If you’ve ever found yourself watching a short, engaging video online that clearly explains a product, service, or concept—chances are, you’ve experienced the magic of an animated explainer video. These powerful tools blend storytelling with visuals to break down complicated ideas into simple, enjoyable content that almost anyone can understand.
But what exactly goes into making one? How do motion graphics help capture attention? And more importantly, how can you use them to connect better with your audience?
Let’s explore everything you need to know about animated explainer videos in a friendly and relatable way. Whether you’re curious about using one for your business or just want to understand what makes them so effective, this guide is for you.
Why Are Animated Explainer Videos So Popular?
We live in a fast-paced world where people want information quickly and clearly. That’s where animated explainer videos come in. These videos use simple visuals, clear narration, and a touch of fun to explain things that might otherwise take pages of text to describe.
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They’re easy to understand and visually appealing
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They can explain anything—from a complex tech product to a simple idea
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Viewers are more likely to remember what they saw and heard
Think of them as bite-sized learning sessions, designed to stick.
What Exactly Is an Animated Explainer Video?
An animated explainer video is typically a short video (usually 60 to 90 seconds) that uses animation to explain a concept, product, service, or process. Unlike live-action videos, everything is created using illustrations, characters, text, and motion graphics.
These videos often answer the question: “What is this, and why should I care?”
For example, imagine you’re launching a new app. Instead of writing a long article explaining what it does, you can create an animated explainer video that shows someone solving a problem using your app. With voiceover, sound effects, and smooth transitions, it’s easier for the audience to see the benefits.
How Do Motion Graphics Bring Explainers to Life?
Motion graphics are animated visual elements like icons, text, shapes, and characters that move on screen to tell a story or explain something. They’re not just decorative—they help make the content more memorable.
Here’s how motion graphics work in your favor:
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Visual clarity: Motion helps show how things work instead of just telling
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Better engagement: Movement naturally draws the eye and holds attention
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Simplified learning: Hard-to-understand topics become easier with animated visuals
If you’ve ever watched a video where a pie chart fills up to show a statistic or arrows move to explain a process, you’ve seen motion graphics in action.
When Should You Use an Animated Explainer Video?
Not sure if your message needs a video? Here are some situations where explainer videos make a big impact:
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You’re launching a new product or service
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Your audience doesn’t understand what you offer
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You want to increase conversions or sign-ups on a website
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You’re explaining something technical to a general audience
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You want to stand out on social media with visual content
Explainer videos can live on your homepage, social media platforms, email campaigns, landing pages, or even in presentations.
Tips for Creating a Great Animated Explainer Video
Creating a video that actually works takes a bit of planning. The good news is, you don’t need to be a video editing wizard. A good concept, a strong script, and purposeful motion graphics can go a long way.
Here’s what to focus on:
Keep It Short and Sweet
Attention spans are short. Aim for 60 to 90 seconds. Get to the point quickly and make sure every second counts.
Focus on the Problem and Solution
Start with a problem your audience faces. Then show how your product or idea solves it. People connect emotionally when they feel understood.
Write a Conversational Script
Use everyday language, just like you’re talking to a friend. Avoid jargon unless your audience expects it.
Use Friendly and Clean Visuals
Animations should match your tone. Clean and friendly visuals often work best—too much complexity can distract.
Let Motion Graphics Do the Heavy Lifting
Don’t overload your video with voiceover alone. Let your motion graphics illustrate key points. This reinforces learning and keeps people interested.
Where Can You Use Your Explainer Video?
Once your animated explainer video is ready, it’s time to share it! The great thing about these videos is how versatile they are.
Here are some of the best places to use them:
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Homepage: Greet visitors with a clear overview of what you do
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Social media: Boost engagement with scroll-stopping animations
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Email campaigns: Improve open rates and clicks by adding videos
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Online ads: Catch attention quickly with short, eye-catching clips
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Presentations: Explain your product or idea clearly in a pitch
The more places you use your video, the more value you’ll get from your investment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though explainer videos are simple by nature, there are some common pitfalls:
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Too much information: Stick to one clear message. Don’t try to explain everything in one go.
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Weak script: A great video starts with a strong script. Focus on clarity and storytelling.
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Overusing effects: Fancy transitions and graphics are fun, but only when they support the message.
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No call to action: Always tell viewers what to do next—visit your website, sign up, or try a demo.
Final Thoughts: Is an Animated Explainer Video Right for You?
If you have something to say and you want people to actually listen, then yes—an animated explainer video could be exactly what you need. These videos take your message and turn it into a story that’s fun, memorable, and easy to understand.
Whether you’re a small business, educator, startup founder, or content creator, motion graphics can help you connect with your audience in a whole new way. They’re creative, effective, and (let’s face it) much more exciting than a wall of text.
So the next time you need to explain something important, think visual. Think animated. And let your story move.