12 Types Of Explainer Videos And How To Choose The Right One For Your Business
Are you tired of producing the same mundane video content? Do you yearn to upscale your online video marketing game and enthrall your audience like never before? Well, look no further! In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of explainer videos that are bound to leave a lasting impression on your viewers.
But before we jump into that, what exactly is explainer video production? An explainer video serves as a concise yet powerful tool utilized by businesses, companies, and institutions to effectively communicate information about their brands. With diverse purposes such as marketing, awareness-building, and creating a lasting impression, these videos leverage both auditory and visual senses to enhance audience comprehension.
The different types of explainer videos, including live-action videos, whiteboard explainers, typography, and animated screencasts, cater to varied objectives and target audiences. Here, we will look into each type, providing valuable information for businesses seeking effective communication strategies.
Top 12 Types Of Explainer Videos For Businesses
Explainer videos are a popular tool for businesses to communicate their messages effectively. Here are 12 different types of explainer videos that businesses often use:
1. 2D Explainer Videos
These animated explainer videos add a fun element to your informative content and make it more engaging for viewers. It feels more like a story playing out and less like watching a college lecture video.
Most animators use lively visuals and eye-catching animated characters to simplify their information and make it less boring.
2D explainer videos work for your brand by displaying product demonstrations and highlighting their benefits and impact on a consumer’s life. Businesses such as start-ups, tech companies, educational institutions, etc, can use 2D explainer videos.
But remember that animated explainer videos are costly, and their production duration could take weeks. Factors such as video duration, nature of the project, and deadline also affect the costs of 2D explainer videos.
2. 3D Explainer Videos
3D explainer videos go the extra mile and will make your viewers experience real-life scenarios. It brings objects, characters, or environments to life and gives more depth to your animation.
Animators take their time while making a 3D video because they use advanced 3D animation software tools, model and animate the characters and objects, and add special effects.
3D animation is costlier than 2D animation, as rendering (mixing all elements to create a video form) takes more time.
This animated explainer video is a perfect fit for medicine, engineering, high-tech, and construction businesses to explain complicated devices or products, and their usage.
3. Motion Graphics Explainer Videos
Also known as infographic explainer videos, it utilizes professional motion graphics instead of animated characters. Animators could either morph, shift, fade, or transition graphics into other things in this type of animated explainer video.
Brands can add as much information as they want in an exciting card or chart detail.
They best explain data science, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cyber security concepts.
Again, the designing of motion graphics, level of expertise involved, software tools, and other computer resources decide the cost of a motion graphics explainer video, and it takes about 4-6 weeks to be completed.
4. Whiteboard Animation
This type of explainer video began appearing in the late 2000s and became popular in the early 2010s. This simple but effective animation uses black and white illustrations against a simple background, and a hand appears to draw each scene.
Whiteboard animation not only makes the animation more simple and realistic but also conveys complicated ideas or concepts more engagingly.
The most prominent example of this animated explainer video user is Coca-Cola, which presented its “Content 2020” video using whiteboard animation.
Other e-commerce and commercial businesses, such as fashion, beauty, and food and beverages, can also use whiteboard animation.
Compared to the first three types of explainer videos on this list, it is relatively cheaper and takes less production time.
5. Screencast Videos
Screencast videos display how an app, website, or software operates by sharing its screen with viewers. The primary purpose of these videos is to inform people how a specific application works and how users can interact with its features.
These videos are also helpful for users who are more visual learners. They are also cheaper than 2D and 3D animated explainer videos, a plus point for companies.
It takes a good script, an engaging voiceover, and high-quality production devices to shoot this video. These videos can be uploaded on a business’s website and social media platforms, which makes it worthwhile to invest in good-quality explainer video production.
6. Live Action Videos
The main difference between animated explainer videos and live-actions is that the latter uses real people and less visual graphics.
Live-action videos are an excellent option for your company if it sells people-based products or wants to describe the features and elements of its products more effectively.
It also builds an emotional connection with the audience. It could either require a professional team responsible for scriptwriting, casting, and shooting or can be made in a simple basic set-up with minimum crew.
The cost of making live-action videos depends on whether you choose to go simple with your explainer video or want to create a high-quality and immersive video.
7. Kinetic Typography Explainer Videos
This type of explainer video is one of the most exciting trends in 2022. Kinetic typography involves the font coming to life and creating a whole new story.
Animators could use different fonts or just one while it unfolds into an exciting story with a voiceover playing in the background. Many companies use kinetic typography to spend less budget on explainer video production and do something simple but creative.
But this type of explainer video has disadvantages as these videos could become dull. Companies can use this format for shorter videos, as kinetic typography is unsuitable for longer videos.
8. Stop Motion Explainer Video
Stop motion animated explainer video works by moving objects made of play to create an illusion of motion. The production team then photographs this manipulation of things, and these pictures are put together to create a video.
It is an old-school method of animation, which is an exciting choice for companies who want to experiment and create something unique. You need an expert professional team to execute the job and bring the best outcome.
