In the fast-paced world of startups, standing out isn’t just important—it’s survival. When you’re trying to break into a crowded market, grab attention, and explain what your product or service does, nothing works quite like an explainer video. It’s simple, it’s powerful, and when done right, it can be the difference between a potential customer clicking away or sticking around.
Explainer videos are short, engaging videos that simplify your message. Whether you’re pitching to investors, onboarding new users, or just trying to spread awareness, a well-crafted explainer video can be one of your most valuable tools.
Let’s dive deep into why explainer videos matter for startups, how they’re made, and how to get the most out of them.
Why Explainer Videos Work So Well for Startups
Startups often face two major problems: obscurity and complexity. You might have a great product, but if people don’t understand what it does—or don’t even know it exists—growth can stall. That’s where explainer videos come in.
They grab attention quickly
- People have short attention spans, especially online. Explainer videos hook viewers in the first few seconds.
- Movement, sound, and storytelling create a multi-sensory experience that draws people in more than plain text ever could.
They simplify complex ideas
- Startups often offer new, innovative solutions—but those can be hard to explain in words.
- A video can break down a concept visually, showing how something works instead of just telling.
They build trust
- Seeing a product in action or hearing a human voice explaining it adds a layer of authenticity.
- Professionally made videos can make even a small team look polished and credible.
They increase conversion rates
- Studies have shown that landing pages with explainer videos can significantly boost conversion rates.
- When people understand your value proposition quickly, they’re more likely to act.
They’re versatile
- Explainer videos can live on your website, social media, email campaigns, presentations, and more.
- A single video can serve multiple marketing and sales functions.
What Makes a Great Explainer Video
Not all explainer videos are created equal. Some fall flat, while others go viral and bring in waves of new users. So, what sets the great ones apart?
Clarity above all
- The message should be laser-focused. Viewers should know what your product does within the first few seconds.
- Avoid jargon, buzzwords, or trying to cram too much in. Keep it simple and direct.
Strong scriptwriting
- The script is the foundation of the video. It should reflect your brand’s voice—friendly, confident, maybe even a bit playful depending on your style.
- A good script speaks to a problem your audience has, offers your product as the solution, and includes a clear call to action.
Engaging visuals
- Animation, whiteboard drawings, live-action—each style has its place.
- Choose a style that matches your brand and feels natural. Don’t overdo the effects; the visuals should support the story, not distract from it.
Quality sound design
- Music and voiceover are crucial. Poor audio can ruin even the most beautiful visuals.
- Use a professional voice actor if possible. It adds credibility and improves viewer engagement.
Pacing and length
- The sweet spot is usually 60–90 seconds. Long enough to explain, short enough to keep attention.
- Every second should add value. No filler, no fluff.
Different Types of Explainer Videos to Consider
Depending on your product, goals, and budget, there are several types of explainer videos you might explore. Each has its own strengths.
Animated explainer videos
- Great for breaking down complex processes or software products
- Easy to update as your product evolves
- Often more affordable than live-action
Live-action explainer videos
- Ideal for physical products or services that involve people
- Builds a strong emotional connection
- Good for telling founder stories or showcasing company culture
Whiteboard explainer videos
- Classic and simple
- Focuses viewers’ attention on the story
- Works well for B2B or educational content
Screencast explainer videos
- Perfect for software demos and tutorials
- Shows the real interface and how users interact with it
- Best when paired with narration to walk users through the experience
3D explainer videos
- Visually striking and memorable
- Useful for showing products or processes from every angle
- Often more expensive and time-consuming to create
Table: Comparing Types of Explainer Videos
| Video Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Animated | SaaS, apps, services | Creative, flexible, affordable | Can feel less personal |
| Live-action | Products, team intros | Human connection, brand personality | Higher production costs |
| Whiteboard | B2B, education | Focused, cost-effective | Less visually exciting |
| Screencast | Software tutorials | Real interface shown, practical | Less polish, may look basic |
| 3D Animation | Hardware, engineering products | Visually impressive, technical clarity | Costly and time-consuming |
FAQs About Explainer Videos for Startups
What’s the ideal length for an explainer video?
Keep it under 2 minutes. Ideally, shoot for 60–90 seconds. Shorter videos tend to perform better online.
How much does it cost to make an explainer video?
Costs can range widely. Simple animations can start at a few hundred dollars, while high-end productions can go into the thousands. DIY tools are available if you’re on a tight budget.
Should we hire a professional or do it ourselves?
If budget allows, hire a professional team—they can help with scriptwriting, voiceovers, and visuals. But if funds are tight, tools like Animaker or Powtoon can help you get started.
Where should we use our explainer video?
Add it to your homepage, share it on social media, include it in email campaigns, and play it during investor pitches. The more exposure, the better.
What should we include in the script?
Start by addressing a common problem. Introduce your solution (your product or service), highlight how it works, and wrap up with a clear call to action.
Conclusion: Make Your Message Stick with Explainer Videos
Explainer videos aren’t just trendy—they’re practical, powerful, and essential for startups trying to gain traction. They bridge the gap between confusion and clarity, turning curious viewers into informed customers.
If you’re building something new and you need the world to “get it,” a well-crafted explainer video might be the smartest investment you make. It’s not about flashy graphics or clever tricks. It’s about making your story clear, compelling, and unforgettable.
So if you’re a startup founder wondering how to stand out, ask yourself: Can someone understand what you do in 90 seconds or less? If not, it might be time to hit “record.”
Let your idea come to life—frame by frame, word by word—and give your startup the spotlight it deserves.