What’s the best way to get your point across at the entrance of your marketing funnel? An explainer video is the answer almost every time at this buying stage. 68% of visitors would rather watch – listen – and learn, instead of reading text and searching your site for answers.
Easy enough it seems, but, there are many different styles in the world and we’re going to cover them all.
From down-to-earth videos that give you tips on how things work or show off product features to funny, animated videos that teach you something new about business processes – even live-action shots with cutaways so viewers can see what goes into making each type of scene (and why those particular techniques were used).
So keep reading if you want some help deciding which style would suit YOUR needs.
1. Whiteboard Animation
Whiteboard videos have been a popular trend for some years now. It’s easy to see why – whiteboards allow you the use of simple images that can illustrate complex topics, they’re quite inexpensive and quick to make which makes them ideal in these times where everyone needs something done quickly without having an expensive crew on hand or waiting around forever while things happen slowly at work!
Whiteboard videos are similar to animated explainers but with more interactivity. Viewers not only get the story to unfold in real-time, but they also stay tuned because of how transparent it all feels – like you’re right there experiencing everything firsthand!
This sense of transparency makes whiteboarding an excellent choice for content marketing platforms looking toward engagement as one strategy among many that will help build their brand reputation.
There are many different styles of explainer videos, but whiteboard animations make them easier for viewers to understand. They mimic how we learn in educational classes and can be used when pitching concepts or ideas as well corporate training presentations because it’s so engaging!
In order to fully understand the concept we are discussing, please take a look at this whiteboard video:
2. Live action & Mixed Media
With live-action videos, you can really get people’s attention and make them feel like they’re part of your brand by showing the human side behind your product. Adding in animation to live action, makes it a mix of media, or ‘mixed media’ movie.
The best thing about live-action explainer videos is that they make your brand relatable. You can show off the people who work for the company and tell stories about them (or your customers!) that help build trust with the audience. And when it comes to product videos, sometimes it’s just helpful for people to see how things are used in real life!
Take a look at this live-action/mixed media explainer video:
YOUR VIDEO BREAKTHROUGHS ARE HERE:
3. Motion Graphic Animation
This is a style that’s perfect for those who want their explainer videos to look more polished and professional. Motion graphics are often used by businesses in order to show off data or statistics in an engaging way – something that can be difficult to do with live-action footage or simple whiteboard animation.
The great thing about motion graphic animation is that it allows you to get creative with your presentation. You’re not limited to the same few shots over and over again as you would be with live-action, and you can use all sorts of creative transitions, fonts, colors, etc. to really make your video pop!
However, one downside of this style is that it can be quite time-consuming and expensive to produce if you don’t have the right team on board. But if you’re looking for something that will really impress your viewers, motion graphics are the way to go!
Check out this motion graphic animation:
4. 3D Animation & Motion Design
If you’re looking for something that’s a bit more futuristic and exciting, 3D animation and motion design might just be what you need. These videos are done using advanced computer graphics software to create an immersive experience for viewers – similar to how we might imagine things in our heads when we hear about them or read about them.
The upside of this style is that it can truly capture the imagination of your audience, as well as make complex topics seem much easier to understand. However, the process does take a lot more time and resources than other styles do, which means that it may not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget or working with a limited timeframe.
Take a look at this example of 3D animation and motion design:
5. Kinetic typography
That’s right, you heard me. No words need to be said! With the power of video and persuasion at your fingertips (insert drum roll), these explainer videos will get people hooked on whatever it is that they sell in no time flat – even if all we see so far was an image or two before us: who knows what could happen next?!
People are bombarded with so many videos these days, and sometimes all they want is a quick explanation of what something does without having to watch a long, drawn-out video.
Kinetic typography utilizes short snippets of text and interesting animations to clearly illustrate the point you are trying to make. It’s a great choice if you want people to focus on the message rather than getting caught up in a flashy animation style!
Check out this kinetic typography explainer video:
You need to learn how to sell with the power of brand stories...
6. Character Animation
If you’re looking for something that’s fun and engaging, character animation might just be the way to go. Explainer videos with animated characters are a great choice if you’re targeting young audiences or trying to promote a product or service that’s meant to be playful and lighthearted – like an app for kids, for example.
The downside of this style is that it can get pretty expensive if you don’t have a good team on board. You need to find talented animators who can create high-quality characters, as well as someone who can write compelling scripts and direct the entire video production process from start to finish. But if done well, character animation can really help your brand stand out!
Here’s an example of an explainer:
3 Important Rules to Remember
We all have to make choices in our lives. Sometimes it can seem like there are an infinite amount of options, but when you take a step back and think about what’s really important – such as Bale or Clooney (or anyone else for that matter) – one choice will always stand out more than others because they’re just better!
I know I want my partner/son with me on this journey called life so let’s go ahead and choose them already!!
This can be true when it comes to video marketing and making a choice between using live action in your company’s explainer video or using animation, whether it be motion graphics animation or whiteboard animation. It’s a frequent concern and question that we at Rip Media Group get from clients.
1. AUTHENTICITY
To determine which works best for you, there are a few key factors to consider. For example, if you have a person in your employ who has a great visual presence and is able to express his or her passion for the company or product or service you provide, then live-action is a good way to go – while clearly featuring that person. Put that person in front of a camera, give them some compelling words to say, and turn them loose! You can then supplement their presence with images of your company or representative images of the industry you serve.
2. DRAMATIZATION
Or sometimes your corporate video message or product is best represented through dramatization where actors perform in a fictionalized setting. Again – that’s higher-end live-action which requires a full crew and a location. Yes, it can cost a pretty penny, but it can be very effective for an audience.
3. A WHOLE NEW WORLD
On the other hand, if you can’t afford actors, a crew, and a location, or you don’t have that authentic spokesperson, animation – whether it be whiteboard animation or motion graphic animation – is a great alternative. Animation affords you the opportunity to go or be anywhere in the world – or beyond. Wanna fly in a supersonic jet to the moon for your video? Just animate it! With animation, your audience lowers their filters and is much more accepting of the world you’re creating, no matter how fanciful.
In Summary:
So now that you understand the different types of explainer video styles, it’s time to put them into action. But before we do that, let’s quickly recap what you need to know.
Animated videos are great for introducing your product or company, while live-action videos work well for testimonials and case studies. And finally, don’t forget about infographics! They can be a great way to communicate complex information in an easily digestible way to expand the messages in your videos.
Now that you understand how to choose the right style for your explainer video, it’s time to get started!
Let us help you find the best style for your next explainer video production. Contact us today!
OUR MISSION:
INSPIRE YOUR AUDIENCE
TO TAKE ACTION
