How to Create Engaging Explainer Videos

In today's fast-paced digital world, creating engaging explainer videos can significantly boost your brand's visibility and engagement. These videos break down complex ideas into easily digestible content, making them perfect for marketing, customer onboarding, and product demonstrations. Here's how to create explainer videos that captivate and convert.

Start with a Compelling Hook

Creating an engaging explainer video starts with an attention-grabbing hook. This initial moment is crucial to capture the viewer's interest and keep them watching. Here’s how to craft a compelling hook for your explainer video.

Address a Common Problem

One effective way to start your video is by addressing a problem that your audience commonly faces. This method resonates because it immediately connects with the viewer's pain points. For example, if your product solves a common issue in time management, begin by highlighting the stress and frustration of trying to manage time efficiently. This approach makes viewers feel understood and more likely to continue watching for the solution.

Use the PAS Formula

The PAS (Problem-Agitation-Solution) formula is a proven technique to hook your audience. Start by stating the problem, then agitate the viewer by discussing the negative consequences of not solving it. Finally, introduce your solution. This method is effective because it builds a narrative that leads viewers naturally from problem to resolution, making your message more compelling and memorable.

Ask a Thought-Provoking Question

Another way to engage viewers is by posing a thought-provoking question. Questions that directly relate to the viewer's experiences or challenges can pique their curiosity. For instance, “Ever wondered why managing your team feels like herding cats?” This kind of question not only grabs attention but also sets the stage for your solution.

Use Engaging Visuals

Visuals play a significant role in capturing attention. Use eye-catching animations, vibrant colors, and dynamic scenes in the first few seconds. An interesting visual can quickly grab attention and make viewers curious about what comes next.

Incorporate a Relatable Scenario

Starting your video with a relatable scenario can also be very effective. For example, depict a typical day in the life of your target audience where they encounter the problem your product solves. This method works well because it allows viewers to see themselves in the situation, making the problem and solution more relevant to them.

Create a Sense of Urgency

Imparting a sense of urgency can also hook viewers. Phrases like "Don't miss out on..." or "Now is the time to..." can compel viewers to pay attention and act quickly. This technique leverages the fear of missing out (FOMO) to maintain interest.

Use Humor or Surprise

Humor and surprise are powerful tools for grabbing attention. A funny opening line or an unexpected twist can make your video memorable and shareable. However, ensure that the humor aligns with your brand’s tone and message.

Develop a Clear and Concise Script

A clear and concise script is the foundation of any successful explainer video. The script serves as the blueprint for the entire video, guiding the visuals, narration, and pacing. Here’s how to create a script that communicates your message effectively and keeps your audience engaged.

Simplify Complex Ideas

One of the key objectives of an explainer video is to make complex ideas easy to understand. Use simple language and break down complicated concepts into digestible chunks. Avoid jargon and technical terms that might confuse your audience. Instead, use metaphors, analogies, or visual puns to explain your points. For instance, if you're explaining a software feature, compare it to something familiar, like a "digital filing cabinet"​.

Keep It Short and Focused

The ideal length for an explainer video is between 60 to 90 seconds. Within this short time frame, you need to convey your message clearly and effectively. Focus on the core message and avoid adding unnecessary details. Each second should add value and keep the viewer’s attention. Remember, a concise script is more likely to be watched in full​.

Write in a Conversational Tone

A conversational tone helps in connecting with the audience. Write as if you’re speaking directly to the viewer. Use second-person pronouns like “you” and “your” to make the script more engaging. Ask rhetorical questions to involve the audience and keep them thinking about your message. For example, “Have you ever struggled to keep track of your tasks?”​.

Structure Your Script Clearly

A well-structured script makes it easier for viewers to follow along. Divide your script into three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

• Introduction: Start by introducing the problem or question your video will address. This sets the stage for the rest of the video.
• Body: Explain your solution, product, or service. Highlight the key features and benefits, focusing on how it solves the problem introduced in the beginning.
• Conclusion: End with a clear call to action (CTA). Tell viewers what to do next, whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a free trial, or contacting your sales team.

Engage with Relatable Scenarios

Using relatable scenarios in your script can make the content more engaging. Create situations that your target audience can identify with. For example, if your product is a time management app, describe a day in the life of someone struggling to balance work and personal life. This approach helps viewers see how your solution fits into their own lives.

