Over the last decade, video content has become the dominant force of online communication. With 88% of people wanting to see more video content from brands, it’s clear that businesses need to prioritise video in their marketing strategies to meet consumer demand.
Video marketing is a multifaceted strategy that goes beyond merely creating videos. It involves producing various types of content that align with specific business objectives. From brand films to animated explainer videos, each format serves a unique purpose.
If your business aims to boost engagement, enhance brand awareness, educate customers, or drive conversions and sales, then explainer videos are the perfect solution you’ve been searching for. These dynamic and engaging videos are designed to effectively communicate your message, make complex ideas easy to understand and compel your audience to take action.
This blog will delve into the world of animated explainer videos, highlighting their growing significance in the digital landscape. We’ll explore their benefits, the scientific and psychological factors behind their effectiveness, and the various types you can incorporate into your marketing and communication strategy.
Why Are Animated Explainer Videos Key in a Digital World?
With the rise of digitalisation, businesses and organisations are increasingly relying on online platforms to reach their audiences. Video, particularly animated video, has emerged as the best marketing method in this digital world.
Statistics show that 91% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, highlighting its critical role in engaging audiences and driving business growth Animated videos, in particular, are highly effective because they can simplify complex information and quickly grab customer attention.
In today’s digital age, capturing customer attention is vital for marketers. With the overwhelming amount of online content, standing out is challenging but essential. Without awareness of your business, you cannot initiate the customer journey. This initial engagement is crucial for leading potential customers through the stages of interest, consideration, and ultimately, conversion. By effectively grabbing attention, you set the foundation for building relationships and driving long-term success in a competitive digital landscape.
Understanding explainer videos
Animated explainer videos are short, engaging videos that use animation to simplify and convey complex ideas, products, or services in an easily digestible format. Typically lasting between 60 to 90 seconds, these videos combine visual storytelling with concise, clear narration to capture the viewer’s attention and enhance understanding.
The main purpose of an explainer video is to break down complex topics, making them accessible to a wide audience. Whether it’s launching a new product, detailing a business process, or communicating a brand’s core values, explainer videos are designed to make information clear and engaging.
You’ve likely encountered animated explainer videos before, especially since 68% of marketers now integrate them into their strategies. If you’re not familiar with them, take a look at the example below to truly grasp their impact.
What Are The Key benefits of Explainer Videos?
- They drive measurable results: When it comes to results, explainer videos truly deliver. Recent statistics show that some companies have boosted their sales and conversions by an impressive 144% after incorporating explainer videos. In some cases, these videos have even improved lead generation by a staggering 403%.
- Highly shareable: Explainer videos are highly shareable across social media platforms, increasing your reach and visibility. They are 1200% more likely to be shared than text and images combined.
- Grabs and retains attention: Explainer videos use captivating visuals and sound to engage viewers, making them more likely to absorb and respond to the message.
- Simplifies complex ideas: Explainer videos break down intricate concepts into easily digestible pieces, making it easier for your audience to understand your product or service.
- Enhances emotional connection: These videos engage viewers emotionally, helping to build a stronger connection with your audience. This emotional engagement can lead to higher customer loyalty and trust.
- Repurposing Benefits: Explainer videos are incredibly valuable, not just for their initial use but also for their versatility. They can be adapted and reused in various creative ways, enhancing their effectiveness and reach. This flexibility makes them a key component in any content marketing and communication strategy
Now that we’ve explored the key benefits of animated explainer videos, let’s delve into the reasons behind their effectiveness. Understanding why these videos are so impactful will help you leverage their full potential in your marketing strategy.
Why Are Explainer Videos so effective?
- Visual Storytelling: Our brains are naturally wired to respond to stories. Storytelling causes our brains to release oxytocin, a hormone associated with empathy, trust and social bonding. By crafting stories that connect with viewers on an emotional level, animated explainer videos create memorable and relatable experiences, thereby making audiences more receptive to the messages conveyed.
- Simplicity and Cognitive Load: The human brain has limited cognitive resources. Explainer videos simplify complex concepts by breaking them down into digestible visual chunks, reducing cognitive load. This makes it easier for viewers to understand and retain the information.
