In today’s fast-paced world, businesses need to communicate their products or services in a way that is simple, engaging, and easy to understand. Explainer videos are one of the most effective tools to do just that. But what exactly is an explainer video, and why is it so crucial in 2026?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about explainer videos from what they are to how to create one that drives results. Whether you’re a small business, a startup, or a large enterprise, understanding explainer videos is key to boosting conversions, increasing brand awareness, and educating your customers.
What Is an Explainer Video?
An explainer video is a short video (typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes) designed to explain a business idea, product, or service in a simple, engaging, and informative way. It often combines animation, motion graphics, and a voiceover to visually explain a concept, solve a problem, or showcase the value of a product or service.
Explainer videos are used across various platforms such as websites, social media, email campaigns, and landing pages to grab attention, increase understanding, and drive conversions. Whether you’re explaining a new SaaS tool or showing how a complex product works, explainer videos make the content more digestible for viewers.
Why Are Explainer Videos So Effective?
- Increase Understanding: 96% of consumers say they’ve watched an explainer video to learn about a product or service.
- Build Trust: Explainer videos help establish credibility and trust in your brand by simplifying complex ideas.
- Improve Engagement: They capture attention better than text alone, keeping visitors engaged for longer periods.
- Drive Conversions: Companies that use explainer videos on their landing pages see an average 20% increase in conversions.
Why Explainer Videos Matter in 2026
In 2026, explainer videos have become more important than ever. Here’s why:
Video Consumption is Growing
According to Wyzowl’s 2026 statistics, 91% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, and 68% have created explainer videos to help convert leads into customers. With 85% of people preferring to watch a video than read a text, it’s no wonder that explainer videos are becoming the go-to marketing tool for businesses worldwide.
Short Attention Spans
The average attention span is shrinking. People are more likely to watch a short, well-crafted video than read a lengthy article. Explainer videos provide the perfect solution, delivering the right message in under 2 minutes, making them ideal for today’s fast-paced, information-overloaded audience.
Improved Technology & Tools
With the rise of AI-assisted animation tools and motion graphics software, creating high-quality explainer videos has never been easier. These tools make production faster, more efficient, and affordable opening up the possibility for even smaller businesses to harness the power of video.
Types of Explainer Videos
Explainer videos come in various styles and formats, each suited to different types of businesses and marketing needs. Here are some of the most popular types:
1. 2D Animated Explainer Video
The most common and versatile type of explainer video, 2D animated videos are ideal for SaaS businesses, product demos, educational content, and startup services. The animation is simple but effective, focusing on clear messaging and engaging visuals.
2. 3D Explainer Video
3D explainer videos are perfect for businesses that require a high level of detail or product visualization. These videos are commonly used in industries like healthcare, real estate, or manufacturing, where demonstrating complex products or processes is essential.
3. Motion Graphics Explainer Video
Best for visualizing abstract ideas, statistics, or data-heavy content, motion graphics videos use graphic design elements to simplify complex topics, often seen in B2B services, finance, and SaaS.
4. Whiteboard Explainer Video
This format uses illustrations on a whiteboard or screen, often combined with a voiceover to explain a concept or process. It’s great for educational content, tutorials, or in-depth explanations of complex services.
5. Live-Action Explainer Video
Live-action explainer videos feature real people and live footage. They work well for businesses that want to show their company culture, testimonials, or humanize their brand. They are commonly used by service-based companies and lifestyle brands.
6. Screencast Explainer Video
A screencast explainer video shows real-time computer activity, making it perfect for software or app demonstrations. It’s an ideal way to show users exactly how to use a product, navigate a dashboard, or complete specific tasks within a platform.
Explainer Video vs Other Video Types
| Video Type | Main Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Explainer Video | Simplifies a product or service | Landing pages, SaaS, startups |
| Product Demo | Shows how a product works | Software, apps, physical products |
| Testimonial Video | Builds trust with customer reviews | Case studies, sales pages |
| Brand Video | Connects emotionally with the audience | Brand awareness, emotion-driven campaigns |
| Training Video | Educates viewers on a process or skill | Internal teams, onboarding |
Explainer videos, unlike other video types, focus specifically on explaining a service or product, breaking down complex information into bite-sized, digestible visuals.
