explainer videos:
- They’re easy to understand. Even complex concepts become clear.
- They’re visually engaging and entertaining.
- They boost conversion rates when used on landing pages or social media.
- They’re shareable and adaptable across platforms.
- They help build brand identity through custom visuals and tone.
These videos aren’t just cute cartoons. They’re strategic tools. When done right, they make your brand more relatable and your message more memorable. With minimal effort from the viewer, you get maximum impact.
You don’t need a blockbuster budget either. Thanks to affordable tools and services, animated explainer videos are now accessible for startups, educators, nonprofits, and anyone who wants to make their message count.
Key Styles of Animation Explainer Videos and Their Use Cases
The style of your animated explainer can make or break how well your message lands. Different topics call for different tones, and animation gives you plenty of creative flexibility. Below are some common styles used and when each is most effective:
Common Animation Styles
- Whiteboard Animation
Perfect for educational topics and tutorials. These mimic hand-drawn sketches being created in real-time and keep the viewer focused on what’s being said. - 2D Character Animation
This is the classic animation style with characters acting out your message. It’s highly relatable and ideal for storytelling or customer journey videos. - Motion Graphics
Uses graphic elements, shapes, and text in motion. It’s great for corporate communication, infographics, and tech services. - Kinetic Typography
Text comes alive with motion. Ideal when voiceover isn’t available or when the message is all about the words. - 3D Animation
Offers a more realistic, high-end look. Often used for medical, architectural, or product design videos where precision matters.
Use Cases by Industry
| Industry | Recommended Style | Purpose |
| Tech Startups | Motion Graphics | Explain app features, attract investors |
| Education | Whiteboard Animation | Teach concepts, simplify lessons |
| Healthcare | 3D Animation | Showcase procedures, explain treatments |
| E-commerce | 2D Character Animation | Show customer journey, product benefits |
| Finance | Kinetic Typography | Deliver data-heavy messages clearly |
| Nonprofits | 2D Character Animation | Tell compelling stories, raise awareness |
Choosing the right style isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about matching your message to your audience. A playful 2D animation might work for a children’s app, but a serious motion graphic might be better for a corporate pitch.
How Animation Explainer Videos Boost Engagement and Results
If you’re wondering whether animated explainers are worth it, the answer is simple — they work. People love watching videos, and animation makes your content stand out.
Let’s explore how these videos drive real results:
- Improves Retention
Viewers remember visuals better than plain text. With animated storytelling, your message sticks. That means higher recall and stronger impact. - Simplifies Complex Ideas
Got a tricky product or abstract concept? Animation lets you visualize it step by step, making it easier to grasp. - Increases Conversion Rates
Websites with explainer videos often see a lift in conversion rates. A clear, friendly video makes people more likely to take action. - Boosts SEO
Google loves video content. Having explainer videos on your site can improve dwell time and search rankings. - Enhances Social Media Performance
Animated videos are easy to share and can go viral faster than static posts. They also work well with or without sound, perfect for scroll-happy users. - Builds Trust
People feel more confident about a product or service when it’s explained clearly. A well-made animation adds polish and credibility.
Here’s how different goals can benefit from using animation explainers:
- Promoting a product? Show how it solves a problem.
- Launching a service? Walk users through the process.
- Educating your audience? Break down information into fun steps.
- Raising awareness? Tell a heartfelt story that people remember.
Steps to Create an Effective Animation Explainer Video
If you want to create a video that works, you’ll need more than flashy visuals. Every strong explainer follows a process. Here’s how you can go from idea to finished video:
Step 1: Define the Goal
- Know what you want to achieve.
Are you educating, selling, or onboarding? This shapes everything else. - Identify your audience.
Are they kids, professionals, or casual users? The tone and style depend on this.
Step 2: Write a Script
- Focus on clarity and brevity.
Keep it short — under two minutes is ideal. - Start with a problem.
Introduce the issue your audience faces. - Offer your solution.
Explain how your product or idea fixes the problem. - End with a call to action.
Tell them what to do next — visit your site, sign up, or get started.
Step 3: Record Voiceover
- Use a friendly and natural tone.
Your narrator should match your brand’s voice. - Keep pacing steady.
Too fast, and it gets confusing. Too slow, and you lose attention.
Step 4: Design and Animate
- Create a visual storyboard.
This maps each scene to the script. - Choose a color scheme and style.
Stick to your brand palette for consistency. - Animate elements to match the voiceover.
Syncing visuals with speech keeps things cohesive.
Step 5: Add Music and Sound Effects
- Use subtle background music.
It sets the tone but shouldn’t overpower the narration. - Add light effects.
Little swooshes or clicks can make the video feel dynamic.
Step 6: Publish and Promote
- Upload to YouTube, Vimeo, and your website.
Embed it on landing pages and emails too. - Share on social platforms.
Optimize for mobile and silent viewing (add captions). - Measure engagement.
Use analytics to track views, clicks, and conversions.
You don’t need a Hollywood budget to follow these steps. Many tools like Vyond, Animaker, or Powtoon offer drag-and-drop interfaces. Or you can hire freelancers to help you animate and voice your script affordably.
FAQs About Animation Explainer Videos
What’s the ideal length for an animation explainer video?
Most effective explainer videos are between 60 to 90 seconds. This keeps viewers engaged and delivers your message without overwhelming them.
Can I create an animation explainer video myself?
Yes. There are beginner-friendly tools like Animaker, Renderforest, and Biteable that let you build videos without design skills. You can also write the script yourself and outsource the animation and voiceover.
How much does it cost to make an explainer video?
Costs vary widely. DIY platforms can cost under $100, while professional animated videos might range from $500 to $5000 depending on length, style, and complexity.
What makes a good explainer video script?
A strong script is short, clear, and focused. It starts with a problem, presents a solution, and ends with a clear call to action. Avoid jargon and keep it conversational.
Should I include subtitles in my video?
Yes. Many people watch videos on mute, especially on mobile or social media. Subtitles increase accessibility and viewer retention.
Are animated explainer videos good for social media?
Absolutely. They’re highly shareable, work well across platforms, and are more likely to be watched all the way through compared to static content or text posts.
Is animation better than live-action for explainers?
That depends. Animation is better for abstract concepts, tech products, or educational content. Live-action might suit real-life demonstrations or testimonials. For flexibility and visual storytelling, animation wins.
Do animation explainer videos help with SEO?
Yes. Videos improve time on site and lower bounce rates, which are positive signals for search engines. Embedding videos with transcripts and proper tags can further boost SEO.
Wrapping It All Up: Why You Should Use Animation Explainer Videos
If you’ve got a message to share, a product to promote, or a concept to explain — an animation explainer video is your best friend. It combines clarity, creativity, and impact in one neat package. Unlike dense blog posts or boring slideshows, animation videos keep people watching and leave a lasting impression.
Here’s why you should consider adding one to your communication strategy:
- They simplify the complex.
- They engage across all platforms.
- They boost conversion rates.
- They make your brand look modern and professional.
Whether you’re a startup, a solo creator, or a growing business, you can create effective animated videos without breaking the bank. With the right script, tone, and visuals, your audience will walk away informed, entertained, and ready to act.
Take your message beyond words. Let animation do the talking. Start simple, think creatively, and watch how a short video can bring big results.