Tips & Best Practices For Your Startup Explainer Video

Animated videos are no longer just for the entertainment of children. In fact, experts say that today’s most successful companies have adopted the technique. An animated explainer video quickly and clearly explains the value proposition of your tech startup. It’s a powerful way to explain complex concepts and features. Animated startup explainer videos can help you build a brand identity, drive traffic to your website, and increase sales. Don’t let a fear of technology keep you from tapping into this effective marketing tool for your business. If you’re thinking about making an explainer video for your startup, here are the top six ways you can use them to grow your business:

1). Startup Explainer Videos: An Easy Way To Explain Complex Concepts

2). Animated Content Is More Sharable

3). Get More Leads With A Startup Explainer Video

4). Limited Time, Resources And Budget

5). Your Competitors Are Doing It!

6). Startup Explainer Videos Help Your Audience Remember Your Message.

At the end of this article, we’ll share our tips and best practices to help you create a high performing startup explainer video that helps you get your compelling message to your target audience so you generate more awareness, leads, and sales.

Before we dive into all this, let’s take a look at explainer video examples that Video Igniter can create for you!

Examples of Startup Explainer Videos You Can Get From Video Igniter

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you. Check out our animation portfolio here.

Request access to our demo reels and price sheet here. Contact us or schedule a call to start making your video.

Are you looking for an example of a different style of animation? Send us a message to let us know what kind of animation example you want to see and we will follow up with relevant production samples.

 

1). Startup Explainer Videos: An Easy Way to Explain Complex Concepts

Explaining complex topics is a lot easier with animation. A video can take your potential audience step by step through the most complicated ideas and help them understand how it all comes together. Animation can also be used to create visual metaphors that explain the benefits of a product or service in a way that words alone can’t. The use of animation makes the video more fun to watch. Animation also helps you connect with your audience on an emotional level, which will pique their interest in your company even further.

Animation can be used to explain complex concepts in a way that’s easy to understand by those who aren’t formally trained in computer science, technology or engineering. You can show how something works by giving it life through the use of imagery, symbolism & animation.  Instead of relying heavily on language alone, you can amplify your explanation using pictures and motion. The end result: an animated explainer video reaches a wider audience than plain text ever could.

The popularity of animated explainer videos has exploded in recent years. Many Fortune 500 companies utilize them on their websites, including Dropbox, Starbucks and Adobe. Creating animated videos for businesses has become an important marketing tactic for many businesses because they’re very good at holding attention while explaining what the startup / company does.

Tech startup Dropbox.com is famous for using an animated explainer video to acquire millions of users when they first launched.

2). Animated Content is More Shareable

When it comes to sharing videos online, animated content tends to be more widely shared than live-action. Animated content also goes viral faster than any other format. Animated explainer videos are easy and fun to share on social media.

This is because animated video is highly engaging and will grab an audience’s attention much faster than a simple image or text-based post. As a result, your message will be more memorable, and videos have a higher chance of being shared across the internet, thus broadening your reach even further!

3). Get More Leads With A Startup Explainer Video

Not only are startup explainer videos great for getting awareness for your tech startup, they’re also great for generating leads. Your animated video should end with a call to action that encourages people to sign up, join an email list, download your app or connect with your sales team.

To learn more about how to use animated explainer videos to collect email addresses from new leads for your tech startup, check out this companion article.

4). Limited Time, Resources and Budget

While some startups have the time and resources to hire a production team and film promotional videos, we understand that most don’t. That’s why we offer an affordable solution: animated video production. We’ll work with you to create a custom-designed animated explainer video that will help promote your tech startup in an engaging way at a fraction of the cost of traditional video production.

In addition to limited budgets, startups are often short on time as well. Whether you need a quick turnaround for a new product launch or are trying to build buzz for your startup before it even hits the market, animated video production is a much less time-intensive process compared to traditional live-action video production.

Furthermore, animation allows you to get creative with your message. You can use props,  characters and locations in unique ways that would be impossible or cost-prohibitive with live action footage. Want your video to take place in Egypt, China, and New Zealand while featuring a levitating orangutan? That’s going to be much easier to produce in animated / cartoon format and it’ll cost less than flying the production team to just one of those locations.

5). Your Competitors Are Doing It!

If your competitors are creating explainer videos, then that’s a good sign that they work!  You can use the competition as a benchmark for your video; if their video is lacking something you find important, now is the perfect time to incorporate it into your own production.

While you may feel that it’s more important to focus on your own ideas and innovations, consider what you can learn from your competitors’ approaches. There are a couple of ways you can use the success of others to inform the direction of your own video:

• First, look for areas where the video is lacking in terms of detail or clarity. By identifying gaps or areas for improvement in their videos, you can be sure to avoid them in yours.
• Pay attention to what they’re doing right! Look at the aspects of their video that are working—the tone, style, story structure—and keep these in mind when planning your own. If a competitor’s video has been successful with its target customers, chances are it can also work for yours!
• Use this time as an opportunity to get into the mindset of your target audience. What does your ideal customer need from a product like this? In what ways do they expect it to improve their lives? A competitor’s video may provide some insight into these questions.

