How to create an explainer video

Explainer videos have been gaining in popularity recently—and it's easy to see why. Everyone from social media influencers to YouTube gurus use them nowadays to create informative video content. If you want to learn something new, explainer videos are a convenient and engaging way to do so. You can find explainer videos on anything from B2B marketing to tutorials on how to do your makeup on social media platforms such as Instagram.

Many explainer videos use marketing strategies, editing software, and professional video transitions to make the video a user-friendly experience.

If you want to make your own explainer video, this article will show you exactly how to do it.

What is an explainer video?

Explainer videos are short videos that demonstrate how a product or service works. They can be animated and are frequently used in video marketing. An effective explainer video solves a problem for the target audience and potentially makes conversions.

There are many types of explainer videos that serve different purposes. A good explainer video addresses pain points and helps establish a brand presence by directing you to a homepage or other similar landing pages.

Other explainer videos include:

• Animated explainer videos
• Live-action explainer videos
• Whiteboard explainer videos
• Motion graphics explainer videos

The type of explainer video you make should reflect your brand, product, and service and pique the interest of potential customers. Below are the steps involved in making great explainer videos.

The step-by-step for creating your explainer video

Choose your video style

Begin by selecting the video style. If you want to involve people, a live-action explainer video is the correct choice. Make sure you use an appropriate video editor tool that offers explainer video maker settings. Certain tools such as Powtoon, Animaker, and Vyond are great for making animated explainer videos with animated characters you can customize. You can even combine certain types by making whiteboard animation videos.

Write your script

Writing your video script is an essential part of any video creation process. Your explainer video should be geared towards functionality. The job of your video script is to give your audience pro tips on your product or service. You can use a voiceover to narrate it after shooting.

Create a storyboard

Creating a storyboard for an explainer video outlines the visual and narrative elements of the video in a series of drawings or sketches, allowing for clear visualization of the final product. It facilitates efficient communication between team members involved in the video's production.

Focus on benefits over features

It’s important to address how your product and service can actually help the audience in your explainer video. Focus on the benefits that your product brings to the table rather than the features. For example, if your product is simple, highlight convenience rather than its hardware specifications.

Choose how you’ll voice the video

Creating a naturally sounding and pleasant voiceover for your video is another essential step. Speechify voiceover is a straightforward solution that you can use in your video clips. Simply put text into the online ai voice generator, select a reading speed, and press generate.

Record and edit the audio

Record a clear and engaging voiceover that aligns with the script and edit it to eliminate any unwanted sounds or pauses, ensuring that it matches the visuals in the video.

Produce the video

Use the storyboard as a guide to creating the visuals for the video, incorporating graphics, animation, or live-action footage, and adding the audio to the video to create a final product. You can use explainer video templates that are available with many video production tools.

Add music and sound effects

Choose appropriate music tracks or soundtracks that align with the video's theme and enhance the overall viewing experience.

Incorporate a call to action

Insert a clear and concise call to action at the end of the video, directing viewers to take a specific action, such as visiting a website or subscribing to a service.

Publish the video

Choose the appropriate platform to publish the video and optimize it for search engines, ensuring that it reaches the target audience and achieves the desired impact. Options include YouTube, Vimeo, and Wistia.

Get great voices for your videos from Speechify Voiceover

Many startups are turning to explainer videos as an effective form of marketing. With Speechify Voice Over, you can simply type in the text you want to be spoken, click generate, and customize it from there. There are natural-sounding voices available to fit any explainer video that you need to make your brand stand out and communicate value.

If you’d like to find out more, you can try Speechify Voice Over for free.

FAQ

Can I automatically convert an infographic or PowerPoint into an explainer video?

While there are tools available that can convert infographics or PowerPoints into videos, the results may not always be optimal. As such, manual editing may be required for a more effective and engaging explainer video.

What is the best software for explainer videos?

The best software for explainer videos depends on factors such as budget, skill level, and specific needs, but popular options include Animaker, Powtoon, and Vyond.

How long is a good explainer video?

A good explainer video should be long enough to convey the necessary information but short enough to keep the viewer's attention, typically ranging from 60 to 120 seconds.

How do I make an explainer video for free?

There are several free online tools and software available for creating explainer videos, such as Biteable, Animaker, and Powtoon, although the features and capabilities may be limited compared to paid options.

What equipment and software do you need to make an explainer video?

The equipment and software needed to make an explainer video can vary depending on the level of production quality desired but generally include a computer, microphone, camera (optional), and video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.

How much does a 30-second explainer video cost?

The cost of a 30-second explainer video can vary widely depending on factors such as the level of complexity, quality, and experience of the production team. Typically, they range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

What is the best explainer video software?

The best explainer video software and editing tools depend on the user's specific needs and preferences, but some popular options include Animaker, Powtoon, Vyond, and Moovly.