Mastering Explainer Video Creation

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Let's be honest, in a world of endless scrolling, attention is the most valuable thing you can get. When it comes to making a great explainer video, it all comes down to one simple idea: turning complex ideas into simple, memorable stories. If you're not using video to tell your story, you're missing a huge trick.

Why Explainer Videos Are Your Secret Weapon for Growth

Think about the last time you landed on a website and had absolutely no idea what the company actually did. I'm guessing you didn't stick around for long. You probably bounced in under ten seconds. That's the exact problem explainer videos solve. They’re like your digital elevator pitch, working around the clock to turn confused visitors into paying customers.

This isn't just a hunch; it's a proven growth driver. A good explainer video closes the gap between what you're selling and what your audience actually gets. It builds instant trust and connects with people on a human level in a way a wall of text just can't.

Keep It Simple, Make a Connection

Your product might have some seriously complex features, but your message shouldn't. The real beauty of an explainer video is how it can take a complicated service and boil it down into a story that’s easy to follow and, more importantly, engaging. It's this simplification that makes your message stick around long after someone has clicked away.

Just think about the real-world impact:

People will remember you. A good story is way more memorable than a boring list of features.

Your conversion rates will climb. When people finally get what you do, they’re way more likely to buy.

You'll get fewer support tickets. A clear explanation answers questions before they're even asked, which frees up your support team to handle the really tough stuff.

The point of an explainer video isn't just to list facts. It's to create that "aha!" moment for your audience. That one instant of clarity is what turns a casual browser into a loyal fan.

A Must-Have for Modern Brands

For startups especially, this isn't just a nice little extra—it's essential. By 2025, explainer videos have become a go-to marketing tool, with 38% of startups using them specifically to build brand awareness. What’s really telling is how seriously leadership takes it; in over half of these companies (54%), the founder or CEO is the one leading the video project. That alone shows you how vital they are.

At the end of the day, a great explainer video shows you respect your audience's time. If you're just getting started and want to nail the basics, our complete guide on https://blog.dalm.co/making-explainer-videos is a great place to begin.

Scripting a Story That Actually Sells

Let's be honest: a gorgeous video with a lame script is like a supercar with an empty gas tank. It looks impressive, but it’s not going anywhere. Your script is the absolute bedrock of your entire explainer video. It's the moment you grab your audience by the collar, make your case, and nudge them toward that "buy now" button.

First things first, ditch the corporate-speak and the laundry list of features nobody cares about. Your script needs to tell a story people can actually connect with. The best place to start? Figure out the one single thing you need your viewer to remember long after the video ends. What’s the core problem you’re here to solve? Pin that down before you even think about writing.

With that core message locked in, you can start weaving a story around it. A classic framework that works like a charm every time is Problem-Agitation-Solution (PAS).

The Magic of Problem, Agitation, Solution

This isn't just some dusty marketing formula; it's pure human psychology. You kick things off by introducing a problem your audience knows intimately. Don't just mention it—make them feel it.

Next, you agitate it. This is where you twist the knife just a little. Dig into the frustration, the wasted hours, the lost money. This is what forges an emotional bond and keeps their eyes glued to the screen.

Finally, you swoop in like a superhero with the solution: your product. After you've shown them you truly get their pain, they're not just ready to listen—they're desperate for your answer.

For a much deeper dive into building a killer narrative, you should absolutely check out our guide on how to write a video script that genuinely connects.

Crafting a Tone That Doesn't Sound Robotic

Yeah, an AI avatar is going to deliver your lines, but it can’t sound like one. You need to write like a real person talks. Keep the language simple, use shorter sentences, and throw in a few questions to pull the viewer into the conversation.

Just look at the difference this makes:

Stuffy & Corporate	Casual & Captivating
"Our platform utilizes advanced algorithms to optimize workflow efficiencies for enterprise clients."	"Tired of juggling a dozen different apps just to get your team on the same page?"
"We offer a suite of integrated solutions designed to enhance productivity."	"Imagine ending your day feeling organized, clear, and totally in control. That's what we do."

See? The second one is all about the viewer and their struggles. It’s relatable, direct, and way more convincing.

The goal isn't to sound smart; it's to be understood. A clear, simple script that solves a real problem will outperform a complex one filled with industry buzzwords every single time.

