Master the Art of Making Explainer Videos: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to boost your marketing with explainer videos? This step-by-step guide on making explainer videos will teach you everything from planning and scripting to production and editing. You’ll also learn how to choose the right type of explainer video and best practices for launching it.

Key Takeaways

• Explainer videos effectively combine visuals and audio to simplify complex concepts and enhance marketing strategies by capturing audience attention and boosting message retention.
• There are various types of explainer videos, including animated, motion graphics, whiteboard animation, live action, and screencast, each suitable for different contexts and objectives depending on the product and audience.
• Thorough research, planning, and scriptwriting are crucial for successful explainer videos, involving clear goals, understanding the target audience, crafting compelling scripts, and employing professional visual and audio elements for high-quality outcomes.

Understanding Explainer Videos

Explainer videos are short, engaging marketing videos designed to:

• Explain a company’s product or service clearly and effectively using an explainer video template
• Typically featured on landing pages, home pages, or product pages
• Make complex ideas accessible by combining visuals and audio to tell a compelling story
• Play a crucial role in marketing strategies, especially with the use of a new explainer video
• Help demonstrate how a product works and its benefits
• Aid potential customers’ understanding and decision-making process

The effectiveness of explainer videos lies in their ability to:

• Hold viewers’ attention
• Enhance brand recall
• Deliver messages more powerfully than through text alone
• Engage the audience with impactful, on-brand videos
• Simplify complex concepts
• Keep viewers engaged from start to finish

The integration of audio and visual elements makes these video clips particularly effective in achieving these goals.

Moreover, explainer videos can significantly boost marketing efforts, and that’s why many businesses are realizing how explainer videos boost their strategies. They are versatile tools that can be used in various stages of the customer journey, from raising awareness to driving conversions. As they capture viewers’ attention and succinctly convey key messages, they not only educate but also entertain, thus becoming a valuable asset in any marketing toolkit.

Types of Explainer Videos

Explainer videos come in various forms, each with its unique strengths and applications. Among them, the best explainer video type for explaining abstract or intangible products like software is the animated explainer videos. These videos use engaging animations to illustrate concepts that might be difficult to capture with live footage.

Motion graphics explainer videos, on the other hand, focus on animating still graphics, logos, or text without necessarily following a storyline. Whiteboard animation explainer videos, also known as whiteboard video, are another popular type, where hand-drawn artwork is used to illustrate a story on a whiteboard. This style is particularly effective in educational contexts, as it visually narrates a process or concept in a step-by-step manner.

Live action explainer videos involve real people and settings, which can create an emotional connection with the audience and add a personal touch to the message. Screencast explainer videos are perfect for demonstrating how a website, software, or app functions. By incorporating screen imagery, these videos provide a clear, practical guide on using a digital product.

Each type of explainer video has its place in a comprehensive marketing strategy, and choosing the right one depends on the product, audience, and message you want to convey. The platform allows users to record any process and convert it into a how-to video and a step-by-step guide in just minutes. This flexibility makes it possible to create professional product walkthroughs or educational content quickly and efficiently.

Research and Planning

Thorough research and careful planning precede the production process, proving crucial for crafting a successful explainer video. Understanding the target audience is the first step. By knowing their preferences, pain points, and interests, you can tailor the content to ensure higher engagement. Methods such as tracking social media conversations, conducting surveys, and analyzing Google Analytics metrics can provide valuable insights into what your audience cares about.

Planning involves setting clear goals and organizing your message. Tools like a script timer and a creative brief can help structure your video content effectively. A well-planned video aligns the visual and narrative elements, reducing the chances of inconsistencies during production. The platform allows users to create how-to videos and step-by-step guides in minutes, making the planning process more efficient.

Identifying Key Messages

To ensure your explainer video conveys the most important information within a limited time frame, it’s imperative to identify and prioritize key messages. Key messages are the core points you want your audience to remember and act upon after watching the video. These messages should highlight the benefits of your product or service and address customer pain points.

Simplifying complicated topics and providing clear solutions to the audience’s problems are essential elements of effective key messages. Prioritizing these messages helps in making sure that the video remains focused and impactful. Blending factual information with emotional appeal can further engage the audience and make the content more memorable.

Creating videos that answer common customer questions can also improve customer support and satisfaction.

Creating a Storyboard

Creating a storyboard is a critical step in visualizing the sequence of events and transitions in your explainer video. A detailed storyboard ensures that the visuals align with the storytelling intentions, reducing problems during production. Storyboarding helps in pre-visualizing key frames, ensuring the final video stays true to the script.

Using tools like Kroto’s simple notion-like editor with custom Snapshot blocks can make the editing experience easier. Mapping out key frames and transitions in the storyboard guides the production team and ensures cohesion between different elements of the video. This preparation is crucial for creating a polished, professional-looking explainer video.

Writing a Compelling Script

The script is the backbone of any good explainer video. It should provide a quick overview of your product, introduce the problem, offer your solution, and include a strong call to action. It’s critical to engage the audience from the start, making sure to clarify your message within the first 30 seconds. Use simple, conversational language to ensure viewers easily understand your content.

