Introduction:
Every brand has a story to tell – but when that story is complex, how do you keep your audience from tuning out? Enter the explainer video. An explainer video is a short, punchy video (often 60–90 seconds) that uses clear narration and visuals to break down your message into something anyone can understand. Often animated, sometimes live-action, explainer videos turn those “wait, what?” moments into “aha, I get it!” moments for your viewers. They’ve become hugely popular in marketing; in fact, 73% of video marketers have created explainer videos, making them the single most common video type in 2025. Whether you’re a Wichita startup or a global enterprise, an explainer video can simplify your message, engage your audience, and boost your results.
Why Explainer Videos Work (Turning Complex into Clear)
Explainer videos are so effective because they make complex ideas simple. Instead of a dense web page or a long-winded lecture, an animated explainer delivers your point in a clear, visual story that even a fifth-grader can follow. Research shows that 99% of video marketers say video content has improved users’ understanding of their product or service – an all-time high. In other words, people learn and retain information better when it’s delivered through visuals and storytelling. It’s no wonder 98% of consumers have watched an explainer video to learn about a product or service – it’s often the quickest way to grasp a new concept.
Animation in particular brings abstract ideas to life. You can use colorful graphics, icons, and characters to represent things that are hard to show in real life (think software, processes, or cloud services). “Explainer videos are an essential tool for brands looking to communicate complex ideas in a clear, engaging, and accessible way,” as one video producer notes. With animation, you have complete control over the tone, pacing, and style of your message. You can zoom into the microscopic world or fly a caped duck through the sky – creative visuals that would be impossible or costly to film in live action. This creative freedom means you can turn dry, complicated topics into fun, easy-to-follow stories.
Just as important, explainer videos aren’t boring lectures – the best ones educate and entertain. Through friendly voiceovers, playful characters, and relatable scenarios, you can explain what you do and why it matters without making people’s eyes glaze over. No snooze-fests here. By using a light-hearted, conversational tone (and even a dash of humor when it fits), an explainer video keeps viewers engaged from the first second to the last. In fact, best practices often suggest using a hook in the first 10 seconds – like a surprising fact or a quick problem scenario – to grab attention early. The combination of story + visuals + concise script means viewers stay interested and remember your message. This boosts not only understanding but also trust and conversion: 87% of people have been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a video. Clearly, when done right, explainer videos can be a powerhouse for turning confused prospects into informed, confident customers.
Animated vs. Live-Action Explainer Videos: Which Should You Choose?
Explainer videos come in two main flavors: animated (cartoon or motion graphics style) and live-action (real people and footage). Both can be effective – so how do you decide which fits your message? Let’s compare:
- Animated Explainers: Animation excels at simplifying the abstract. If you need to visualize a process, idea, or software interface, animation lets you do anything you can imagine on screen. It’s great for tech companies and services where there isn’t a physical product to show. Animation is also easier to align with your branding – you can use your exact brand colors, typography, and style in every scene. This makes the video feel like a seamless extension of your website or marketing materials. Another big plus: animated videos tend to have a longer shelf-life. They aren’t tied to a specific actor, location or trending style, so they won’t look dated next year. You can also update an animation later by tweaking graphics or text, which is often simpler than reshooting a live video. From a budget perspective, animation can be very cost-effective, especially for startups. You don’t need to hire actors or rent locations – a small team of animators (or even DIY animation software) can produce a polished explainer. If you’re on a tight budget and timeline, animated explainers might give you “more bang for your buck” in terms of production value.
- Live-Action Explainers: Live-action is the go-to when human connection or real product demonstration is key. People like seeing people – it builds an emotional connection and trust. If you run a personal service business (say, a consulting firm, clinic, or restaurant), showing real faces and voices can make your story more relatable and credible. Live video is also ideal to demonstrate tangible products in use. For example, one agency chose a live-action explainer for a client selling kitchenware – because “when given the option, most people would rather see a product in action than as an illustration”. Seeing is believing, and live footage proves your product or process works in the real world. However, live-action comes with some caveats. It can be more limiting and costly: you’re bound by reality in what you can show (no flying cartoon ducks) and you’ll need a crew, equipment, and maybe actors to film it. More effort on lighting, sound, and locations is required to get a quality result. Live shoots can also strain a budget – as one explainer producer notes, a polished live video often costs more than a simple animated one due to the extra production overhead. Additionally, if your offering or branding changes, updating a live video means scheduling new shoots, whereas an animated video might be edited more easily.