Focus on Benefits, Not Features

While it's important to mention the features of your product or service, focusing on the benefits is more compelling. Explain how these features will improve the viewer's life or solve their problem. For example, instead of saying “Our app has a calendar feature,” say “Our app helps you manage your schedule effortlessly, so you never miss an important meeting again”​.

Edit and Refine Your Script

Once you've written your initial script, read it aloud to see how it sounds. This helps you catch awkward phrasing and ensures the script flows naturally. Edit ruthlessly to remove any unnecessary words or repetitive information. Aim for clarity and brevity in every sentence.

Use Engaging Visuals

Visuals are a crucial element of any explainer video. They not only capture attention but also help in conveying your message more effectively. Here’s how to use engaging visuals to enhance your explainer video.

Leverage Animation and Graphics

Animated videos are a popular choice for explainer videos because they can simplify complex ideas and make them more engaging. Animation allows for creative storytelling, using characters and scenes that resonate with your audience. Eye-catching animations and graphics can keep viewers interested and help explain concepts in a fun and memorable way.

Consistency with Brand Style

Ensure that the visuals in your video are consistent with your brand's style and identity. Use your brand colors, fonts, and logo to maintain a cohesive look. This not only strengthens your brand image but also makes your video look professional. Consistency in visuals helps in building trust and recognition among your viewers​.

Custom Graphics

Avoid using generic clipart or stock images, as they can make your video look unoriginal and less engaging. Instead, invest in creating custom graphics that are tailored to your script and message. Custom visuals can include animated characters, background environments, icons, and text frames. These tailored graphics can significantly enhance the viewer’s experience and make your video stand out.

Visual Storytelling

Use visuals to tell a story. Visual storytelling can make your content more engaging and easier to understand. For example, if you’re explaining how a product works, show the product in action. Use sequences that depict the problem and how your product provides a solution. This method helps viewers visualize the benefits of your product in a real-world context​.

Incorporate Human Elements

Including human elements in your visuals can make your video more relatable and engaging. Whether through animated characters or live-action footage, showing people using your product or service can create a connection with the audience. Human faces and expressions can evoke emotions, making your message more impactful​.

Prioritize Visual Clarity

Make sure your visuals are clear and easy to understand. Avoid cluttering the screen with too much information. Use clean, simple designs that highlight the key points. Visual clarity helps in keeping the viewer’s focus on the message you’re trying to convey. If you’re using text in your visuals, ensure it’s legible and complements the spoken words or voiceover.

Use Motion and Transitions

Smooth transitions and motion paths can make your video look polished and professional. Avoid abrupt cuts or jumps between scenes. Instead, use fades, slides, or other transition effects to maintain a smooth flow. Motion paths can guide the viewer’s eye and make the movement of elements on the screen more natural and engaging.

Balance Between Visuals and Narration

While visuals are important, they should complement the narration and not overpower it. Ensure that the visuals and the voiceover work together to convey the message. For instance, if your script talks about a specific feature, the visuals should highlight that feature without distracting from the narration. A balanced approach ensures that your message is clear and effective​.

Optimize for Your Audience

Creating an explainer video that resonates with your audience involves understanding their preferences and tailoring your content accordingly. Here’s how to optimize your explainer video to meet your audience’s needs and maximize engagement.

Know Your Audience

The first step in optimizing your video is to understand who your audience is. Consider their demographics, interests, and pain points. Are they young tech enthusiasts, busy professionals, or parents looking for solutions to everyday problems? Knowing your audience helps you craft a message that speaks directly to them. Conduct surveys, analyze customer data, and engage with your audience on social media to gather insights​.

Choose the Right Format

Different audiences prefer different video formats. For example, younger audiences might enjoy animated videos with vibrant colors and dynamic graphics, while professionals might prefer a more straightforward, live-action approach. Choose a format that aligns with your audience’s preferences and the message you want to convey. Popular formats include 2D/3D animation, live-action, screencast, and whiteboard animation.

Keep It Concise

Attention spans are short, especially online. Keep your explainer video concise and to the point. Aim for a length of 60 to 90 seconds. Within this timeframe, clearly present the problem, introduce your solution, and end with a strong call to action. Keeping it brief ensures that your audience stays engaged from start to finish​.

