You know what’s frustrating? Spending hours trying to figure out how a product works. For customers, that confusion can be a dealbreaker. If they don’t see the value quickly, they might fail to make a purchase—and if they already have, they might abandon your product entirely.
That’s why explainer videos are such a game-changer. They turn complex products into simple, engaging stories that anyone can understand. In just a few minutes, your customers get what your product does and why it’s worth their time.
Let’s look at some standout examples of explainer videos to inspire your next marketing or sales campaign.
The top 12 explainer video examples to inspire your next marketing campaign
Ready to get inspired for your next marketing or product campaign? Here is a roundup of some of the best explainer videos we’ve seen across industries.
1. Gong product overview video
Industry: Sales
Gong offers a simple yet engaging product tour combining multiple interactive elements. What stands out the most is how the voiceover is neatly synced with the illustrations—creating some sort of show-and-tell effect. It also highlights social proof—such as review badges and awards—that helps to convince any viewer to learn more about the product offering.
Why this video stands out:
It uses infographics, text on screen, and product images to visualize the core idea and make it easier for users to understand complicated concepts.
The video is well-paced—from the transitions to the voice-over. This gives users time to properly digest the shared information—improving retention.
The video is bright and colorful, and it shows off Gong’s brand elements.
In less than 40 seconds, PlayPlay manages to communicate its product’s core use cases and benefits. While there’s no voiceover, the text-on-screen—paired with images and video clips—effectively communicates the core message.
What stands out the most is how this video experiments with multiple visual elements—and none of them overshadow the message or cause distractions.
Why this video stands out:
While it’s fast-paced, the use of text-on-screen makes it easy for viewers to follow through and not miss important information.
The alternating contrast between the plain background footage and live video clips ensures that the information doesn’t overwhelm the viewer.
The live footage (comprising video clips and photos) does a great job of engaging viewers.
3. Certainly.io explainer video
Industry: Ecommerce
This one certainly takes the cake. Certainly’s explainer video details what their AI chatbot does for sales teams in just around a minute. It’s clear, it’s interesting to look at, and it truly shows how their product may stack against other bots.
Why this video stands out:
The video is super-creative, especially the hand-drawn animation and motion graphics. It’s also worth noting how the background sounds imitate the typical shopping experience (browser clicks and checkout).
The video script highlights viewers’ pain points—showing that the business has a firm grasp of what their target market is struggling with and how their company can help.
The voice-over is well-paced and makes it easy to follow through with the video.
4. Klaviyo product tour
Industry: Marketing
Klaviyo knows how to speak to its marketing target, and it's clear in the bright sunrise branding, the crisp and clear visuals, and the friendly voice-over that ties everything together.
Why this video stands out:
It generously shows off the interface—giving viewers a firsthand experience of how Klaviyo works.
It includes social proof—that is, brand logos of businesses that already use Klaviyo—which helps to convince viewers of the company.
The voice-over and screenshots are neatly timed and coordinated so nothing is out of sync. While the software seems to be able to do a lot, the video doesn’t feel overwhelming.
5. Umault agency introduction video
Industry: Marketing services
This video takes a satirical spin on the typical corporate video setup. It opens with employees in a conference room and someone writing on a whiteboard. The narrator, who’s also one of the characters, draws the viewers’ attention to the cliche setup.
Then, the video transitions to more interesting footage that sharply contrasts with its original setup. These clips are creative, go beyond the normal, and capture attention quickly.
The video ends with introducing the agency as an option for teams and businesses that want to execute out-of-the-box ideas.
Why this video stands out:
The characters break the “fourth wall” to participate in the video. For example, Lou (a seeming “stock” character in the background) takes a moment to answer the narrator's question.
It leans on a before-and-after narrative—making it easy for the public to aspire to the shared idea.
It has a simple and easy-to-follow script that does justice to the video’s core ideas, and it’s humorous and self-aware.
6. “How does Airalo work?” video
Industry: Travel
This is a presenter-style live-action video where a narrator takes the stage to explain how Airalo works. It’s like sitting in a lecture room and listening to the professor explain a concept (but probably at much higher video quality).
We like that this video doesn’t lean on complicated animation or motion graphics to pass its message across. These elements are great, sure! But sometimes, all you need is a simple narrative-style video to educate your viewers.
