What Are Explainer Videos and Why Are They Important?

In an age of rapid digital consumption, it's getting trickier to capture and retain the attention of audiences. Here’s where explainer videos come into play. They're the secret weapon many marketers are turning to, and for good reason. Let's dive into what explainer videos are and why they’re proving invaluable in the branding and marketing arena.

1. Defining Explainer Videos

At their core, explainer videos are short, punchy videos designed to illustrate complex ideas in an easily digestible format. We're not talking about long-winded presentations; these are typically 2 to 3-minute snippets that get straight to the point. Whether it's a dynamic animation, a simple whiteboard sketch, or a live-action clip, the goal remains steadfast: to explain a product, service, or concept clearly and compellingly.

2. The Beauty of Visual Learning

Think about it: Would you rather read a five-page document or watch a three-minute video? For most, the latter is more appealing. Our brains are hardwired to process visual information far quicker than text. In fact, visuals are processed 60,000 times faster. This isn’t just a nifty stat; it translates into real engagement:

Retention: People remember a staggering 95% of a message when it's delivered via video, compared to a mere 10% when they read it. That's the difference between your brand message sticking or slipping through the cracks.

Enhanced Engagement: Combining visual elements with audio means you're engaging multiple senses, making your content more memorable and easier to digest.

3. The Swiss Army Knife of Content

There's something inherently versatile about explainer videos. They're not just a one-trick pony.

Training & Onboarding: Turn potentially yawn-inducing training modules into engaging learning experiences.

Sales Pitches: Why hand over a brochure when a video can succinctly encapsulate your product's unique selling points?

Email Campaigns: Embedding videos in emails can lead to a whopping 200-300% increase in click-through rates. Now that's a game-changer!

4. Supercharging Your Online Presence

We all know content is king, but video content? It's the crown jewels. With more brands competing for attention online, explainer videos offer a strategic edge:

SEO Perks: With video, you’re more likely to appear on Google's first page. Videos lead to longer page visits, which search algorithms love.

Social Sharing Power: Videos are shared on social media 1200% more than links and text combined. An explainer video that resonates has the potential to go viral, massively amplifying brand reach.

5. Building a Trust Bridge

Trust isn’t just about making sure you deliver products on time; it's about building genuine connections with your audience:

Demystifying Complexity: By breaking down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces, you’re not just informing – you’re showing transparency, which is a cornerstone of trust.

Consistency in Quality: Deliver a series of high-quality explainer videos, and you’re telling your audience, “We know our stuff, and we’re consistently great at delivering it.”

6. Cost-effectiveness for Brands

Now, we're all about getting bang for your buck, right? Explainer videos, while having an initial outlay, have a shelf life that far outpaces other forms of content:

Longevity: Once created, an explainer video can be used in countless campaigns, across different platforms, reaching diverse audiences.

Wider Reach: Unlike a physical event or seminar, videos aren’t constrained by geography. That explainer video could be enlightening someone in Birmingham or Bangkok.

Wrapping up

Explainer videos aren’t just a fleeting trend; they’re a testament to how the digital landscape is evolving. They epitomise efficiency, clarity, and engagement. So, if you're looking to elevate your brand message, dive deeper into the realm of explainer videos. They might just be the game-changer your brand's been waiting for.