Explainer videos are everywhere these days—and for good reason. They’re a powerful way to break down complicated topics and share your message in a way that’s fun and easy to follow. Whether you’re launching a product, teaching your audience something new, or onboarding new team members, explainer videos help get the job done with style. But let’s be honest—making them from scratch can take forever (and cost a pretty penny). That’s where templates come in to save the day.
Using explainer video templates gives you a head start. They’re already designed with animations, layouts, and placeholders—all you have to do is plug in your content. The real question is: where can you find the best ones? Let’s walk through some of the top platforms where you’ll find high-quality templates for any purpose.
Canva – Simple, Smart, and Super Easy
If you’ve ever designed anything online, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Canva. Known for being incredibly user-friendly, Canva also offers a huge variety of explainer video templates—over 240, actually. These templates span different industries and styles, and the best part is you don’t need to be a video editing pro to make them work.
Want to use your own footage or stick with their stock library? You can do either. Features like Beat Sync (which lines up your video clips with your chosen music) make your final product feel slick and polished. Whether it’s for a product demo or a team training, Canva’s got you covered.
Adobe Express – Sleek and Professional
If you’re aiming for something a bit more polished, Adobe Express is worth checking out. It’s backed by Adobe’s creative muscle, so the templates here tend to look a little more high-end. Still, the platform is designed for ease, so even if you’re not a design whiz, you’ll be able to jump right in.
Adobe Express offers a variety of templates—everything from product explainers to educational content. And if you’re already using tools like Photoshop or Illustrator, you’ll appreciate how well Adobe Express plays with those programs.
Powtoon – Animated and Engaging
Want something fun, animated, and full of personality? Powtoon might be your best bet. This platform is all about storytelling through animated characters and scenes. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re trying to break down a tricky topic and keep your audience entertained at the same time.
Powtoon’s templates are grouped by category—think marketing, training, remote work, education—so it’s easy to find something that fits your use case. If you’re creating a how-to guide, pitching an idea, or even crafting an onboarding video, their character-driven animations can help your message really connect.
Renderforest – Variety Meets Versatility
Renderforest offers a wide mix of explainer video templates, making it a great all-around platform for different industries and goals. Whether you’re looking for a clean corporate vibe, a 3D animation, or something with a fun, whiteboard-style flair, there’s likely a template here that’ll fit the bill.
One standout feature is their Business Character Promotion template, which comes loaded with more than 100 pre-made scenes tailored for startups, education, and internal training. The level of variety in Renderforest’s templates makes it easy to align your video with your brand’s voice and tone.
Envato Elements – For the Creative Pros
If you want to go all out and need access to a massive library of professional-level templates, Envato Elements should be on your radar. With more than 7,000 explainer video templates, this platform is built for serious creators who want options—lots of them.
You’ll need a subscription to access the content, but the investment can pay off quickly, especially if you plan on producing multiple videos or need access to other assets like stock photos, fonts, and music. Most of the templates here are built for software like Adobe After Effects, which means they offer tons of room for creative control if you’re comfortable with advanced editing tools.
Biteable – Quick and No Fuss
If you’re short on time and want something fast and straightforward, Biteable makes the process a breeze. Their templates are simple to customize—change the text, swap in your brand colors, pick a few visuals, and you’re good to go.
Biteable is great for creating short, impactful videos for social media, websites, or internal updates. You won’t find the same depth of customization as with After Effects templates, but the speed and ease make it perfect for quick turnarounds without sacrificing quality.
VideoHive – For the Tech-Savvy Creators
If you or someone on your team has some serious After Effects skills, VideoHive is a treasure trove. This marketplace offers a huge range of explainer video templates that lean into high-end animation and complex visuals.
These templates aren’t quite plug-and-play—you’ll need to know your way around After Effects to get the most out of them. But if you’re aiming for a one-of-a-kind video with custom animation and effects, VideoHive gives you the flexibility to build something that stands out.
How to Pick the Right Platform for You
Before diving into any of these tools, take a moment to consider what matters most for your project:
- Your skill level – New to video editing? Stick with Canva or Powtoon. More advanced? Give Envato or VideoHive a shot.
- Budget – Need free tools? Canva and Adobe Express have solid options. Want everything? Envato’s subscription might be worth it.
- Style – Animated, 3D, corporate, or fun? Different platforms offer different vibes.
- Customization – Think about how much you need to tailor your video to match your brand identity.
- Workflow – If you’re already using design tools (like Adobe’s suite), choose a platform that integrates seamlessly.
Wrapping It Up
Using an explainer video template can be a total game-changer—saving you time, effort, and sometimes even money. Whether you’re building videos for marketing, education, or internal training, these platforms give you a strong starting point.
From beginner-friendly tools like Canva and Biteable to feature-rich platforms like Renderforest and Envato Elements, there’s a solution for every kind of creator. Just remember: the best videos are the ones that reflect your brand’s unique voice. So don’t be afraid to add your personal touch—whether that’s through visuals, tone, or messaging.