The Ultimate Guide to Explainer Video Production


In today’s digital-first world, we’re all competing for a prospect's attention. Yet among all the various ways to increase that attention, there’s one format that consistently rises above the noise: the explainer video. Explainer videos are more than fun animations or flashy visuals. When done right, they’re targeted, concise, and exceptionally persuasive. They transform complex ideas into digestible narratives, turning curious viewers into loyal customers. Over the past few years, this approach has earned a reputation for delivering measurable results. But how do you get started? How do you choose the best approach? And what makes one explainer video company stand out from another?

In this guide, we’ll dissect the why, the how, and the what of explainer video production. We’ll talk about the industries that benefit most, the different creative styles, and the workflow that top explainer video production companies follow. You’ll gain actionable insights to either brief your existing team or choose a production company that can truly deliver. Ready to become an expert on explainer videos? Let’s dive in!

What Is an Explainer Video?

An explainer video is a short, engaging form of video content, usually under three minutes, that's main goal is to simplify the understanding of a product, service, or concept. It’s built around a core message and designed to help viewers grasp key benefits or features quickly. Think of it as a visual elevator pitch, but with a little extra sparkle.

In most cases, explainer videos rely on lively animations, strong storytelling, and a clear call to action. They’re typically found on homepage sections, product pages, or shared on social media to attract an audience that demands quick answers and instant gratification. That describes many of us these days, always scrolling and ready to skip what doesn’t grab us fast.

The best part is that you don’t have to be a global corporation with an in-house video team to tap into this potential. Many small businesses partner with an experienced explainer video company or talented freelancer to bring their ideas to life. Quality is what counts, not your brand’s size.

Why Businesses Invest in Explainer Videos

Many brands wonder if it’s worth hiring an explainer video production company or devoting internal resources to produce this type of content. Several compelling benefits often tip the scales in favor of a resounding “yes.”

One major reason is clarity. Sometimes, you have a brilliant product or service that solves a real problem. The issue is that potential customers don’t fully grasp what it does or how it benefits them. An explainer video distills your message into a short narrative, cutting through confusion. When viewers walk away understanding how you can help, purchase intent increases significantly.

Another advantage is the ability to capture attention quickly. Our modern attention spans are short. A well-crafted explainer video hooks viewers in the first few seconds with eye-catching visuals and a succinct script. This makes them ideal for social media campaigns or homepage features where you need to draw people in right away. The combination of visuals, voiceovers, and storytelling draws them in, turning a casual passerby into a potential lead.

Explainer videos can also lead to higher conversion rates. Industry reports suggest that including a relevant video on a landing page can boost conversions noticeably, sometimes by as much as 80%. While your mileage may vary, it’s hard to ignore the persuasive power of a concise, visually appealing story. In many cases, the simplicity of an explainer video, coupled with a clear next step, encourages viewers to sign up, request a quote, or make a purchase.

Trust and credibility often improve when you produce a polished video that demonstrates professionalism. Good visuals and a clear message show you value your audience’s time. This in turn makes them more likely to trust your brand. If your competition isn’t using explainer videos, you immediately stand out as a forward-thinking solution provider.

Industries and Use Cases

Explainer videos aren’t confined to tech startups or fancy apps. They find a place across many industries, from nonprofits to e-commerce stores. The real question is whether you have something that needs a short, powerful explanation.

In software and tech, companies often have complex features or abstract solutions. A short demo that visually walks people through a platform’s interface can help convert curious visitors into paying users. In healthcare, these videos can simplify medical procedures, insurance plans, or wellness programs. A brief animation or live-action piece often does wonders for reassuring patients about treatments or clarifying insurance benefits.

Finance and insurance can also benefit greatly. Interest rates, investments, and coverage levels intimidate many consumers. A short video with approachable graphics and straightforward narration breaks these concepts into easy-to-understand steps. This can reduce confusion and build confidence in your services.

In the e-commerce and retail space, new product launches or unique features often benefit from short demonstrations. When a shopper sees the product in action or understands how it outperforms competitors, they’re more likely to trust it. Nonprofits and educational institutions similarly leverage explainer videos to showcase impact and improve understanding, whether they’re explaining how donations are used or highlighting a unique curriculum.

Different Creative Approaches

When you or your chosen explainer video production company start conceptualizing your video, one of the most important decisions is the creative style. Different styles resonate with different audiences or fit certain brand identities. For instance, animation is incredibly popular because it’s visually striking and budget-friendly compared to live-action. It’s an excellent choice for illustrating intangible services or processes.

Live-action, on the other hand, employs real actors, locations, or scenarios. This approach is ideal for injecting personal touch and authenticity. If your brand thrives on human connection or you want to put real employees or customers front and center, live-action can work wonders.

Whiteboard videos offer a simple, instructional feel. You’ve probably seen the style: a hand sketching images on a white surface while a narrator explains the message. It’s cost-effective and great for explaining educational or step-by-step content. Then there are motion graphics, which revolve around dynamic text, shapes, and icons that move on screen. This style can look very polished and suits data-driven or more corporate environments. If you’re demonstrating software specifically, a screencast or software demo with voiceover might be the most straightforward path.