Keeping It Short and Sweet

You’re fighting for every second of your viewer's attention. Make them count. For most explainer videos, the magic number is somewhere between 60 and 90 seconds. That’s the sweet spot to land your message without your audience drifting off to watch cat videos. This is especially true for tech and SaaS companies, where explaining complex ideas clearly is the fastest way to boost conversions. You can find more juicy video marketing stats over at b2w.tv.

This time limit forces you to be ruthless. If a word or a sentence doesn't directly serve your main point, it gets the chop. Your final script should be lean, focused, and packed with punch—the perfect launchpad for a video that doesn't just explain, it sells.

Producing Your Video with AI Avatars

Alright, this is where the fun really starts. Your script is locked in, and it's time to turn those words into a video that actually stops the scroll. In the old days, this was the part where budgets exploded. You'd be looking at studio rentals, camera crews, and endless rounds of edits. Frankly, creating a decent explainer video was a luxury reserved for companies with deep pockets.

Not anymore.

AI avatar platforms have completely flipped the script. Now, you can crank out a professional-looking video with a shockingly realistic presenter from your couch, probably in less time than it takes to decide what to order for lunch. The process is almost laughably simple: pick a face, drop in your script, and let the AI work its magic.

Forget the logistical headaches of a real-world film shoot. No more trying to align a dozen different schedules, scouting locations, or dealing with an actor who keeps messing up their lines. What used to take weeks now takes minutes.

Choosing Your Digital Presenter

Your first big creative decision is picking the face of your video. Think of it like casting a movie. AI platforms give you a whole library of stock avatars to choose from—different ages, ethnicities, and styles. You're looking for someone who not only looks the part but also feels like a natural extension of your brand.

Are you a fast-moving startup? Maybe you want someone energetic and modern. Are you a financial services firm? You'll probably lean towards someone who looks more buttoned-up and trustworthy.

Here's a quick mental checklist I run through when picking an avatar:

Brand Vibe: Does this person’s look and feel match our brand’s personality? A laid-back B2C wellness app needs a different face than a serious B2B SaaS company.

Audience Connection: Will our target customers find this person relatable and credible? You want them to nod along, not raise an eyebrow.

Customization: Don't forget, many platforms let you create a digital twin of yourself or someone on your team. This is a huge win for building a personal connection with your audience.

If you want to go deeper on this, we've got a full breakdown on how to create videos with an AI avatar presenter that gets into the nitty-gritty of creating custom avatars.

The real game-changer with AI avatars isn't just about saving money. It's the insane flexibility. Need to launch the same video in five different languages by tomorrow? Done. Want to update a product spec next month? Just tweak a sentence and regenerate. It's that simple.

From Text to Final Cut

Once you've got your avatar picked out, it's time to bring them to life. You literally just copy and paste your script into the platform's editor. Then, you can audition different AI voices, tweaking the tone, speed, and even the emotional inflection until it sounds just right.

These platforms are built for people who aren't video editors, which is a huge relief. The interfaces are clean and intuitive.

Here’s a peek at what a typical dashboard looks like inside Synthesia, one of the most popular tools out there.

As you can see, everything you need—script, scenes, media—is all in one place. No jumping between a bunch of complicated apps.

With your script and avatar ready, you can start layering in the other elements: background images or videos, your logo, some on-screen text callouts, and a bit of background music to set the mood. After one last look-over, you hit "generate," and the AI gets to work, spitting out a polished MP4 file ready for the world.

AI Video Generator Feature Comparison

Choosing the right tool can feel a bit overwhelming since new ones pop up all the time. To help you out, here’s a quick comparison of some of the heavy hitters in the space: Synthesia, HeyGen, and Deepbrain AI.

Feature	Synthesia	HeyGen	Deepbrain AI
Custom Avatars	Yes (excellent quality)	Yes (very popular feature)	Yes
Stock Avatars	140+ diverse options	100+ avatars	100+ avatars
AI Voices	400+ voices in 120 languages	300+ voices in 40+ languages	Wide range of languages
Video Templates	60+ pre-designed templates	300+ templates	Yes, various styles
Ease of Use	Very intuitive, great for beginners	User-friendly, good for social media	Clean interface, easy to learn
Key Differentiator	High-quality, polished corporate feel	Strong social media integrations	Focus on real-time conversational AI

Ultimately, the "best" platform really depends on your specific needs—whether you're aiming for a polished corporate video or a quick, punchy social media clip. I'd recommend taking advantage of their free trials to see which one feels right for your workflow.

