Engineering can be a pretty complex subject to grasp, even for those with a technical background. That’s where explainer videos come in—they take complicated engineering concepts and break them down into something much easier to understand. Whether it’s for marketing, internal training, education, or simply getting stakeholder buy-in, explainer videos are a powerful communication tool in the engineering world.
In this article, we’ll walk through how explainer videos work in engineering, go over different types of videos by purpose and style, and showcase some strong examples that highlight why they’re effective. You’ll also find practical tips on what makes a great engineering explainer and answers to some common questions people ask about them.
Types of Engineering Explainer Videos
Explainer videos used in engineering vary based on their purpose and target audience. While all aim to simplify, the content and format differ widely depending on who’s watching.
Product Design Walkthroughs
- These explain how a product works, from the inner mechanics to the overall function.
- Often used by mechanical or electrical engineers to show proof of concept.
- Helps teams, clients, or investors understand technical features without needing an engineering degree.
Process or Workflow Visualizations
- These break down step-by-step industrial or software workflows.
- Perfect for training staff or educating clients on how a process runs from start to finish.
- Often used in fields like civil engineering, automation, or manufacturing.
Simulation or Analysis Overviews
- These videos show simulations of stress tests, thermal analysis, or computational models.
- They help communicate results in a way that’s easy to digest, even for non-technical stakeholders.
- Especially useful for aerospace, structural, and automotive engineers.
Technology Introductions
- These offer a high-level overview of emerging tech or engineering innovations.
- Useful in marketing materials or pitch decks to introduce a new invention or system.
- Focused more on benefits and impact rather than deep technical detail.
Real-World Examples of Engineering Explainer Videos
Let’s look at actual examples from companies and projects that have nailed the engineering explainer format. These videos cover various fields and styles but all have one thing in common—they simplify the complicated.
Tesla’s Battery Day Presentations (Condensed Clips)
- While the live event is hours long, there are many short animated explainers from Tesla and third-party creators summarizing what was announced.
- These often break down the battery cell design, supply chain changes, and manufacturing innovations.
Boston Dynamics – Spot Robot
- The explainer videos for Spot, the four-legged robot, demonstrate its mobility, sensors, and use cases in industries like construction and inspection.
- The visual storytelling combined with real footage and subtle 3D animation helps non-engineers understand complex robotic systems.
NASA Mars Rover Missions
- NASA uses short, animated videos to explain engineering challenges like rover mobility, landing mechanisms, and autonomous navigation.
- They show why the engineering decisions matter, not just how the machines work.
Siemens Digital Twin Demos
- Siemens often releases videos showing how their digital twin technology helps engineers simulate and optimize systems.
- These include real-world applications in factories and smart infrastructure, with just enough visual data to keep it digestible.
MIT Research Highlights
- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology regularly shares 1–3 minute explainer clips summarizing cutting-edge research.
- Often feature a combination of lab footage, animation, and voice-over to explain the engineering behind new discoveries.
What Makes a Great Engineering Explainer Video?
Not all explainer videos are created equal. The best ones manage to balance technical accuracy with accessibility. Here are the traits that set great engineering explainers apart.
Clarity over Complexity
- The goal isn’t to show off how smart you are—it’s to help someone else understand.
- Avoid jargon when possible or explain it briefly if necessary.
- One core idea per video is often more effective than cramming in ten.
Visual Relevance
- The visuals should do more than look cool—they should enhance understanding.
- Diagrams, flowcharts, CAD animations, and real-world footage can all help clarify the message.
Pacing and Voice-over
- A well-paced voice-over helps people absorb the material. Too fast, and you lose them. Too slow, and it feels like a lecture.
- Human voices often work better than robotic ones, even in technical fields.
Context Matters
- It’s easier to explain a sensor’s function when people understand the problem it’s solving.
- Good explainers provide context early, showing the “why” before diving into the “how.”
Tailored to Audience
- A video for high school students will differ from one for fellow engineers or C-level executives.
- Knowing your audience affects your tone, visuals, and level of detail.
Table: Types of Engineering Explainer Videos at a Glance
| Type of Video | Best For | Common Features |
| Product Walkthrough | Clients, engineers, investors | CAD animations, cutaways, use-case clips |
| Workflow Explainer | Staff training, client education | Step-by-step diagrams, narration |
| Simulation Summary | Stakeholder communication | Animations of models, graphs |
| Tech Overview | Marketing, pitches | Minimal jargon, benefit-focused |
| Research Highlight | Public engagement, grant applications | Short, visuals-led, simplified speech |
FAQs About Engineering Explainer Videos
Why are explainer videos important in engineering?
They help bridge the gap between technical experts and everyone else. Whether you’re pitching a new design or training a team, visual storytelling makes the message clearer and easier to retain.
Do engineering explainer videos need animation?
Not always. While animation helps show invisible forces or internal structures, real-life footage or screen recordings can work just as well depending on the topic.
How long should an engineering explainer be?
Aim for 1–3 minutes if you want people to watch the whole thing. For deeper technical content, longer videos are okay, but only if the pacing and visuals keep people engaged.
Can engineers make these videos themselves?
Yes, but it helps to collaborate with a video editor or animator. Engineers know the content best, but creative pros can help present it clearly and professionally.
What software is used for creating explainer videos?
Common tools include Adobe After Effects, Blender, Camtasia, Vyond, and screen-capture tools like OBS. For engineering-specific visuals, CAD software with animation features (like SolidWorks or Fusion 360) is often used.
Are these videos just for external use?
Not at all. Many engineering teams use explainer videos internally for onboarding, training, and documenting systems. They save time and reduce misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Engineering explainer videos aren’t just flashy extras—they’re essential tools for making technical concepts accessible, understandable, and even memorable. Whether you’re showcasing a complex mechanical design, simulating fluid dynamics, or walking someone through a process flow, a good explainer video can cut through the noise and deliver clarity.
The key is simplicity. The most effective engineering explainer videos focus on one idea, keep visuals relevant, and speak the audience’s language. And in a world where time and attention are limited, being able to communicate clearly and quickly isn’t just helpful—it’s a serious advantage.
So whether you’re an engineer, a communicator, or someone trying to get buy-in for a technical idea, explainer videos are worth your time. Done right, they don’t just explain—they inspire understanding.