Why this video stands out:
The live narration is paired with simple transition elements that illustrate what is being shared.
The brand style is incorporated into the video from start to finish.
Although the video is relatively long, it keeps viewers engaged by breaking things up with text-based questions displayed against branded backgrounds featuring the company’s colors and sounds. These pauses provide natural breaks in the flow of information, making the content easier to digest and preventing viewers from feeling overwhelmed.
7. “Everything you can do with Monday.com” video
Industry: Project management
This is a simple walkthrough video showcasing different Monday.com use cases.
It starts by showing what the dashboard looks like and explicitly lists who might benefit from it. This makes it easier for viewers to see how the product applies to their needs. The familiar starting point, paired with relevant use cases, builds interest and encourages viewers to stay engaged until the end.
What we love most is how it walks you through the exact process of setting up your projects in a Monday.com dashboard. This removes the feeling that the product might be complicated to use and makes it easy to see how it fits into your workflow.
Why this video stands out:
It combines different formats to communicate its message. For most of the video, we see the product itself. However, towards the end, and a bit throughout the video too, it incorporates more live-action footage.
Although the video is only 90 seconds long, it touches on all important features and use cases—without rushing anything.
It includes social proof—that is, logos of businesses that already use Monday.com to win users’ trust.
8. Google Gemini introduction video
Industry: Artificial intelligence
This video compiles different clips featuring people explaining Gemini use cases. It starts with a clip from Google’s CEO: Sundar Pichai, who gives a quick intro about the company’s AI interests.
From that point, it transitions quickly to different people (mostly in pairs) explaining real-life Google Gemini use cases—from reading research papers to assisting with development. The video doesn’t bore users with retelling features; it simply shows us how to use it.
Why this video stands out:
It features diverse characters from different backgrounds. This demonstrates Google’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is a plus for branding.
Although the video is about artificial intelligence, nothing feels abstract. Instead, it brings the human element to the fore—showing how AI can complement human efforts.
It doesn’t burden users with complex or technical jargon. Instead, the language is simple, easy to understand, and rooted in real-life applications. It makes the complex AI much more approachable.
9. Toggl Track explainer video
Industry: Productivity
The first thing you notice with this video is the great use of brand visual elements, especially the typeface. If you’re familiar with the Toggl brand, you’ll know that the last word in a sentence is always italicized—that’s what we see here.
Beyond that, the video is relatively easy to understand. The well-paced transitions help the public keep up with the information shared without getting overwhelmed. While there’s no voiceover, the visuals and text on the screen explain the core ideas effectively.
Why this video stands out:
Great use of brand visuals. Everything, from the colors to typography and placement, is eye-catching and sustains prospects’ attention.
It uses engaging, upbeat music that matches the video’s pace and eliminates white noise.
The animations are simple but super effective for illustrating benefits. We’re a big fan of the “Rebalance workloads to stay on track” section at 0:40, for example!
10. Databox product overview video
Industry: Data analytics
This is a standard how-to video explaining Databox’s core features and setup process. It's structured as a tutorial with a narrator guiding the viewer from one step to another.
While the tutor isn't physically present in the video, the voiceover does a great job of explaining complex ideas in an easy-to-follow way. The footage, paired with the well-paced and synced voicing, makes this video an excellent resource for new and prospective Databox users.
Why this video stands out:
It had a simple, clean setup and script that is easy to follow and understand.
It has a high reuse value. The video can serve as a customer education, marketing, and sales asset.
It combines illustrations with clips to effectively communicate with any viewer.
11. What is Calendly? video
Industry: Scheduling
What we love most about this video is how it highlights the common problems Calendly’s target clients might struggle with. This creates a familiar context and shows that the brand is in tune with its prospects’ struggles.
Once it establishes common pain points, the video explains how Calendly solves the highlighted issues. It provides a step-by-step guide on how to book meetings with Calendly, drawing attention to the tool’s benefits at different points. It also answers common questions people might have and addresses their concerns proactively.
Why this video stands out:
It uses pain points to capture attention and draw people into what they offer. Starting with a statistic is a great way to hook your prospects in for what the video has to say.