Benefits of Explainer Videos for Businesses
1. Simplifies Complex Ideas
Explainer videos make it easy to break down complicated concepts into simple, easy-to-understand visuals, increasing comprehension and reducing confusion for your audience.
2. Improves Conversion Rates
Explainer videos help increase conversion rates by providing potential customers with a clear understanding of what your product or service can do for them. Studies show that 72% of customers prefer watching a video to reading about a product.
3. Increases Brand Awareness
A well-crafted explainer video helps your brand stand out by making your message clear, memorable, and easy to share on social media.
4. Builds Trust with Your Audience
Trust is built by showing your audience that you understand their pain points and have a solution. Explainer videos are a powerful way to build trust and credibility.
Explainer Video Production Process
The production of an explainer video typically follows this straightforward process:
1. Discovery
The first step involves understanding the audience, goals, and the product or service being explained. This helps ensure the video resonates with the target market.
2. Scriptwriting
A strong script is the backbone of any explainer video. The script should clearly outline the problem, present the solution, and include a strong call to action.
3. Storyboarding
A visual blueprint of the video is created in the form of a storyboard. It lays out the scenes, animations, and transitions that will occur in the video.
4. Animation
Once the storyboard is approved, animation begins. Whether it’s 2D, 3D, or motion graphics, this stage brings the video to life.
5. Sound Design
This includes adding voiceovers, background music, sound effects, and any necessary sound elements to enhance the overall experience.
6. Final Edits & Revisions
After the video is fully animated and sound is added, revisions are made based on client feedback. Once everything is finalized, the video is delivered in the desired format.
At SplitArts, we offer custom explainer video services that follow this process, ensuring that every video is unique and perfectly tailored to your brand’s needs.
How Much Does an Explainer Video Cost in 2026?
The cost of an explainer video varies depending on the complexity, style, and production time. Here’s a rough estimate of costs:
| Type of Video | Price Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Template-Based Animation | Low budget ($1,500 – $4,000) |
| Custom 2D Animation | Mid-range ($4,000 – $8,000) |
| Custom 3D Animation | Premium ($8,000 – $15,000) |
| Live-Action Video | High-end ($5,000 – $15,000+) |
It’s important to note that while template-based videos are affordable, custom videos (2D/3D, motion graphics) can give a more personalized and professional look, aligning better with your brand identity.
How to Write an Explainer Video Script
Writing a good script is crucial for making a successful explainer video. Here’s a simple framework:
- Hook – Grab attention in the first 5 seconds.
- Problem – Identify the viewer’s pain point.
- Solution – Introduce your product/service as the solution.
- How It Works – Briefly explain how the product/service works.
- CTA (Call-to-Action) – Encourage the viewer to take action (e.g., sign up, book a demo).
Conclusion: Is an Explainer Video Right for Your Business?
If you’re looking to boost conversions, simplify complex messages, and engage your audience, then an explainer video is a perfect choice. Whether you’re a SaaS company, a startup, or a brand launching a new product, explainer videos can help you communicate your message effectively.
At SplitArts, we specialize in creating high-quality, custom explainer videos that are tailored to your business goals. Our team will guide you through every step of the production process, ensuring you get a video that not only explains your product or service but also converts.
Ready to create an explainer video for your business? Contact SplitArts today to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long should an explainer video be?
A: Most explainer videos range from 60 seconds to 2 minutes. Keeping it short and to the point helps maintain viewer attention.
Q: Can explainer videos improve SEO?
A: Yes! Explainer videos can increase engagement on your website, improve time-on-page, and reduce bounce rates — all of which contribute to better SEO rankings.
Q: How do I create an explainer video for my SaaS product?
A: Start with identifying your product’s main features, pain points, and solution. Then work with an expert video production team to craft the right visuals and script that resonates with your target audience.
