In today’s fast-moving digital world, grabbing your audience’s attention can feel like a constant challenge. With so much noise online, how do you stand out? Well, motion graphics explainer videos have quickly become one of the most powerful tools for marketers to break through the clutter. These videos combine animation, typography, and storytelling to simplify complex ideas, showcase products, and keep your audience hooked across various platforms.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why motion graphics explainer videos are essential for marketers today, how they differ from other video types, and some practical tips for creating videos that actually drive results.
What Exactly Are Motion Graphics Explainer Videos?
Motion graphics explainer videos are animated pieces of content that use graphic design elements to explain a product, service, or concept. Unlike traditional animations that often feature characters and storylines, motion graphics focus more on abstract elements like shapes, text, icons, and data to communicate the message in an engaging and straightforward way.
These videos often include:
- Animated visuals: Think abstract shapes, icons, or symbols that move and transform to convey meaning.
- Text on the move: Words that appear, change, or disappear dynamically.
- Color and layout: Smart use of color and design to emphasize the right information.
- Audio: A combination of voiceovers and music that complements the visuals.
- Simplified ideas: They take complicated topics and break them down into easy-to-understand visuals.
For marketers, motion graphics can serve a variety of purposes:
- Introducing new products or services
- Explaining complex processes
- Showing how a product works
- Highlighting key benefits
- Boosting brand awareness
- Driving conversions and sales
Why Are Motion Graphics Explainer Videos So Powerful?
Better Retention of Information
We all know that visuals are more memorable than text. Studies show that people retain 95% of a message when they watch or see a video, compared to just 10% with text. Motion graphics take this a step further by using movement and visuals that create multiple ways for the brain to remember the message.
For marketers, this means your key product features or brand messages are more likely to stick with your audience long after they’ve seen the video, which can increase conversions and brand recall.
Simplifying Complex Ideas
Motion graphics shine when it comes to making complicated concepts easier to digest. By using visual metaphors and simplifying complex ideas, you can make technical or abstract content accessible to a wider audience.
For example:
- SaaS companies can explain digital tools
- Financial services can illustrate investment strategies
- Healthcare providers can simplify medical procedures
- Schools can break down complex theories
Versatility Across Channels
Another great thing about motion graphics is their versatility. They work well across almost all marketing channels:
- Websites: They increase time spent on site and improve conversions.
- Social media: They grab attention and encourage shares.
- Emails: They boost click-through rates.
- Digital ads: They improve ad performance.
- Sales presentations: They make in-person pitches stand out.
- Events: They draw attention to your booth.
- Internal communications: They help with training or introducing new processes.
Because motion graphics can be repurposed across various touchpoints, marketers get a lot of bang for their buck.
Building Brand Consistency
Motion graphics give you full control over the visuals, ensuring everything aligns with your brand identity. Colors, fonts, icons, and transitions can be carefully chosen to reinforce your brand’s look and feel.
As you use the same style over time, your motion graphics can become a recognizable signature for your brand, making it easier for your audience to spot your content even before they see your logo.
Cost-Effective Production
Compared to live-action videos, motion graphics tend to be much more affordable. Why? You don’t need locations, actors, or a huge production crew. Plus, making revisions or updates is simpler and quicker.
7 Motion Graphics Explainer Videos to Inspire You
Let’s look at some real-world examples of great motion graphics explainer videos. These will give you ideas on what works and why:
- Freshbooks: Simplifying Accounting Software: Freshbooks uses motion graphics to break down complex accounting concepts into bite-sized, easy-to-understand chunks. With smooth transitions and a consistent color palette, they make an otherwise dry topic approachable.
- Takeaway: Visual consistency and smooth transitions can make your video feel polished and trustworthy.
- Easy Agile: Software Development Tools: Easy Agile’s video uses visuals and text (no voiceover) to convey their message clearly. This makes it perfect for a global audience who might speak different languages.
- Takeaway: Think about whether your audience would prefer a voiceover or if you can convey the message purely with visuals.