The video is highly personalized. It almost feels like you’re in the narrator’s physical space, listening to them.
It combines live action with animation to effectively communicate with the audience.
12. Welcome to Loomly video
Industry: Social media management
The first thing that grabs your attention, besides the narrator asking the prospects a direct question, is how colorful this video is. While the illustrations are simple, the video uses a light and minimalistic color palette—ensuring that the interface remains clear and legible. In addition, colorful accents make the video visually appealing.
Why this video stands out:
It uses a well-paced transition to move from one idea to the next. And the transitions are well-timed with the voiceover and video clips.
The video is well-organized, walking users through the platform's main features step by step. Each section focuses on a specific functionality, ensuring clarity and preventing information overload.
It ends with a descriptive and memorable tagline, making it easier for the prospects to remember the brand’s core value.
What is an explainer video?
An explainer video breaks down complex concepts in an easy-to-follow manner so that users can understand how a product or service works. It’s not about helping you sell—although that might be a secondary benefit. Instead, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for the target audience to understand and remember the most essential information about what you’re offering.
What are the types of explainer videos?
While explainer videos have one goal, to explain how a product or service works, they can achieve it using different formats. Here’s a quick table highlighting various types of explainer videos.
Definition
Use Cases
Animated Explainer
Uses 2D/3D animations or motion graphics to explain concepts visually.
Product overviews, SaaS tools, and abstract concepts.
Whiteboard Animation
Hand-drawn or digital illustrations drawn on a whiteboard-style background.
Educational content, training, and step-by-step processes.
Live-Action
Features real people and real-world settings.
Brand storytelling, showcasing physical products, and human-centric services.
Screencast
Records a computer screen to demonstrate software or digital workflows.
Software tutorials, app guides, and product demos.
Testimonial-Based
Combines customer or employee testimonials with visuals to tell a story.
Building trust and credibility for products or services.
Stop-Motion
Uses a series of photos of objects in different positions to create movement.
Artistic brand campaigns or showcasing products with a creative flair.
Cutout Animation
Combines pre-made elements (like paper cutouts) to animate a story.
Budget-friendly storytelling with a handcrafted aesthetic.
Infographic Explainer
Turns data and statistics into dynamic, visually engaging videos.
Presenting complicated data or analytics in an easily digestible format.
What should be included in an explainer video?
A great explainer video does more than the bare minimum of simply explaining a topic — a great explainer video simplifies complex ideas while keeping your prospects hooked. Here are the key elements every strategic explainer video should include:
1. A Clear and Concise Message
Your public should immediately grasp the core idea. Avoid jargon, keep sentences short, and focus on what matters most: how your company solves their problem.
2. A Strong Hook in the First 5 Seconds
Attention spans are shorter than ever. Open with an engaging question, a surprising fact, or a relatable scenario to hook right away. After all, there are a lot of other videos out there that you may be competing with.
3. A Well-Structured Story
Every explainer video should follow a basic narrative arc:
Problem: Identify viewer pain points.
Solution: Introduce your product/service as the answer.
How it Works: Briefly explain the process or features.
Call to Action: Direct to the next step (sign up, demo, learn more).
4. Visuals that Support the Message
Whether using animation, live-action, or a mix of both, the visuals should enhance comprehension, not distract from it. Keep the design clean, on-brand, and easy to follow.
5. Captions and Text Elements
Not everyone watches with sound. On platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok, captions are essential. Ensure key points are reinforced with text on screen.
Use colors, fonts, and logo placements that align with your brand. This consistency helps with recognition and builds trust over time.
7. Engaging Audio and Music
A professional voiceover, sound effects, or background music can add personality and emotional depth. Just be sure it complements rather than overpowers the visuals.
How to write a good explainer video script?
The script is the backbone of any great explainer video. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a compelling one, with examples for clarity.
Step 1: Define your objective
Before writing, clarify what the video should achieve. Are you educating customers, driving sign-ups, or simplifying a technical concept? This will shape the tone and structure of your video.
Example: For a project management software, the objective could be: "We want to show busy marketing teams how our tool helps them streamline content planning in under 60 seconds."
Step 2: Identify your audience's pain point(s)
Start by addressing a problem your prospects face. This makes the video instantly relevant and keeps them engaged. It essentially lets them know: this video is for me.