Use Relevant Examples

Incorporating examples that your audience can relate to makes your video more engaging and effective. If you’re targeting small business owners, use scenarios that reflect their daily challenges and how your solution can help. Relevant examples help viewers see the practical application of your product or service in their own lives​.

Optimize for Viewing Platforms

Consider where your audience is most likely to watch your video. Is it on social media, your website, or a video-sharing platform like YouTube? Optimize your video for the specific platform. For instance, vertical videos work well on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, while a traditional horizontal format might be better for YouTube or your website. Tailoring your video to the viewing platform enhances the viewing experience and increases engagement​.

Include Captions and Subtitles

Adding captions and subtitles makes your video more accessible to a wider audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and non-native speakers. Additionally, many people watch videos without sound, especially on social media. Captions ensure that your message is conveyed even when the audio is off. Tools like automatic caption generators can simplify this process​.

Personalize Your Message

Personalization can significantly boost engagement. Use your audience’s language and address their specific needs and concerns. Personal touches, such as mentioning common challenges your audience faces, can make your video more relatable and impactful. This approach helps in building a connection with your viewers, making them feel understood and valued​.

Test and Iterate

Finally, always test your videos with a segment of your audience before a full launch. Gather feedback on what works and what doesn’t. Use this feedback to refine your video. A/B testing different versions can also help you determine which approach resonates best with your audience. Continuous improvement ensures that your videos remain effective and engaging over time​.

Include a Strong Call to Action (CTA)

The final and crucial step in your explainer video is the Call to Action (CTA). A strong CTA guides viewers on what to do next after watching your video, whether it's visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or purchasing a product. Here’s how to create an effective CTA for your explainer video.

Be Clear and Direct

Your CTA should be clear and direct, telling viewers exactly what action to take. Avoid vague phrases like “Check it out” or “Learn more.” Instead, use specific instructions such as “Sign up now,” “Download the app,” or “Contact us today.” This clarity ensures that viewers know what steps to take next.

Align with Your Video’s Objective

Ensure your CTA aligns with the main objective of your video. If your video is about introducing a new product, the CTA could be to visit your product page. If it’s about explaining a service, the CTA might encourage viewers to get a free trial or consultation. The CTA should naturally follow the information presented in the video, making it a logical next step for the viewer​.

Create a Sense of Urgency

Adding a sense of urgency to your CTA can encourage viewers to act immediately. Phrases like “Limited time offer,” “Sign up today,” or “Get your free trial now” can motivate viewers to take action quickly. This technique leverages the fear of missing out (FOMO) to increase conversion rates.

Make It Easy to Follow

Your CTA should be easy to follow. If you want viewers to visit your website, provide a link or display the URL prominently. For mobile viewers, ensure the link is clickable. If you want them to call, display the phone number clearly. The easier it is for viewers to follow your CTA, the more likely they are to do so.

Use Persuasive Language

Use persuasive language to encourage action. Words like “free,” “exclusive,” “easy,” and “instant” can be very effective. For example, “Start your free trial now” or “Get instant access today” can be more compelling than simply saying “Sign up.” Persuasive language helps to highlight the benefits and makes the action more appealing​.

Highlight the Benefits

Your CTA should emphasize the benefits of taking action. Instead of just saying “Download the app,” you could say “Download the app to start saving time today.” This approach highlights the value the viewer will receive, making the action more attractive. Focus on how taking the next step will solve their problem or improve their life​.

Position Your CTA Prominently

Place your CTA at the end of your video when viewers are most engaged. However, don’t be afraid to include a subtle reminder earlier in the video as well. For example, you can mention it briefly in the middle or use a visual cue. Ensure that the final CTA is prominent and easy to notice, often accompanied by a visual element like a button or graphic​.

Test Different CTAs

Experiment with different CTAs to see which one works best for your audience. A/B testing can help you determine the most effective wording, placement, and design. By testing and refining your CTA, you can increase its effectiveness and drive better results from your explainer videos.

Your turn

Creating explainer videos doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and strategies, you can produce high-quality videos that effectively communicate your message and engage your audience. Start experimenting with different styles and approaches to find what works best for your brand.

Ready to create your first explainer video? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!