But keep in mind that this type of explainer video is both costly and time-consuming, so you need to set a high budget and achievable project duration to create a good quality video.
9. Cutout Animated Explainer Videos
As the name suggests, this animated explainer video uses the cutout effect, which makes it look like someone made a video full of cutouts.
Animators include elements such as characters, objects, and backgrounds, which are cut out and put into different scene settings within the video.
It is cost-effective because of its simple nature and uses less technical software tools for making. Cutout animation also allows you to focus on the messaging of your brand and worry less about explainer video production costs.
10. Traditional Animation
Also known as frame-by-frame animation, this animation technique dates back to 1907 when the first ever animated short film was released by the French artist Emile Cohl titled “Fantasmagorie.”
Popularized by Disney, animators or artists used to draw each frame and put it all together to create motion. With technological progress, there are different software tools available, which have made the job easier.
This type of animated explainer video will be heavy on your pockets because it takes time to be made. We suggest hiring skilled artists for professional explainer video services who know what they are doing.
11. 2D Animation Videos With 3D Elements
Another great animated explainer video technique is mixing 2D and 3D animation to add more depth to your video.
Since 2D animation only works in two dimensions, length, and width, it lacks depth, and you cannot show every angle of your product.
When you use the 3D method for animating your products, you add more depth by using all three dimensions, and users can get a good idea of what a product looks like and how it will work.
If you want to know more about how 3D videos can work in your favor, we suggest you read our blog “What are 3D Explainer Videos – Cost, Benefits and Use Cases”. This insightful read discusses how harnessing the power of 3D animation can be a game-changer.
12. Isometric Animation
It is still 2D animation but is made in a way that makes it look like 3D.
Animators put objects, shapes, or other elements in 2D lines, while the shading around these elements and color palettes are used to add depth to your animated explainer video.
Isometric animation is a perfect technique to add more standards to your video and is less heavy on pockets, too. For instance, a 30-second video can cost around $700. The cost also depends on the use of other effects, the deadline for the project, and its nature.
How To Choose The Right Explainer Video For Your Business?
Choosing the right explainer video for your business involves considering several factors to ensure it aligns with your goals, target audience, and the message you want to convey. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Define Your Goal
Identify the purpose of your explainer video. Are you aiming to increase brand awareness, explain a complex product, boost conversions, or something else? Understanding your goal will guide the style and content of the video.
Know Your Audience
Understand your target audience’s preferences, demographics, and behavior. Tailor the explainer video to resonate with their interests and communication style.
Select The Right Style
Choose a video style that best suits your message. Options include 2D animation, 3D animation, live-action, whiteboard animation, motion graphics, and more. Each style has its strengths and is suitable for different purposes.
Consider Your Branding
Ensure the chosen video style aligns with your brand identity. Consistent branding helps reinforce your brand image and makes the video recognizable to your audience.
Determine Length
Decide on the ideal video length based on your message and platform. In general, explainer videos should be concise and engaging, typically ranging from 60 to 120 seconds.
Create A Well-Written Script
Develop a clear and concise script that communicates your message effectively. Focus on the key benefits, address pain points, and include a strong call to action.
Engage With Creativity
Whether it’s animation, live-action, or a mix, inject creativity into your explainer video. Engaging visuals and a compelling narrative can captivate your audience.
Include A Call-to-Action (CTA)
Test And Iterate
Before launching the final version, test your explainer video with a sample audience. Gather feedback and be willing to make adjustments to improve its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Various types of explainer videos offer unique advantages, whether it’s the engaging storytelling of 2D animated videos, the realism of 3D animation, or the simplicity of whiteboard animations.
Choosing the right type of explainer video for your business is a strategic decision that hinges on understanding your goals, target audience, and the essence of your brand. Whether you’re aiming to boost brand awareness, explain complex products, or engage with your audience in a new way, the diverse range of explainer video styles ensures that there’s a perfect fit for every business’s unique story.
At Hancock Animations, we understand the significance of delivering impactful visual narratives that resonate with your audience. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to bringing your vision to life through a blend of creativity and expertise. With us, your brand’s essence will not just be seen, it will be experienced, leaving a positive impact on your audience.
Ready to captivate your audience? Consult with us for top-notch
explainer video services that resonate with your brand.
FAQs
An explainer video is a short video you can use to convey your brand’s message or advertising purpose. It is a brand marketing tool used to educate or inform your audience about how your products or services work and what are their benefits in their lives.
Explainer videos simplify complex concepts, enhance engagement, and effectively communicate messages, making information more accessible and memorable for your audience.
The different types of explainer videos we have covered in this article are:
- 2D Explainer Videos
- 3D Explainer Videos
- Motion Graphics Videos
- Whiteboard Animation
- Screencast Videos
- Live Action Videos
- Kinetic Typography
- Stop Motion Animated Explainer Video
- Cutout Animation
- Traditional Animation
- 2D Animation Videos with 3D Elements
- Isometric Animation
Usually, making an explainer video costs between $4000 and $8000 for every minute of the finished video. If you want fancier graphics and more interactive stuff, you’ll need to pay even more.