To make the video script more engaging and relatable, consider the following:

• Use a structured story arc
• Use concise language
• Use a conversational tone
• Incorporate humor where appropriate
• Keep the video under two minutes to maintain viewer interest.

Ending with a compelling call to action encourages viewers to take the next step, whether it’s visiting your website or purchasing your product.

Recording Voiceovers

A professional voiceover can significantly enhance the quality of your explainer video. Hiring a dedicated voiceover actor is recommended for high-budget or high-importance videos to ensure a polished presentation. Platforms like Blend offer a variety of professional voice actors with different ranges and styles, making it easier to find the perfect voice for your video.

If you’re on a tighter budget, recording your own voiceover is also an option. Listening to examples and following tutorials can help you achieve a professional sound. It’s important to ensure that the voiceover is clear and matches the tone of the video. The platform allows users to create how-to videos and step-by-step guides in minutes, making the recording process more efficient.

Producing Visual Assets

Visual assets are the heart of any explainer video, bringing the script to life. Whether you’re using 2D or 3D animations, vector graphics, or live video footage, these elements need to be consistent with your brand’s visual style. Using a cohesive color scheme and incorporating infographics can enhance the video’s appeal and effectiveness.

Online tools like Vyond and InVideo offer libraries of templates, sounds, and props, making it easier to create professional-looking visuals. The choice of visual assets should align with the narrative and help convey the key messages effectively. The platform allows users to create how-to videos and step-by-step guides in minutes, streamlining the production process.

Using Animations

Animations can add a dynamic and engaging element to your animated explainer video. Character animations, for example, help narrate stories and explain concepts through relatable and engaging characters. This approach ensures that the audience follows along with the narrative effortlessly.

Text animations can also emphasize key points and keep the viewer engaged throughout the video. Tools that allow users to create professional product walkthrough videos and step-by-step guides can make the animation process more efficient. The platform offers the fastest way to create these guides, ensuring high-quality results.

Incorporating Live Action Footage

Incorporating live action footage into your explainer video can add a personal touch and capture real-life elements that resonate with the audience. For instance, Airbnb’s explainer video blends live action and animation to evoke a sense of adventure and homeliness. This combination can make the content more dynamic and visually appealing.

The platform simplifies the recording process with user-friendly tools, allowing users to:

• Record any process and convert it into a how-to video and a step-by-step guide in minutes
• Use a chrome extension to easily record their screen and walk through the process
• Create high-quality explainer videos that are accessible for anyone

The AI analyzes the video’s content and structure, extracting the essence of the product’s story. Users have the option to export the video and guide to their local computer or host them directly on the platform’s secure platform.

Adding Music and Sound Effects

Adding music and sound effects enhances the viewer’s experience and helps convey the video’s mood and message. Here are some tips for choosing the right music:

• Upbeat, cheerful music can establish a light and happy mood
• Somber music suits more serious topics
• The choice of music should amplify the message without overpowering the video

Instrumental tracks are ideal for explainer videos, especially if a voiceover is included. Testing different audio tracks can help determine which suits your content best. Music tracks and sound effects can be sourced from various online libraries, and tools like Adobe Stock offer a wide range of options.

Editing Your Explainer Video

Editing is where your explainer video truly comes together. To begin, ensure that you organize your video and audio assets with clear, descriptive names. Then, place them in carefully structured folders to maintain an organized system. Begin with a wide-angle shot of the main speaker and then work in inserts, close-ups, and cutaways. This approach ensures a well-structured and visually appealing video.

Editing involves:

• Cutting, pacing, stabilizing, and enhancing footage with effects, filters, and transitions
• Recording any process and converting it into a how-to video and a step-by-step guide in minutes, streamlining the editing process
• Offering the fastest way to create professional product walkthrough videos and step-by-step guides, ensuring high-quality results.

Choosing the Right Video Editor

For a smooth editing process, selecting the right explainer video maker is imperative. User-friendly video editors help streamline the creation of explainer videos, even for beginners. Tools like Adobe Express and Biteable offer a range of features and templates, making it easier to create professional-looking videos.

Biteable, for example, supports creating your own voiceover and offers ‘Smart editing,’ which provides a done-for-you editing experience. Adobe Express features include drag-and-drop clips, splitting videos, cropping videos, and animating images, text, and icons. These tools make the editing process more accessible and efficient.

Final Touches

After editing, it’s crucial to review the video for any errors or inconsistencies before finalizing. Ensure the video flows smoothly and all elements are well-timed. The platform allows users to create how-to videos and guides in minutes, making the final review process more efficient.

Users can choose to export the video and guide to their local computer or host them directly on the platform. Sharing options include sharing a link, copying the markdown, or sending an email, making it easy to distribute the final product.

Testing and Feedback

It’s essential to test your explainer video with a target audience to ensure its effectiveness. Gathering feedback from real viewers can provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t. Asking specific questions such as what the video is trying to achieve and what parts were unclear can help pinpoint areas for improvement. This process often involves multiple iterations to refine the video and make it more impactful.