For example, let’s say one of your major competitors has published an animated explainer video but it was produced quickly and cheaply with a local videographer who isn’t familiar with the industry or target audience. Right off the bat, there’s obvious room for improvement since this video doesn’t match their brand at all and uses different terminology than industry terms their target audience would use when searching for similar services online.

6). Startup Explainer Videos Help Your Audience Remember Your Message

The most effective animated explainer videos are short, clear, and to the point. The average attention span is only 8 seconds and you have to work with it. An engaging animated video that keeps your target audience focused will make your products or services more memorable.

Animated videos are not a new concept, but they are gaining widespread popularity because of their ability to convey complex ideas in an entertaining way without being boring. The most important thing when creating a video is that it should be informative and entertaining at the same time while including all necessary information about your product/service.

It provides important information about your company and what you offer. And it encourages customers to actually remember that information rather than scroll by aimlessly and forget it forever.

Remember the last time you were scrolling on Facebook and saw an ad for something you needed? You clicked play on the video. Watched it until the end. Went to their website… and made a purchase—all because of that engaging video. Now imagine if every potential customer was like this when they visited your site!

Best Practices for Creating an Explainer Video

Creating an explainer video that resonates with your audience and achieves your goals starts with strong planning. Before you even think about animation, it’s crucial to define your goal and target audience. Ask yourself: What do you want your viewers to take away from this video? Whether it’s increased brand awareness, generating leads, or simply educating your audience about your product, having a clear goal will keep your video focused.

Next, craft a clear and concise script. Explainer videos are meant to break down complex ideas into easy-to-understand concepts. Stick to the essentials: focus on the problem your product/service solves and how it benefits your audience. Avoid jargon, and keep the language simple. And don’t forget to include a strong call-to-action (CTA) at the end of the video—whether that’s directing viewers to sign up for a newsletter, schedule a demo, or make a purchase.

To make sure everything flows smoothly, we recommend creating a storyboard your video. This step involves sketching out key scenes that match the script and envisioning how the visuals and voiceover will come together. Storyboarding gives you a chance to fine-tune the pacing and ensure that every part of the video aligns with your message.

After your storyboard is complete, it’s time to choose the right visual style. Consider how you want your brand to come across. Should it be fun and quirky or professional and straightforward? The style of animation should match your product/service and audience. For example, a tech startup may opt for sleek, modern animation, while a kids’ app might go for bright, playful cartoon-ish visuals. Video Igniter’s art director will review your brand guidelines and then create multiple pieces of concept art for you to choose from. You can collaborate with our art director to refine your preferred visual concept until you love it. Then, we’ll create all of the illustrations for your explainer video.

When it comes to production, remember that keeping your video short (1-2 minutes) is key. Viewers tend to lose interest if a video is too long, so make every second count. Use professional voiceover artists and consider adding sound effects or background music to elevate the experience. While this adds a bit to your budget, it pays off by making your video more engaging and memorable.

Finally, in post-production, focus on editing for clarity and pacing. Does the video flow well, or does it feel rushed? Video Igniter will ensure you hit the sweet spot with timing—slow enough for understanding but fast enough to hold attention. Once that’s done, we’ll help you optimize the video for various platforms. You may need shorter clips for social media or a longer version for your website.

How to Measure the Effectiveness of an Explainer Video

Once your explainer video is live, it’s time to assess how well it’s working for you. The most important aspect is measuring its impact on your key performance indicators (KPIs). Start with view count and engagement rates. How many people have watched your video? Did they watch it all the way through, or did they drop off early? Tracking metrics like average watch time and video completion rate will give you insights into how engaging your video is.

Next, look at your video conversion rate. This is one of the most crucial metrics—did the video drive action? If the goal was to increase sign-ups, downloads, or purchases, then check whether those numbers are rising post-video launch. If you integrated the video with a landing page, compare the conversion rates before and after adding the video to see its direct impact.

Another key factor is lead generation. If your video has a CTA directing viewers to sign up for something, download a resource, or schedule a demo, track how many leads were generated through the video. This can give you a tangible sense of whether your video is turning interest into actionable outcomes.

Don’t forget to monitor social shares and comments. If viewers are sharing your video on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, it’s a strong indicator that the content resonates with them. The more shares your video gets, the more brand awareness and organic reach you gain—so be sure to track these metrics regularly.

Finally, customer feedback can provide valuable qualitative insights. Consider sending out a quick survey or asking for feedback via social media or email. Did viewers find the video helpful and engaging? What parts of the video did they connect with the most? This feedback will not only help you gauge effectiveness but also improve future videos.

As you track these metrics, use analytics tools like YouTube Analytics or Google Analytics to dive deeper into how the video is performing. These tools can provide a more detailed breakdown of traffic sources, engagement, and even demographic information. Using this data will allow you to continually optimize and refine your approach.

Cost vs. ROI of Animated Explainer Videos

Understanding the cost vs. ROI of an explainer video is essential for startups, especially when working with a limited budget. First, let’s break down the costs involved. The production of an explainer video includes several factors, including: scriptwriting, animation style, voiceover talent, and music. If you’re hiring professionals for these services, you should sho around for a price range that fits your budget (request access to Video Igniter’s price sheet here). Typically, 2D animation is more affordable than 3D animation, and simple scripts require less time to write and produce.