So which style is better? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it truly depends on your content, audience, and goals. Start by considering your brand image and target audience. If your brand vibe is modern, quirky, or geared toward younger viewers (Millennials/Gen Z), an animated explainer with cute characters or sleek motion graphics could resonate strongly. On the other hand, if you’re speaking to a more traditional or senior audience, or you need to showcase real people (like testimonials or founder story), a live-action approach might build the trust you need. Also factor in budget and time: smaller budget or need the video quickly? – animation might be more attainable. Bigger budget and craving that human touch? – live action could be worth it. Remember, you don’t have to choose strictly one or the other; some of the most engaging explainers mix both (e.g. filming a person on green screen and then adding animated graphics around them). The bottom line: choose the style that best tells your story and connects with your viewers. Both formats can simplify your message – as long as the content is clear and compelling, your explainer will do its job.
This ability to provide visual context is a huge marketing advantage. Viewers understand your message faster and more intuitively when they see the big picture. In real estate marketing, for instance, listings with video (which often includes aerial shots) keep potential buyers engaged 5–10 times longer on websites than listings without video – proof that people are drawn in by that additional context. And it’s not just about facts and figures; it’s about emotional storytelling. An aerial panorama can establish mood and setting, whether it’s a tranquil flyover of Kansas farmland for an agricultural brand or a dynamic cityscape for an urban business. By showing how all the pieces connect, drone footage helps audiences grasp your story at a glance and feel more connected to it. It’s no surprise that real estate listings utilizing drone videos sell on average 68% faster than those without – viewers are not only informed but also inspired by the comprehensive view from above.
Crafting an Effective Explainer Video (The 4-Part Formula)
What makes a great explainer video? It starts with a strong script and structure. Most successful explainer videos follow a classic story arc that quickly hooks the viewer and leads them to a clear call-to-action. Here’s the tried-and-true 4-part explainer formula:
- The Hook – Present the Problem: First, grab attention by identifying a problem or pain point your audience faces. This shows viewers you get their challenge. (Example: “Struggling to keep track of all your expenses each month?”) Great explainers often lead with a relatable scenario that immediately makes the audience think “Yes, that’s me!”. By pinpointing a real problem, you’ve hooked the viewer to hear the solution.
- Introduce the Solution (Your Product/Service): Next, bring in your offering as the hero that solves the problem. Keep this introduction concise and impactful. (“Meet BudgetPro – an app that automatically tracks your spending and saves you money.”) The key is to clearly state what your solution is and how it addresses the problem, without drowning in technical details. At this stage, the viewer should simply understand that a solution exists. (Save the nitty-gritty for the next part.)
- Explain How It Works (or Key Benefits): Now that the viewer knows what the solution is, show how it works or what makes it valuable. This is the “meat” of your explainer. Walk through the core features or steps, focusing on benefits to the user. Stick to 2–4 main points; simplicity is crucial to avoid overwhelming the audience. You might use a quick sequence or visual metaphors here to demonstrate the solution in action. For instance: “BudgetPro links to your bank accounts (illustration of app connecting to bank), automatically categorizes your expenses (icons sorting into folders), and alerts you with simple tips to save more (cartoon piggy bank icon filling up).” Keep the tone upbeat and, if it fits your brand, add a little humor or surprise to keep it fun. This section should reassure the viewer that your solution truly can solve their initial problem.
- Call to Action (Next Step): Finally, end with a clear call-to-action (CTA). Now that you’ve explained your message, tell the viewer exactly what to do next. This is crucial – don’t leave them guessing! Whether it’s “Sign up for a free trial,” “Visit our website for more info,” or “Contact us to get started,” make your CTA direct and compelling. A common best practice is to add a sense of urgency or incentive – e.g., “Sign up today and see the difference,” or “Contact us now to schedule a free demo.” The CTA wraps up the video with a motivating nudge so that the viewer doesn’t just understand your message, but is encouraged to act on it.
