So we’ve already told you what an explainer video is, and we’ve already told you why you need to use an explainer video. Now let’s go to the bigger questions of where do I even begin??
Those questions, or sighs of confusion, come up once you’ve decided to actually go forth and make a website video, but don’t have a clue of how to get started. There are many techniques that you can choose from, not to mention combinations of different techniques, so it can be an overwhelming process. Of course, your video production company (*cough cough*…us, pick us!) can help make this process smoother and easier.
There are numerous techniques that can be used to create this video of yours, so let’s just break some of them down for you. We’ll also put in some animated web videos showcasing that type of technique, and yeah, this time we’re going to show our own videos – you’ve seen enough of other people’s.
Three Main Techniques to Use When Making an Explainer Video:
1. Motion Graphics: This technique is a combination of simple graphics to convey a message. It uses a number of graphic combinations and design to tell the story and uses simple graphics that move, and it’s typically combined with audio. This video uses motion graphics and animation with voice-over:
**This technique can be used for either B2B or B2C products, as you can make the video look professional or friendly, depending on what you want.
2. Cartoon and 3D animation: Well, I feel silly explaining this one. But this uses characters to tell a story and take you through the process. And well, 3D is…three dimensional. Let’s just cut to video on this one, shall we? This video uses animation and voice-over:
** Animation is good for B2C products, because people trust cartoons and they are friendly and cool to see. Check out Groupon for a great example of this.
3. Whiteboard: We wrote an entire blog post on this, so please check that out. But, using whiteboard is basically using stop-motion techniques and slightly more complicated animation on a dry-erase board. This video uses whiteboard animation with voice-over.
**Whiteboard is good for B2B, as it is more professional and clear. It is a clean image, rather than an amateurish image like a cartoon.
4. Presenters: A presenter is typically the person that is talking you through the product or service and mixes in graphics. Usually this is a professional female or male actor who can present your company’s message in a powerful way. Sometimes they are standing, sometimes they are walking around, they could even be sitting…but that would be weird, right? This video uses a presenter with 3D Animation & Motion Graphics:
**Using presenters is a more of a sales-aggressive type of video. You will need a bigger budget for this type of a video, because you will need a studio to shoot it.
There are many different combinations you can use for your animated web videos. The best thing to do is work with your production company to figure out what can relay your message in the most constructive way. Which we can, so go with us 😉