Designing Visuals That Stop the Scroll

You’ve nailed the script and your AI presenter is ready for their close-up. But let’s be real for a second—the visuals are what will make someone slam the brakes on their endless scrolling and actually pay attention. A truly great explainer video isn't just a talking head. It's a carefully choreographed dance of color, text, and motion that brings your message to life.

Before you start messing around with backgrounds or fonts, you need a plan. I'm not talking about a Da Vinci-level sketch. A simple storyboard, even just a few rough boxes scribbled on a napkin, will work wonders. Map out your visual journey scene by scene, thinking about what absolutely needs to be on screen to back up each line of your script.

Using Color and Text Intelligently

Color is your secret weapon for setting the mood. This isn't just about making things look pretty; it's about using a little bit of psychology to drive your message home. Bold, energetic colors like orange or yellow can create a sense of urgency and excitement. Cool blues and greens, on the other hand, build a feeling of trust and stability. Whatever you choose, stick to your brand's color palette to keep everything looking sharp and consistent.

On-screen text is another fantastic tool, but you have to use it with a light touch. The goal is to highlight the most important stuff, not to force your audience to read the entire script.

Make Numbers Pop: Use bold text for any stats or data points you really want to land.

Emphasize Keywords: Make the most critical terms stand out so even skimmers get the gist.

Keep It Short and Sweet: Nobody wants to read a novel on screen. Stick to punchy phrases or single words.

Finding this balance is what it's all about. When you get it right, your visuals guide the viewer's focus without being distracting. It's a seamless experience where the visuals and the narration feel like they're working as a team.

The best visuals don't just decorate your video—they clarify it. Every single element, from the background color to a tiny icon, should have a clear purpose. If it doesn't add value, it's just noise.

Creating a Polished Final Product

What separates an amateur video from something that looks truly professional? It often comes down to the small stuff, like subtle animations and clean graphics. Think simple transitions between scenes or animated icons that appear just as your avatar mentions them. These little touches keep the viewer's eyes glued to the screen and make the whole thing feel more dynamic.

At the end of the day, quality is everything. Seriously. Research shows that a whopping 91% of consumers say video quality directly impacts how much they trust a brand. And with 78% of people preferring short videos for learning, a high-quality, visually engaging explainer isn't just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s absolutely essential for building credibility. You can dig into more video marketing trends on Wyzowl's site. Every single design choice you make tells a story about your brand, so make each one count.

Getting Your Video Seen: Don't Let It Gather Dust

Alright, you've created a fantastic explainer video. High fives all around! But popping the champagne after you hit "export" is a rookie mistake. A brilliant video that no one ever sees is just wasted potential—like a world-class comedian performing to an empty theater. The real work begins now: getting that masterpiece in front of the right people.

Resist the urge to just upload it to YouTube and hope for viral magic. That "spray and pray" tactic rarely works. Instead, we need a smart, deliberate plan that puts your video exactly where your audience is already looking. A little bit of strategy here will make the difference between a video that just exists and one that actually drives results.

Your Website is Home Base

Think of your website as your brand's flagship store. It's the most important digital real estate you own, and your new video should be the star attraction right in the front window. Don't you dare bury it three clicks deep on some forgotten blog post. It deserves a prime spot where it can immediately go to work for you.

Here are the best places to embed it for maximum impact:

The Homepage: Slap that video right at the top, above the fold. It's your single best chance to hook a new visitor in seconds and show them exactly why they should care about what you do.

Product/Service Pages: A video here is pure gold. It can demonstrate how your solution works, answer common questions before they're even asked, and obliterate purchase anxiety. This is where you turn interest into action.

The "About Us" Page: Your company's story is a powerful tool. An explainer video can bring that narrative to life in a way that text just can't, forging a genuine connection with your audience.

Don't just take my word for it. The data is clear: a whopping 91% of startups put their explainer videos on their websites. While everyone obsesses over social media, the real struggle for 94% of companies is actually targeting the right audience. By putting the video on your site, you're speaking directly to people who are already curious. This is your warm lead, your captive audience. You can dig into more of these numbers in this in-depth look at explainer video statistics.