The next big question is: What return can you expect on your investment? One of the most noticeable benefits is the impact on conversion rates. A well-crafted explainer video can make your website or landing page more engaging, increasing conversions significantly. By simplifying complex ideas and showing your product in action, viewers are more likely to trust your product, sign up, or make a purchase.

Another hidden benefit is the cost savings in customer support. Instead of repeatedly explaining the same concepts over email or phone calls, a well-designed explainer video can reduce the number of inquiries. It’s a one-time investment that keeps on giving, as your customers can easily access it whenever they need clarification.

Explainer videos also have great potential for lead generation. Whether you’re offering a free trial, eBook, or demo, embedding your video on lead-generation pages can help you collect more valuable leads. Additionally, videos are incredibly shareable, so you’re likely to see organic growth in your customer base through social shares.

When evaluating ROI, think about the long-term value. Explainer videos are evergreen content—meaning they stay relevant over time and continue to provide value long after they’re published. They can be reused in a variety of contexts, such as in email campaigns, on social media, or as part of product demonstrations.

Lastly, consider the SEO benefits. Optimizing your video with the right keywords can help it rank in search engines, which in turn drives more organic traffic to your site. This means that, after your initial investment, you may see an ongoing boost to your website’s visibility and search rankings.

Choosing Between 2D vs. 3D Animation

When deciding whether to use 2D vs 3D animation for your explainer video, it’s important to weigh the differences and understand how each can impact your brand’s message.

2D animation is a classic choice and tends to be more cost-effective. It’s the perfect option if you’re working with a smaller budget or if your product’s concepts are relatively straightforward. 2D animation offers a simple, clean, and visually appealing way to explain ideas. It’s ideal for brands that want to present themselves as approachable, professional, or even playful. Plus, it typically has a faster production time compared to 3D, meaning you can have your video ready quicker.

On the other hand, 3D animation can be more immersive and dynamic, making it an excellent choice for tech startups or industries that rely on complex products or cutting-edge visuals. If your product needs to be shown in detail, such as a new gadget or an innovative piece of software, 3D animation can highlight its features in an engaging way. However, 3D videos tend to be more expensive and take longer to produce due to their complexity.

The right choice depends largely on your brand identity and target audience. If your brand is fun, approachable, and geared toward a general audience, 2D animation may be the way to go. If your product is more high-tech, cutting-edge, or if your brand aims to project a futuristic image, 3D animation can help emphasize that premium feel.

If you’re unsure, a hybrid approach might be a good middle ground. Combining elements of both 2D and 3D can provide a unique, high-quality result without the full cost of a fully 3D animation. For example, you can use 2D characters to explain your story while incorporating 3D models to showcase your product or a specific feature.

Integrating Startup Explainer Videos into Your Marketing Strategy

Now that you’ve created your explainer video, it’s time to integrate it seamlessly into your marketing strategy to get the most out of it. One of the first places to consider is your website. Make sure your video is prominently displayed on your homepage or key landing pages. Videos on landing pages have been shown to increase conversion rates, so this is a great place to start. If you’re offering a product demo or an explainer of your services, adding a video to these pages can make your content more engaging.

You’ll also want to share your video across your social media channels. Post it on your Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles, and make sure to track engagement. Social platforms love video content, and it’s an excellent way to grab attention. You can also create shorter clips or highlights for Instagram Stories or TikTok, which are perfect for capturing attention in short bursts.

Additionally, consider using your explainer video in email campaigns. Including video in emails has been shown to boost open rates and engagement. Embed the video in your newsletter or email drip campaigns, particularly when reaching out to leads or nurturing existing customers. Personalize your message, and watch the responses pour in!

Explainer videos are also a valuable part of your SEO strategy. By adding the video to your website and optimizing it for search engines (including keywords in the title, description, and tags), you can help improve your organic search rankings. Moreover, repurpose the content by turning parts of the video into blog posts, infographics, or social media posts. This extends the video’s life and gives you fresh content to engage your audience.

Incorporating explainer videos across these various channels ensures that your content reaches a wider audience, boosts engagement, and ultimately helps your startup grow. By using your explainer video creatively in all aspects of your marketing strategy, you’ll amplify its effectiveness and drive better results.

Hire Video Igniter Animation To Create Your Startup Explainer Video

Video Igniter is an animated explainer video company that provides world class animation and design services at prices startups can afford.

See the full list of explainer video services Video Igniter offers. We can make any kind of 2D or 3D animated video you can imagine – check out our portfolio!

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Startup Explainer Video Success Stories and Testimonials

“I found exactly what I needed: custom animated production with lots of options, fair price and fast communication. I loved working with the Video Igniter Team. Million thanks.”

Antonina Rome, MD – Bioresona

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

“I run a video production company and outsource animation. The team at Video Igniter did a great job in taking the concept I very crudely drew out and made it into a beautiful animation. The review process was easy and their turnaround time was very quick. I’d def recommend them if you’re looking for an animation project.”

Pat Henderson – Founder, Path8 Productions