Explainer videos are one of the most effective tools for grabbing attention, simplifying complex ideas, and driving action. With tools like AKOOL, you can create professional-quality videos in minutes without a camera crew, editing software, or technical skills.
Let’s walk through what explainer videos are, why they work, and exactly how you can start creating your own using AKOOL.
What Makes a Good Explainer Video?
An explainer video is a short, focused video that explains a product, service, or concept simply and engagingly. Think of it as your elevator pitch in motion, designed to quickly capture attention and deliver value fast.
- Length: 60–120 seconds
Goal: Explain, engage, and convert - Use cases: Landing pages, product demos, social media, email campaigns
Explainer videos are effective because they:
- Break down complex ideas into simple, visual stories
- Boost viewer retention by up to 95% vs. text alone
- Drive conversions by clearly addressing pain points and offering solutions
- Build brand credibility through polished, professional content
What Types of Explainer Videos Should You Make
Creating the right type of explainer video can make all the difference in connecting with your audience. Here are some proven formats that consistently deliver results:
Product Demonstrations: Show your product in action with clear, step-by-step walkthroughs. These videos help potential customers understand exactly how your solution works and envision using it themselves. Keep these focused on solving specific pain points.
Educational Content: Break down complex topics into digestible segments that provide real value to viewers. Whether you're explaining industry concepts or sharing best practices, educational videos position you as a trusted authority while helping your audience learn.
Company Story Videos: Share your brand's journey, values, and mission in an engaging narrative format. These videos help build emotional connections with viewers and humanize your brand. Focus on authentic storytelling rather than hard selling.
Process Explanations: Walk viewers through how your service or system works behind the scenes. These videos build trust by providing transparency and setting clear expectations. Use simple visuals and avoid technical jargon.
Problem-Solution Format: Start by acknowledging a common challenge your audience faces, then show how your approach helps overcome it. This format resonates because it directly addresses viewer pain points.
How to Create Impactful Explainer Videos for Your Brand
If your goal is to drive action, signups, demos, or purchases, your explainer video must do more than inform. It needs to persuade.
1. Lead With the Outcome, Not the Features
The opening moments of your video are critical. Start with the end result your customer wants. Skip introductions and cut directly to the value: What problem do you solve, and what does life look like after?
For example:
“Cut your reporting time in half with a dashboard built for non-technical teams,” or “ Wash your hair once a week with this anti-grease shampoo.”
This outcome-focused approach immediately tells the viewer: We understand what you need, and we deliver it.
2. Use an AI Tools to Create Videos
Back in the day, it was expensive to make an explainer video; you needed a camera crew, hours of editing, and a presenter to pay, plus a physical product or live software to show.
A modern, cost-effective alternative to traditional spokesperson videos is an AI-generated talking avatar.
Tools like AKOOL let you turn a static photo into a human-like presenter, complete with lip-synced dialogue in a natural voice.
Why it works:
- Human presence builds trust faster than visuals alone.
- Custom voice and face let you localize or personalize delivery.
- Rapid production means you can iterate messaging without reshoots.
To create one:
- Upload a high-resolution image (of a real person or avatar).
- Input your finalized script.
- Choose voice, tone, and language that fits your audience.
- Generate and export the video segment.
Integrate the avatar into your explainer to deliver the core message or introduce key benefits. This adds authority and warmth without the overhead of live filming.
3. Show the Product in Action—Fast
Once interest is captured, immediately demonstrate how it works. Keep the walkthrough simple, no more than 2–3 major use cases, and visually highlight how your product solves the problem you opened with.
Tips for effective product shots:
- Record a clean screen demo (no clutter, no notifications).
- Add motion graphics (like cursor highlights or text overlays) to guide the viewer’s attention.
- Focus on outcomes, not features: Show what happens, not just what exists.
If you’re offering a service, use clear before-and-after visuals or walk through the experience a customer would go through after purchasing.
4. Support With Social Proof and a Clear CTA
Close with reassurance and direction:
- Insert a short testimonial or trusted client logo to boost credibility.
- End with one focused, action-oriented call to action
“Start your 14-day trial today—no credit card required.”
“Buy today and get 10% off and the checkout”
Best Practices for Explainer Videos
1. Demonstrate the Product in Real Time
Show the product being used in a realistic context where the pain point is obvious and the benefit is immediate. Don’t just talk about features; film the before and after moment.
Example: For a self-cleaning water bottle, show someone filling it from a tap, activating the cleaning function, and confidently drinking, all in one seamless sequence.
2. Use Close-Up Shots to Highlight Details
Buyers want to see how it works. Use macro shots to reveal buttons, mechanisms, or textures, especially for features that differentiate your product.
Example: For a modular tool kit, zoom in on the magnetic lock-in system and how fast the tools snap into place.
3. Show Unboxing and First Use to Reduce Purchase Friction
Visually walk through unboxing, setup, and first use. This reduces perceived complexity and builds confidence in the buying decision.
Example: For a home espresso machine, show the box opening, assembling parts in under a minute, and pulling a first shot of espresso—no voiceover needed.
Try AKOOL for your Explaner Video
The rise of AI video creation tools has transformed how businesses approach explainer video production. But AI software should only enhance your creative process, not replace it.
Tools like AKOOL provide world-class production quality without heavy technical lifting. You can create your explainer videos in less time without sacrificing anything.