This simple four-step structure – Problem → Solution → How It Works → CTA – provides a narrative flow that audiences intuitively follow. Of course, you can adapt it (some videos start with an attention-grabbing question or a bold statement, then state the problem), but the core idea is to lead the viewer from a point of identifying with a pain to imagining a better state thanks to your solution, and then taking action. Along the way, remember to keep it concise and clear. Most explainer scripts are around 150–250 words (for a ~90 second video) – that’s not a lot of time, so every sentence must count. Use short, simple sentences and avoid jargon; write in the second person (“you”) to speak directly to the viewer. A conversational, friendly tone works best, as if you’re chatting with someone about how you can help them. And visually, ensure the graphics reinforce the script – each scene of the storyboard should communicate the key point without confusion. The planning phase here is critical: many explainer companies (like Lundblade House Productions, or LHP) start with storyboarding the entire video before animating, to make sure the story flows logically and clearly. In our process at LHP, we collaborate with clients during the storyboard stage to lock in the story and flow, making edits on paper so that the final animation is spot-on. By following this formula and process, you set up your explainer video for maximum impact – hooking the viewer, delivering a crystal-clear message, and prompting them to take that next step.
There’s also a psychological element at play – customers subconsciously associate higher production quality with a higher quality brand. A few seconds of drone B-roll in a promotional video can dramatically enhance its perceived value. For example, if a Wichita-based college adds a sweeping campus aerial to its recruitment video, it immediately looks like a big-budget production, giving it an edge in impressing prospective students over other schools’ videos. The competitive benefits of drone video are perhaps most evident in real estate: agents who leverage video (especially drone footage for those stunning exterior shots) receive 403% more inquiries on their listings than those who don’t. That’s an eye-popping figure, but it makes sense – the agent using aerial video is presenting properties in a more comprehensive and engaging way, leaving a lasting impression on buyers. No matter your industry, being among the first in your niche to embrace aerial videography can earn you the reputation of a trendsetter. It signals to your audience (and even to your local market in Wichita or Kansas City) that your brand is forward-thinking and not afraid to invest in delivering the best visual experience.
Storyboarding for Success: How LHP Ensures Clarity
Behind every great explainer video is a great plan. At Lundblade House Productions (LHP), we attribute a huge part of our explainer videos’ success to thorough storyboarding and scripting in pre-production. Think of the storyboard as the visual blueprint for the video – it’s a scene-by-scene sketch of how the story will unfold, paired with the script. We make it a point to storyboard early in the process because it brings total clarity to everyone involved. Here’s how it works:
- Script Alignment: First, we work closely with you to nail down a clear, concise script that conveys your core message. (No fluff, no ambiguity – every line has a purpose.) Once the script is approved, we break it into scenes and start sketching ideas for visuals.
- Visual Narrative & Flow: During the Design & Storyboards phase, our creative team creates storyboard frames (like comic panels) that illustrate each major beat of the video. This step is crucial for catching any confusing transitions or overcrowded messaging before animation begins. We ask questions like: Does scene 3 logically follow scene 2? Is the transition from the “problem” segment to the “solution” segment smooth? We aim to streamline the story – maybe combining scenes or adding a visual metaphor – so that the narrative flows naturally from start to finish. The storyboard essentially lets us edit the story for clarity in static form, which is much easier (and cheaper) to adjust than reworking an animation later.
- Client Collaboration: We involve you (the client) at the storyboard stage as a critical partner. This is a fun, creative collaboration where we walk you through the proposed visuals alongside the script. Your feedback here is golden – if something doesn’t feel on-brand or you think your audience won’t “get it,” we tweak it now. Our goal is to ensure the concept on the storyboard matches your vision and messaging exactly. By the end of this stage, you’ll see your explainer video in sketch form and feel confident that it tells your story right.
- No Surprises in Production: Thanks to storyboarding, the production phase (whether animating graphics or shooting live footage) becomes much more efficient. Everyone – animators, voiceover talent, editors – works from the same roadmap. This means fewer misunderstandings and a cohesive final product. As Tri-Marq (another video agency) nicely puts it, storyboards “lock in both the story and style… make edits to the story and flow before production… allowing for an efficient production process.” In short, our meticulous storyboarding ensures that by the time we hit “render” on your animated explainer, we already know it’s going to deliver clarity, maintain viewer attention, and nail your message.
