In a world overwhelmed by information, attention spans are shorter than ever. Businesses are constantly searching for ways to stand out, make their messages stick, and connect emotionally with their audiences quickly and effectively. Enter the explainer video, a storytelling powerhouse that combines visuals, audio, and narrative to simplify ideas, spark interest, and drive action.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what explainer videos are, why they work so well, and how they can elevate your brand storytelling to new heights.
What is an explainer video?
An explainer video is a short, engaging video designed to explain a product, service, or concept clearly and concisely. Often animated, but also filmed live-action, explainer videos use storytelling techniques, visuals, motion graphics, voiceover, and sound design to communicate complex ideas in a way that’s easy to understand and remember.
Explainer videos are commonly found on homepages, landing pages, social media, and email campaigns. They typically run between 60 to 120 seconds and aim to answer three key questions:
- What is it?
- How does it work?
- Why should I care?
The power of storytelling in marketing.
Humans are hardwired for stories. Neuroscience shows that stories activate more areas of the brain than facts alone. When you tell a story, you’re not just delivering information; you’re creating an emotional connection, building trust, and guiding your audience through a journey.
Great brand storytelling doesn’t just tell people what your product does. It shows them why it matters. It turns abstract benefits into relatable, visual experiences.
Why explainer videos are perfect for storytelling.
1. They capture attention fast
In a noisy digital landscape, you have just a few seconds to grab attention. Explainer videos hook viewers instantly through movement, colour, and sound. A strong opening scene, combined with an engaging voiceover or music track, makes people stop scrolling and start watching.
2. They simplify complex ideas
Have a product with multiple features? A new service model? A social cause with layers of impact? Explainer videos are ideal for breaking down complex messages into bite-sized, digestible content. Through visuals and analogy, they strip away jargon and make even the most technical concepts accessible.
3. They build brand recognition and trust
A well-crafted explainer video reinforces your brand identity through tone, style, and messaging. Whether you go for playful 2D animation or sleek live-action, the visuals can mirror your brand’s personality. Consistency across scenes helps build recognition, familiarity, and trust.
4. They drive engagement and retention
According to research, viewers retain up to 95% of a message when it’s delivered in video form, compared to just 10% when reading text. That means explainer videos aren’t just eye-catching, they’re memorable. When paired with storytelling techniques like character, conflict, and resolution, they help people connect on a deeper level.
5. They boost conversion rates
Explainer videos often lead to higher conversions. Why? Because they answer questions, address objections, and build confidence quickly. Whether it’s encouraging someone to sign up, make a purchase, or get in touch, a strong call to action at the end of your video can move viewers down the funnel.
Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to just 10% when reading it in text.
Explainer videos come in all shapes and sizes.
Depending on your audience, goals, and message, there are various styles of explainer videos to choose from:
- 2D Animation: Clean, simple, and versatile. Great for brand storytelling, especially when budget or turnaround time is tight.
- 3D Animation: High-end visuals ideal for product visualisation, tech demos, or industries like architecture and healthcare.
- Live Action: Adds authenticity and relatability. Perfect when you want to feature people, places, or real-life scenarios.
- Whiteboard Animation: A hand-drawn style that’s often used for educational content.
- Motion Graphics: A stylised approach focused on typography, icons, and slick transitions, great for corporate or data-heavy content.
How explainer videos enhance the customer journey.
Explainer videos can be used at every stage of the customer journey:
- Awareness: Use an animated brand story on your homepage to introduce who you are and what you stand for.
- Consideration: Send a product explainer video to potential leads via email or retargeting ads.
- Decision: Embed a short, persuasive explainer video on landing pages to support conversions.
- Onboarding: Welcome new users with an explainer video that shows them how to get started.
- Support & Retention: Use animated tutorials and FAQs to improve customer satisfaction and reduce support tickets.
How to make an explainer video.
To get the most from your explainer video, follow these core principles:
1. Keep it short and sweet
Aim for under 120 seconds — 60 to 90 seconds being the sweet spot. Focus on one key message, and don’t try to explain everything. Less is more.
2. Start with a hook
Grab attention within the first few seconds. Use a question, a problem, or a bold visual to draw viewers in and capture their attention.
3. Speak to your audience
Use a language and tone that fits your brand but that your audience can relate to. Make them feel connected.
4. Invest in quality
A generic or poorly executed explainer video can damage your brand. Work with professionals who know what they’re doing and who can bring your vision to life with polish and precision.
5. End with a clear CTA
Tell viewers exactly what you want them to do next — visit your site, sign up, get in touch, or follow your brand.
The benefits of working with an experienced agency.
While DIY platforms exist, a professional studio brings a level of strategy, design expertise, and storytelling finesse that’s hard to match. Working with a creative agency ensures your video is:
- Aligned with your brand voice and goals
- Built on a clear creative brief
- Professionally scripted and storyboarded
- Custom-designed and animated with care
- Delivered in formats optimised for web, social and mobile
At Maverick Studio, we work closely with brands to deliver high-quality explainer videos that move people and support business goals. From concept and scripting to animation and sound, everything is handled in-house for a consistent, polished result.
A professional studio brings a level of strategy, design expertise, and storytelling finesse that’s hard to match.
Final thoughts.
Explainer videos are a powerful storytelling tool that can transform how people understand, engage with, and trust your brand. Whether you’re launching a new product, clarifying a service, or simply building your online presence, a well-crafted explainer video can make your message clearer, more memorable, and more effective.
In a time where attention is a scarce resource, storytelling matters more than ever. And explainer videos? They’re storytelling in motion.
Why choose Maverick Studio to make your animated explainer video?
From storyboarding to animation and sound design, we handle the full production process in-house at our Hampshire studio. With years of experience making animated explainer videos for our clients, we focus on clarity, creativity and consistency, crafting animated explainer videos that connect with audiences.
Whether you’re launching a product, refreshing your brand, or simplifying your message, we’re here to help.
Looking to bring your brand story to life? Get in touch today.
Got a project you’d like to discuss? Let’s talk!
Maverick Studio is a full-service creative agency based in Hampshire, UK.
We specialise in video production, animation, brand identity and graphic design—helping brands tell their story through impactful visuals and strategic creative. From corporate videos and product explainer animations to brochure design and marketing campaigns, we craft bold ideas that engage, inspire and elevate.
Maverick Studio is a trading name of Pivotal Collective Limited
Incorporated and registered in England & Wales | Company No. 12013182