Kroto allows users to create how-to videos and step-by-step guides in minutes, making it easier to produce different versions for testing. By recording any process and quickly converting it into a video, you can efficiently gather feedback and make necessary adjustments. This iterative approach ensures that the final product resonates well with the target audience and achieves its intended purpose.

Publishing and Promoting Your Video

With your explainer video polished and ready, the next step is to publish and promote it across various platforms. Here are some effective strategies to reach your audience:

• Publish it on YouTube, which has a vast audience. However, be aware that there’s a risk of your video getting lost among the vast amount of content.
• Embed the video on your website’s landing pages to increase visibility.
• Use the video in social media ads to reach a wider audience.
• Share the video through email newsletters to engage with your existing audience.

By utilizing these strategies, you can maximize the reach and impact of your explainer video.

Promoting your video involves optimizing it for platforms where your audience is active. Here are some ways to promote your video:

• Share it directly with your audience through email newsletters and social media to boost its visibility and engagement.
• Share the video with team members for feedback.
• Download the finished project and upload it to the website or social platforms.
• Use the platform to create how-to videos and step-by-step guides in minutes, making the publishing process more efficient.

Benefits of Explainer Videos

With numerous benefits to their credit, explainer videos serve as a powerful tool for marketing and communication. They significantly increase engagement by holding the viewer’s attention with visually appealing animations and compelling narratives. Retail site visitors who view videos stay two minutes longer on average, highlighting their effectiveness in keeping audiences engaged.

These videos also enhance message retention by combining visuals, audio, and text, providing a multi-sensory experience that boosts recall by 580%. Explainer videos can build trust and credibility by showcasing expertise and addressing common pain points. For instance, RankWatch increased free trial users by 27% after using an explainer video.

Including explainer videos on landing pages can boost conversion rates by up to 40%, making them an essential component of a successful marketing strategy.

Pro Tips for High-Quality Explainer Videos

The process to create explainer videos begins with producing a high quality explainer video that includes:

• Capturing the viewer’s attention within the first few seconds
• Using a mix of animated elements and live-action clips to create a dynamic viewing experience
• Incorporating testimonials or interviews in live-action footage to add authenticity and build trust with the audience

Effective storytelling is key to creating memorable and impactful messages. Users can record any process and convert it into a how-to video and a step-by-step guide in minutes, ensuring that the story remains clear and engaging. The platform offers the fastest way for users to create professional product walkthrough videos and step-by-step guides, enhancing the overall quality of the explainer video.

Case Studies: Successful Explainer Videos

Valuable insights into what makes an explainer video effective can be gleaned from studying successful case studies, such as those by Dollar Shave Club and Airbnb. These case studies highlight the importance of knowing your audience and using engaging storytelling techniques to convey your message.

Dollar Shave Club

The Dollar Shave Club explainer video is a prime example of success through targeted humor and clear messaging. By using bold language and humor that resonates with its target audience of men in their 20s and 30s, the video effectively conveys the company’s product and service. This approach not only captures attention but also builds a strong connection with the audience.

Kroto allows users to record any process and convert it into a how-to video and a step-by-step guide in just minutes, emphasizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the tool. Users can initiate the content creation process on Kroto by simply recording using the provided chrome extension and walking through the process. This streamlined approach makes it easy to create engaging and professional-looking explainer videos.

Airbnb

Airbnb’s explainer video successfully blends live action and animation to create a dynamic and visually appealing experience. The video highlights the global community and unique experiences offered by Airbnb hosts, making the content relatable and engaging for a wide audience.

Kroto offers AI-enhanced video tutorials, detailed step-by-step articles with GIFs, and an SEO-optimized help center, making it easier for users to create high-quality explainer videos. The AI-generated voiceovers provide clarity and engagement, ensuring that the video’s message is effectively communicated.

Summary

In conclusion, mastering the art of making explainer videos involves understanding their purpose, exploring different types, and meticulously planning and producing each element. By following a step-by-step guide, from identifying key messages to adding final touches, you can create professional-looking explainer videos that captivate your audience and drive engagement. Remember, successful explainer videos are not just about conveying information but also about telling a compelling story that resonates with viewers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are explainer videos?

Explainer videos are short, engaging marketing videos used to explain a company's product or service, and are often found on landing pages, home pages, or product pages.

What types of explainer videos are there?

There are several types of explainer videos, including animated, motion graphics, whiteboard, live action, and screencast videos, each with unique strengths and applications. Choose the type that best fits your goals and audience.

How do I write a compelling script for an explainer video?

To write a compelling script for an explainer video, provide an overview of your product, introduce the problem, offer your solution, and include a strong call to action. Use simple, conversational language to engage the audience from the start.

Why is it important to test an explainer video?

It's important to test an explainer video with the target audience to gather valuable feedback that can help make necessary adjustments and refinements for maximum effectiveness.

What are the benefits of using explainer videos in marketing?

Using explainer videos in marketing can greatly increase engagement, enhance message retention, build trust and credibility, and boost conversion rates by simplifying complex information for viewers, making it more accessible and entertaining.