In practice, this approach has paid off in making videos that feel seamless. Viewers won’t notice the storyboard, of course, but they will notice how easily they understood your service or product. And that’s our ultimate measure of success – an explainer video that’s not just flashy, but flawlessly clear in communicating your message.
One Video, Infinite Uses (Maximizing ROI from Explainers)
Investing in an explainer video is like getting a Swiss Army knife for your marketing. That one video can be repurposed across so many channels, giving you an incredible return on investment. Consider this: once LHP delivers your shiny new animated explainer, you can embed it on your website’s homepage or product page, share it in sales emails, post it across social media, use it in trade show booths or live presentations – even play it in your office lobby. You’ll be armed with a consistent, polished message wherever your audience encounters you. Unlike a one-off ad or a single blog post, an explainer video keeps working for you over and over.
This multi-use versatility is a big reason why businesses love explainer videos. For example, you might publish the full video on YouTube and your site, but also cut a 15-second teaser for Instagram, or grab a few key scenes as GIFs for Twitter. The style and narrative are already done – it’s plug-and-play. And because animated explainers have longevity, you can often use the same video for years. Animation doesn’t age as quickly as live footage; you’re not worrying about outdated fashion or a spokesman who left the company. As one industry blog notes, “animated explainer videos aren’t tied to specific people, settings, or trends, so they tend to have a longer shelf life than live-action content”. In other words, your animated video stays fresh and relevant, making it a smart investment for evergreen content like onboarding tutorials or FAQ explainers that you’ll use repeatedly.
From an ROI standpoint, the numbers speak for themselves. 93% of marketers say video marketing has given them a good ROI – the highest level ever recorded. Part of that ROI comes from video’s proven impact (higher engagement, more conversions) and part from how one video can boost multiple metrics at once. For instance, adding an explainer video to your website can increase the time visitors spend on the page (they’re watching instead of skimming text) – Google loves that, so it can indirectly help your SEO. Share that same video on your social channels and you might see an uptick in followers or inquiries as people grasp your offering more clearly. Sales teams can use the video in pitches to quickly educate prospects, shortening the sales cycle. And customer support can refer users to the video for common questions, potentially reducing support tickets. All from one 90-second animated clip!
Let’s not forget the engagement factor. On social media, video content tends to outperform static images or text. LinkedIn reports that video is now one of the most widely used formats for B2B marketing, and platforms like Facebook and Instagram prioritize video content. An explainer video posted on LinkedIn or Facebook can catch more eyeballs (and shares) than a plain article link. Plus, you can pin the video to the top of your profiles for newcomers to see. The bottom line: an explainer video can stretch to fit wherever you need it – making your message consistent and compelling across the board.
Finally, think of the “one video = one voice” benefit. With an explainer, you ensure that everyone hears the same story about your brand. No more worrying if your sales rep is describing the product correctly, or if a website visitor missed the key point buried in text. The video delivers a tight, refined narrative every time, without fail (it never gets tired or goes off-script!). This consistency builds trust. Over time, as viewers repeatedly encounter your explainer – on your site, in an email, on social media – it reinforces your value proposition and brand personality in their minds. That is how explainer videos simplify your message not just once, but again and again, driving home clarity and confidence in your audience. For a growing business, especially here in Wichita and the Midwest, it’s a force-multiplier: one well-crafted video asset enabling you to punch above your weight in marketing without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: In today’s fast-paced world, you often have only a minute or two to capture someone’s attention and convey what makes your business special. Explainer videos are the ultimate tool to make those minutes count. They distill your message into a digestible, visual story that anyone can understand – and they do it in an engaging, memorable way. From simplifying complex tech concepts with animation to showcasing real human stories with live action, explainer videos bridge the gap between you and your audience’s “lightbulb moment.” When done right, an explainer video not only informs but also inspires viewers to take action – whether that’s clicking “Learn More”, signing up, or contacting your team.
