Explainer videos have become a powerful tool for brands to connect with their audience. Whether you’re simplifying a complex product, introducing a brand-new service, or sharing your startup’s story, the right explainer video can spark interest and drive results.

But how do you create one that doesn’t just look professional but hits all the right notes for your target audience? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, helping you craft an engaging and effective explainer video from concept to completion.

What Is an Explainer Video and Why Do You Need One?

Explainer videos are short, engaging videos that communicate a specific idea, product, or service to your audience. It can be the difference between a site visitor leaving confused or clicking “Learn More.”

Benefits of Explainer Videos:

• Simplify Complex Concepts: Ever heard the phrase, “Show, don’t tell”? Explainer videos break down ideas visually for clarity.
• Improve Engagement: People retain 95% of a message when they watch it in video form, compared to only 10% when reading text.
• Drive Conversions: Explainer videos on landing pages can boost conversion rates by up to 80%.
• Show Off Your Brand Personality: A well-crafted video reflects your company’s voice, values, and creativity.

Now, let’s get into how to create one.

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Before you start writing scripts or scouting animators, set clear objectives for your video. Ask yourself:

• What is the video’s purpose? Do you want to increase sales? Generate leads? Educate your audience?
• Who is the target audience? Define your audience’s age, interests, pain points, and needs.
• What action do you want viewers to take? Whether it’s signing up for a trial or booking a call, include a clear call-to-action (CTA).

Takeaway Tip 🚨

Write these goals down and refer to them throughout the process to stay focused.

Step 2: Craft a Clear and Concise Script

A great explainer video starts with a thoughtful script. Remember, you generally have 60-120 seconds to explain your message. Keep it simple and conversational.

Structure of a Winning Script:

1. Grab Attention in the First 10 Seconds: Start with a statement or question to hook viewers.

Example: “Struggling to keep track of your team’s tasks and deadlines?”

2. Identify the Problem: Lay out the pain points your audience faces.
3. Offer the Solution: Position your product or service as the hero.
4. Highlight Key Benefits: Focus on the ‘what’s in it for me’ factor.
5. End with a CTA: Encourage viewers to take immediate action.

Example: “Sign up today for a free 30-day trial!”

Takeaway Tip 🚨

Read your script out loud to ensure it flows naturally.

Step 3: Choose a Style for Your Video

The style of your explainer video sets the tone and grabs attention. Here’s a quick breakdown of popular options:

Common Explainer Video Styles:

• Animated Explainer Videos: Ideal for breaking down technical products or services. Think fun visuals and motion graphics.
• Live-Action Videos: Showcase your team or customers to build trust and relatability.
• Whiteboard Animation: Simple illustrations drawn as the narrative progresses. Excellent for educational videos.
• Stop Motion: A more niche, artistic style that can stand out if done well.

Takeaway Tip 🚨

Pick a style that resonates with your audience. For instance, if you’re targeting startups, animated videos can align with the modern, innovative vibe.

Step 4: Storyboard Your Vision

A storyboard is a shot-by-shot illustration of your video. It maps out how the script aligns with visuals. While you don’t need to be a pro artist, sketch simple frames or use tools like Storyboarder or Canva.

What Should a Storyboard Include?

• Key scenes (e.g., product demos, characters, or customer testimonials)
• Suggested motion or transitions
• Notes on voiceover and music cues

Takeaway Tip 🚨

Keep each “scene” laser-focused to avoid overloading your viewers with information.

Step 5: Record a Professional Voiceover

The narrator’s voice plays a crucial role in delivering your message effectively. Whether you hire a professional or do it in-house, ensure the tone matches your brand.

Voiceover Tips:

• Speak clearly and match the pacing to your visuals.
• Add emotional nuance to emphasize key points.
• Invest in a good microphone or a professional recording service.

Takeaway Tip 🚨

For cost-effective professionals, explore platforms like Fiverr or Voices.com.

Step 6: Create or Source Your Visuals

It’s time to bring your storyboard to life! Depending on your style, you’ll either create visuals manually or use a design team/software.

Tools to Create Explainer Video Visuals:

• DIY Tools: Powtoon, Vyond, and Canva for animation.
• Professional Software: Adobe After Effects or Final Cut Pro for advanced editing.
• Hire Experts: Need polished results? Work with animators or video production teams.

Takeaway Tip 🚨

Don’t make it too complicated. Clean, simple visuals often outperform overly flashy ones.

Step 7: Add Music and Sound Effects

Music can set the tone and evoke feelings to keep your audience hooked. Pair this with subtle sound effects to enhance key moments.

Where to Source Music and SFX:

• Free Alternatives: YouTube Audio Library or Freesound.
• Paid Platforms: PremiumBeat, AudioJungle, or Epidemic Sound.

Takeaway Tip 🚨

Choose a track with a moderate tempo that matches your video’s energy, and don’t make it too loud!

Step 8 (Optional): Caption and Optimize for SEO

Did you know that 85% of social media videos are watched on mute? Adding captions not only boosts accessibility but also ensures your message gets across even without sound!

SEO Considerations for Your Video:

• Add relevant keywords to your video title, description, and tags.
• Include a transcript to improve search engine ranking.
• Use an attention-grabbing thumbnail that aligns with your branding.

Takeaway Tip 🚨

Use tools like Rev or Otter.ai to generate captions quickly.

Why a Great Explainer Video Matters

Explainer videos have become a staple for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a tech startup or an e-commerce brand, the right explainer video does three things:

• Captures attention quickly
• Ensures your message is understood
• Drives engagement and results

By following these eight steps, you’ll create a video that not only wows your audience but also drives conversions for your business.

Remember, creating an explainer video doesn’t have to become an overwhelming process. With the right approach, it can be a fun, creative project that makes a lasting impact.

Looking for more guidance? Check out tools like Powtoon, or if you’re ready to take it to the next level, consider hiring a professional from DMP to help refine your ideas.