Example: "Marketing teams waste hours juggling content calendars, emails, and spreadsheets. There has to be a better way, right?"
This example immediately resonates with teams struggling with disorganized workflows.
Step 3: Introduce the solution (what you're offering)
Clearly explain how your solution works and why it’s the best option. Keep it concise—this isn’t a deep-dive demo.
Example: "Meet ContentFlow: the all-in-one content planning tool that keeps your team aligned, your deadlines on track, and your strategy organized—without the chaos."
Step 4: Keep it conversational
Avoid overly technical language or sales-heavy pitches. Write as if you’re explaining it to a friend—clear, natural, and engaging. Otherwise, you’ll quickly see users drop off from your video.
Try: "No more chasing teammates for updates—ContentFlow keeps everyone in sync automatically."
Step 5: Aim for 60-90 seconds
Most explainer videos perform best when under two minutes. If your message is too complicated, consider breaking it into a series.
Step 6: End with a strong call to action
Guide prospects onto the next step, whether it’s signing up, booking a demo, or learning more.
Example: "Ready to simplify your workflow? Try ContentFlow free today—because content planning should be easy!"
What platforms are best for explainer videos?
Explainer videos work well across multiple platforms, but optimizing them for each channel is key to maximizing their impact. Here’s where they shine:
1. YouTube: the ultimate video library
Best for longer, in-depth explainer videos (1-3 minutes).
Supports both horizontal (16:9) and vertical (9:16) formats, but traditional widescreen is preferred.
SEO-friendly: Optimize titles, descriptions, and tags to drive long-term discoverability.
Popular amongst all generations/age groups!
Pro tip
Create both a full-length version and a shorter teaser for social sharing.
2. TikTok: short, engaging, and mobile-first
Ideal for snappy, high-energy explainers (30-60 seconds).
Vertical format (9:16) is a must for full-screen impact.
Leverages trends, text overlays, quick cuts, and engaging music to enhance brand storytelling.
Pro tip
Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds—attention spans on TikTok are super short.
3. LinkedIn: B2B explainers with thought leadership
Works well for animated or live-action explainer videos.
Captions are essential since most users watch with sound off.
Keep it under 90 seconds for the best engagement.
Pro tip
Post with a thought-provoking caption to spark discussion.
Create compelling explainer videos with PlayPlay
Want to create explainer videos like the ones on our list? You can with PlayPlay.
Our video creation and editing software makes it super easy to produce professional explainer videos in minutes. It’s perfect for teams with a small video production budget or those lacking the technical skills to use complicated video tools.
Here are some cool things you can do with PlayPlay:
Generate explainer video drafts from AI prompts to speed up video production.
Customize video templates with your branding elements.
Add interactive elements like transitions, GIFs, and music to make your videos more engaging.
Want to try things for yourself? Enjoy a seven-day free trial with PlayPlay to see how our tool can help you scale video production efficiently.
Find answers to common questions about using explainer videos for marketing.
Explainer videos FAQs
How long should an explainer video be?
The length of your explainer video depends on its complexity. Simple videos are typically 45-90 seconds long, while complicated videos can be two minutes or longer.
What is the best type of explainer video?
There’s no hard and fast rule on the type of explainer video to use. What matters most is that it passes the message across and makes it easier for your audience to understand how your product or service works. You can use any type of explainer video, including animations, live actions, and AI-generated content.
How much does a 1-minute explainer video cost?
According to a 2024 Wyzowl research, the average cost of an explainer video is $5,400. However, the exact amount depends on varying factors like length, video type, and complexity. If you want to produce multiple explainer videos on a budget, you can use a cost-saving video production tool like PlayPlay.
Which platform should you use to create explainer videos?
PlayPlay is the best explainer video platform for teams. Our tool lets you create professional videos in minutes using AI prompts or templates. You can easily customize your explainer videos with branding elements — ensuring a consistent visual representation at all times.
Brittany Du Bois
Content Marketing Manager, North America
Brittany has been living and breathing content in its many forms for over seven years in tech, media, education, and the health & wellness space. At PlayPlay, she leads content marketing efforts to drive value and, of course, some good ol' brand love.
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