September 7, 2025
What Makes a Good Explainer Video? Everything You Need to Know
TL;DR
A great explainer video is short, clear, and designed to solve a specific problem. It hooks your audience quickly, delivers value with engaging visuals, and ends with a strong call to action. Done right, explainer videos boost conversions, clarify your offer, and leave a lasting impression.
Why Explainer Videos Work
When people research a new product or service, they don’t want to dig through endless text—they want clarity fast. Explainer videos succeed because they:
- Break down complex ideas into simple stories
- Capture attention on landing pages and social feeds
- Build trust by showing, not just telling
- Drive action with a clear next step
👉 In today’s scroll-heavy world, explainer videos are your digital elevator pitch.
The Core Elements of a Good Explainer Video
Every effective explainer video nails these five things:
- Short in length – Aim for 60–120 seconds. Viewers drop quickly after the 2-minute mark.
- Strong CTA – Clearly state what you want viewers to do next (sign up, book a demo, subscribe).
- Problem + Solution focus – Frame your video around the audience’s pain point, then show how you fix it.
- Brand & audience alignment – Match the tone, visuals, and vibe of your brand and audience.
- High production quality – Sharp visuals, crisp sound, and polished editing build credibility.
Structure That Works Every Time
The strongest explainer videos follow this 3-step arc:
- What: What problem is your audience facing?
- How: How does your product or service fix it?
- Why: Why should they choose you over alternatives?
Too many videos forget the why. But that’s the piece that creates emotional connection and long-term trust.
Types of Explainer Videos
Animated Explainer Videos
- Infographic style – Charts and icons for data-driven stories.
- Whiteboard – Simple and direct (though overused).
- Product simulation – Screencasts showing your product in action.
- Character-driven – Relatable characters telling a customer story.
- Motion graphics – Sleek, abstract visuals with strong branding.
Live-Action Explainer Videos
- Real people, real settings.
- Often features a spokesperson or founder.
- Excellent for mission-driven or personality-led brands.
Crowdfunding Explainers
- Blend of live action and animation.
- Longer format (3–5 minutes).
- Focus on storytelling and how funds will be used.
How to Create an Explainer Video
Like any strong video project, the process is broken into three steps:
- Pre-production
- Nail your concept
- Write a concise, engaging script
- Plan visuals, style, and CTA
- Production
- Animate or shoot live footage
- Capture compelling visuals and crisp sound
- Post-production
- Edit for clarity and pacing
- Add captions, music, and effects
- Make sure it’s platform-ready
💡 Pro tip: Explainer videos don’t need Hollywood budgets. The key is creativity and consistency. Partnering with an agency saves time and ensures professional storytelling without runaway costs.
FAQ: Explainer Videos
Q: How long should an explainer video be?
A: 60–120 seconds is the sweet spot. Shorter = sharper.
Q: Do explainer videos actually convert?
A: Yes—84% of people say a brand’s video convinced them to buy a product or service (Wyzowl Report).
Q: Should I use animation or live action?
A: Depends on your message. Animation is flexible and cost-efficient. Live action adds trust and personality.
Q: Can I DIY an explainer video?
A: You can—but poor sound or sloppy visuals hurt more than they help. An experienced agency streamlines the process and keeps costs predictable.
Why This Matters for Your Brand
An explainer video isn’t just another asset—it’s a core sales tool in your funnel. With the right approach, it can:
- Simplify your pitch for new audiences
- Increase conversions on your website and ads
- Build brand trust with clear, authentic storytelling
At Storybox, we’ve helped brands build audiences in the millions by producing short-form and explainer videos that actually stop the scroll. Unlike one-off influencer campaigns, explainer videos are evergreen content that educate, convert, and keep working for you long after the first post goes live.
