If you’ve ever tried to create a video that explains your product, service, or idea, you already know that explainer videos are a powerful storytelling tool. But here’s the snag—building one from scratch can eat up time, money, and creative energy. That’s where explainer video templates swoop in like creative superheroes. They save the day by offering ready-made, customizable designs that are perfect for startups, marketers, educators, and just about anyone trying to communicate with flair.
So where do you find these templates? Buckle in—we’re about to explore the top platforms and resources that serve up explainer video templates, ready for you to tweak, tune, and turn into polished content.
Best Platforms to Source Explainer Video Templates
Let’s dive into the most popular and trusted sources for explainer video templates, each with its own style, pricing model, and editing flexibility.
Envato Elements
Envato Elements is a goldmine for creatives looking for everything from stock video to graphics—and yes, a massive library of explainer video templates.
- Offers thousands of After Effects and Premiere Pro templates
- Unlimited downloads with a subscription
- Clean licensing, even for commercial use
- Frequently updated template collections
- Templates range from 2D animation to isometric and kinetic typography
Ideal for marketers or agencies needing consistent, high-quality visuals across projects.
Motion Array
Motion Array is another go-to resource for professional-quality templates. Whether you’re into Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, or DaVinci Resolve, this platform has you covered.
- Offers drag-and-drop ease with prebuilt animations
- Subscription includes music, stock video, and plugins
- Templates are categorized by niche—tech, business, education, and more
- Many templates include voiceover placeholders and character animations
Perfect for creators who want all-in-one packages to speed up production.
Canva
Yes, Canva isn’t just for static graphics anymore. Its video editor has evolved, offering beginner-friendly explainer templates that you can edit right from your browser.
- Simple, no-software-needed editing
- Pre-animated scenes, icons, and text
- Drag-and-drop interface perfect for non-editors
- Ideal for social media snippets, product intros, or internal training
- Free and Pro templates available
Great for small businesses or solo creators wanting quick results with minimal effort.
Renderforest
Renderforest is built specifically with explainer videos in mind. It offers templates tailored for different goals—app promotion, whiteboard animation, corporate intros, and more.
- Cloud-based platform with minimal learning curve
- Tons of preset scenes with icons, characters, and transitions
- Customize directly in the browser—no software needed
- Offers free versions with watermarks, or pay to remove branding
- Auto voiceover tools included in premium tiers
Fantastic for someone who wants an explainer video up and running in an afternoon.
Adobe Stock Templates
If you’re a seasoned editor who prefers to work inside Adobe Premiere or After Effects, Adobe Stock is the place to grab pro-grade templates.
- Handpicked, high-res templates with motion graphics
- Easy integration with Creative Cloud
- Ideal for agencies and creatives who want full control over every frame
- Focused more on professional broadcast quality than casual use
Best for experienced users who want their videos to shine with cinematic polish.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Template
Before jumping into any platform, it’s worth checking a few boxes to make sure you’re choosing the right template for your project.
- Software compatibility: Make sure the template works with your editing tool—After Effects, Premiere Pro, Canva, etc.
- Customization options: Check if you can easily change colors, fonts, animations, and scenes to match your branding.
- Purpose-specific design: A template for a tech startup won’t look or feel right for a kids’ toy demo. Choose accordingly.
- Audio integration: Some templates include background music or voiceover placeholders—great for storytelling.
- Licensing terms: Read the fine print. Can you use the template commercially? Is it royalty-free?
- Ease of use: If you’re not a video editor, stick to tools like Canva or Renderforest that are built for simplicity.
Tips for Making the Most of Explainer Templates
Even the best template can fall flat without the right tweaks. Here’s how to make your explainer video shine.
- Write a tight script first: Don’t just rely on visuals. A well-paced script guides the viewer and keeps things moving.
- Use your brand elements: Plug in your logo, brand colors, and fonts to maintain consistency.
- Keep it short and sweet: Aim for under two minutes. Viewers have short attention spans.
- Add a strong call-to-action (CTA): Whether it’s “Sign up,” “Book a demo,” or “Watch more,” lead your viewer to the next step.
- Match visuals to tone: Selling a finance product? Go clean and modern. Marketing a mobile game? Add vibrant characters and upbeat music.
- Preview and revise: Watch your video multiple times and test it with fresh eyes or outside opinions.
Comparison Table of Template Platforms
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of some top choices to help you decide:
| Platform | Software Needed | Price Model | Best For | Ease of Use |
| Envato Elements | After Effects, Premiere | Subscription | Agencies, content creators | Intermediate |
| Motion Array | AE, Premiere, Resolve | Subscription | Freelancers, YouTubers | Moderate |
| Canva | None (browser-based) | Free + Paid | Beginners, small businesses | Very Easy |
| Renderforest | None (browser-based) | Free + Paid | Startups, quick edits | Very Easy |
| Adobe Stock | AE, Premiere | Pay-per-template | Professional editors | Advanced |
FAQs About Explainer Video Templates
What’s the difference between a video template and a video preset?
Templates include full scenes and animations ready to customize, while presets are effects or transitions you apply to existing footage.
Can I use these templates for commercial projects?
Yes, but make sure to check the licensing terms. Platforms like Envato Elements and Motion Array include commercial licenses in their subscriptions.
Do I need video editing experience to use these templates?
Not always. Platforms like Canva and Renderforest are user-friendly and don’t require prior editing skills. For more advanced templates, basic knowledge of After Effects or Premiere Pro is helpful.
Can I change the animations and graphics in a template?
Usually, yes. Most templates are designed to be customizable—colors, text, icons, timing, and more. Some are more flexible than others, so choose based on your needs.
What’s the typical cost of a quality explainer video template?
It varies. Subscription services like Envato offer unlimited access for a monthly fee. Single-purchase options like Adobe Stock range from $10 to $40 per template. Renderforest and Canva also offer free tiers with optional upgrades.
How long does it take to make a video using a template?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on complexity, your familiarity with the software, and how much customization is needed.
Final Thoughts: Start Creating with Confidence
Explainer video templates are a secret weapon for anyone who wants to communicate ideas visually without reinventing the wheel. Whether you’re a solo creator or a full-blown creative agency, there’s a template platform tailored to your style, software, and skill level.
Choosing the right template comes down to what you’re trying to say, who you’re speaking to, and how hands-on you want to be with the editing process. With countless options at your fingertips—from Canva’s drag-and-drop magic to the professional finesse of Adobe templates—your next killer explainer video is just a few clicks away.
Start simple, customize boldly, and let your story shine.