Time is limited for everyone. Marketers are prying on the opportunity to grab attention instantly.
As many continue to fail miserably, the job to draw viewer’s interest into a video ad or message is only getting more challenging, with each passing day.
Communicating your idea in the most precise and efficient way is critical than ever. Attention spans are shrinking and marketers need to think out of the box and execute something so immaculate that it hits the bulls-eye in the first shot.
Though it seems challenging, it’s not implausible. Given essential yet handy tools, delivering an impactful message could be made a lot easier.
That tool is an animated explainer video. It is remarkably effective in encapsulating a brand message, and dispersing it across your audience, in an engaging, yet thriving fashion.
To help you achieve just that, we bring you 7 timeless styles of explainer videos that are ruling the world of digital ads in 2023.
Adopting these styles will surely win you a competitive edge over others.
1. Animated Explainer Videos
Animation has become synonymous with explainer videos due to its versatility and effectiveness.
Animated explainer videos are an ideal choice for businesses offering intangible or complex services and products. With animation, you can simplify intricate concepts, making them more accessible to your audience.
Moreover, partnering with an animation agency allows for creative storytelling, enabling you to engage viewers emotionally. They also offer the advantage of easy updates, making them adaptable to anticipated changes in your product or service.
As a result, animated explainer videos are a timeless choice that continues to evolve with technology and design trends.
2. 2D Animated Explainer Videos
2D animation, often regarded as traditional animation, involves creating characters, storyboards, and backgrounds in a two-dimensional environment.
Additionally, the 2d style of explainer video is one cost-effective solution particularly for brands who are tight on budgets and cannot afford 3D animation. Moreover, it may also seem suitable for certain industries, where 3D is not essential.
But, when it comes to product demonstrations or tech reviews, where you really need to walk your customer through every minute detail of the product, then 2D animated explainer videos might not be the best option.
Wherever you require intricate detailing of the product, make sure to invest in 3D animation.
For instance, CeloPay, a cybersecurity and payment software provider, utilized 2D animation to explain their sophisticated product. This approach allowed them to deliver a clear and compelling message to their audience.
3. 3D Animated Explainer Videos
If your product or service is still in development or challenging to showcase in live-action, 3D animation is an excellent choice. 3D animation brings objects to life in a three-dimensional space, enabling you to demonstrate your offerings from various angles. This is particularly valuable for industries like heavy construction equipment, as seen in the example of Telematics.
By utilizing 3D animation, Doosan Infracore effectively highlighted the benefits of telematic tracking software, providing a visually captivating explanation of their product.
4. Motion Graphics Explainer Videos
Motion Graphics explainer videos employ animation, visual effects, and cinematic techniques to breathe life into still graphics. Unlike traditional storytelling, these videos focus on abstract shapes, logos, or text, rather than character-driven narratives. This style is particularly beneficial for conveying complex processes or highlighting specific features of a product.
An excellent example is the video created for MiMedx, a biopharmaceutical company. Through motion graphics, they effectively explained one of their wound products to medical professionals, emphasizing its miraculous qualities.
5. Whiteboard Animation Explainer Videos
Whiteboard animation, characterized by its hand-drawn appearance, narrates a story on a whiteboard. While this style has been overused and often associated with lower-quality videos, a well-executed whiteboard video can be a cost-effective choice. It is especially suitable for companies operating on tight budgets.
To create a compelling whiteboard video, focus on developing a strong script and high-quality character animation. By combining whiteboard animation with traditional 2D animation, as seen in the example from IdeaRocket for PG&E, you can produce a high-quality video that engages your audience effectively.
6. Live Action Explainer Videos
Live Action Explainer videos take a different approach by using real people to showcase your product or service.
The live action explainer video is a unique style of its own, allowing content creators the opportunity to build a strong emotional connection with their audiences.
Brands that want to showcase their people-oriented aura, should always opt for this style of explainer video. But, what’s important to note here is that the cost of video production for this style of explainer video can on the higher side of the spectrum.
For example, the video for TeleAck effectively utilized live action to connect with viewers on an emotional level, making it an excellent choice for their service-oriented business.
7. Screencast Explainer Videos
Screencast explainer videos provide a unique perspective by incorporating imagery from a screen while demonstrating how an application or software works.
These videos are ideal for teaching users how to interact with new apps or features without requiring them to read extensive text. While they are often less expensive to produce compared to other styles, quality remains crucial.
The example of the My Kodak Moments app showcases how a screencast video can be elevated by combining elegant animation with great screencast imagery.
This stops motion-inspired web video ad effectively demonstrates the app’s features in a visually engaging manner.
In Conclusion
Explainer videos have emerged as a powerhouse in modern marketing, providing businesses with the means to convey their products and services quickly and effectively.
In 2023, it’s essential to stay updated with the latest trends and choose the right explainer video style that aligns with your brand and message.
Whether you opt for animated, 2D, 3D, motion graphics, whiteboard, live action, or screencast explainer videos, each style has its unique strengths and applications.
Select the style that best fits your business, and watch as it engages, educates, and converts your audience. Explainer videos are more than just a marketing tool; they are your brand’s storytellers in the digital age.
