In a world where digital attention spans are shorter than ever, explainer videos have become the golden ticket for companies aiming to communicate their value clearly, quickly, and memorably. Whether it’s a startup breaking into a crowded market or a household brand rolling out a new product, explainer videos make ideas stick. But not all explainer videos are created equal—some companies have mastered the craft, setting the gold standard for what an effective video can be.
Let’s break down the top names in the game, what they’re doing right, and why their videos hit the sweet spot for viewers and conversions alike.
What Makes a Company Explainer Video Stand Out?
The best explainer videos aren’t just about animation or voiceovers—they’re a mix of clarity, creativity, and strategy. Here’s what separates the elite from the average:
- Clear messaging that strips down complex ideas to their core
- A tone that matches the company’s brand personality
- Engaging visuals that hold the viewer’s attention
- Concise scripts that get to the point fast
- A strong call-to-action that moves viewers forward
The top companies that produce or feature explainer videos know how to combine all these elements into a tight package that’s easy to watch and hard to forget.
Leading Companies with Knockout Explainer Videos
Here are some standout businesses that consistently deliver compelling explainer videos—whether they’re making their own or hiring top-tier studios to do it.
Dropbox
Dropbox made waves early on with one of the most iconic explainer videos ever. It didn’t feature slick graphics or fancy production—instead, it focused on clarity. Using simple animation and a friendly voiceover, it broke down the “what” and “why” of Dropbox in under two minutes. The result? A significant jump in conversions and sign-ups.
- Focused on ease-of-use and solving a clear pain point
- Minimalist visuals that kept the viewer engaged
- Conversational tone that demystified cloud storage
Dollar Shave Club
Before their viral explainer-style ad, Dollar Shave Club was a no-name disruptor. After the video? They were a household brand. What worked was the mix of humor, relatability, and direct messaging.
- Humor-driven narrative that appealed to young, male consumers
- A founder as the star, adding authenticity
- Fast-paced editing and bold visuals
Slack
Slack’s explainer videos are often polished, fast-paced, and loaded with value. They use motion graphics to demonstrate features while narrating use cases for different types of teams.
- Emphasis on how Slack fits into real workflows
- Colorful, branded design that reflects the app’s UI
- Narration that balances clarity with energy
HubSpot
HubSpot uses explainer videos not just to show off its features, but to educate. Many of their videos blend product tours with marketing education, making them both informative and strategic.
- Educator-first approach to content
- Smooth transitions between concepts
- Built-in thought leadership and brand trust
Headspace
This meditation app uses soothing visuals and calm voiceovers to align with its brand ethos. The explainer videos feel more like gentle nudges than sales pitches.
- Brand alignment with tone and visuals
- Clear explanation of how meditation works
- Empathetic storytelling
Top Studios Behind Memorable Explainer Videos
Beyond the brands themselves, there are production companies that specialize in crafting explainer videos that pop. These teams often work behind the scenes for big-name clients.
Epipheo
One of the pioneers in the explainer space, Epipheo has a philosophy rooted in storytelling. Their goal is always to reveal a company’s “epiphany” to the viewer.
- Focus on the “aha” moment
- Narrative-driven scripts
- Versatile animation styles
Sandwich Video
Known for blending humor and product focus, Sandwich Video often uses live-action mixed with animation. Their videos feel more like mini-films than ads.
- Use of real actors for relatability
- Emphasis on the product experience
- Lighthearted, quirky tone
Thinkmojo
This studio creates highly stylized, slick explainers for tech companies. Thinkmojo blends high-end motion graphics with storytelling to make complex software feel accessible.
- Deep understanding of tech products
- Futuristic, clean animation design
- Fast-paced and information-rich
Demo Duck
Demo Duck is known for mixing various formats—2D, 3D, live-action, screencast—to match the company’s personality and goals.
- Format flexibility depending on client needs
- Engaging scripts with humor and clarity
- Strong emphasis on scripting and message hierarchy
Comparison Table of Top Company Explainer Video Strategies
| Company/Studio | Style Focus | Key Strength | Best For |
| Dropbox | Simple animation | Clarity & conversion | Tech products, SaaS tools |
| Dollar Shave Club | Humor + live action | Virality & relatability | D2C brands, e-commerce |
| Slack | Motion graphics | Workflow explanation | Collaboration tools |
| HubSpot | Product demo | Education & engagement | Marketing software, B2B |
| Headspace | Soothing animation | Emotional storytelling | Health & wellness |
| Epipheo | Story-based | “Aha” moment delivery | Complex or abstract ideas |
| Sandwich Video | Live action + humor | Founder-led storytelling | Startups, mobile apps |
| Thinkmojo | Slick animation | Tech simplification | SaaS and enterprise software |
| Demo Duck | Multi-format | Versatility in approach | Any brand with varied messaging |
FAQs About Company Explainer Videos
What is an explainer video, exactly?
An explainer video is a short video—usually 60 to 120 seconds long—that introduces a product, service, or concept in a clear, engaging way. It often includes voiceover, animation, or live action, and ends with a call-to-action.
How long should a company explainer video be?
The sweet spot is usually between 60 and 90 seconds. Long enough to explain, short enough to keep attention. Some brands stretch to 2 minutes if the content is compelling or layered.
Should startups invest in explainer videos early?
Absolutely. A strong explainer video can do the heavy lifting of pitch meetings, product intros, or landing page engagement. For startups trying to stand out or simplify a new idea, it’s often worth the upfront investment.
How much does a quality explainer video cost?
Prices range widely. DIY tools may cost a few hundred dollars, while custom work from high-end studios can run from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on length, style, and complexity.
What’s the difference between an explainer video and a product video?
Explainer videos focus on the “why” and “how” behind a product or service. Product videos often show real use cases or detailed features. The explainer is about value; the product video is about detail.
Can you use explainer videos for internal communication?
Yes! Companies often use explainer-style videos to onboard new employees, explain internal processes, or pitch ideas internally.
Wrapping It All Up
Explainer videos are no longer a nice-to-have—they’re a cornerstone of modern brand communication. When done right, they make your pitch memorable, your product understandable, and your company relatable. Whether you’re a scrappy startup or an established brand, the right explainer video can be the bridge between confusion and conversion.
The companies and studios we’ve spotlighted here have cracked the code on what works. They focus on clarity, creativity, and connection—and that’s what makes their videos rise above the noise. If you’re serious about standing out, investing in a sharp, smart explainer video might just be your brand’s next best move.