Last Updated on November 7, 2024
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14 Different Types of Explainer Videos With Examples
Explainer videos are an essential part of many marketing strategies, allowing brands to convey complex ideas and showcase products in a captivating way. By exploring these different types of explainer videos, you can find the style that best fits your business goals and message.
What are Explainer Videos?
Explainer videos are short, engaging videos that simplify complex information or concepts into an easy-to-digest visual format. They are commonly used by businesses to introduce a product, explain a service, or clarify a process. With various explainer video types available, each style can effectively address different audience needs and preferences.
1. Character-Based 2D Animation
Character-based 2D animation involves creating animated characters that narrate a story or demonstrate a concept. This style is particularly effective for businesses aiming to connect emotionally with their audience. Using characters, companies can create relatable scenarios, showcasing how their products or services solve real-life problems.
- Example: A financial planning company might use a 2D character animation to explain how their services can help families manage their savings and plan for the future.
This explainer video example allows viewers to empathize with the character’s journey, making the message more memorable and impactful.
2. Kinetic Typography
Kinetic typography is a style that animates text dynamically, emphasizing keywords or phrases to reinforce the message. It’s effective for quick-paced, attention-grabbing videos that highlight key points without requiring elaborate visuals.
- Example: An online coaching company could use kinetic typography to emphasize motivational quotes or key points about their services, creating an energetic and engaging experience.
This type of explainer video is excellent for social media or short promotional videos where text can communicate core ideas effectively.
3. Motion Graphics Animated Explainer Video
Motion graphics is a style that uses shapes, colors, and graphics to illustrate abstract concepts, making it ideal for explaining complex information in an accessible way. Motion graphics are commonly used in technology, finance, and science industries.
- Example: A tech company explaining cloud computing could use motion graphics to visualize data flow, networks, and other complex elements in a clear, visually appealing manner.
This explainer video type simplifies information-heavy content, allowing viewers to grasp concepts quickly.
4. Stop-Motion Animation Explainer Video Style
Stop-motion animation involves taking sequential photos of objects and moving them in small increments between frames to create movement. This unique, handcrafted style has a distinct look and feel, giving it a quirky, memorable quality that can make brands stand out.
- Example: A skincare brand could use stop-motion to demonstrate the ingredients in their product “coming together” in a playful, creative way.
Stop-motion animation can feel tangible and authentic, making it perfect for brands wanting to emphasize originality or craftsmanship.
5. Whiteboard Animation
Whiteboard animation is a classic style where images appear to be drawn on a whiteboard by an invisible hand. This type of explainer video is popular for educational content, as it breaks down information into simple visuals and step-by-step explanations.
- Example: A medical organization could use whiteboard animation to explain how a certain health condition affects the body, making complex medical information accessible to a general audience.
Whiteboard animations are ideal for explainer video examples where clarity and simplicity are essential.
6. Live-Action Explainer Video
Live-action explainer videos feature real people and real environments, making them perfect for showcasing products or services in a relatable way. They add a human element that can enhance trust and credibility.
- Example: A fitness brand could use a live-action explainer to showcase their trainers, facility, and workout routines, helping potential clients envision the experience.
This type of explainer video is often used in testimonials, product demos, or brand storytelling to create an authentic connection with viewers.
7. Screencast Explainer Video
Screencast explainer videos involve recording a computer screen to demonstrate software or digital tools. They’re particularly useful for tech products or online platforms where users benefit from a guided tour of the interface.
- Example: A project management tool might use a screencast to walk potential users through its features, showing how tasks are created, tracked, and managed.
Screencasts are practical, direct, and allow for clear, step-by-step instructions, making them highly effective for tutorials.
8. AI Explainer Videos
AI explainer videos utilize artificial intelligence to create animated characters, voices, or even generate entire scripts. This type of explainer video can be highly customized and data-driven, making it useful for brands with specific target audience needs.
- Example: An e-learning platform could use AI to create personalized explainer videos for different subjects or skill levels, ensuring each viewer gets the most relevant content.
AI explainer videos are cost-effective and offer a unique approach to customization, especially useful for large-scale content creation.
9. Timeline Explainer Video
Timeline videos use a chronological format to tell the story of a company, product, or concept, making them ideal for businesses that want to show their history or growth.
- Example: A manufacturing company might create a timeline explainer video to showcase its journey from a small startup to a major industry player, highlighting key milestones.
This explainer video type is engaging and provides context, helping viewers understand the brand’s evolution and achievements.
10. Product Demo Explainer Videos
Product demo videos showcase the features, functionality, and benefits of a product. These videos can build excitement and familiarity with the product, making them highly effective for marketing and sales.
- Example: A smartphone brand could create a product demo explainer video to show off its latest model’s unique features, like camera quality, speed, and durability.
This type of explainer video helps potential customers make informed buying decisions.
11. Company Culture Explainer Videos
Company culture videos give an inside look at the company’s values, workplace environment, and team. They’re great for recruitment and brand-building, allowing viewers to see the “human” side of the brand.
- Example: A creative agency could create a company culture video to showcase its open office environment, collaborative spirit, and focus on innovation, appealing to both clients and potential employees.
This style of explainer video helps build a positive brand image and attract talent.
12. Internal Communications Explainer Video
Internal communications videos are used to communicate important information to employees, such as policy updates, company news, or onboarding instructions. They ensure that everyone within the organization is aligned and informed.
- Example: A company might create an internal communications explainer video to update employees on new remote work policies, providing clarity and reducing misunderstandings.
This explainer video type is effective for maintaining consistency and engagement within an organization.
13. Cutout Animation Explainer Videos
Cutout animation involves using “cutout” shapes and figures, either digitally or with paper, to create a sequence. This style has a retro, playful feel and can add a unique touch to a brand’s messaging.
- Example: A children’s clothing brand might use cutout animation to create a fun, whimsical explainer video that aligns with its youthful, creative branding.
Cutout animation is memorable and works well for brands that want to stand out with a quirky, artistic style.
14. VR/360 Explainer Videos
VR and 360-degree explainer videos provide an immersive, interactive experience, allowing viewers to explore a virtual environment. These videos are perfect for industries like real estate, travel, and events, where viewers benefit from a “first-person” experience.
- Example: A travel agency could use a 360 explainer video to give potential customers a virtual tour of a popular destination, showcasing key attractions and unique experiences.
This explainer video type is highly engaging and ideal for brands looking to create memorable, immersive content.
What Type of Explainer Video Should You Make?
Choosing the right type of explainer video depends on your brand’s message, goals, and target audience. For example, motion graphics might be ideal for tech companies explaining complex concepts, while live-action works well for testimonials and showcasing real experiences. Reviewing explainer video examples can help you decide which style aligns with your needs.
FAQs on Types of Explainer Videos
What is an explainer video in motion graphics?
A motion graphics explainer video uses animated graphics, shapes, and colors to simplify complex information. This style is often used by tech, finance, and corporate industries to make abstract concepts visually understandable.
What is the difference between animation and live-action explainer video?
The main difference lies in format: animation explainer videos use digitally created visuals, while live-action explainer videos feature real people and settings. Animation is flexible and versatile, while live-action adds an authentic, relatable element to the message.
By choosing the right explainer video type for your brand, you can effectively engage your audience, simplify complex information, and make a lasting impact. With options ranging from motion graphics to VR, each of these different types of explainer videos offers unique advantages for conveying your message.
