Creating Explainer Videos That Convert
Discover the key elements that make explainer videos successful and how to implement them in your marketing strategy for maximum ROI.

Explainer videos have become one of the most effective tools in a marketer's arsenal. When done right, they can increase conversion rates by 35-50% on landing pages.
Why Explainer Videos Work
In an age of shrinking attention spans, explainer videos deliver your message quickly and memorably:
- 73% of consumers are more likely to purchase after watching a product video
- Videos are shared 1200% more than text and images combined
- Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video
The Anatomy of a Great Explainer Video
1. Hook (First 5 Seconds)
You have 5 seconds to grab attention. Start with:
- A compelling question
- A relatable problem
- A surprising statistic
- Visual intrigue
Example: "Losing 30% of customers at checkout? Here's why..."
2. Problem Statement (10-15 Seconds)
Clearly articulate the pain point your audience faces. Make them nod and think, "Yes, that's exactly my problem!"
3. Solution Introduction (15-20 Seconds)
Present your product/service as the answer. Focus on benefits, not features.
4. How It Works (30-40 Seconds)
Show, don't just tell. Use:
- Simple animations
- Screen recordings
- Customer examples
- Step-by-step visuals
5. Social Proof (10-15 Seconds)
Include testimonials, stats, or logos of trusted clients.
6. Call-to-Action (5-10 Seconds)
Make it crystal clear what you want viewers to do next:
- "Start Your Free Trial"
- "Schedule a Demo"
- "Learn More"
Optimal Video Length
| Video Type | Ideal Length | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Homepage | 60-90 seconds | Quick overview |
| Product Feature | 2-3 minutes | Detailed explanation |
| Social Media | 15-30 seconds | Awareness |
| Tutorial | 3-5 minutes | Education |
Visual Style Matters
Choose a style that aligns with your brand:
Animation Styles:
- π¨ 2D Animation - Versatile, cost-effective
- π― Motion Graphics - Modern, data-focused
- βοΈ Whiteboard - Educational, trustworthy
- π Character Animation - Engaging, memorable
- π± Screen Recording - Technical, SaaS-friendly
Script Writing Tips
Your script is the foundation. Follow this formula:
Problem β Agitate β Solution β How It Works β Benefits β Proof β CTA
Key principles:
- Write for the ear, not the eye
- Use conversational language
- Keep sentences short (10-15 words max)
- Remove jargon
- One idea per sentence
Voiceover Best Practices
- Tone: Match your brand personality
- Pace: 150-160 words per minute
- Gender: Test what resonates with your audience
- Accent: Consider your target market
- Professional: Invest in quality voiceover talent
Music & Sound Design
Don't underestimate audio:
- Music sets emotional tone
- Sound effects enhance key moments
- Background music should be subtle (30-40% volume)
- Ensure voiceover is always clear
Distribution Strategy
Creating a great video is only half the battle:
Website
- Place above the fold on landing pages
- Use video thumbnails, not auto-play
- Add captions for accessibility
Social Media
- LinkedIn: Native uploads get 5x more reach
- Instagram: Square format (1:1) performs best
- YouTube: Optimize title, description, tags
- Facebook: Captions are crucial (85% watch without sound)
- Include "video" in subject line (increases opens by 19%)
- Use animated GIF thumbnail
- Host externally, link in email
Measuring Success
Track these KPIs:
- View Rate: % who clicked play
- Engagement Rate: % who watched 75%+
- Click-Through Rate: % who took action
- Conversion Rate: Ultimate goal
- Share Rate: Viral potential
Common Mistakes to Avoid
β Making it too long β Starting with your company history β Using too much jargon β Low production quality β Weak or missing CTA β Not testing with real users
Cost vs. Quality
Budget tiers:
- $500-2,000: Template-based, DIY tools
- $2,000-5,000: Professional freelancer
- $5,000-10,000: Boutique studio
- $10,000+: Full-service agency with custom animation
Tools & Resources
DIY Options:
- Animoto
- Powtoon
- Vyond
- Doodly
Professional Services:
- Partner with a creative agency (like us!)
- Hire experienced freelancers
- Work with specialized video production companies
The ROI of Explainer Videos
When done right, explainer videos deliver:
- 35-50% increase in conversion rates
- 80% increase in email click-through rates
- 157% increase in organic traffic from search
- 4x more likely to be shared than other content
Next Steps
Ready to create your own explainer video?
- Define your goal - What action do you want viewers to take?
- Know your audience - What problems do they face?
- Write your script - Focus on benefits, not features
- Choose your style - Match your brand personality
- Produce & test - Get feedback before final launch
Conclusion
Explainer videos aren't just a trendβthey're a proven conversion tool. With the right strategy, script, and production quality, your explainer video can become your hardest-working marketing asset.
Need help creating an explainer video that converts? Contact our team to discuss your project.
Quick Checklist:
β Hook in first 5 seconds β Clear problem statement β Focus on benefits β 60-90 seconds long β Professional voiceover β Strong call-to-action β Optimized for each platform
Ready to boost your conversion rates with professional video? Let's create something amazing together.