Marketing today is about grabbing attention—and holding it. With consumers bombarded by content, making your message stand out is harder than ever. That’s why video has become one of the most powerful tools in marketing today. People now consume more video content than ever; it’s the go-to medium for brands trying to capture attention and drive conversions.
Explainer videos, in particular, have proven their value. These short, engaging videos simplify complex ideas, boost engagement, and increase sales. And in 2025, they are no longer optional—they’re a must-have.
If your brand isn’t using explainer videos, you’re leaving opportunities on the table. Here’s why they matter, how they drive results, and what you need to do to make them work for you.
Why Explainer Videos Are More Important Than Ever
Marketing is about grabbing attention and delivering a message quickly. Consumers today don’t have the patience for long text explanations. They want information fast, engaging, and easy to understand.
That’s exactly what explainer videos offer.
Studies show that:
- 73% of video marketers use explainer videos because they help simplify messages.
- Viewers retain 95% of a message from video compared to only 10% from text.
- Websites with explainer videos see 47% higher engagement rates than those without.
With shrinking attention spans and rising competition, explainer videos cut through the noise and keep audiences engaged. The numbers don’t lie—brands using video see higher engagement, better retention, and stronger conversions.
How Explainer Videos Boost Marketing Performance
So, why are explainer videos such a game-changer for marketing? Their impact goes beyond just engagement—they simplify messaging, increase conversions, and build brand trust. Let’s break down exactly how they drive results.
1. They Simplify Complex Messages
Humans process visuals 60,000 times faster than text. That’s why explainer videos are perfect for breaking down complicated ideas into simple, digestible content.
Tech companies use them to explain how their software works. Financial firms use them to make complex investment concepts easier to grasp. No matter the industry, a well-made explainer video helps audiences understand what you do and why it matters—fast.
2. They Hold Attention and Increase Engagement
Consumers today are constantly scrolling, and keeping them engaged is harder than ever. Explainer videos solve this problem by hooking viewers within seconds.
- Social media algorithms prioritize video content. This gives explainer videos more reach.
- Landing pages with videos increases dwell time, which improves SEO rankings.
- Including video in emails can boost click-through rates by as much as 300%
If you want your audience to stay, listen, and take action, explainer videos do the job better than text alone.
3. They Drive Higher Conversions
Explainer videos don’t just capture attention—they convert viewers into customers.
A well-crafted video:
- Increases purchase intent by showcasing benefits clearly.
- Reduces uncertainty by answering common questions.
- Boosts sales—viewers are twice as likely to buy after watching a product video.
That’s why e-commerce brands, SaaS companies, and service providers all use explainer videos in their sales funnels. They work.
4. They Improve Brand Trust and Credibility
Trust is everything in marketing. A great explainer video doesn’t just sell—it builds confidence.
By showing real people, authentic stories, or simple animations that speak directly to the customer’s problem, brands come across as more transparent and reliable.
Consumers are more likely to buy from brands that educate rather than just advertise. Explainer videos are the perfect way to do that.
How to Create an Effective Explainer Video
Not all explainer videos succeed. Some captivate, while others fail to hold attention. What separates a great explainer video from a forgettable one? A combination of storytelling, brevity, strong visuals, and strategic distribution.
1. Focus on Storytelling, Not Just Selling
Great explainer videos don’t just list features. They tell a story that connects with the viewer.
The best approach?
- Start with a relatable problem your audience faces.
- Show how your product or service solves it.
- End with a clear call to action.
Dropbox, for example, used a simple, animated explainer video to tell a story. It helped them grow from zero to 100 million users—without a massive marketing budget.
2. Keep It Short and Impactful
Attention spans are short. If your explainer video drags on, viewers will drop off before they get to the message.
The best explainer videos:
- Are 60–90 seconds long.
- Get to the point within the first 10 seconds.
- Use clear, simple language without jargon.
Shorter videos increase retention and make it more likely that viewers watch to the end.
3. Prioritize Visuals and Branding
A well-designed explainer video is more than just words and images—it’s an extension of your brand.
- Use your brand colors, fonts, and style for consistency.
- Choose animation or live-action based on what fits your message.
- Add captions so the video is accessible even without sound.
If the video looks polished and professional, it builds trust and credibility.
4. Optimize for Different Platforms
Your audience isn’t just in one place. They’re on social media, websites, email, and search engines. Your explainer video should be, too.
To maximize impact:
- Format for each platform—shorter versions for Instagram and TikTok, full versions for YouTube and websites.
- Use engaging thumbnails to boost click rates.
- Include video transcripts for better SEO.
The more places your video appears, the more chances you have to engage potential customers.
Real-World Examples of Brands Winning with Explainer Videos
The best way to understand the power of explainer videos is to see them in action. Some of the most successful brands have used them to grow their customer base, drive conversions, and stand out in crowded markets.
Dollar Shave Club
A humorous, straight-to-the-point explainer video helped this startup stand out in a crowded market. It helped with 12,000+ sign-ups in 48 hours—and a $1 billion acquisition by Unilever.
HubSpot
This SaaS giant uses explainer videos to break down complex marketing software into simple, engaging stories. The result? Higher conversion rates and improved product adoption.
Crazy Egg
A simple explainer video helped this analytics tool increase conversion rates by 64% in a single test. The reason? It clarified the value of the product in seconds.
These companies didn’t just create videos—they crafted stories that educated, entertained, and persuaded all at once.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need Explainer Videos in 2025
Consumers today expect fast, engaging content—long sales pitches and text-heavy marketing no longer hold attention. Explainer videos aren’t just another trend; they are becoming a core marketing strategy in 2025.
Explainer videos offer:
- Faster, more engaging communication.
- Higher audience retention and conversions.
- A competitive edge in digital marketing.
If your brand isn’t using explainer videos yet, 2025 is the time to start.
Because in a world where attention is currency, video is the language that keeps people watching, listening, and buying.