Lundblade House Productions specializes in crafting explainer videos that hit this sweet spot of clarity and creativity. We handle the whole process – brainstorming, scripting, storyboarding, animation/live filming, and editing – with a focus on your goals and style. The result? A video that feels tailor-made for your brand and speaks directly to your target audience, be it a local Wichita business owner or a nationwide customer base. If you’re ready to simplify your message and amplify your impact, let’s talk about creating an explainer video for your brand. As we like to say, why just tell when you can show and tell? Get in touch with LHP today, and let’s turn those complex ideas into clear, compelling animation that drives results for your business.
Ready to transform “huh?” into “aha!”? Contact Lundblade House Productions to get started on your explainer video project – and let your story shine.
FAQs
What is an explainer video?
An explainer video is a short, engaging video (typically 1–2 minutes) that explains a business, product, or concept in a simple way. Explainer videos often use animation, motion graphics, or live-action footage to break down complex ideas into clear visuals and easy-to-understand narration. They are commonly used in marketing – for example, to give a quick overview of a product on a homepage or to illustrate a startup’s service to potential customers. The goal of an explainer video is to quickly “tell your story” – presenting a problem and showing how your product/service solves it – so that viewers immediately grasp your value proposition. Because they’re concise and visual, explainer videos help increase understanding and keep viewers’ attention better than text alone (in fact, most people would rather watch a short video than read a long article to learn about a product). In summary, an explainer video is like your elevator pitch in video form – delivering your message in an accessible, memorable way.
How long should an explainer video be?
The ideal length for an explainer video is usually around 60 to 90 seconds. In general, keeping it under the 2-minute mark is recommended for maximum viewer engagement. Studies have found that videos between 30 seconds and 2 minutes are most effective for marketing purposes. Within that timeframe, you can typically fit a concise script of ~150-240 words, which is enough to cover the basics (problem, solution, how it works, call-to-action) without losing the audience’s attention. Remember that online viewers have short attention spans – as a rule of thumb, shorter is better as long as the message is clear and complete. There are exceptions (complex topics might need a bit more time, and some animated explainers go 3–4 minutes for depth), but if you find your video running long, it’s often wise to trim the fat. A tightly-focused 60-second video that leaves viewers wanting more is preferable to a 3-minute video where they click away halfway through. In summary: aim for that sweet spot around a minute and use every second wisely. If you have more to say, you can always create additional videos or provide more info on your website after hooking viewers with the explainer.
What’s the typical cost of an explainer video?
The cost of an explainer video can vary widely depending on style and production quality. On the low end, DIY animation software or freelancers might create a basic explainer for a few hundred dollars. On the high end, a top-tier animation studio could charge tens of thousands of dollars for a fully custom 90-second video. A survey by Wyzowl found that, when companies solicited quotes for an explainer video, the prices ranged from about $600 up to $250,000, with the average (median) around $5,400 for a ~60-90 second animation. For live-action explainers, costs might be higher due to filming expenses (equipment, crew, actors, location, etc.). Key factors that affect price include the video’s length, the complexity of the animation (e.g. detailed 3D graphics cost more than simple 2D cartoons), whether it includes custom characters or illustrations, voiceover talent fees, and so on. At LHP, we offer explainer video packages tailored to different budgets – from streamlined animated infographics to high-end mixed media productions – to ensure even small businesses can afford a quality explainer. It’s also worth noting that a well-made explainer can pay for itself by boosting conversions or reducing the need for other marketing spend, so many companies see it as a worthwhile investment. Always discuss your budget with your video producer; they can often suggest creative approaches to meet your needs without breaking the bank.
When should I use animation vs. live-action for an explainer video?
The choice between an animated explainer or a live-action (real footage) explainer comes down to your content, audience, and objectives. Ask yourself a few questions:
- Is my product/concept visible and best shown in real life? If you have a physical product or a process that benefits from seeing real usage, live-action can be powerful. For instance, a gadget demo or a food recipe might be more appetizing when filmed. Viewers often prefer seeing tangible products “in action” with real people for authenticity. Live video also helps put a human face to your business, which can build trust (great for personal services, consultants, medical practices, etc., where showcasing the actual people involved is a plus).
