Blog

What Is An Explainer Video?

Author

Brenna Connolly

Date

April 21, 2025

Gears, question marks, light bulb, play button in vector illustration. Explainer video concept

If the term “explainer video” has you scratching your head, odds are you’ve seen one before without even realizing it. For years, businesses across industries have used explainer videos to do the talking. They’re short, often animated videos, that clearly and quickly explain what a business, product, or service is all about. And they’re especially great for companies that could benefit from visuals to help tell their story.

Think of an explainer video as your animated elevator pitch! What’s the trickiest thing you have to explain to your clients? An explainer video can state it clearly for you every time. Maybe they’re describing how your process works, what makes your company different, or why someone should care in the first place – explainer videos do one thing exceptionally well: They make the complex simple.

What They Are

Put most plainly, explainer videos are just that – videos that explain something. In the marketing world, they’re a go-to format for small businesses looking to introduce themselves or pitch a product or service. Typically 60 to 90 seconds long, these videos offer a digestible and engaging way to share your purpose, process, and/or what sets you apart – without requiring you to personally deliver that spiel over and over again.

One well-executed video can do the heavy lifting. On your website. On social media. At trade shows. Anywhere you’d like to connect with an audience, an explainer video can work on your behalf.

whiteboard of house and drainage system

Whiteboard Video

Itex explainer image

Character Video

Account Summary image

Icon Video

What They’re Made Up Of

So, now that you have an idea of what an explainer video is and does, let’s get into the finer points of how they’re constructed. While there are certainly a number of formats an explainer video can follow, this is one of the most tried-and-true formats. Here’s a quick breakdown of its anatomy:

Problem

The video typically would start with a hook, which can be a thought-provoking question, statistic, or some other captivating opening. Often, it introduces a pain point that your audience experiences. What’s the most annoying, frustrating, or inefficient thing they’re dealing with? Naming the problem makes you instantly relatable and hooks your viewer.

Solution

Now that you’ve introduced the problem, you need to present your business as the solution to it. During this section, the video goes on to explain just how you solve that key problem in a way that’s easy to understand.

Benefits & Differentiators

Throughout the video but especially in this section, you should weave in the benefits of working with you and your business’ differentiators. Spell out for viewers why someone should choose you over another option. It’s your time to lay it on thick with your top 3 or 4 unique selling points. Remember, it should focus on the benefits, not just the features.

Restate & Wrap Up

This video will likely be a total of 60-90 seconds, so by this time things are wrapping up. You’ll want to bring it all together and reinforce your key message. Make sure the viewer walks away with a clear understanding of who you are and what you do.

Call to Action (CTA)

Finally, you want people to take the next step to getting involved with your organization. That could be visiting your website, scheduling a meeting, or placing an order. Be clear about what viewers should do next.

How They’re Used

With the popularity of video, explainer videos just might be one of the most versatile tools in your marketing toolbox. Anywhere a video might appear, that’s where yours can be used. Places like:

  • On Your Homepage: A video helps web visitors quickly understand what you’re about without digging through your site.

  • On Social Media: Great for brand awareness and engagement, especially with attention spans so short.

  • In Sales Presentations: They give your team a consistent, polished way to introduce your business.
  • In Email Campaigns: A well-placed video can dramatically improve click-through and conversion rates.

  • At Trade Shows or Events: Looping videos can draw people in and do the talking for you.

Why You Need One

People are busy. They skim. They scroll. They tune out during long-winded explanations. But a well-crafted explainer video? It’s DESIGNED to grab attention and deliver your message in a tight, engaging, visual way.

Here’s what an explainer video can do for your business:

  • Clarify your offering in 90 seconds or less.

  • Define your value by showing – not just telling – how you help.

  • Boost conversions with a more compelling sales pitch.

  • Work for you 24/7 across multiple channels, even when you’re off the clock.

 

If you want more eyes on your business and more ears on your pitch, you can’t go wrong with an explainer video.

Ready to Explain Something?

Through the complete creation process, from script to animation to publishing, Fuzzy Duck can help. We create explainer videos that are fun to watch, easy to understand, and hard to ignore. Let’s make your story simple, memorable, and scroll-stopping.

Categories

Digital Marketing
Motion Graphics

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Author

  • Brenna Connolly

    As Fuzzy Duck’s copywriter, Brenna works diligently to make your brand voice shine. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, she honed her craft in the natural foods industry where she contributed to professional websites, industry-wide publications, and social media initiatives. Brenna has written for clothing companies and newspapers alike; she’s even edited a novel. A bona fide wordsmith, Brenna is eager to help you tell your story.