- Ikea: App Features Explained: Ikea’s video uses a simple 2D style to show how their app works, with clear visuals that make it easy for everyone, no matter their tech-savviness.
- Takeaway: Match your animation style with your brand. Ikea’s approachable style aligns perfectly with their brand’s simplicity.
- Recurly: Subscription Management: Recurly’s video combines motion graphics with actual UI footage to give a realistic sense of their product.
- Takeaway: For software products, consider blending animation with real-life footage for added realism.
- Gogoro: Electric Vehicles: Gogoro blends 2D and 3D animations for an engaging video that explains their electric vehicle technology, keeping the visuals cohesive.
- Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to mix different animation styles, but always keep them consistent in color and pacing.
- Dropbox: File Sharing Made Easy: Dropbox’s video uses simple line drawings to explain a complicated issue (file synchronization). This straightforward approach helped them acquire millions of users.
- Takeaway: Sometimes, simplicity is the best way to explain a concept.
- Crazy Egg: Heat Mapping Tool: Crazy Egg uses a before-and-after scenario to show how their tool works, boosting monthly revenue by $21,000.
- Takeaway: Show real, tangible results through concrete examples.
How to Create an Effective Motion Graphics Video
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to create your own motion graphics explainer video:
Clarify Your Strategy
Before you start, answer a few key questions:
- What’s the main goal? (Brand awareness, sales, etc.)
- Who’s your target audience?
- What’s the main message?
- What action do you want viewers to take?
- Where will you use the video?
Write a Strong Script
A great script is the backbone of your video. It should be:
- Short and sweet (aim for 150-200 words per minute)
- Structured around a problem-solution format
- Focused on benefits
- Written in a conversational tone
- Action-oriented (end with a clear CTA)
Develop Your Visual Style
Your video’s visuals should reflect your brand. Keep these things in mind:
- Colors: Stick to your brand palette.
- Fonts: Use readable fonts that fit your brand’s voice.
- Icons: Make sure your icons are consistent and easy to understand.
- Pacing: Match the animation speed to your brand’s energy.
- Transitions: Use transitions that complement your brand.
Choose the Right Style
Pick an animation style that fits your brand’s personality and the message you’re trying to convey. Whether it’s flat design, isometric animation, or kinetic typography, make sure it’s the right fit for your product or service.
Optimize for Platforms
Make sure your video is tailored for where you plan to share it:
- Social media: Keep it under 60 seconds and make it mobile-friendly.
- Website: Ensure it looks good on all screen sizes and loads quickly.
- Presentations: Have a version that’s readable from a distance and easy to present.
Work with the Right Partners
If you’re outsourcing the work, make sure the production team understands your marketing goals, not just the animation techniques.
Measuring the Success of Your Motion Graphics Video
After your video is live, measure its impact by tracking:
- Engagement metrics (view count, social shares, etc.)
- Conversion metrics (click-through rate, ROI)
- Brand impact (brand recall, sentiment analysis)
Challenges and Solutions
- Budget Limits: Keep it simple with shorter videos or use templates at first.
- Tech Complexity: Work with experienced studios who understand marketing language.
- Brand Consistency: Develop a style guide for motion graphics.
- Measuring Success: Use A/B testing to see what works best.
- Keeping Content Fresh: Design modular graphics that can be updated easily.
What’s Next in Motion Graphics?
Stay ahead by keeping an eye on these trends:
- Interactive motion graphics for deeper engagement.
- 3D design integration for richer visuals.
- AI-generated motion graphics for faster, more affordable production.
- Augmented Reality
- Micro-motion graphics for quick, attention-grabbing content.
Conclusion: Why Motion Graphics Are a Must-Have
Motion graphics explainer videos are no longer just a fun tool—they’re a must-have for marketers. They make complex ideas clear, keep audiences engaged, and ultimately drive results. If you’re ready to stand out, these videos can help you create content that people actually want to watch and share.
So, whether you’re launching a new product or explaining a service, motion graphics can help you connect with your audience in a way that other formats just can’t.