What Makes a Great Explainer Video? Your Ultimate Guide (2025)

Hey everyone! Have you ever seen a cool, short video online that explains something tricky in a super simple way? Maybe it’s about a new app, a cool product, or an interesting idea. Chances are, you have just watched a great explainer video.
These awesome little videos are like your brand’s secret superpower! They help you grab attention, make complicated stuff easy to understand, and even get people excited about what you offer. In today’s busy world, where everyone’s attention is pulled in a million directions, a great explainer video can really make your message stick.
The Secret Ingredients of a Great Explainer Video (The “Dos”)
Think of a great explainer video like a perfect sandwich. It needs all the right ingredients, put together just right, to be delicious!
1. Keep It Short and Sweet
The best explainer videos are usually 60–90 seconds long, though some experts suggest an ideal range of 60–130 seconds, with the most important information placed within the first 30 seconds to keep viewers engaged. To achieve this, you need a clear, concise script that simply explains the purpose of your explainer video.
2. Target the Right Audience Inside Out
Know exactly who you’re talking to. Understand their likes, problems, and needs. Customize your language, tone, and content so your video feels like it’s speaking directly to them.
3. Tell an Awesome Story with a Clear Formula
⮞ The Problem: Show a relatable issue your audience faces.
⮞ The Solution: Introduce your product/service as the hero.
⮞ How It Works: Briefly explain how your solution helps.
⮞ The “Why”: Explain why your solution is the best and how it benefits them.
4. Make It Look Amazing (High-Quality Visuals!)
Use engaging, relevant, and high-quality visuals. No matter if you choose animation or real footage, make sure your visuals are sharp and match your brand’s personality. Avoid blurry images or cheap clip art.
5. Sound Super Clear (Professional Voice & Music)
Use a professional, easy-to-understand voice-over. Select background music that sets the right mood while keeping your message front and center.
6. Clear Call to Action
Always include a clear CTA—tell viewers exactly what to do next, like visiting your website or signing up.
7. Plan Like a Pro (Clear Strategy)
Decide your video’s purpose, main messages, and desired outcomes before starting. A solid plan ensures every part of your video works together.
8. Keep It Real (Authenticity & Branding)
Make sure your video reflects your brand’s personality and is honest about what you offer.
9. Test Your Video
Gather feedback from your target audience before and after launch to refine your message.
10. Plan Your Distribution & Don’t Forget SEO!
Share your video where your audience hangs out (social media, website, landing pages). Optimize for search engines with keywords, captions, and transcripts.
What NOT to Do for a Great Explainer Video (The “Don’ts”)
⮞ Don’t Be Dull & Monotonous: Keep the pace lively and the tone varied.
⮞ Don’t Try to Cater to Everyone: Focus on a specific target audience.
⮞ Don’t Expect Instant Viral Success: Build engagement over time.
⮞ Don’t Overload with Too Much Data: Share only the most important stats.
⮞ Don’t Make Generic Content: Stand out with unique, branded content.
⮞ Don’t Over-Explain Stuff: Get straight to the point.
⮞ Don’t Use Too Much Jargon: Use simple, clear language.
⮞ Don’t Skip the Planning Stage: Careful preparation helps prevent errors.
⮞ Don’t Mislead Your Viewer: Be honest and transparent.
Types of Explainer Videos
Type | What It Is | Best For |
---|---|---|
1. Animated Explainer Video | Utilizes 2D or 3D animation and graphics to convey a story. | Fun, educational, customizable content. |
1.1 Typography Explainer Video | Uses animated text and fonts to visually present information and key points. | Highlighting data, facts, or quick summaries; engaging viewers with minimal visuals. |
1.2 Whiteboard Animation | Illustrates ideas by simulating hand‑drawn images and text on a virtual whiteboard. | Teaching, simplifying complex concepts, educational step‑by‑step breakdowns. |
1.3 Advertisement Explainer Video | Short, focused videos designed to promote a product or service, often with a call to action. | Driving sales, brand awareness, social media promotions. |
2. Live‑Action Explainer Video | Features real people and objects, often with a spokesperson or influencer. | Personal, relatable, direct explanations. |
3. Crowdfunding Explainer Video | Mixes animation and live‑action, often longer and more detailed. | Fundraising, complex project explanations. |
Ready to Make Your Own Great Explainer Video?
A great explainer video is a powerful way to share your story, simplify complex ideas, and connect with your audience. By focusing on clear messages, compelling stories, and high-quality production, you can create a video that not only explains but also inspires and converts!
At Prayan Animation, we specialize in crafting professional 2D and 3D explainer videos that help businesses communicate effectively and leave a lasting impression. Whether you are promoting a product, explaining a concept or enhancing your brand story, our expert team is here to bring your vision to life.
👉 Got a project in mind? Contact us today and let’s create something extraordinary together!
FAQ’s
A great explainer video should have a clear and concise message, engaging visuals, a well-structured story (problem, solution, how it works, and why), professional audio, and a strong call to action.
Optimal duration for an explainer video generally ranges from 60 to 90 seconds. Some experts suggest keeping it under two minutes, with the most important information delivered in the first 30 seconds to maintain viewer attention.
Avoid making your video too long, using too much jargon, overloading with data, being generic, skipping the planning stage, or lacking a clear call to action. Also, don’t try to appeal to everyone, focus on your specific audience.
Popular types include animated explainer videos (2D/3D), live-action videos with real people, and crowdfunding explainer videos that often mix animation and live action for more detailed storytelling.
Personalization increases relevance and engagement by targeting specific audience segments, while optimizing for platforms (like using vertical videos for social media) ensures your video performs well where your audience spends time.