What are the best practices for creating effective explainer videos?

The 60-Second Rule: Because No One Has Time for Your NovelLet’s be real—attention spans today are shorter than a toddler’s patience in a toy store. If your explainer video drags on for more than 60 seconds, you’ve already lost half your viewers to TikTok videos. Keep it brief. Think of it like microwave popcorn—if your message isn’t ready in a minute, people will burn out.

Explainer Videos: A Survival Guide for the Attention-Deficit Generation

K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Smarty)

Listen, no one clicked on your video to hear a dissertation on “synergistic optimization strategies.” Simplify your message! If a 10-year-old can’t understand your product by the end, rewrite it. The less they need to think, the more likely they’ll stay to the end. Think of it like making toast—if it’s too complicated, you’re just burning the bread.


Hook ‘Em Faster Than a Cat Video

You’ve got five seconds. That’s right—just five measly seconds to grab attention before they start checking their phone for cute pet videos. Hit them with a question, a bold statement, or something that screams, “You need this!” Give them a reason to stay, because, trust me, a lot of other things are fighting for their eyeballs.


Show, Don’t Tell: The Pixar Rule

If your explainer video is just a voice-over of someone talking and talking… you’re in trouble. Think about Pixar for a second. They show you everything, they don’t just tell you. So do the same! Bring in visuals, animations, anything that gives the viewer a clear picture of how your product works. Don’t be that guy explaining how to reset the Wi-Fi—show them the magic!


The Voiceover Artist: The Unsung Hero of Your Video

The right voice can make or break your explainer video. You want someone who sounds like they could convince you to buy a year’s supply of oatmeal—calming, confident, and just a little bit charismatic. A monotone robot voice? That’s a one-way ticket to Snoozeville. Choose wisely, because they’re the glue holding your video together.


Humor: The Secret Weapon for Boring Topics

Let’s be honest, some products just aren’t that exciting. (I’m looking at you, accounting software.) But humor? That’s your secret weapon. Humor can turn even the dullest topics into something people will actually want to watch. Just sprinkle jokes lightly, like salt on fries. Too much, and you’re drowning the message. Keep it light, keep it fun.


Solve a Problem Like a Superhero

Nobody cares about your product until they know what problem it solves. Channel your inner superhero—identify their pain points, swoop in with the solution, and save their day. You’re not just selling a product, you’re selling a faster, easier life. You’re the Batman of time-saving gadgets, and Gotham is your audience.


The Call to Action: It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds

You’ve walked them through your product, you’ve dazzled them with animations, but don’t forget to tell them what to do next! It’s the classic “Call to Action”—simple, clear, and impossible to miss. “Sign up now,” “Try it for free,” “Click here”—whatever it is, make sure they know exactly what you want them to do. And no, “Watch more cat videos” is not the right answer.


Test, Refine, Repeat: Because Perfection is Overrated

Even the best explainer videos aren’t perfect the first time around. The real magic happens after testing and tweaking. Try out different versions, collect feedback, and fine-tune until your video hits just right. It’s like a recipe—sometimes you need a little more spice, sometimes a little less. Keep refining until it’s delicious.


Final Thoughts: Make it Fun, Make it Quick, Make it Count

At the end of the day, your explainer video should be like a great first date—short, engaging, and memorable. Entertain, inform, and then get out before they get bored. If you can crack a joke, solve a problem, and make your audience feel like they’ve spent their time wisely, you’re already winning. Just don’t forget to slide in that call to action before they ghost you for that next cute cat video!

Got a question or need help with your next project? We’re here to assist! Whether you’re looking for more information about our services, want to collaborate, or just need some advice, feel free to reach out.

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