- Is my message abstract or hard to film? If you’re dealing with software, an app, or an abstract concept (like a cloud service or an innovative technology), animation is usually the better choice. Animation lets you visualize things that don’t physically exist or would be impossible to capture on camera. You can use charts, icons, and imaginative scenarios to represent your idea. It’s also easier to stay on-brand with animation by using your brand colors and style consistently.
- What’s the tone and audience? Animation often lends itself to a more playful or modern tone, which can engage younger audiences or make a dry topic more approachable. Live-action might convey seriousness or realism better. That said, animation can be made professional and live videos can be fun – it really depends on execution. Consider what your target audience might respond to: for example, many tech-savvy viewers enjoy sleek animated explainers, whereas an audience in a traditional industry might relate better to seeing real people in the video.
- Budget and speed: Generally, animated videos are more cost-effective and faster to produce for short explainers. Live-action involves logistics (filming, equipment, etc.) that can increase cost and time. If you’re on a tight budget or need the video quickly, animation (or even screen-record explainer) is a practical route. If you have the budget and the use-case benefits from live footage, then live-action is worth considering.
Sometimes the best answer is both – a hybrid approach. It’s not uncommon to film a person talking for credibility and then overlay animated graphics to illustrate key points (think of a software CEO speaking on camera while animations pop up around to show the app features). This gives you the human element and the visual flexibility. In the end, choose the style that will best communicate your core message and resonate with your viewers. If still in doubt, consult with a video production expert (like our team at LHP); we can evaluate your specific scenario and even storyboard in both styles to see which fits better before you commit.
Do explainer videos really help engage and convert customers?
Absolutely. Explainer videos have a proven track record of boosting customer engagement, understanding, and even conversion rates. Here are a few reasons and stats that underscore their impact:
- Better Understanding: Viewers tend to retain information from video far better than text. As mentioned earlier, 99% of marketers say video has helped increase users’ understanding of their product or service. When customers understand what you offer and how it solves their problem, they’re more likely to trust your brand and consider purchasing.
- Higher Engagement: An explainer video can grab attention on platforms where it’s hard to get people to stop and read. For instance, on a landing page, having a video can significantly increase the time visitors spend on the page. Many people will click the “Play” button out of curiosity, whereas they might not read a full page of text. Additionally, explainer videos are highly shareable – a clever or insightful video is more likely to be shared on social media or between colleagues, expanding your reach.
- Influencing Purchase Decisions: A huge majority of consumers watch videos during their buying journey. According to recent surveys, 87% of people have been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a video about it. Specifically, explainer videos – which often sit at the top of the funnel or on product pages – can be the tipping point that moves someone from interest to action. They reduce uncertainty by answering “What is this? How does it work? Is it for me?” in a quick, relatable format.
- Increased Conversions: By the time your explainer video delivers its call-to-action, a viewer who watched the whole thing is typically a warm lead – they’ve invested attention and learned the key benefits. Companies often report higher conversion rates when using explainer videos on landing pages or in marketing campaigns. For example, including a well-crafted explainer video in an email or on a signup page can boost signup rates significantly (sometimes by 20% or more, according to case studies). People just feel more confident clicking that “Get Started” button after a friendly video walks them through the offering.
- Versatility in the Funnel: Explainer videos aren’t only for new prospects; they can engage existing customers too (think onboarding tutorials or feature explainers to reduce confusion). A good explainer anticipates common questions and objections, which not only helps convert leads but can also lighten the load on your customer support by proactively clarifying things.
