If you’ve ever clicked on a short, animated video that breaks down a product, service, or concept in less than two minutes, you’ve already seen the power of an explainer video. These little gems are the marketing world’s Swiss Army knife—they do everything from simplifying technical jargon to adding visual spice to otherwise bland information. But what exactly goes into an explainer video service, and why are businesses across the board scrambling to get one?
An explainer video service is a professional offering that helps companies communicate ideas clearly through short, engaging video content. The purpose is simple: explain something in a way that resonates. Whether it’s a SaaS platform, a complex medical device, or a startup pitch, explainer videos cut through the noise.
Here’s why people lean into explainer video services:
- They deliver clarity in under two minutes.
- They’re more engaging than blocks of text or dull PowerPoint decks.
- Viewers retain 95% of a message when it’s in video form, compared to 10% when reading text.
- They’re flexible—animated, live-action, whiteboard, and more.
- They help increase conversion rates, especially on landing pages.
Most explainer video services handle the A-Z of production. This means everything from scripting and storyboarding to animation, voiceover, and post-production. You just bring your idea—or even a half-baked one—and they bake it into a sizzling final cut.
And no, you don’t need to be a Fortune 500 company to afford one. Many agencies and freelancers offer scalable packages depending on length, complexity, and turnaround time.
What’s Typically Included in an Explainer Video Service?
When you sign up for an explainer video service, you’re not just getting a one-off animation. You’re getting a soup-to-nuts production process that walks your message through a creative journey. Let’s take a peek behind the curtain.
- Discovery and Briefing
This is the stage where you and the creative team get aligned. They’ll ask about your brand, your goals, your audience, and what you want the video to achieve. - Scriptwriting
The heavy lifting of condensing your idea into a short, compelling script happens here. Good scripting is punchy, conversational, and crystal-clear. - Storyboard and Concept Art
You’ll get a frame-by-frame breakdown showing how the scenes will look. This helps everyone stay on the same visual page before animation begins. - Voiceover Casting and Recording
Whether it’s a warm, reassuring tone or an energetic, upbeat delivery, the right voice matters. Most services give you multiple options to choose from. - Animation or Live Action
This is where the magic happens. Whether you’re going for 2D, whiteboard, motion graphics, or live-action video, the production team brings the visuals to life. - Music and Sound Effects
A tight sound mix makes everything pop. Expect royalty-free music, custom sound design, and synced sound effects. - Revisions and Delivery
Most services include at least one round of revisions, ensuring the final video hits the mark. Then it’s formatted for your needs—whether it’s YouTube, your website, or social media.
Types of Explainer Videos You Can Get
Explainer videos come in all styles, tones, and textures. Different types work better for different audiences and products. Here’s a breakdown of the usual suspects in the explainer video lineup:
- Animated (2D or 3D)
Great for startups, apps, and software demos. These use colorful graphics and motion to explain things without real-world filming. - Whiteboard Animation
Ideal for education and technical subjects. It’s like watching an idea unfold in real time with drawings appearing on a virtual whiteboard. - Live-Action
Perfect for human-centered stories or testimonials. These use real people and settings to give a grounded, relatable feel. - Motion Graphics
Polished, sleek, and often used in finance, health, or enterprise services. These lean into typography and abstract visuals. - Screencast Videos
Common for software walkthroughs. These are recordings of your product in action, often with a voiceover guiding the viewer. - Kinetic Typography
A bold choice when you want words to take center stage. Text moves dynamically on screen to deliver a powerful punch.
Here’s a simple table breaking down the pros of each style:
| Type | Best For | Key Strength |
| 2D Animation | Startups, apps, e-commerce | Engaging and visually appealing |
| Whiteboard | Education, training, internal comms | Clear, sequential storytelling |
| Live-Action | Testimonials, product demos | Human connection and authenticity |
| Motion Graphics | Tech, finance, SaaS | Sleek and modern feel |
| Screencast | Software tutorials, onboarding | Practical, real-time walkthrough |
| Kinetic Typography | Social media, inspirational content | Bold, attention-grabbing messaging |
What to Look for in a Quality Explainer Video Service
Not all explainer video services are cut from the same cloth. If you’re about to invest in one, here are some things to keep an eye on:
- Portfolio Variety
The best teams show versatility. Check out past work to see if they’ve tackled different styles and industries. - Collaborative Process
You want a team that listens, not steamrolls your vision. Ask about how involved you’ll be during each stage. - Turnaround Time
Need it next week? Some services specialize in rapid delivery, while others offer high-end polish that takes more time. - Custom vs. Template
Beware of agencies pushing template-based videos. They’re cheaper but often look generic. - Revision Policy
Make sure the package includes revisions. That safety net can be a lifesaver if something’s off. - Clear Pricing Structure
Some offer fixed pricing based on length. Others price based on animation complexity or scripting needs. Ask upfront.
FAQs About Explainer Video Services
What’s the ideal length for an explainer video?
Most fall between 60 and 90 seconds. Long enough to explain the idea, short enough to keep attention. For complex topics, 2 minutes max is usually the ceiling.
Do explainer video services offer voiceovers in different languages?
Yes, many do. Multilingual voiceovers are great if you’re targeting an international audience. Just make sure to ask during the briefing stage.
How much does an explainer video cost?
Prices vary widely. A basic animated explainer might run a few hundred dollars with a freelancer. High-end agency productions can hit five figures. Generally, you get what you pay for in terms of polish and process.
Can I use my own script or voiceover?
Absolutely. Most services are flexible. If you already have a script or voice talent, they’ll integrate it into the process.
Is animation better than live-action?
It depends. Animation is more flexible and often cheaper to revise. Live-action brings a human touch and is often stronger for physical products or services involving people.
Do I get full rights to the final video?
Most reputable services hand over full rights upon final payment. Always double-check the contract to be sure.
How long does production usually take?
Anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on length and complexity. Rush services are sometimes available but may cost more.
Can I request revisions?
Yes, most services build in one or two rounds of revisions. Major changes late in the process might come with extra fees, so be clear from the start.
Conclusion: Is an Explainer Video Service Worth It?
If you’ve got something important to say—and you want people to actually hear it—then yes, an explainer video service is absolutely worth the investment. In a digital world crowded with content, video is the format that grabs attention and sticks in people’s minds.
These services don’t just make pretty animations. They turn fuzzy ideas into sharp, shareable stories that sell. From startups pitching a new app to big brands launching new features, explainer videos work because they break things down in a way anyone can understand—and remember.
So whether you’re trying to boost conversions, educate your audience, or build trust, an explainer video might be the missing puzzle piece. All you need is the right team to bring it to life.
Let the visuals do the talking—and let your message finally stick.