In the current state of our world, people’s attention span are shrinking more from one day to another. In a world like that, explainer videos are a saving grace and a powerful tool for communication and gathering information. These videos are short and engaging, designed to simply explain any complex topic, such that they are understood by a broad audience. Explainer videos rely on storytelling, visuals and voiceovers to relay messages in an informative yet entertaining way. There have been studies, showing that these videos are very effective in engaging viewers, because they combine visual and auditory elements, which improves comprehension of any subject. [1]
There are different types of explainer videos, animation being one of the most common. Animated explainer videos use various techniques, such as motion graphics, 2D vector animation and even 3D elements to bring ideas to life. By using animation, you are allowing increased creativity, flexibility and the ability to illustrate very abstract and complex ideas in a simple way. On the other hand, live-action explainer videos have real people acting, using props and locations to create a more personal connection with the viewers. Some brands and companies combine both of these types, trying to strike a balance between the two. [2]
One of the main reasons that explainer videos are so effective, is the ability to break down any given topic or difficult concept. By not overwhelming the viewers with huge amount of information, text or infographics, these videos use engaging and simple animations with voiceover narration to simplify the message. With the visual storytelling, the viewers‘ comprehension is enhanced, which leads to information being more structured and easier to remember. [3]
In schools, explainer videos are being widely used to make learning more interactive. Different subjects like medicine, physics, engineering and IT very often rely on abstract concepts, which can be extremely difficult and challenging for students to grasp. These explainer videos can bring these subjects to life, by demonstrating the process in a visually engaging manner. Especially whiteboard animations have become a very popular method for breaking down different ideas in an easy-to-follow way.
While very useful in education, these explainer videos are also widely used and play a crucial role in marketing. Businesses use these to introduce an array of products, explain their services and build brand awareness. Because these videos are so short and engaging, they work well on social media, landing pages and even in email campaigns. Studies have shown that consumers are more likely to purchase a product, after watching a well crafted explainer video, because it explains and helps clarify on exactly what the product is and its value and function in a matter of seconds. [4]
To conclude, explainer videos are highly effective way to communicate different ideas or topics, whether it is used for education or marketing. Their ability to simplify difficult topics, while engaging audiences and enhancing retention makes them a vital tool in today’s digital world. Whether it is through animation or through live-action, these videos have the power to make information more accessible, enjoyable and memorable, proving that sometimes, a short video can say more than a thousand words.
Bibliography
Connolly, Michelle. “Educational Explainer Videos: Learning via Visual Content.” Educational Voice, November 27, 2024. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://educationalvoice.co.uk/educational-explainer-videos/.
Dowdall, Eoin. “Explainer Videos: What Are They and Why Are They Great? Kartoffel Films.” Kartoffel Films, May 10, 2021. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://kartoffelfilms.com/blog/explainer-videos-what-are-they-and-why-are-they/.
Kumar, Anil. “Why Are Educational Explainer Videos Important?” Mypromovideos, June 4, 2024. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://mypromovideos.com/blog/educational-explainer-videos/.
Schorn, Anna. “Online Explainer Videos: Features, Benefits, and Effects.” Frontiers in Communication 7 (November 23, 2022). https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2022.1034199.
This blog content was translated by artificial intelligence.
[1] Schorn, Anna. “Online Explainer Videos: Features, Benefits, and Effects.” Frontiers in Communication 7 (November 23, 2022). https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2022.1034199.
[2] Dowdall, Eoin. “Explainer Videos: What Are They and Why Are They Great? Kartoffel Films.” Kartoffel Films, May 10, 2021. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://kartoffelfilms.com/blog/explainer-videos-what-are-they-and-why-are-they/.
[3] Connolly, Michelle. “Educational Explainer Videos: Learning via Visual Content.” Educational Voice, November 27, 2024. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://educationalvoice.co.uk/educational-explainer-videos/.
[4] Kumar, Anil. “Why Are Educational Explainer Videos Important?” Mypromovideos, June 4, 2024. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://mypromovideos.com/blog/educational-explainer-videos/.