Choosing an Explainer Video Production Company

Not every business has the in-house talent to create a compelling explainer video. That’s where professional explainer video companies come in. But selecting the right partner can be tricky. Start by reviewing their portfolio to see if their work aligns with the style and quality you envision for your brand. If the pieces they showcase keep you engaged from start to finish, that’s usually a positive sign.

Another consideration is whether they have a clear, defined process. A seasoned partner can walk you through scripting, storyboarding, animation or filming, and post-production. They also communicate frequently, ensuring you’re part of the decision-making process instead of being handed a finished video that might not align with your vision. Pay attention to their communication style, responsiveness, and willingness to collaborate on your ideas or brand guidelines. And of course, look at pricing and timelines to confirm they’re a fit for your budget and schedule.

An Ideal Workflow for Success

Most explainer video production companies follow a similar workflow, though the specifics can vary. The process typically begins with discovery and scriptwriting. Here, you define your objectives and outline the key information you want to convey. Clarity is essential, so keep your script tight and purposeful. If your topic is complicated, consider extending the runtime slightly but be mindful not to overwhelm viewers with too much detail.

Storyboarding comes next. This step translates the script into visual panels or frames, showing you exactly how scenes will unfold. A thorough storyboard helps minimize the chance of major revisions later in the process. After that, you move into illustration or planning for live-action. Animation teams create the designs and background elements, while live-action teams handle casting, scouting, or set design. The choices you make in style and color schemes should complement your brand identity, whether that means bright colors for a lighthearted brand or subdued tones for a more serious one.

Production then begins in earnest, involving either animation or filming. Animators create each scene based on the storyboard, while live-action crews set up shoots on location or in a studio. This is the stage where any discrepancies between the script and visuals can surface, so maintaining good communication with your production partner is crucial.

Voiceover and sound design often come next. A clear and engaging voiceover ties the story together. Whether you use a professional voice actor or record it yourself, aim for a tone that complements the visual style. Sound design, such as background music or subtle sound effects, can add an emotional layer that keeps viewers immersed.

The post-production and revision phase is where final polishing occurs. Editors merge visuals, voiceover, and music into a cohesive narrative. Watch the rough cuts for flow, pacing, and any mismatched elements. Revisions may involve adjusting color balances, editing audio volumes, or fine-tuning animation speeds. Once everything feels right, you move on to delivery and deployment. This is when you upload the completed video to your website, social channels, or dedicated video platforms like YouTube.

Actionable Tips for a High-Converting Video

Although explainer videos should reflect your brand’s unique angle, a few best practices often make the difference between a forgettable clip and a lead-generating powerhouse. Start with a strong hook that immediately addresses a viewer’s pain point or sparks curiosity. You only have a few seconds to capture their attention, so don’t waste them on fluff.

Focus on a single core message rather than cramming in all your product’s features. People remember concise stories more than laundry lists of specs. Maintain brand consistency by incorporating your color palette and tone of voice. A clear call to action at the end—whether that’s requesting a demo or signing up for a newsletter—guides viewers on what to do next. After launch, pay attention to performance analytics. Watch how many people click through, how long they watch, and where they drop off. If something isn’t working, consider updating or creating a new version based on these insights.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Even well-intentioned teams can stumble when producing explainer videos. Overloading the script is a frequent misstep. You may think every detail is vital, but overwhelming viewers with data or jargon often dilutes your main point. Another common issue is skimping on quality. Grainy footage or shaky animation can overshadow an otherwise solid concept. People might assume your product has the same lack of polish if your video looks unprofessional.

Failing to understand your audience is another big one. Without researching their pain points, language preferences, or reasons for seeking a solution, your video can miss the mark. Also, don’t forget about proper promotion. An explainer video that’s buried on an obscure webpage won’t generate results. Share it in newsletters, embed it on high-traffic pages, and distribute it across social media channels. Finally, plan for revisions. Rushing or ignoring feedback can result in a final product that falls short of your goals.

The Last Word on Explainer Video Production

Explainer videos aren’t a fleeting trend. They’ve proven their worth in helping businesses attract attention, clarify offerings, and inspire action. Whether you create them in-house or lean on a specialized production team, the best results come from a clear strategy. Choosing the right style, finalizing a concise script, and ensuring each step is refined helps produce a video that resonates with your audience.

I’ve seen brands transform their online presence by adding a single, well-structured explainer video to their homepage. They doubled conversion rates practically overnight. I’ve also watched small startups elevate their credibility by using an explainer video to compete with more established players. A strong combination of visual storytelling and straightforward messaging can persuade viewers in ways that lengthy text might not.

If you’re eager to get started, decide where the video will best fit into your marketing strategy. Is it for your homepage, your product launch, or your social media ads? Then map out a process that includes discovery, scriptwriting, storyboarding, production, and thorough revisions. Whether you’re partnering with an explainer video company or going solo, treat each stage with care. The result can be a game-changing piece of content that works around the clock to educate, engage, and convert.

Great explainer videos ultimately blend clarity, creativity, and brand authenticity. Keep your core audience in mind, maintain professional quality standards, and never forget a persuasive call to action. With that approach, you’ll craft an asset that lives at the heart of your digital presence, delivering tangible benefits and standing out in a crowded marketplace.

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