- Multi-sensory experience: These videos combine visual and auditory elements, creating a multi-sensory experience that enhances information processing. The synchronisation of visuals, voiceovers, and sound effects captures attention helps the brain process information more effectively, enhancing memory retention.
- Attention Span: In a world of shrinking attention spans, animated explainer videos excel at quickly grabbing and holding viewers’ attention. Computer scientists and psychologists have been studying attention spans for 20 years and found over this time the average time that a person can focus on one thing has dropped from 2½ minutes to 45 seconds. Animated explainer videos use vibrant colours, dynamic animations, and creative storytelling to capture and maintain engagement effectively.
- Emotional Engagement: By using relatable characters and scenarios, animated explainer videos evoke emotions. Emotional engagement is a powerful tool in marketing because of its power in enhancing memories. Memories influenced by emotions can be easier to recall because of the neurochemicals released by the brain at the time of memory encoding—the process used to modify and store sensory information’s.
- Transcend cultural and language barriers: Through universal visual storytelling and simple, clear animations, these videos can effectively communicate messages to diverse audiences. The visual nature of animation allows for the conveyance of ideas without heavy reliance on text or spoken language, making it easier to reach and resonate with people from different cultural backgrounds. Additionally, animations can be easily adapted with subtitles or voiceovers in multiple languages, further enhancing their accessibility and impact globally.
This explains why animated video is quickly becoming of the safest investments for any marketing or communications team.
Maximise ROI with Professional Animated Video Services
To truly see the return on investment that is possible with animated explainer videos, it’s crucial to engage professional services.
While creating videos in-house might seem cost-effective, the expertise and quality provided by professionals can significantly enhance your results. There has been a notable 13% increase in businesses turning to external agencies for video content creation from 2023 to 2024, highlighting the growing recognition of the value professionals bring.
Professionals have the skills and experience to craft videos that are not only visually appealing but also strategically designed to engage your target audience and convey your message effectively. They understand the nuances of storytelling, animation techniques, and marketing strategies that can make your video stand out. By partnering with experts, you ensure that your investment in animated explainer videos yields the maximum impact.
What Are the Different Types of Animated Explainer Videos?
To inspire your animated journey, we’ve compiled some examples of the different types of animated explainer videos we’ve created. You can tailor each type of animated explainer video to fit various branding styles and communication needs while also offering unique benefits.
2D Animation
This classic style uses flat, two-dimensional graphics to create engaging and straightforward stories. It’s perfect for explaining concepts in a clear and visually appealing way.
For instance, our 2D animation for ECPAT International addressed the sensitive topic of sexual violence, presenting crucial information in a respectful and accessible manner that resonated deeply with viewers.
You can check out the complete case study here.
3D Animation and Motion Graphics
At its core, 3D animation is a form of art that combines technology with creativity. It offers a more detailed and realistic approach.
Motion graphics use animated graphic design elements to convey complex ideas in a visually appealing manner.
Our 3D and motion graphic animation for KBR showcased their service in a dynamic and immersive way.
You can check out the complete case study here.
Kinetic Typography
Focusing on moving text, kinetic typography emphasises key points and messages.
We created a kinetic typography video for Xaxis, that highlighted their core message, ‘Learning is active not passive’ in an engaging and impactful manner.
You can check out the complete case study here.
3D Character Animation
Bringing characters to life in a three-dimensional space, this style adds depth and personality to your message.
Our 3D character animation for AXA created a relatable character for an internal communications video.
You can check out the whole case study here.
2D Character Animation
Similar to 2D animation but with a focus on characters, this style is great for storytelling and creating emotional connections.
Our 2D character animation for The Big Issue, we created an engaging and witty social media advertisement to promote The Big Issue Foundation’s #EasyGiving campaign.
You can check out the whole case study here.
By exploring these examples, you can see the diverse ways animated explainer videos can enhance your communication strategy and achieve your marketing goals.
Ready To Start Your Animation Journey?
Since 2014, Content Creatures have been dedicated to creating exceptional content for brands. Our passion lies in connecting with new clients and bringing innovative projects to life.
Our diverse portfolio highlights our commitment to creativity and excellence. We invite you to explore our previous work and read testimonials from our satisfied clients to see the difference we can make.
If you are ready to start your animation project, book a call directly with our creative partner today and kick start your animation project. Our commitment is to make each project a success and to exceed your expectations.