Taking the Show on the Road

Once your website is set up for success, it’s time to expand your reach. Yes, YouTube is a no-brainer, but treat it like a search engine, not just a video library. Craft a keyword-rich title, write a detailed description, and load it up with relevant tags so people can find you when they're searching for solutions.

From there, get surgical. Where do your ideal customers actually spend their time? If you're selling a B2B software, your video belongs on LinkedIn, woven into a thoughtful post. If you've created a cool new consumer gadget, Instagram Reels or TikTok might be your best bet. Customize your approach for each platform; a lazy copy-paste job won't cut it.

Forget vanity metrics like total views. The numbers that truly matter are the ones that signal genuine interest: watch time, click-through rate, and conversions. A video with 1,000 views that drives 50 sign-ups is infinitely more valuable than one with 100,000 views that generates zero leads.

Measuring What Actually Moves the Needle

If you can't measure it, you can't prove its value. Tracking your video’s performance is how you show everyone (including yourself) that this was a worthwhile investment. But please, don't get hung up on a big view count that doesn't tell the whole story. Focus on the metrics that are tied directly to your business goals.

Here’s what you should be obsessed with:

Engagement Rate: Are people sticking around for the whole show, or are they bailing after 10 seconds? A high watch time is the ultimate sign that your message is landing perfectly.

Click-Through Rate (CTR): Is your call-to-action working? This metric tells you if viewers are intrigued enough to take that next step you're asking them to take.

Conversion Data: This is the big one. How many viewers actually signed up, booked a demo, or pulled out their credit card? This is the ultimate proof that your explainer video isn't just a pretty asset—it's a money-making machine.

Got Questions About Explainer Videos? We've Got Answers.

Jumping into explainer video creation can feel a bit like staring at a giant, confusing menu. It's totally normal to second-guess your choices, especially when you're trying to balance your budget with your creative vision. Let's cut through the noise and tackle some of the biggest questions that pop up along the way.

Think of this as a quick chat to help you dodge common mistakes and get started with some real confidence. The idea isn't just to make a video, but to make one that actually gets results without giving you a headache.

How Much Should This Actually Cost?

Alright, let's talk money. This is usually the first question on everyone's mind. The honest answer is that explainer video costs are all over the map—you could spend a few hundred bucks doing it yourself with AI tools, or you could drop $10,000 (or more!) with a high-end production agency.

There’s no magic number here. The real focus should be on getting the best value for your investment.

This is where AI avatar platforms have completely changed the game. They give small businesses and solo creators access to that slick, professional quality that used to require a massive budget. You can get that polished look without the Hollywood price tag, but it's still about finding the right balance. Your brand deserves to look good, so find a tool that respects your wallet and your reputation.

What's the Perfect Video Length?

If there's one golden rule, it's this: keep it short. You're aiming for the sweet spot between 60 and 90 seconds. That’s just enough time to get your main point across before you lose your viewer to a cat video or a new email notification.

Could you go longer? Maybe. If your product is super complex, you might need to stretch it to two minutes. But be careful. Every extra second you add is another chance for someone to click away. Brevity is your best friend when it comes to keeping people engaged.

Animation or Live-Action—Which Is Better?

This isn't really a "better or worse" situation. It’s about what’s right for your brand and your message. The vibe you're going for will point you in the right direction.

Animation: Perfect for breaking down complex or abstract ideas. If you're selling software, a SaaS platform, or a service that isn't physical, animation makes it all feel simple and easy to grasp.

Live-Action: The go-to choice when you need to build a human connection or show a physical product being used in the real world. Nothing beats seeing a real person interact with your product.

For most tech companies explaining a digital product, animation is often the most practical and effective route. It’s a tried-and-true way to educate your audience. And considering that over 91% of consumers watch explainer videos to learn about a product, making the right choice here is a big deal. For a deeper dive into these stats and how creators are adapting for mobile viewing, check out this great B2W.tv article.

Ready to create stunning explainer videos without the camera crew? With Dalm, you can generate endless content with your own hyper-realistic AI avatar in minutes. Start building your digital double and scaling your video production today at https://dalm.co.