In summary, explainer videos engage viewers by showing rather than just telling, which builds interest and clarity. They then guide viewers toward a decision with a compelling story and CTA. In our experience at LHP, clients have seen tangible results after deploying explainer videos – from increased web inquiries to more robust sales conversations – because the video served as a “mini salesperson” that worked 24/7 online, educating and persuading viewers. The key is making sure the explainer video is done right: focused message, high-quality visuals/voiceover (since video quality impacts trust in your brand), and a clear ask at the end. Do that, and you’ll very likely see a positive impact on customer engagement and conversion. 📈
Sources
- Wyzowl (2025) – Video Marketing Statistics, Usage & ROI: Data on explainer video popularity and effectiveness. Wyzowl’s annual survey reports that 73% of video marketers have created explainer videos, making it the most popular video type in 2025. It also notes 99% of marketers believe video improved user understanding of their product, and 98% of consumers have watched an explainer video to learn about a product or service, highlighting the format’s reach and impact. https://www.wyzowl.com/video-marketing-statistics/
- Tri-Marq Blog (2025) – “Clarity in Motion: The Power of Animated Explainer Videos”: Insights on why animation is effective. Explainer videos are described as “an essential tool for brands looking to communicate complex ideas in a clear, engaging, and accessible way”, with animation bringing abstract ideas to life. The article notes animation allows control over tone and style and can streamline a story, highlight key moments, and seamlessly move between concepts without the constraints of live-action. It also cites longevity as an advantage: animated explainers aren’t tied to specific people or trends, so they have a longer shelf life (great for evergreen content). https://trimarq.com/clarity-in-motion-the-power-of-animated-explainer-videos/
- BreadnBeyond (2025) – “Animated vs. Live-Action Explainer Videos: Which One to Choose?”: Guide on choosing video style. Recommends aligning the style with brand image and audience. For instance, a casual, colorful brand site might benefit from an animated explainer, whereas a brand that’s more human-centric could lean towards live-action. It also notes target audience matters: younger generations (Gen Z, Millennials) often respond well to animation, while older or professional audiences may prefer live-action for relatability. The guide reminds us to consider budget and resources – live-action usually costs more and can require more time, whereas animation can be more budget-friendly, especially for small businesses. https://breadnbeyond.com/articles/animation-vs-live-action/
- Demo Duck (Blog) – “Live Action vs. Animation Explainer Video”: Pros and cons of each style. Highlights that live-action is great for tangible products or personal services because “when given the option, most people would rather see a product or service in action (with real people) than see it as an illustration.” Live footage can forge an emotional connection. Conversely, animation “lets you do just about anything” – ideal for abstract or tech topics (e.g. showing a flying duck with a cape, which would be nearly impossible in live video). Animation also makes it easy to maintain consistent branding (colors, themes) and is easier to update later for product changes. https://demoduck.com/blog/live-action-vs-animation-explainer-video/
- Synthesia (2024) – “How to Make an Explainer Video (Ultimate Guide)”: Tips on structure and script. Recommends a simple script structure: “Pinpoint a problem your audience is facing; introduce your product/service as the solution; keep it fun (if on-brand); and include a call to action.”. This aligns with the common Problem → Solution → How It Works → CTA formula. Emphasizes being concise and viewer-focused – for example, a strong hook in the first 10 seconds to persuade viewers to stay, and using an approachable tone that avoids jargon. https://www.synthesia.io/learn/explainer-videos
- Vidico – “Marketer’s Guide to Writing Powerful Explainer Video Script”: In-depth scriptwriting advice. Stresses keeping the solution introduction brief and targeted: after presenting the problem, “explain how you solve it… one sentence, two at most” to make it clear without overselling. Also underscores ending with a direct Call-To-Action that tells viewers what to do next (download, sign up, contact, etc.) and ideally adds urgency (like “today” or “now”) to drive action immediately after viewing. https://vidico.com/explainer-video-production/explainer-video-script/
- Wyzowl (2021) – Explainer Video Cost Study (cited via Dash.app): Cost benchmarks for explainer videos. Wyzowl gathered quotes from 122 studios and found costs ranged from ~$600 to $250k, with a median of $5,400 for a typical explainer video. This illustrates the wide budget spectrum and gives a ballpark for what many businesses invest for a quality 60-90 second animated explainer. It also reflects that there are options at nearly every price point – from templated animations to high-end custom productions. https://wyzowl.com/explainer-video-cost/
- Wyzowl (2025) – Consumer Video Preferences: Data on consumer behavior. In 2025, 78% of people said they prefer to learn about a product or service by watching a short video (versus text-based articles, infographics, etc.). Additionally, 83% of consumers want to see more video content from brands, showing the strong demand for video as a medium. These stats reinforce that offering an explainer video meets audience expectations and learning preferences, likely leading to better engagement than text alone. https://wyzowl.com/explainer-video-cost/